Top Modern and Contemporary Celtic Music Artists

Celtic music today blends traditional influences with modern styles, offering fresh perspectives on the genre. Today’s Celtic artists are redefining how Celtic music is heard and experienced. If you're looking for contemporary talent shaping the scene, this list has you covered.

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The article presents top modern and contemporary Celtic music artists: Talisk, Julie, Fowlis, Peatbog Faeries, Skerryvore, Kinnaris Quintet, Ye Vagabonds, and Brighde Chaimbeul.

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There’s so much more to modern Celtic music than meets the eye. From rising stars to established names redefining the genre, we’ve gathered a wide range of artists for you to enjoy. Read on to find your next favorite.

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Talisk

Talisk, a Scottish folk trio, has become a notable name in contemporary instrumental music since their inception in 2015. Initially formed by Mohsen Amini, Hayley Keenan, and Craig Irving, the band underwent several lineup changes, with Benedict Morris and Charlie Galloway now joining Amini. Their style combines Scottish and Irish traditions, driven by concertina, fiddle, and guitar.

Talisk gained significant attention after winning the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in their first year together, and were further recognized as "Folk Band of the Year" at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2017. Their talents continued to earn accolades, with Amini securing the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician award and later being named "Musician of the Year" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2018. During this period, they released two albums, Abyss (2016) and Beyond (2018).

Known for their energized live performances, Talisk has gathered millions of streams globally and performed sold-out shows on multiple continents. Their music, driven by dynamic interplay and musical precision, has resonated with audiences across festivals and venues. In 2024, Talisk is set to headline Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, marking another milestone in their ongoing rise.

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Julie Fowlis

Julie Fowlis is a Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist, recognized for her dedication to performing traditional songs primarily in Scottish Gaelic. Born and raised in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Fowlis developed her musical abilities from a young age, engaging in singing, piping, and dancing. She pursued her education in music at the University of Strathclyde, where she specialized in the oboe and English horn, and later deepened her connection to Scottish music and Gaelic language at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a college on the Isle of Skye.

Fowlis is well known for her contributions to Disney Pixar’s Brave, lending her voice to songs such as "Touch the Sky" and "Into the Open Air." Her career spans multiple acclaimed studio albums, including Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe, Cuilidh, and Alterum, as well as collaborations with international artists and projects. As a broadcaster, she has hosted folk music programs on BBC Radio Scotland and worked on television productions, including a music series featuring Scottish and Irish traditional music. Fowlis has also performed globally, including at major events such as the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Her work continues to highlight Scottish Gaelic music and culture while reaching audiences worldwide.

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The Peatbog Faeries

The Peatbog Faeries, formed in 1991 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, are known for blending traditional Celtic influences with modern styles such as electronica, jazz, rock, and African pop. Their music incorporates bagpipes, fiddles, and whistles, alongside programmed effects and brass instruments. Over three decades, they have built a reputation as pioneers of Celtic fusion, combining instrumental traditions with contemporary genres.

Their debut album Mellowosity (1996) established their sound, with subsequent albums showcasing new approaches. Faerie Stories leaned heavily on trance and electronic dance music, while Welcome to Dun Vegas introduced alternative rock elements. The 2005 release Croftwork involved brass instrumentation, adding depth to their collaborations, a trend that continued into later works. Albums such as What Men Deserve to Lose and Blackhouse demonstrated experimentation with reggae, funk, and jazz influences.

The band's lineup has evolved significantly, with founding members Peter Morrison (pipes/whistles) and Innes Hutton (bass) remaining. They have headlined major festivals worldwide, including Glastonbury and Celtic Connections, and earned accolades such as Live Band of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. Their 2017 album Live @ 25celebrated their legacy, while ongoing tours highlight their adaptability and commitment to evolving the Celtic fusion genre.

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Kinnaris Quintet

The Kinnaris Quintet, winners of the 2019 Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Music, are recognized as an engaging collective within Scotland’s music scene. Consisting of Laura Wilkie (fiddle), Aileen Reid (five-string fiddle), Fiona MacAskill (fiddle), Jenn Butterworth (guitar), and Laura-Beth Salter (mandolin), the group is celebrated for blending traditional and contemporary styles in their performances.

Building on the success of their debut album Free One, Kinnaris Quintet is gearing up to present material from their second album, promising a carefully constructed set with fresh compositions and lively arrangements. Their music showcases the interaction between various instruments, producing sounds that carry energy and precision. Audiences can anticipate a dynamic performance leaving them actively engaged, tapping their toes and clapping along.

