Under the Radar: The Chosen Lonely

Born to Scottish parents on the outskirts of Derry in Northern Ireland, Steven Barclay, aka The Chosen Lonely, eventually landed in the Highland capital Inverness, where he spent his formative years learning to write songs and play various instruments, including the accordion and bagpipes.

His upbeat, triumphant new single Zoom Romance is part autobiographical, part fiction, referencing his new relationship, which began just before the pandemic. The song received airplay on BBC Introducing show RAPAL on BBC Radio Scotland and he’s been championed by local media such as the Highland News and the Inverness Courier, as well as picking up airplay from Jim Gellatly on Amazing Radio plus Sunny Govan Radio and Pulse Community Radio.

Barclay has supported Lewis Capaldi, played festivals like Belladrum Tartan Heart and he launched his debut EP at King Tuts. Prior to the pandemic, he played two sold-out shows with Highland folk-rock heavyweights Torridon. There is no doubt that he is an exciting new talent with a very bright future ahead. Visit https://www.facebook.com/thechosenlonely

Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, www.borntobewide.co.uk

Off Axis is an artist-to-artist, non-profit gig swapping network, enabling bands to build a nationwide fanbase by playing meaningful gigs throughout the UK. They offer a sustainable, transparent and professional touring model, where musicians keep 100 per cent of profits. Off Axis also help new artists showcase at festivals such as Kendal Calling, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Un-Convention. They are accepting applications for 2021, http://www.offaxisnetwork.com/

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