Two Cracking Artists, One Great Night at An Seòmar – Jack Given & MØSS.
Now Im not usually one for the wordy bits but Im going to make an effort to pay more attention to what’s going on outwith the camera viewfinder moving forward so that I may inflict wordiness where it hasn’t been requested. Music? Absolutely love it. Song titles? Not a clue. The witty artist banter between songs? Somebody will have to fill me in afterwards but I’ll do my bestest.
Off we go…..
There’s a lot of musical talent knocking about the Highlands at the moment (when isn’t there, to be fair), and if tonight at An Seòmar was anything to go by, we’re still in pretty good shape.
Two young performers, two very different musical personalities and an audience who were more than happy to get involved. It was one of those evenings that reminds you exactly why small, intimate gigs are such an important part of the music scene.
First up was Jack Given, an unbelievable young talent who we should be delighted has chosen the Highlands as his home, having originally hailed from Fife. (See? Research. I’m practically a journalist now.)
Jack has a lovely way of drawing you into his songs. There’s a natural confidence about his performance, without any unnecessary fuss or theatrics. Just good songwriting, a great voice and the ability to hold an audience’s attention.
His set had everything from songs about roads to one involving the rather specific hour of 4am. I’m not going to pretend I have a complete lyrical breakdown for you, but I can tell you that the songs made a real impression. There’s a warmth and character to what Jack does, and plenty of evidence that he’s an artist with a very promising future ahead of him. He’s well worth catching live, so if you get the opportunity, take it. I suspect we’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more of Jack Given.
Next up was our headliner Calum Jones aka MØSS., who kicked things off a-cappella style. No elaborate introduction or lengthy build-up, just white light, his voice and a room full of people ready to listen. Instantly, the audience were singing his words right back at him, which tells you quite a lot about the connection he’s already managed to build with the people who follow him. Adulting is a particular favourite of mine. It’s a cracking song, full of the sort of character and relatability that makes you want to hear it again. There’s something rather satisfying about watching an artist perform a song that the audience clearly knows and loves, and this was one of those moments.
MØSS. also gave us his single Frostbite, before taking us through more of his material. I missed the names, even though MØSS. had a setlist written in pencil. If I’d been more on the ball, I’d have nicked it. There’s a real charm to his songwriting, with a distinctive personality running through the songs. He’s comfortable on stage, engaging with the audience and clearly enjoying what he does…..and what a voice!
What made the performance particularly enjoyable was the crowd. People turned out in numbers, sang along, shouted encouragement and generally immersed themselves in the lovely wee world MØSS. has created. It wasn’t simply a collection of people watching someone perform. There was a genuine connection between the stage and the room, and that’s something you can’t manufacture.
MØSS. is a talented young fella with a great cachet and plenty of personality. He’s got an audience who clearly believe in what he’s doing, and judging by tonight’s response, they’re not alone.
It’s easy to spend time talking about the established names in music, but evenings like this are a reminder that some of the most exciting discoveries are happening much closer to home. Both Jack and MØSS. have something worth listening to, and both deserve the support of people who enjoy live music.
If you haven’t come across either of them yet, now would be a very good time to put that right. Find their music, follow what they’re doing and, better still, get yourself along to a live show. There’s nothing quite like hearing an artist in a room where the songs can breathe and the audience becomes part of the experience.
As for An Seòmar, it’s exactly the sort of venue that helps make these evenings special. Intimate, welcoming and a reminder that you don’t need a massive stage or a mountain of production to put on a memorable performance. Sound and lights were on point as always – some boy, Mr Martin and team.
Two cracking artists, a great audience and a very enjoyable evening.
And that’s really what it’s all about. Well done Inverness.
Anyway, enough of the words. You know the drill. Here’s what happened when I pointed the cameras at them.
Words and photos © Al Donnelly with additional photos © Bella Kate Media as indicated.
