Out Friday 15 March 2024 | Pre-order from Friday 2 February 2024 | Aye Like Music
Renowned Scottish musician and broadcaster Anna Massie takes centre stage in her latest musical endeavour Two Down. Set for release on Friday 15 March, the upbeat solo album showcases Anna’s extraordinary talent as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.
Long-awaited since her debut solo album release in 2003, the record is a culmination of Anna’s 21 years of musical exploration, and features the Glasgow-based musician on vocals, guitar and fiddle, on a well-rounded mix of both self-composed pieces and long-standing favourites.
An entirely solo project, the recording process saw Anna layer each instrumental part, playing both the tune and accompaniments herself on a multi-tracked system. This creative venture complements her collaborative work with Blazin’ Fiddles and RANT, underlining her versatility as both an accompanist and a leading artist.
Further emphasising Anna’s deep understanding and appreciation for Scottish music is her role as a sought-after producer and presenter of BBC Radio Scotland’s flagship trad music programme Travelling Folk, winner of Trad Music in the Media at the 2023 Scots Trad Music Awards. Her personal accolades also include three nominations for Best Instrumentalist, as well as Producer of the Year in 2022.
Anna Massie said: “I have been extremely lucky to play with a wide range of wonderful musicians in various bands over the years, but this is the first time I’ve recorded an entire album myself, playing all the musical roles. It’s been a challenge, but a lot of fun. I’ve loved having complete creative control over the record and being able to fully explore my own individual sound.”
Among the many highlights on Two Down is the opening track Thanks for Writing, set for release as a single on Friday 1 March. The self-composed song is dedicated to the fans of ‘Black Isle Correspondent’, an online blogging project that connected Anna with a diverse audience during lockdown and won her the Trad Music in the Media award at the 2021 Scots Trad Music Awards. Light-hearted and jovial, the track marks the first time Anna has featured her own songwriting on an album and perfectly captures her wit and musical ingenuity.
Anna’s unrivalled dexterity on the guitar is on full display throughout the album, particularly on 100 Days. The rhythmic track is both lively and laid back, and a true testament to Anna’s mastery of the instrument, demonstrating both her technical precision and creative expression as an artist.
Anna added: “Having played in bands or as an accompanist for the majority of my career, it feels like a big deal to be making this move as a soloist, and I’m incredibly proud of the record I’ve created. Not only has this given me the opportunity to showcase my own music, but I’ve been able to put my own take on some of my all-time favourite songs, which has been very special. I can’t wait to perform each and every track live, and I hope listeners connect with the music.”
Two Down was recorded at Gran’s House in South Lanarkshire by Anna’s long-time collaborator and Blazin’ Fiddles bandmate Angus Lyon. Anna is set to tour the album in March and April of this year, with dates confirmed in Cromarty, Edinburgh and Fife. Two Down will be available to pre-order from Friday 2 February, to purchase from www.annamassie.com from Friday 1 March,and to stream on all major platforms from Friday 15 March 2024
