Celtic rock group's single supporting Maggie's Highland

Highland based Celtic rock group Asleep At The Reel digitally released a single in support of Maggie’s Highland on Friday after the centre was recently broken into and vandalised.

The single is a cover of Suddenly I See written by Scottish pop star KT Tunstall.

“We’ve chosen this song as it’s a song about light and hope which we thought would be fitting given the circumstances,” said bassist Steve Robertson.

Frontman and guitarist Jim Kennedy added: “It was incredibly saddening to read about this destruction in a place that has offered comfort to many in the community.

“So we wanted to do our bit and – with all proceeds going to the charity – people can help just by streaming the track.”

Asleep At The Reel were formed during lockdown with the band communicating and rehearsing online with the goal of performing Celtic rock versions of songs by well-known artists ranging from Biffy Clyro to The Proclaimers to Paolo Nutini.

The single was recorded at band members’ individual homes and the Music Shed rehearsal space in Inverness.

With the future of live music uncertain, Asleep At The Reel has high hopes they will be able to perform a debut high-profile gig in aid of Maggie’s Highland in early 2021. The single will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and all good digital stores from Friday, September 11 with artwork by Perthshire artist #DougieDraws.

The band members are: Jim Kennedy (vocal/electric guitar); Arthur Coates (fiddle/acoustic guitar); Calum Martin (drums/engineering); Steve Robertson (bass); guest vocals from Ashley Fraser and percussion from Aberdeen producer Eclectic Soup.

Asleep at the Reel features former members of the line-ups Rhythmnreel, KOBI, Rolling Damned as well as the established fiddle player Arthur Coates.