Callum Beattie believes in keeping his music real – from the heart, ahead of Inverness gig
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It seems to be another good year for singer-songwriter Callum Beattie with his latest album Vandals going straight to number one in the official Scottish Album Chart in March, a Scottish tour later this summer, festivals on the way and a follow-up tour raising Callum’s game with bigger venues.
On Saturday, he returns to Inverness for his sell-out show. Then on June 22, Callum will perform at Mikeysline’s Royal Ascot Ladies Day at Inverness’s Kingsmills Hotel.
He said when the gig was announced: “I’m passionate about getting to the root cause of why people suffer from mental health problems. It’s not about sticking a band aid over an open heart surgery – it’s about getting to the cause and trying to fix it.”
Here, Callum talks about his life in music.
Q Your Inverness Ice Rink date sounds a little bit different from just a gig – talk us through how you came up with the idea for something just a little bit more special.
A Well, on July 24, 1982, my heroes The Clash played at the Ice Rink, so it’s a no-brainer for me to be able to even slightly follow in their footsteps. At the start of this year, my manager Dave and I sat down and decided that we wanted to do a few different shows, and the Ice Rink just fits the bill perfectly. We are also headlining EDF in Benbecula and Tunes in the Dunes in Wick, so it’s just all about trying to do things slightly differently, and I love that. I cannot wait for Saturday night.
Q You have a great following in the Highlands – what do you think it is that appeals to people up here about your voice and your songs?
A I hope it’s just because I try to be as real as I can. My songs are all based on real-life experiences about my childhood upbringing and I think that’s relateable, especially for people from small villages who have had a similar upbringing. I try to do everything in music from my heart and I hope people love that.
Q Fame has arrived. What has been the most exciting thing for you?
A When I was a kid, everyone told me that I’d never be able to make a living from music, and I’m sure loads of kids are told the same thing, but with hard work and determination I’ve proved that it can be done – that’s the most important thing for me. It’s great getting to hang out with your heroes and play to thousands of people, but the real reward is the feeling that you can do it, and more importantly that you might play a small part in inspiring other people to follow their dreams.
Q Inverness has its big football moment on Saturday – facing Celtic in the Scottish Cup final – but you had one in March when you got the chance to play at Ibrox. How did it rate on the lifetime list of heartstopping moments?
A It still feels completely surreal – I see my match top in the house and can barely believe it happened. It was a genuine bucket list moment that I will never ever forget. I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity and will be eternally grateful to Alex McLeish for allowing me to do it.
Q In your career so far, what would top your list of performing memories?
A The highlight so far has definitely been selling out two nights at SWG3 in Glasgow – we sold 3000 tickets that week and that was a massive step up. Only three years ago I was selling 40 tickets, so it’s testament to how far we have come as a team of people.
Q What have you got lined up for 2023?
A We have a Scottish tour in August and a handful of English shows, then we will be announcing another tour for December that will be in bigger rooms again. It’s very exciting. We also have a few festivals to play over the summer, so it’s all go.
Q Where is your favourite Highland place to visit when you’re here?
A I’m happy anywhere in the Highlands – we love playing in Strathpeffer – we are back in October and this is the third year in a row we’ve come up and sold it out. Later in the year, I’d love to go and play in places that I love – Barra, Lewis and Harris.
