HEISK Talk ‘Headstrong’, Recording and More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Nicky Murray
Six-piece HEISK will release their second album ‘Headstrong’ in January 2024. They kindly spoke to us about the album:
Who is in HEISK and what do they play?
HEISK are — Becca Skeoch – Harp & Synths Catriona Hawksworth – Keyboard & Synths Isla Callister – Fiddle Lauren MacDonald – Drums Megan Macdonald – Accordion Sally Simpson – Fiddle
You will be releasing your second album ‘Headstrong’ in January 2024. Does the album have a particular concept or themes?
Our upcoming album is all about being ‘Headstrong’. In reclaiming that word, this album explores empowerment and the inspiring women that surround us from the past, present and future. This record has also been accompanied by a mentoring programme for young women and non-binary people, offering opportunities to gain hands-on experience working in the music industry with the aim to promote career development for those currently under-represented in the industry across Scotland.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
We’re based all over Scotland but we met in Glasgow.
If we could describe Glasgow in 5 words they would be – Vibrant, Creative, Welcoming, Eclectic, Spirited
How do you look after your voices?
No one in the band sings so we’d have to ask the featured singers on our upcoming album Josie Duncan and Ada Francis! They’re the pros.
Do you have any live shows planned to support the release?
Yes! Our big Celtic connections album launch is happening on the 25th January at the Tramway in Glasgow. We’ll have a number of guests joining us and we can’t wait to celebrate this album. More album launch dates TBA soon so keep an eye on our socials!
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
We recording the album with the fantastic Ross Saunders at Gloworm recording studios in Glasgow. We brought Craig McMahon onboard, who’s fresh off an American tour supporting Jungle, to produce the album — he’s added a whole new dimension!
The album’s first single ‘Tehi-Tegi’ is out now. What is the inspiration/story behind the song?
Tehi-Tegi is inspired from a witch from Manx Folklore. Her story, often told through the male gaze, depicts the powerful witch as an enchantress. The single ‘Tehi-Tegi’ celebrates her power in a different light and is a homage to all the magical women in our lives. If you’d like to find out more about her, head over to https://www.heisk.co.uk/blog/tehi-tegi
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?
This is a toss up between Becca’s multi-coloured electric harp or Lauren’s brand new custom gretsch kit — they’re a sight to behold! A favourite pedal would be blueSky reverb pedal – the shimmery-er the reverb, the better!
What makes HEISK happy and what makes you unhappy?
HEISK is happy when everybody is glitter’d up and dancing. HEISK isn’t happy when certain men come give us unsolicited advice after gigs 😉
Photo Credit: Nicky Murray
HEISK’S second album ‘Headstrong’ is released on Friday 26th January 2024 via The Bothy Society Label.
HEISK will play an album launch show at Celtic Connections 2024:
Thursday 25th January GLASGOW Tramway
https://www.celticconnections.com/event/1/heisk-with-calum-stewart-trio-sophie-stephenson
For more information visit their official website: https://www.heisk.co.uk/
