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Scottish Folk Ballads of Freedom EP is a collection of traditional folk ballads from Scotland by Edinburgh based independent singer-songwriter, Sam Shackleton. It is his second self recorded independent release this year, following his highly acclaimed debut album, Causeway Recordings.

After videos of Shackleton busking traditional ballads such as "Tramps and Hawkers" and "MacPherson's Rant" went viral on Tik Tok, Sam decided to bring forward the release of this EP which he has been working on since before his debut album. Featuring songs by Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, and inspired by the likes of Ewan MacColl, Hamish Imlach, Matt McGinn, and Hamish Henderson, Shackleton is delving deep within his own traditional Scottish roots, showcasing and reinventing these historic and ancient folk ballads with his unique clawhammer banjo style and distinctive Scottish brogue.

"Steeped in Scottish history and folklore, Scottish Folk Ballads of Freedom is further evidence of Sam Shackleton’s singular approach and, judging by his growing TikTok account, eminence far beyond folk circles..." - FOLK RADIO UK

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Sam Shackleton, also known by his Gaelic moniker, Sorley the Bard, is a young up and coming Scottish singer-songwriter and folk artist. His music is greatly inspired by the rich inter-connected musical oral traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. Strongly influenced by the 1960’s folk revival, he sings and plays clawhammer banjo, guitar and harmonica. His unique sound is a mix of country, old time, traditional, folk, and blues with a Scottish spirit.

He was born in Stirling and raised all over Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands and his music is deeply inspired by the oral tradition, musical culture, and landscapes of Scotland. He views all of his music as part of the carrying stream of folk tradition. Sam also holds a research masters degree with distinction in Scottish Ethnology from the renowned academic folk music institution, the School of Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in folklore and ethnomusicology.

He spends his days writing, performing, and busking across the world, sharing his unique and authentic musical style through his own writing and interpretation of the folk traditions, songs, and ballads that came before him.

Scottish folk artist based in Edinburgh. Original trans-Atlantic folk songs on the banjo, harmonica and guitar.

WEBSITE-
www.samshackleton.com/links

INSTAGRAM- www.instagram.com/sorleythebard