Musician, Composer, Musical Director.
Considered one of the most talented young musicians in Scotland, Steven Blake is equally at home with traditional piping, contemporary folk music and composition and possesses a unique style of playing which sets him apart from his peers.
Perhaps best known for his work with RURA, over the last few years Steven has taken to the stage across the globe from Japan,to the U.S.,Canada and all around Europe-including extensively touring the UK playing combinations of whistle, bagpipes and piano across line-ups from within traditional music and beyond.This has included big line-ups such as The Unusual Suspects and appearances with Judy Collins to intimate solo spots in chamber concerts.
From his beginnings as a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2008 Steven went on to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerlyRSAMD) where he developed his playing style across all 3 instruments, studying piano mainly under Mary Macarthy and James Ross.
Steven’s main project RURA released their debut album with Greentrax in March 2012 , won “Up and Coming Act of the Year” at the MG Alba Traditional Music Awards 2012, nominees for ‘Folk Band of the Year‘ 2013 and nominees in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for the coveted ‘Horizon‘ award. and winners of ‘Live Act of the Year’ at the MG Alba Traditional Music Awards 2015.
Steven’s recent solo work includes a mixture of performing and composition projects including the collaborative Tryst project amongst some of Scotland’s leading creative pipers. From a commission as part of Creative Scotland’s 20for14 project to appearing in the TV series ‘Outlander’. He has also taken the stage as a soloist with quite a few orchestral line-ups including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Royal Northern College of Music’s Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
Recent recording highlights include appearing as a featured artist on the opening music for the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as on AdamHolmes’ debut album ‘Airs and Graces’ with John Wood, the producer behind celebrated albums from John Martyn and Nick Drake. He even features on Susan Boyle’s latest album.
“Steven is a very competent and adaptable musician who I look forward to working with again.”
John Wood