Q&A: Calum Baird

In this weeks Q&A, Calum Baird dives into the story behind his latest track "Something New This Way Comes," a politically charged track inspired by global shifts and personal experiences. They reflect on the surreal experience of performing at the 50th Havana Biennial, the honor of being recognized by the Scottish Parliament, and the power of music as a cultural bridge. With a sound that fuses folk storytelling, punk energy, and raw emotion, they discuss key influences, past collaborations, and a jam-packed year ahead—including headline shows, festival slots, and fresh releases set to drop in 2025.

Check out our Q&A below:

1. Congratulations on your latest release “Something New This Way Comes”! Can you tell us the story behind the song—how did it come to life?

Thank you! “Something New This Way Comes” was came from many different places. One influence was a gig I played in Glasgow last summer at the Gathering South Sessions in the Old Toll Bar – which is a country, roots, folk and Americana evening. After spending the night listening to that type of music, I had it in my head for a week or so afterwards and began putting the guitar riff together.

The lyrics talk about the feeling of change on the horizon in the world today —something both powerful and subtle. Specifically, I’m looking at the decline in Western influence on the global stage, the rise of new powers and what this might mean locally and internationally. It draws on an idea of renowned political, Vijay Prashad, who is talking a lot these days about there being a “new mood” in the world today. This song tries to talk about that new mood, how we can see it, where is it coming from and where it might take us.

I went out to Berlin at the end of August last year to play at a festival and went to the Blue Lizard Studio in Funkenhagen (Funkytown as it’s better known) to record this song as well as a few others – more on that below.

The chorus line “Something new this way comes” is a play on Shakespeare: “Something wicked this way comes” – in case you didn’t pick up on that!

2. 2024 was a huge year for you! You played at the 50th Havana Biennial, the biggest visual arts event in Cuba—what was that experience like?
It was dream-come-true level for me.  I’ve wanted to perform in Cuba since I was a teenager, so, to finally get the opportunity was really special.  I went to Havana on holiday in 2018, it’s a wonderful city that never escaped my imagination – I even wrote a song about it that was out last year! 

Playing at the Biennial was superb.  The energy and buzz in the city was infectious and the support from the audiences and fellow musicians at my shows, even though we didn’t always share a language, was so important and helped me feel right at home.  

The Biennial is the largest arts fair in Latin America but brings people from all over the world to the city – one of the first people I met when I arrived in Havana was the director of the Glasgow Havana Film Festival, by complete coincidence.  In my time there, I met Brazilians, Colombians, Venezuelans, Koreans, Italians and many other nationalities.  I was part of an international delegation which included artists and musicians from Ecuador, Switzerland, France, Germany and Cuba.  It was a celebration of Contemporary art and Cuban culture but also of internationalism, too.

The Biennial reminded me why I do this and also that music, art and culture really does transcend borders. It felt like being part of something much bigger than myself.

3. On top of that, you were recognised by the Scottish Parliament as the only Scottish musician at the event. How did it feel to receive that recognition?

It was incredibly humbling. To have my participation in this global festival as the only Scottish and British musician taking part in the Biennial recognised by the Scottish Parliament, was – and still is – a huge honour. It made me feel proud of my efforts in music to this point and in the music I create. Scotland has such a rich cultural heritage, and to carry a piece of that with me to Cuba was really special. I wanted my participation in the Biennial to be a reminder that music can be a bridge between cultures, and with this recognition I feel this was achieved in a way.

Calum Baird Live in Cuba

4. Your music blends Scottish folk, classic singer-songwriter vibes, and a bit of punk energy. Who are some of your biggest musical heroes, and what influences your sound the most?

I’ve always been drawn to artists who tell stories and aren’t afraid to be raw and honest. When writing my own music, I take a lot of inspiration from Dick Gaughan, Billy Bragg and Neil Young —their ability to tell stories and convey emotions through their guitar playing and lyrics was a huge influence. On the punk side, I love the energy of acts like Attila the Stockbroker and bands like The Pogues—they’ve got that fire and rebellion but they’re also deeply poetic. And then there’s Bob Dylan—his melodies and arrangements are just timeless. I think my music comes from trying to balance all those elements: storytelling, emotion, and a bit of rebellion.

5. You also composed the score for Victoria McNulty’s award-winning spoken word film “Exiles,” which was released back in 2021. Is film scoring something you would come back to in the future?

Definitely. Scoring “Exiles” was such a rewarding experience. It pushed me to think about music in a different way—how it can support and elevate a narrative without overpowering it. The film is so powerful, and it was a privilege to be part of that project. I’d love to do more film scoring in the future – as well as writing with/for other artists in general. There’s something really special about collaborating with other artists and creating something that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

6. Exciting times ahead as you headline Leith Depot on the 22nd of February—what can the audience expect from the show? Any surprises in store? I’m really excited for this one! Leith Depot is such a special, community venue which means it’s got that intimate, grassroots/DIY vibe that I love.  To kick the year off with a headline show is great as well!  

There’ll be songs from myself as well as from Elsie MacDonald, a young musician from Leith who is getting a name for herself.  I’ll also be playing some songs on my mandolin (named Merry) which I got for Christmas.  I learned my first three chords and then immediately wrote song on it so I’m excite to share that.  This will be a proper DIY show with plenty of storytelling, and maybe a few unexpected covers!

7. You're also about to set off on a UK & European tour, mixing solo shows, festival slots, and a German tour—are there any cities or festivals you’re especially buzzing to play?
I’ve got a lot of tours this year which is great and really exciting.  I’m basically off playing somewhere different from April up to September which is great and what I’ve been working towards for a long time in my music career.

In May, I’m touring around Scotland and Northern England as well as into the Midlands  These will be solo shows, joint tour shows with English musician, Joe Solo, and festival slots.  I’ll be playing With Banners Held High Festival in Wakefield, Katie’s Festival in Stourbridge and Bearded Theory Festival, too.  I’m currently in discussions about a festival in Barcelona and other performances in Valencia towards the end of May, which are yet to be nailed down.  In June, I’m heading to Germany to play some solo shows, possibly a festival, though that’s TBC, and I plan to record some new music while I’m there, too.  I toured Germany last summer and am looking forward to going out there again!

In July, I have a mini tour put together with some dates in Northern Scotland, the Midlands in England and then Alive at the Barn Festival on the Sussex Coast.  After that, in August, I’m playing at Rebellion Festival with Attila the Stockbroker, and then at the Edinburgh Fringe.  I have a few dates in September, one in Truro at The Barn and Ell’s Bar, which is a cool, DIY venue in Cornwall that I’m looking forward to playing.

In  October, I have another UK tour again with dates in Scotland, Northern England, The Midlands, South Coast and East Coast of England.  These include headline shows, solo shows and joint shows with English musician, Jess Silk.

It’s going to be a busy year but, as a self-organised musician, it’s one I’m looking forward to for sure!

8. Looking ahead, what’s next for you in 2025? Any exciting plans in the works?
2025 is shaping up to be a big year with my gigs and tours.  I’ve also got new singles in the pipeline which I recorded last August – the same session that Something New This Way Comes came out of.  These songs are folky and punky with a full band sound similar to The Pogues but there’s also a more intimate and contemplative song in there, too, which is just me, a guitar and harmonica.  These songs are a bit more experimental, in some ways, but people who know and like my music will be able to recognise my story-telling style as well as pick up on a blend of traditional Scottish sounds, contemporary folk, singer-songwriter themes and a bit more.