Award-winning folk supergroup Mànran have announced the release of their new single Wild Mountain Thyme, out Friday 24 November. The band’s unique take on the beloved Scottish folk song is set to raise money for charities helping the homeless in Scotland this Christmas.
Originally played live for BBC Scotland’s Hogmanay show in 2022, the band’s version of Wild Mountain Thyme is both moving and uplifting, showcasing the breath taking vocal talents of Kim Carnie, complemented by Mànran‘s inimitable signature sound. The performance garnered an incredible response, captivating millions as they welcomed in the new year with a timeless Scottish classic:
The band’s unerring ability to breathe new life into traditional Scottish folk music has solidified their position as one of Scotland’s foremost folk bands, and this single further demonstrates their commitment to preserving and advancing the tradition.
Alongside Kim’s soaring lead vocals, Aidan Moodie’s skilled guitar playing can be heard throughout the stunning track, alongside Ewen Henderson on fiddle, Gary Innes on accordion, Marcus Cordock on bass guitar, Ryan Murphy on Uilleann pipes and Mark Scobbie on drums.
The seven-piece felt strongly about giving back at this time of year and as such, proceeds from the single will be shared out among a selection of Scottish homeless charities, just in time for Christmas.
Gary Innes said: “Wild Mountain Thyme is one of Scotland’s favourite folk songs and it brings back memories for all of us. We have had so many requests for this one to be recorded since playing it on the Hogmanay show last year so we thought we’d make some time to record it. It will be nice to release the track ahead of St. Andrew’s Day seeing as it is such a Scottish classic. We’re also very happy to be donating proceeds from the single towards charities who help with homelessness in Scotland, particularly during this time of year when the need is even more significant.”
The band’s latest release comes as they get set for a run of live winter dates across Scotland, including performances at the glittering MG ALBA Scots Traditional Music Awards in Dundee and the returning Hoolie in the Hydro in Glasgow, organised by Mànran’s very own Gary Innes, as well as shows in Aberdeen, Strathpeffer, Kingussie and Skye.
Celebrating over 10 years at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene with four hugely successful studio albums under their belt, Mànran are internationally recognised as one of the most iconic and respected Scottish bands on the road today.
The seven-piece show no signs of slowing down as they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical and geographical territory each year, bringing their uplifting and unique live performances to stages across the world.
Having played in over 30 countries, including the USA, Asia and Australia, where they were awarded the accolade International Artist of the Year at the Australian Celtic Music Awards, the multifaceted musical powerhouse have amassed a loyal fanbase worldwide for their self-penned tunes performed on a mixture of traditional and modern instruments, alongside their outstanding songs in both Gaelic and English.
Wild Mountain Thyme was recorded at Solas Sounds in Glasgow by Gus Stirrat and was mastered by Peter Beckmann.
Saturday 2 December – 2023 Trad Awards – Dundee
Sunday 3 December – Mànran – Live From The Lemon Tree – Aberdeen
Saturday 9 December – Hoolie In The Hydro 2023 – Glasgow
Saturday 16 December – Forfar Reid Hall – Forfar
Thursday 28 December – Mànran & Skerryvore – Stirling
Friday 29 December – Mànran & Peatbog Fairies at The Square – Strathpeffer
Saturday 30 December – Mànran + Support Live At The Badenoch Centre – Kingussie
Monday 1 January – Portree Community Centre – Portree
The single will be available to download and on all major streaming sites from Friday 24 November 2023.
For further information please visit:
www.manran.co.uk / Facebook @MànranOfficial / Twitter @ManranOfficial / Instagram @manranofficial
