It’s a cold, wet night. Typically Glaswegian. Winter is decidedly setting in, and any lingering summer warmth is now long gone. It is, after all, Scotland. On this particular dreary October night, however, it’s not all doom and gloom, and in the city’s Old Fruitmarket, there is a respite to be found.

Nina Nesbitt has been putting out music for more than a decade now, breaking through with her 2012 EP The Apple Tree. On her most recent record, Mountain Music, she leans more toward a folk sound, creating a warm, enveloping feeling that inhabits the album. Tonight, that is reflected in her stage design, decorated with autumnal leaves, warm lamps, and wool jumpers. A couple of songs in, Nina takes a moment to introduce her backing band, most of whom contributed to the recording of her latest album, coming together to add their individual touches to Nina’s stunning vocals and guitar playing.

The setlist focuses heavily on songs from Mountain Music, and with a new verse of Big Things, Small Town (written en route to the venue) dedicated to her own Scottish roots, Nina is evidently proud of her heritage. Throughout the night, the audience stands completely entranced, in near-total silence except for moments when Nina invites them to join in singing.

“You will leave here more sad than you arrived,” jokes Nina toward the start of her set. By the end of the night, she couldn’t have proved herself more wrong.

Article: Elliot Hetherton