Our Music

Described as "both very traditional and highly flexible" by Folkworld Magazine's Alex Monaghan, and as "one of the most energetic and creative acts to take root in the local Celtic music scene this century" by Boston Irish Reporter Sean Smith, Scottish Fish present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music. After growing up steeped in the Boston Celtic music scene, these five young women began touring at an early age, quickly enchanting domestic and international audiences with their youthful enthusiasm, creative arrangements, and sensitive performances. As described by a concertgoer, "this powerhouse quintet wows listeners with a luscious and exciting sound, at times five instruments sharing one voice, and others a dynamic orchestra of harmony. Their years of friendship cultivate a truly unique musical bond. Their love for each other and the music they create is a gift they offer to anyone willing to listen."

In their decade of bandhood, the Fish have performed at a wide variety of venues and festivals across the U.S. and Europe, including Boston Celtic Music Festival, Bellingham Celtic Festival, and Festival de Ortigueira. Their music and performances have earned them features on WGBH, KALW, and in American Girl and Folkworld Magazines; attracted the attention of programs such as America's Got Talent; and secured an international audience of over three hundred thousand followers across social media platforms. In 2017, the group released their debut album, "Splash," and followed it with "Tidings," a 5-track holiday EP, in 2019. Their newest record, "Upscale," produced by pianist and composer Neil Pearlman, was released in October, 2022, marking the band’s ten year anniversary. Scottish Fish expect their third full-length album to be released in summer, 2025.

Scottish Fiddler Hanneke Cassel has described the Scottish Fish sound as “both incredibly musical, and just a little unusual.”

“Individually they are all creative and talented,” writes Cassel, “and together they spark each other, pushing each other even further to make amazing music.”

Our History

The five members of Scottish Fish, now in their early twenties, came together when they were young girls (aged 7-11) at Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School off the coast of Boston, MA. Originally naming themselves after Swedish Fish candy in what they thought was a very creative pun, Scottish Fish’s early music and experiences together were characterized by childish fun. They made movies with their stuffed animals, wrote tunes named after fictional swamps, and ‘tormented’ patient mentors by playing the same riffs over and over again. After nearly fifteen years of friendship and bandhood, that sense of playfulness is still present in their sound and the atmosphere of their concerts today. After forming their band ‘officially’ at BHSFS, the Fish quickly became integrated into the local Boston Celtic music scene where, enchanted by the music of performers such as Hanneke Cassel and Katie McNally, they were eventually inspired to create and perform music of their own.

Throughout their journey as a band, from their first local gig to their most recent international festival appearance, the Fish have received invaluable mentorship and support from the musicians, venues, and patrons of the Boston Celtic scene. From the concertgoers who have attended their shows, to the parents who drove them to rehearsals, to all the teachers and mentors who have provided invaluable instruction and guidance, the Fish are incredibly grateful.