2023 has been a breakthrough year for Falkirk band Brògeal: releasing their debut EP, headlining a sold-out show at King Tut’s, and attracting the attention of Scottish music legends along the way.
Part Irish folk-punk and part Scottish indie trad, Brògeal are one of the most exciting prospects in Scottish music today and has built a following with their confident, electric live shows.
The band is led by Aidan Callaghan and Daniel Harkins, with Euan Mundie on bass and Stirling students Luke Mortimer and Sam MacMillan on drums and accordion respectively.
Luke is the band’s newest recruit, joining after the St. Patrick’s Day release of their ‘Dirt and Daydreams’ EP. In a short break between packed recording sessions with the band in Liverpool, he talks us through his successful job interview:
“A good number of months back I was offered an audition with the band. It was on a Monday and, hilariously, there was going to be a gig that weekend. However, I was more than ready to accept the challenge.
“The guys were really impressed, so we set off to Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday and that’s when I got to know them. The transition felt seamless.”
This summer has seen the band feature on BBC Scotland‘s coverage of the Belladrum Festival and begin a monthly residency at McChuills in Glasgow.
“I play to serve Aidan and Daniel’s writing.”
They were due to support The Proclaimers in Belfast, an incredible opportunity that was sadly called off after the Edinburgh pop icons cancelled their tour dates for health reasons.
Brògeal demonstrates a great gift for storytelling as well as their musical talent, and from the outside, they feel like a band who know exactly what they want to achieve – something Luke shed light on;
“I play to serve Aidan and Daniel’s writing. I believe that playing in the pocket, providing a consistent backbeat, and accenting certain words with a certain part of the drum, places more emphasis on the folk stories being told by the band. That is really what makes my job rewarding.”
Anyone who has been to one of their gigs will recognise this instinctive attention to detail and realise that Brògeal is one to watch. When asked what it was like to step into a band that is quickly building momentum, Luke says;
“It’s exhilarating. We’ve been given the chance to really push ourselves and showcase our talents as musicians.”
Featured Image Credit: Brògeal
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