Calmac Kenny is the upbeat and energetic debut single from Highland duo Càrnan. The track from the contemporary traditional band showcases a “funkier take on trad” and will be released on Friday
4th March.

After playing together for many years, musicians Louden Mackay and Arthur Brook joined forces to form Càrnan in 2020, using their incredible synergy to create contemporary tunes that are firmly connected to the music and culture of the Highlands.

Accordionist Louden Mackay, 20, from Kintail in Lochalsh, has performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and studied at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton. He was
also taught by some of the best traditional musicians in Scotland, including Ally Mackenzie, Andrew Waite, Sandy Brechin and John Carmichael.

Louden’s music is inspired by artists like Silly Wizard and
Gary Innes, as well as the sights, sounds and characters of Kintail.
Guitarist and singer Arthur Brook, 20, from Sleat on the Isle of Skye, started his musical journey as a fiddle player, before picking up guitar in his teens. His tutor, Scottish guitarist and singer Doc Livingstone introduced him to many genres of music, including Irish folk. His musical inspirations include artists such as Anna Massie, John Martyn, Leonard Cohen and John Doyle. Arthur is currently studying medicine at Aberdeen University with the dream of taking to the stage in between shifts.

The inspiration behind their very first single Calmac Kenny, which was penned by Louden, was to celebrate the duo’s friend fulfilling his lifelong dream to land an apprenticeship with the iconic Highland employer and ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne. Louden Mackay said: “This single was written for our good friend Kenny who landed his dream job
and is a tribute to his hard work! He was chuffed when he heard that we were recording the track and that we’d composed something so cheery as a toast to him.

“We wanted to write and arrange a single that encapsulated the bright and fresh sound of the box and guitar alongside some bouncy melodies and signal what else is to come for Càrnan. It was the first idea we had as a band, so we’re delighted with how it turned out.”

Arthur Brook added: “Creating this single was a real passion project for us so we found time when we could to write and arrange the tunes between work shifts and University. We think it offers up something unique and fresh because of the differing key signatures, as well as the fusion of contemporary original music with the sound of the Highlands. We really hope people enjoy it.”

Calmac Kenny was recorded at Wee Studio in Stornoway and produced by Keith Morrison.