Biography (short)

Louise Bichan is a USA-based Scottish musician and photographer who uses both mediums to tell stories old and new. Growing up in the remote but culturally rich Orkney islands, a place where creativity abounds and playing music has been a part of the social fabric for centuries, gave Louise a solid grounding in music.

Masterfully blending traditional and classical arrangements, her music is thoughtful, and complex, curious and playful. She composes in response to her roots and the world around her; weaving through stories of connection, to people, nature, the past and the possibility of the future.

Biography (long)

Louise Bichan is a USA-based Scottish musician and photographer who uses both mediums to tell stories old and new.

Growing up in the remote but culturally rich Orkney islands, a place where creativity abounds and playing music has been a part of the social fabric for centuries, gave Louise a solid grounding in music. She started playing fiddle at the age of 7 after witnessing the magic of live music: “I remember the butterflies in the tummy feeling when watching concerts at the Orkney Folk Fest as a kid, wanting to be a part of it all.” The sense of community and belonging it gave her was infectious; she pestered her parents to let her learn.

In the years since, she has honed her craft, first amongst the cream of Scottish folk at Glasgow’s renowned session scene and performances with talent like Orkney group Fara and award-winning singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni, before a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Boston, where she developed her style further.

Masterfully blending traditional and classical arrangements, her music is thoughtful, and complex, curious and playful. She composes in response to her roots and the world around her; weaving through stories of connection, to people, nature, the past and the possibility of the future.

Press

"One of the very best practitioners of bow and strings" Seuras Og, At the Barrier

"captures the beauty of Scotland sonically" Len Holton, From Albion and Beyond

"demon fiddling" Ian Anderson, Podwireless

"glorious" Jonathan Aird, Americana UK

"lilting" Michael Witthaus, The Hippo

"crackin’, fantastic stuff” Tim Walker, BBC Radio Lincolnshire

"beautiful" Anna Massie, BBC Radio Scotland

"tasty fiddling" Dai Jeffries, Folking

"wonderful" Nick McMaster, Radio Lewes

"a fine set" ★★★ Tim Cumming, Songlines

"Sketching with sound in a way that is truly cinematic...stately chamber music, evoking travel and turmoil with savage beauty." ★★★★★ Northern Sky

“Powerful and evocative” ★★★★ Sunday Express

"This is a truly beautiful piece of art." ★★★★ Songlines Magazine

"Wistful and heartfelt." ★★★ The Guardian

"A stand out talent"  Darol Anger

Out of My Own Light

Louise's first release depicts the story of Margaret Tait's 1950 voyage to Canada and back, in order to decide between two suitors. Retracing her steps, some 60 years later, Louise tells the story of her late Grandmother through original music, photography and video.

The Lost Summer

Adhyâropa Records

The 5th of April 2024 saw the release of a new record of instrumentals, featuring Ethan Setiawan on mandolins, Brendan Hearn on cello and Conor Hearn on guitar, with some special guest musicians.

PRESS RELEASE

Booking

Louise is currently booking performances with Ethan Setiawan on mandolin and octave mandolin, Conor Hearn on guitar and Brendan Hearn on cello.

Sassafrashill Productions

louise@sassafrashillproductions.com

Tech rider

Download a stage plot/tech rider for Louise Bichan with Brendan, Conor and Ethan here.

Louise would love the ability to project video and images during the show, should that be a possibility. Ideally, imagery could be projected over the heads of the band, who would all be seated for the performance. A laptop could be provided, to play the videos from, or a USB drive with the necessary files.

Images

Download promo images here.

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