Valtos

We’re super excited that one of Scotland’s best live bands will be opening Edinburgh Tradfest 24.

Valtos are Skye natives Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald, and they have taken the trad and electronic music worlds by storm. Since their debut shows in December 2021, they have captivated audiences at festivals and sold-out venues nationwide.

Their music has been described by Folk Radio UK as "like nothing you've heard before," blending influences from electronic and folk music. Inspired by artists like Martyn Bennet, Peatbog Faeries, Odesza, Madeon, and Bicep, Valtos creates a unique and genre-defying sound.

Valtos' self-titled debut album, released in June 2022, features collaborations with Donnie Munro (Runrig), Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack (Sian), Gary Innes (Mànran), Euan McLaughlin (An Dannsa Dub), and Allan MacDonald (Niteworks). The album achieved over 100,000 streams in its first few weeks, showcasing Valtos' musical prowess.

Prior to their album, Valtos released remarkable remixes, featuring Peatbog Faeries, Project Smok, Niteworks, and Mec Lir. These remixes paved the way for their groundbreaking debut, fueling anticipation and setting the stage for their meteoric rise.

Valtos draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of their home, infusing their recordings and live performances with a profound sense of place. Joined onstage by a full live band, including Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack and Euan McLaughlin, Valtos delivers energetic and unforgettable live experiences.

Valtos' talent and innovation have garnered recognition, earning them the Up and Coming Artist of the Year award at The Scots Trad Awards 2022. Their dedication and boundary-pushing artistry continue to impress critics and fans alike.

Valtos' sonic fusion of traditional and electronic music inspires and reshapes the musical landscape.

Special guests

Award winning instrumental folk trio Assynt is comprised of former BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year finalists, Graham Mackenzie (fiddle) and David Shedden (pipes/whistles) alongside BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Innes White (guitar). 2018 saw the official launch of the band, the release of their debut album ‘The Road to the North’ and they were awarded ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in the same year. Inspired by the great piping, fiddle and Gaelic traditions of the Highlands of Scotland, Assynt’s self penned melodies are “refreshingly contemporary” (Folk Radio UK) while remaining true to the music traditions they are rooted in.

The group have come to be recognised for their tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing blended with intricate guitar lines and grooves. This powerful and intuitive musicality continues to be showcased throughout their second studio release ‘Where From Here’ described as ‘breathtakingly wonderful’ by FolkWorld. Assynt have received airplay across the BBC including BBC Radio 2’s The Folk Show, Travelling Folk and Caithream Ciuil on BBC Radio Scotland. Last year, the band toured extensively in Australia, China, Germany as well as performing throughout the UK.

Josie Duncan a captivating folk-inspired songwriter and an award-winning singer from the Isle of Lewis. With a voice that radiates warmth and vulnerability, Josie effortlessly weaves together soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, captivating audiences worldwide. 

Growing up surrounded by the rich musical heritage of Lewis, Josie’s passion for music was ignited at an early age. Inspired by the folk traditions passed down through generations, she immersed herself in the captivating stories and melodies that defined her homeland's cultural tapestry. 

Part of Edinburgh Tradfest, presented in association with the Soundhouse Organisation