For this weeks Q & A we caught up with Aidan Moodie from fast rising stars of the Scottish music scene Gnoss…

How did you first meet and all start playing together? What were your initial aims and ambitions for Gnoss?

Graham and I have known each other since we were teenagers; we made music together growing up in Orkney. We met the other lads 8 or 9 years ago, studying traditional music at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. The rest is history! As poor students, I guess we decided starting a folk band called Gnoss would be our path to fame and fortune. We’re still figuring that part out.

What have been some of your highlights over the last few years?

There’s too many to count! We’ve had some unforgettable weekends up at The Orkney Folk Festival. And of course, our headline Celtic Connections shows have all been something else. We love travelling and mee ng new folk so our Summer festival shows across Europe are right up there; Guinness Irish Fest in Switzerland, Celtica in Italy, Lorient in Brittany. We’re sure Sidmouth will be too.

Will this be your first me performing at Sidmouth? What have you heard about the festival?

It will! We’ve heard great things, so no pressure folks.

You’re playing an afternoon concert at The Ham – what can people expect from your set?

Craig has been practicing a really pretty ambitious juggling routine. Keep your eyes peeled and your hands by your sides. We usually play tunes and some songs too.

Is there anyone else on the Sidmouth line-up you’d recommend checking out?

A lot of our Scottish pals are heading down this year and you’d be sad to miss any of them; Siobhan Miller, The Peatbog Faeries, Elephant Sessions, Talisk, Kris Drever, Brighde Chaimbeul. It’s a pretty incredible collection of acts. We’ll have to stay for the whole week.

What’s next for you after summer festivals?

We’ve a bit of downtime in September before playing two of our biggest ever headline shows – one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. If you’re up in Scotland in October, come say hello!

You can see Gnoss live in concert on Thursday 7th August, 3.15pm at The Ham. Tickets available here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1674575