Frazer Kennedy talks to MEGAN CLAY JONES about his Scottish roots and how it's the music - not the money - that matters

Highland singer Frazer Kennedy has formed a band with musicians from the Harrow, Brent and Pinner area to create a unique and contemporary sound that has its roots in Scotland but with branches reaching everywhere.

This year they have been playing at venues such as the Mean Fiddler, The Borderline and Pizza on the Park and are setting their sights on the big festivals next summer.

Frazer and the band have just released an album Yesterday's Gone, whose flagship single of the same name has gone straight to the top of the UK's Independent Unsigned Music Chart and they are now working on a second album.

Frazer's music is rooted in his Scottish heritage, his earliest memories are of his mother singing to him and the sound of the traditional celtic dance of the ceilidh.

Most of his first album has a blood-stirring, folky wistfulness, with tracks like the epic and haunting Damn You All unashamedly drawing on those misty mountains and battle-ruined castles of the Scottish Highlands.

However, the album also draws heavily on Frazer's experiences during his 25 years of performing and travelling around the world.

Frazer says: "I set off with a backpack and guitar and where ever I went, I would meet other musicians, around camp fires or over a beer, and I brought these experiences into my music."

After playing the saxophone in a ska band in secondary school, Frazer made his musical way through the street of London playing reggae and rock, then picked up a guitar and strummed his way across Europe, Israel, Peru and Canada.

Back in London, he searched for a band to develop his ideas and perform in a big way. "It was important to meet the right people, not those just hoping to jump on the money merry-go round," he says.

Frazer met Joe Brack at an open mic night in Willesden and they started writing together. They were soon joined by Anthea Ferrell on vocal harmonies, Naomi Iijima on piano and keyboard, Taka Kurakowa on percussion and Rick Joseph on electric guitar.

Joe says: "I really enjoy working with Frazer. His Highland style makes a good complement to someone like me from London. The band moved Frazer's music from quite a country sound to a more contemporary and upbeat world rhythm."

The newer tracks are a blend of jazzy blues, up-tempo world music, reggae and even rock and pop and they are attracting a younger crowd.

Joe says: "The track Labour of Love has a strong piano hook and is a real get up and dance number. At the moment people seem to be open to all styles of music, which is great."

Since Yesterday's Gone reached number one, opportunities to play at major UK summer festivals like Glastonbury and Reading have opened up.

The songs are available on iTunes and the band has a regular slot at Viva Viva World music bar and restaurant, Hornsey High Street, North London, where the next chance to see them is on December 11.

Frazer says: "The love will shine through if your heart's in it and your not just doing it for the buck.

"You have to enjoy yourself and put on a show and people will come to join in the fun."