Project Smok

Project Smok is the neo-trad trio of Ali Levack, Ewan Baird and Pablo

Lafuente, whose nonconformist and progressive Scottish traditional music

has set them apart since their formation in 2017.

Known for their ability to effortlessly blend trad music with contemporary

new-age pop influences, Project Smok are at their most comfortable pushing

boundaries, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their musical

expectations. They do away with any perceived limits of genre from the

first note.

The close-knit group meld naturally between the innovative, explosive and

emotive, drawing outside inspiration from indie pop acts like The 1975,

LANY and Bon Iver, to more time-honoured, West Coast styles of playing.

With tunes built around the distinctive piping of BBC Young Traditional

Musician of the Year 2020 Ali Levack, paired with Ewan Baird’s skilled

bodhran playing and Pablo Lafuente’s nuanced guitar, electric guitar and

production, the trio manage to naturally bring together an array of musical

aspects. Throw in instrumental virtuosity, blistering drive, infectious

rhythm and a delicate sensitivity and you have Project Smok’s

thirst-quenching sound.

It’s little wonder they have fast become a recognised and household name in

the traditional music scene. They boast nominations for ‘Best Up and Coming

Artist’ at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2018 and the ‘Belhaven

Bursary for Innovation’ at the same awards in 2019, not to mention an

unforgettable collaboration with 2019 Scottish Album of the Year nominee

Edwyn Collins on their 2020 debut album, ‘Bayview’.

Written as a follow up to their 2017 EP ‘Horizons’, the record was brought

to life in Edwyn Collins’ famous Clashnarrow Studio in Helmsdale on

Scotland’s north east coast, using a treasure trove of special analogue and

vintage equipment to showcase their truly refreshing sound. It was

premiered in spectacular fashion at Celtic Connections 2020 in Glasgow’s

Old Fruitmarket to a sell-out crowd.

Presented by 432

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