Since signing to US label Need To Know Music, Scottish troubadour Malcolm MacWatt’s unique brand of Folk-Americana has been making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. By choosing to sing in his own Scottish accent his work has been embraced by American, Canadian and European audiences for its authentic trans-Atlantic storytelling, garnering scores of superb reviews and with the likes of Eliza Carthy, Gretchen Peters, Angeline Morrison, Nathan Bell, Kris Drever, Jaimee Harris and Laura Cantrell lending their names and voices to his songs. His latest album ‘Dark Harvest’ placed highly in the Folk Alliance International ‘Best of 2024’ chart with extensive radio play, a notable achievement for a non-US artist.
With comparisons to Dick Gaughan and Steve Earle, MacWatt weaves Celtic balladry into Appalachian string band influences while threading his own unique path between British Folk and Americana. Appearances at Celtic Connections, Broadstairs Folk Week, Belladrum Tartan Heart and Ramblin Roots NL attest to his ability to engage and hold an audience with his sensitive, powerful and emotional songs.

“If there is such a genre as Scots-Americana Malcolm MacWatt belongs at the heart of it” Alan Cackett, Founder/Former Editor Maverick Magazine

“Brilliant … a wonderful celebration of the magic of song.. a strong Celtic sweep to it” Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster

“Exceptional Scottish storytelling” Iain Anderson BBC Radio Scotland

“One of the best lyricists that our wee nation has produced in a generation” Rob Ellen, Medicine Music, co-founder of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Support is from Beverley Gray.