Tell us about yourselves and what you do?
We are The Dirty Beggars. Scottish bluegrass band based in Glasgow.
How did you get together?
We started out as a three-piece. Myself (Kieran) and my two cousins Pete and Finn got into playing Bluegrass and Americana through sessions in out hometown of Peebles. After playing some gigs etc. when Pete and Finn moved to Glasgow we met Stuart through Finn’s university course and Pedro through friends. So have been playing as a five piece now just over a year.
What is your current release?
We have just put out our debut album ‘Bite The Bullet’. It’s available on iTunes / Amazon etc. and you can also get hard copies through our website – www.thedirtybeggars.com
What is the best part of being in a band?
Performing live with the band is great. Also just jamming and getting the opportunity to meet new people, play with different people.
What is your most significant moment yet?
Our most significant moment would probably be finishing top 20 in MTV Brand New unsigned act competition. For a band that plays our brand of music to do well in a more mainstream competition was a bit of an achievement.
What are your biggest musical influences?
As a band our biggest influences are bands like Old Crow Medicine Show, Trampled by Turtles. But I would say we are all also influenced individually by some artists.
What venue/gig do you most want to play?
It would be amazing to play the Ryman in Nashville!
What is your best/favourite song you have written?
Our new song ‘Come Away With Me’, ‘Tunnel Light’ is great.... can’t really choose!
What’s your favourite album of this year?
There have been a few good albums in the past year. Gillian Welch, ‘The Harrow and The Harvest’, Hayes Carll, ‘KMAG YOYO’. The list would go on, too many to choose from!
What does the next six months have in store for you?
In the next few months we are going to get some money together and get over to Nashville again and hopefully do some filming with CMT. We also have another session to do in London. We will keep on playing gigs and writing too!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years hopefully we still be writing recording and playing some music. Maybe over in the states with any luck!
What’s the best thing about Americana-UK?
Keeping up with all what’s going on in our genre of music, gigs, events etc. Also getting pointed in the direction of some great new music!
