WATCH: Callum Beattie performs songs from new album Vandals in Inverness
Scottish-singer songwriter Callum Beattie has risen to fame over the last few years.
With hits such as Salamander Street and Nothing Hurts Like You, the artist has just released his latest album Vandals.
The single Mammy on this latest EP, talks of his life growing up, and is an ode to both his mother and granny.
His working-class roots are displayed clearly over the album, echoing his former music that addresses a variety of social issues in Scotland.
The relatability of his lyrics and his natural ability to be able to story tell in a melodic manner is no doubt what has contributed to his word-of-mouth success.
He is currently on a promotional tour of the UK, and this week he graced Inverness to play some of his new tunes.
Yesterday, he played some numbers at HMV Eastgate, followed by an intimate set at Inverness Ice Centre, ahead of his sold-out gig there on June 3.
We had the chance to chat with Callum about his new album and why he loves coming to the Highland Capital.
Callum said: “I’ve had a superb day. I know other artists say this but I genuinely love coming to Inverness.
“This is kind of where my fan base started really. I did a gig with KT Tunstall and then every time I come back here more and more people come to see me.
“It’s an amazing place. I wish I was from here!”
At the time of talking to him, Callum was at number 9 in the UK charts, which he was very excited about.
“We have all the American pop-stars up there in front of us but to be honest it’s just amazing to have our name beside theirs’,” explained Callum.
Callum’s success has been a grassroots journey, and it is a culmination of graft and talent without any financial backing.
He said: “We’ve been doing this campaign on £4000, we’ve not got £4m to stick behind it, like other big names.
“So we are doing really well, like extremely well!”
He joked: “It’s like Darvel FC beating Aberdeen at the moment!
“So we now have to go and take on the big guns and I think we’ve got the songs to do it, so we are very pleased.”
The star will be returning to the Highlands twice again this year, with his performance at Inverness Ice Centre in June, followed by a gig at the Strathpeffer Pavillion on October 21.