BIOGRAPHY

Claire Hastings is a Scottish folksinger, songwriter and ukulele player originally from Dumfries, SW Scotland. In 2015 she earned the prestigious title of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and has since made a name for herself on the folk scene with her 'natural, effortless Scots voice.' (FRUK)

 

An honours graduate of the Scottish Music degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Claire specialised in Scots Song with expert tuition from Gordeanna McCulloch (The Clutha) and Rod Paterson (Jock Tamson’s Bairns). Since then she has toured extensively both as a solo artist and with her band, and appeared at internationally renowned folk festivals such as Celtic Connections and Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Standout performances include BBC’s Friday Night is Music Night alongside Lulu and Jamie Cullum, on BBC’s Hogmanay 2021 performing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and as a soloist with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Randers Chamber Orchestra and Aarhus Jazz Orchestra.

 

Claire has a strong ability to portray a story through song, and is known for her varied repertoire of traditional, contemporary and original songs as demonstrated in highly regarded albums ‘Between River and Railway’ (Exquisite Songlines) and ‘Those Who Roam’ (Highly engaging The Scotsman). Tracks from both albums have had airplay on radio shows including The Folk Show (BBC Radio 2), The Afternoon Show, Travelling Folk and Take the Floor (BBC Radio Scotland). Her highly anticipated third studio album 'Lullabies from Scotland' will be available from the 30th June.

 

With an HNC in Acting and Performance, Claire is also a talented actor and has featured in several theatrical productions. She played Clarinda in 5-star reviewed 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show ‘A Man’s a Man’ about the life of Robert Burns. (Oozed brilliance BROADWAY BABY).

Claire’s vocals feature prominently on the soundtrack for Anthony Baxter’s documentary; ‘You’ve Been Trumped Too’ (2016).

 

Claire also shares her passion for music and songwriting through various teaching projects and has worked with Fèis Rois, Survivor Arts, Nevis Ensemble, Blackford Sings, Live Music Now Scotland and Scottish Culture and Traditions amongst others. It is Claire's experience and qualification in Colourstrings for early years that led her to start 'Claire's Music Club' in May 2020; providing music workshops for under 5s and their families initially online and now in person in Glasgow.

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A remarkably talented singer-songwriter SONGLINES

 

A compelling storyteller STIRRINGS

 

A unique and original talent MAVERICK

 

A genuine treat FATEA

 

Claire does more than simply sing a song, she takes you to the story and sits you comfortably right beside the singer FOLK RADIO UK