Ceitidh Mac
A Welsh-born tynesider, Ceitidh Mac is a Newcastle based alt.folk cellist/singer with a progressive twist to her music.
Growing up in the wilds of Pembrokeshire before heading North, she’s been carving a name for herself across the North East and beyond. Ceitidh is pronounced Katie, spelt the Gaelic way. Think ceilidh with a T. Ceitidh Mac’s latest EP I Reach for the Pen received support and radio plays from the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, and local/national support from BBC Introducing, being named as ‘BBC Introducing NE tips for 2022’. Rich synth hooks and subtle textures of the vibraphone combined with Ceitidh Mac’s singing/cello is a gloriously, unique sound. Her live show is an innovative take on traditional and alternative folk songs, sitting alongside her own original material which explores topics ranging from illuminating everyday experiences to subjects of deeper self reflection.
Delving into the artform of the ‘Radio Ballad’ – a documentary type radio show consisting of original music, reworkings, interviews & field recordings, Ceitidh Mac will be using the residency to develop an hour long Radio show in this format, along with a live show of the material. Over the course of the residency Ceitidh will research, write and record original music, alongside developing the art of interviewing to weave together the show. The idea behind the project is to find out what issues are affecting people based in the North East, what do people most want to talk about and what are they hopeful for in the future.
“Stunning lyrics and a genuine undertone gave me goose-bumps as Mac delicately created beautiful soundscapes through the cello” – NARC magazine
She has also developed a style that is, in essence, Indie-Folk but infused with, in her own words, “the smoky style and lo-fi studio sound” and “a contemporary electronic edge, embellished by unusual instrumentation”. This is an artist whose own roadmap is clearly marked out. – Fresh on the Net
“Her live shows have that ineffable thing – call it a vibe, call it an atmosphere – that was very evident to anyone who saw her support Lankum at Sage Gateshead” – The Crack
BBC Introducing tip for 2022
Winner of the ‘Tune into Nature Prize’ 2021
The runner up of the 2022 Christian Raphael prize – supported by Cambridge Folk Festival