The quintet’s achievement of the Belhaven Bursary reflects not only their commitment to craftsmanship but also the acknowledgment of their contribution to the evolving Scottish music landscape. Their performances bring together influences from multiple styles, resulting in something fresh yet grounded in tradition. Whether at major festivals or smaller venues, Kinnaris Quintet continues to demonstrate the ability to connect with listeners and create memorable moments through their approach to music.

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Skerryvore

Skerryvore, a Scottish Celtic rock band founded in Tiree, Argyll and Bute in 2000, has developed from modest roots into a notable player within Scotland’s music scene. Drawing from a variety of musical influences, the band blends traditional Scottish instruments such as bagpipes, fiddles, and accordions with more contemporary sounds from guitar, drums, and keyboards. This mix allows them to merge elements of folk, rock, pop, and jazz into their performances and recordings.

Named after the Skerryvore lighthouse off the coast of Tiree, the group initially performed at local ceilidhs and progressed to larger venues following the release of their debut album West Coast Life in 2005. Over time, their repertoire expanded, incorporating both reimagined traditional tunes and original compositions. Their sound evolved across subsequent albums, from traditional roots to a more modern, globally influenced style.

Skerryvore's efforts have earned them multiple accolades, including three “Live Act of the Year” awards at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Their success has taken them on international tours to the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and China. Their latest album, Tempus (2023), achieved commercial success, reaching high rankings in multiple UK music charts and earning praise for its widespread appeal.

Ye Vagabonds

Ye Vagabonds is an Irish folk duo composed of brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, originally from Carlow. Since relocating to Dublin in 2012, they established themselves within the city’s traditional Irish, blues, and folk music circles. Their performances incorporate a blend of folk standards alongside original compositions. The duo’s style draws from various influences, including traditional Irish and European music, American old-time traditions, and the 1960s folk revival.

Brían and Diarmuid also engage with the Irish language, releasing several songs in Irish, reflecting their upbringing in a household where the language was spoken. Their connection to Irish musical traditions is integrated with vocal harmonies inspired by elements of American folk music. Ye Vagabonds’ artistry has garnered attention, leading to significant recognition. At the 2019 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, they received honors for Best Track with their rendition of “Foggy Dew,” Best Album for The Hare’s Lament, and Best Folk Group.

Signed to River Lea, an affiliate of Rough Trade Records, the pair is credited with contributing to a resurgence in contemporary Irish folk music. Currently working on their fourth album, Ye Vagabonds continue to engage audiences through their approach to folk music and songwriting rooted in tradition and broader influences.

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Brìghde Chaimbeul

Brìghde Chaimbeul is a Scottish piper from Sleat on the Isle of Skye, where she grew up as a native Gaelic speaker. Starting her musical journey with the fiddle and piano, she was inspired to take up the Great Highland bagpipes at the age of seven after hearing renowned piper Rona Lightfoot. Her early education included tuition from Niall Stewart and later Iain Speirs at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, where she honed her skills in solo competition.

In 2014, Chaimbeul began playing the Scottish smallpipes after receiving a set from Hamish Moore. She studied under Fin Moore and explored diverse piping traditions with the aid of a Saltire Society bursary, including Bulgarian styles, which have influenced her music alongside Irish, Scandinavian, and Cape Breton traditions. Collaborating with artists such as Aidan O’Rourke, Ross Ainslie, and Radie Peat, she brings a broad perspective to her work.

Chaimbeul released her debut album The Reeling in 2019, recorded in Cromarty East Church. Her performances span major events like Celtic Colours and Piping Live. She has also appeared as a soloist on Caroline Polachek’s 2023 track “Blood & Butter.” Recognized for her contributions, she won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2016 and the Horizon Award in 2019.

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Final Thoughts

Contemporary Celtic music showcases a blend of tradition and new approaches, redefining how the genre is experienced today. Talisk energizes audiences with their instrumental dexterity, while Julie Fowlis champions Gaelic culture through song. Bands like the Peatbog Faeries and Skerryvore incorporate modern elements such as jazz, rock, and electronic influences, bringing fresh styles to the genre. Meanwhile, acts like Kinnaris Quintet and Brìghde Chaimbeul bring their skills to Celtic traditions with creative reinterpretations. Ye Vagabonds demonstrate the impact of thoughtful songwriting and harmonies rooted in Irish folk.

These artists highlight the ongoing transformations in Celtic music, presenting listeners with exciting directions and perspectives. Whether through live performances or studio albums, this collection of musicians offers sounds that broaden the boundaries of tradition. Their work ensures that Celtic music remains engaging and relevant for audiences old and new.

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