Written By Olena Riznyk
MELBOURNE – Scottish Celtic folk trio Skyrie brought its North American tour to a close with a performance at Arrowwood Farm on October 15, sharing a blend of traditional Scottish and Irish music, original songs and contemporary arrangements.
The band, from Fife, Scotland, features fiddler and vocalist Lesley Thompson Smith, guitarist Jimmy Anderson and percussionist Christopher Martin Smith.
Speaking with The Middlesex Banner, the musicians said their tour began in Raleigh, North Carolina, and took them through several American states before reaching Canada. “It’s been a real mix of different types of venues,” Christopher said.
Highlights included a major festival in Raleigh and a Scottish society event in Wilmington, North Carolina. After performances in Michigan, Windsor and Toronto, the trio arrived in Melbourne for its final concert before returning home. It was Skyrie’s first visit to Canada, and the musicians said they enjoyed discovering the differences between Canadian and American communities.
Despite having only three members, Skyrie creates a full sound using traditional instruments and modern technology. Lesley explained how she uses live looping to record musical passages during performances and add new layers. “I’ll play something on the fiddle, and I’ll record that, and then it will come round again,” she said.
She can then switch instruments while the recorded melody continues playing. Jimmy incorporates bass lines into his guitar arrangements, while Christopher adds drums, bodhrán, whistles and vocals. The band’s music combines Scottish and Irish traditions with influences from jazz, rock and funk.
For the musicians, performing internationally also provides an opportunity to connect people with their heritage. “You see the excitement and the sense of sharing and belonging, and that’s really, really nice to be a part of,” Lesley said.
Skyrie received a five-star review from Counter Culture at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has released two albums, Ceilidh–Celi (2023) and Hunger Road (2024).
Phil Moddle, co-owner of Arrowwood Farm, said the venue hosts approximately five or six concerts annually, offering residents opportunities to experience live music in an intimate setting. “We love music,” Moddle said. He encouraged residents to support live performances, noting that smaller venues allow audiences to meet musicians and enjoy a more personal experience.
Skyrie is now preparing its third album, which is expected to include the original composition Lords of War. The group is also considering another North American tour next summer.
