Haunting, melodic and bordering on the unconventional, Project Smok are an innovative Scottish trad band, who are blurring the boundaries between the traditional and the modern. Known for their ability to effortlessly blend trad music with contemporary new-age pop influences, Project Smok draw inspiration from indie pop acts like The 1975, LANY and Bon Iver, to more time-honoured, West Coast styles of playing.
The result is an exciting and dynamic exploration of trad, performed with blistering drive, furious rhythms and delicate sensitivity. Their energetic style is firmly set in the traditional, whilst delivering a heady mix of fast paced musicianship with a tribal heart.
Comprising of multi award-winning musicians Ali Levack (pipes and whistles ), Pablo Lafuente (guitar ) and Ewan Baird (bodhrán ), their passionate performances have ensured that Project Smok are quickly becoming a recognised name on the traditional music scene.
And now they are set to bring their acclaimed modern trad to Monroe’s Live on Saturday, May 20 in the intimate setting of the backstage bar, as they continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
In the wake of winning the coveted BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2020, Ali Levack’s distinctive piping paired with Ewan Baird’s skilled bodhrán playing and Pablo Lafuente’s nuanced guitar, electric guitar and production gives Project Smok a distinctive edge.
The trio create pioneering original work, thanks to their in-depth knowledge of their instruments and connection to the past, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their expectations. It is a re-imagining of folk with a modern twist. Together, they have earned their place as “a band at the forefront of contemporary folk music.”
Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this progressive Scottish trad band as they perform for a west of Ireland audience at Monroe’s Live on Saturday, May 20 at 8pm. Tickets cost €15 and are available from monroes.ie
