Young songwriters find their voice at Ellisland

A NEW generation of Dumfries and Galloway songwriters will take centre stage next week performing their original music.

The group will appear at Hopper Records in Dumfries, on Friday, 7 November, with music that they first conceived during a creative retreat at Ellisland, the historic farm where Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne.

The live event marks the culmination of the inaugural SONG 101 programme at the farm, and the launch of the debut EP from Castle Douglas’ Rose Benson, recorded at Circa 16 Studio as part of the project.

The concert will also feature performances by band YOU Problem! and other emerging artists aged 16-25 who spent time writing and recording at the historic site.

SONG 101 was led by musician and educator Rory Comerford, also known as Rua Soul. It brought young songwriters to Ellisland for an immersive creative experience in the very spaces where Burns composed some of Scotland’s most enduring songs. Participants explored both traditional and contemporary songwriting techniques, from stream-of-consciousness free writing to David Bowie-inspired collage methods, before recording their work professionally.

Rory said: “There’s something genuinely special about watching creative inspiration grow in a person, especially in a place like Ellisland. The quietness, the shelter, the sense of heritage here, it all creates conditions where authentic voices can emerge.

“The craft these young people have demonstrated - the internal rhymes, the pacing, the quality of the hooks - was genuinely impressive. From writing songs in 90 minutes to recording in a professional studio for the first time, they stepped through every barrier with courage and creativity.

“The songs they’ve created range from rocky social commentary to beautiful storytelling, and I can’t wait for audiences to hear what they’ve accomplished.”

Ellisland project director Joan McAlpine added: “The young people who have taken part in Songwriting 101 have brought fresh creativity to Ellisland, and their songs demonstrate how this special place continues to spark authentic artistic expression across the generations.”

Tickets for the showcase are available online at: https://buytickets.at/robertburnsellislandfarmmuseum/1911148