‘Belladrum has always been my favourite festival’ - says Callum Beattie
Scottish musical sensation and newly appointed ambassador of Mikeysline, Callum Beattie, is due to premiere the video for his new single ‘Something in my eye’ on Saturday evening in support of the Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity. He took some time out to answer a few questions…
Q. It's not that long since you were last at Belladrum, how did you find that experience as we were coming out of the pandemic and can we expect similar vibes this time around with some of your favourites or will it be new music or a bit of both?
A. It was a bit of a strange time the last time, just because it was after Covid, but we absolutely loved it - it’s always been my favourite festival - a great family atmosphere, run by people who care both about music and about the environment around us. This year will be a big difference for us, just because we are second top, going on before Deacon Blue, who I am a massive fan of.
I have a new album in the works, so our set will definitely have a few new tunes, as well as some old ones too. We all can’t wait!
• Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival near Beauly gets ready to welcome 20,000 visitors
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Q. You're also no stranger to Inverness and Highlands, looking back, what have been your favourite memories or stand-out moments from previous visits?
A. Aww man, I don’t even know where to start. Some of the best gigs I’ve ever played were in the Highlands, and Dave (my manager) and I have become ambassadors for Mikeysline - so we are very dedicated to the Highlands. We all love playing shows there.
I hope to be back up in Inverness again in December. We sold out the Leisure Centre there last year and it was completely epic.
Q. When you're at music festivals do you ever find time to soak in the atmosphere and catch up or watch any of the other acts, if so, who will you most likely have an eye on at Belladrum this time around?
A. I always try to catch as many acts as I can, and I am hoping to watch Deacon Blue straight after our set, and I love Teenage Fanclub, so I hope to catch them too - another great Scottish band.
Q. The festival theme is love, what is your favourite love song of all time and why?
A. Ooft! Picking my favourite love song is a toughie! I love With or Without You by U2, but there are literally hundreds of them.
Q. I'm sure there will be a lot of love for you when you take to the stage, can you give us any hints of anything special you are preparing for your set?
A. I like to move around a lot, so hopefully I’ll have plenty of space. I’ll try not to do any stage diving, or climbing on the rigging. HOWEVER, there’s no guarantee!!!
Callum Beattie plays the Hot House Stage at Belladrum on Saturday.
