Rising star, Katie Gregson-Macleod played a beautiful and emotional hometown gig at Eden Court in Inverness.
So much has happened to Katie since we reported here last August that the Inverness singer-songwriter had signed to mega label, Columbia records following an overnight outpouring of love for her song “Complex” on Tik Tok. Trips to the USA followed, deals were signed and a songwriting partnership with Greg Kurstin (Grammy-award-winning songwriter behind Adele’s biggest hits).
Then a week after her hometown show it was announced Katie had been nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the Ivor Novello awards.
She is in the same category as Harry Styles, Tom Odell and Florence and the Machine. Incredible! Previous winners include Adele, Stormzy, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Joan Armatrading.
At Eden Court in Inverness, Katie Gregson-MacLeod played a stripped back show that beautifully showcased her musical and songwriting skills effortlessly. With a very cool living room stage set up, including borrowed plants, a standard lamp and a very appealing bottle of red sat on a side table, it was an intimate affair.
The 45 minute set included songs, “Second Single Bed”, “White Lies” and a beautiful cover of The Beatles classic, “In My Life” which might have forced a certain grown man to shed a tear or two. Oh, and of course she closed the evening with Ivors nominated song, “Complex”.
Support on the night came from Highland singer-songwriter Moteh Parrott who’s powerful voice filled the hushed One Touch Theatre at Eden Court. The indie-folk artist teased a selection of powerful and emotional songs from his forthcoming album.
Edinburgh singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay brought some starkly beautiful sad indie vibes to the evening. Her delicate and vivid songs and alt-pop melodies left me wanting more and eager to hear future releases. Bonnie also proudly showed off the matching tattoos that her and Katie had done on tour which I am pretty sure she said were a homage to indie super group, Boygenius.
It felt like a very special evening and an incredible end to Katie’s Highlands and Islands tour.
All images © Jamie Macdonald/Netsounds
