From the raw sounds of the acoustic guitar and pipes to the delicate melodies of the fiddle and Celtic harp, the traditional components of Scottish music transports us to the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Scotland. Whether they involve the classic upbeat acoustics of traditional Scottish music, or simply draw from the beautiful landscape and rich Scottish culture, these 5 acts each offer something modern and unique to fuel your Burn’s Night supper.

Biffy Clyro

If there’s one stereotype of the Scottish that we can get on board with musically, it’s anger. Scottish rock band formed in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire Biffy Clyro create music with big, powerful riffs and lyrical hooks that have a real underlying anger that you can really rock out to. This is best shown in their song There’s No Such Thing As A Jazzy Snake’ however if it’s a more mellow anthem you are looking for with your beverage then look no further than their latest album MTV Unplugged: Live at Roundhouse, London. With real folky instrumentals like the harmonica and acoustic guitar in tracks like Drop It and Folding Stars, the Scottish trio offer all atmospheres for your Burn’s Night supper.

Elyssa Vulpes

Even though Elyssa is not originally from Scotland, now residing in Edinburgh the Italian singer songwriter soaks up all cultural elements of the Celtic folk traditions of Scotland. Her latest album release Holding On, Letting Go is meditative yet motivational, with not only a classic singer-songwriter style but elements of neo-folk. With the acoustic guitar and upbeat folk melodies being the spine of the album, Elyssa offers a take on traditional Scottish sounds whilst also mixing them with elements of indie-pop and Americana. With lead tracks like Front Line and Charlene, the album gives a perfect modern take for your Scottish themed evening.

Nina Nesbitt

Having previously performed at the Big Burn’s Supper View event in Dumfries, Scotland 2015, Nina Nesbitt offers a fun acoustic contribution to Burns Night. Born in Livingston, the Scottish folk pop artist has produced tracks like Not What Your Dad Wants to Know and Some You Win which are composed of delicate folk vocals, upbeat acoustic guitar riffs and small elements of country music that fills you with contentment and makes you want to jump up and jig. Set to release her second album ‘The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change’ on Feb 1st, Nina‘s album Peroxide stands as the most fitting for a Burns Night fueled with acoustic folk goodness.

The Mojo Cams

Following a different angle for your Burns Night experience, The Mojo Cams offer a more theatrical alternative with his multimedia project – a concept album that tells a story of an outsider set in the traditional Scottish landscapes and the tightly-knit communities. The Mojo Cams create a story through folk-like tracks in latest album Nebular Tuesday, whereby the songs are sung by separate characters, building a story to follow throughout – a fun Scottish-themed addition to Burn’s Night.

Yip Man of Scotland

To finish off our list, Yip Man of Scotland brings something unique to our Burns Night playlist. Being the alter-ego of Scottish songwriter Al Nero, the former frontman of blissful guitar slingers Le Reno Amps and the co-founder of Glasgow’s Armellodie Records brings us his first single Aye Peckin’ from his forthcoming second album, Pure Zen, Ken?, due to be released in Autumn 2019. Taking its name from a doric saying that you may hear from time to time should you ever visit the North of Scotland ”Foos yer doos?’ …aye peckin”, the song is about ploughing on, laced with a keen sense of fun and an irresistible marriage of riff and melody. This innovative and amusing single provides one light hearted anthem to your night that is inherently Scottish.

So sit back, grab a tumbler of Scottish Whiskey and breathe in Scottish culture at your Burns Night supper!