Black Isle Calling: Your Ultimate Guide to the Artists Lighting Up the Stage
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, Black Isle Calling is more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration of sound, community, and culture. Located near Inverness at the Black Isle Brewery, lineup for the inaugural Black Isle Calling is a perfect blend of local talent and international stars, offering something for everyone.
In collaboration with Black Isle Brewery, Elephant Sessions and the renowned Ironworks Venue, Black Isle Calling promises an unforgettable lineup that celebrates diverse musical talents.
From folk to rock, and electronic to indie, here’s a closer look at the artists set to make this festival unforgettable.
Elephant Sessions
Festival co-organisers, Elephant Sessions are a powerhouse in the modern folk scene, renowned for their explosive fusion of traditional Scottish music with contemporary indie rock and electronic elements. Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, the band takes the rich heritage of Celtic melodies and infuses them with driving rhythms, soaring guitars, and infectious energy that sets them apart. Their live performances are legendary, creating a sound that is as exhilarating as it is innovative, making them one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Scotland in recent years.
Huey Morgan (The Fun Lovin’ Criminal)
Bringing a dose of NYC cool to the Highlands, Huey Morgan will deliver a set full of classic hits mixing funk, rock, and hip-hop. Best known as the ex-frontman of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Huey Morgan is a musician whose career spans rock, hip-hop, jazz, and beyond. With his signature gravelly voice and charismatic stage presence, Morgan will bring a unique blend of New York cool and soulful storytelling to Black Isle Calling.
Beluga Lagoon
This indie-rock outfit brings a fresh, melodic sound that is both atmospheric and powerful. A fascinating blend of classic Scottish folk elements with touches of indie rock. They create a sound that captures the imagination and stirs the soul, Beluga Lagoon is a band that’s quickly carving out a niche in the indie music scene.
The LaFontaines
Known for their fiery mix of rock, hip-hop, and indie, The LaFontaines are set to deliver a high-octane performance. Their sharp lyrics and catchy hooks will have the crowd singing along in no time, making them a must-see at the festival.
Valtos
Valtos brings a unique blend of electronic music and traditional Scottish sounds, creating a genre-defying experience that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in local culture. Their set promises to be a highlight, showcasing the best of modern Scottish music.
The Joshua Hotel
The Joshua Hotel is an indie project fronted by singer-songwriter Joshua Mackenzie, known for crafting introspective lyrics with lush melodies. With a sound that sits somewhere between dream pop and alternative rock, The Joshua Hotel stands out for their ability to evoke a sense of melancholy beauty, making it a compelling act in the contemporary indie music scene.
No Windows
Experimental and avant-garde, No Windows are known for pushing boundaries with their music. Their set will offer something different, with a blend of electronic beats and ambient sounds that create a truly unique live experience. The Edinburgh-based duo No Windows, are making waves in the indie rock scene with their hazy, emotive sound that’s caught the attention of many.
Bohemian Monk Machine
This genre-defying band blends jazz, funk, and rock into a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging. Their live performances are a joyous celebration of musical diversity.
Lizzie Reid
Scottish musician Lizzie Reid is a rising star whose music is defined by its emotional depth and raw vulnerability. Hailing from Glasgow, Reid’s sound is a delicate fusion of folk and indie, characterised by her hauntingly beautiful voice. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, delivered with an honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. With a rapidly growing fanbase and critical acclaim, Lizzie Reid is quickly becoming a prominent voice in the Scottish music scene.
Lusa
Lusa offers an indie-pop sound that’s both fresh and familiar, with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics that will resonate with listeners long after the festival ends.
Low Light Listening Lounge
Hailing from Dingwall and the Isle of Skye, Ewen White and Alasdair Mackenzie form Low Light Listening Lounge, a Glasgow-based duo blending folk, electronic, and alternative influences. Drawing inspiration from artists like Frightened Rabbit, Vampire Weekend, and LCD Soundsystem, their sound is a captivating mix of rhythmic beats and melodic textures. Childhood friends, White and Mackenzie are now carving their path in the Glasgow music scene. Their music has garnered support from BBC Radio Scotland, the RAPAL team on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, and coverage in The Skinny.
Keir Gibson
Keir Gibson music is marked by its raw emotion and powerful storytelling. His sound draws on a rich mix of influences, from folk and pop to more contemporary indie styles, allowing him to craft tracks that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Keir’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength in his lyrics makes him a captivating artist to watch as he continues to rise on the UK music scene.
Forgetting The Future
This young Scottish band brings a modern indie-rock sound with plenty of energy and attitude. Their infectious tunes and youthful exuberance make them one to watch at Black Isle Calling.
Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail
Celebrating the rich heritage of Scottish music, Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail brings traditional ceilidh music to life. Their performances are a joyous celebration of community, culture, and the timeless power of folk music.
Second Stage
In addition to the main stage in the big top, there will be a second stage curated by Upstairs Inverness.
The Household DJs will be bringing the beats to keep the energy high, Household DJs are known for their eclectic sets that span genres and keep the dance floor moving. They will be joined by Dannsa DJs who are known around the Highlands and beyond for creating a lively and immersive experience that will have everyone on their feet with the best underground electronic music around. For fans of deep house and techno, Hypnotic Groove and everything in-between, Hypnotic Groove will deliver pulsating beats and hypnotic rhythms that will keep the party going well into the night.
Tickets
Black Isle Calling is more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration of the vibrant Scottish music scene, the beauty of the Highlands, and the joy of coming together through the universal language of music. With such a diverse and talented lineup, this year’s festival promises to be one for the books.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible experience. For more information and tickets, visit Black Isle Calling.
But, don’t just take our word for it… check out the Black Isle Calling Playlist, curated by Elephant Sessions:
All photos © Al Donnelly
Household photo © Jamie Macdonald/In Mono Images