Malin Lewis

The future of Scottish folk is here - The Wire

Innovator and award winning multi-instrumentalist Malin Lewis melds Scottish West Coast tradition with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe alongside stars Sally Simpson (Fiddle) and Ali Hutton (Guitar). Hair-tingling, philosophical and dance-inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, queerness and the universe.

Having toured across the UK, Canada and Europe, Malin released their debut album Halocline in May 2024 on Hudson Records., which has been longlisted for the 2024 Scottish Album of the Year Award. A Halocline is a visible layer that forms between salt and fresh water and is home to a unique microbial ecosystem. Halocline is a metaphor for Malin's trans identity and living in a space in between; a beautiful space between a binary.

Malin's unique timbre is born from the deep connection that comes from making and composing for their own instrument. Their one of a kind two-octave smallpipe creates a whole new world of sound, captivating audiences at every opportunity. You can see the trio in action here and here.

Inspired by the likes of Martyn Bennett, Duncan Chisholm and Sharron Shannon, Malin's music is as lively as it is thought-provoking and sensitive. Recently Malin has been recording music for the Saiorse Ronan film The Outrun and learning the tradition of the extinct Finnish Bagpipes.