Fraser MacCallum: The charmingly unconventional musician

Singer/songwriter, Fraser MacCallum posing for the cameras- Picture Source: loumacphoto

Meeting singer/songwriter, Fraser MacCallum, in a small pub in Glasgow, known as the Laurieston, couldn’t have been a better place to chat with the exceptional performer. The little 1960s old-style pub is where the 21-year-old seamlessly fits in. With a pint of Heineken in his hand, he talks about his life as a musician.

He said: “I like to describe my music as jangly, post-punk with folky flavourings.”

Fraser grew up in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, and ever since he was young, he’s always had an instrument in hand. At the age of 10 years old, he was gifted a ukulele for Christmas, in which he used to play the songs of 1930s comedian/actor, George Formby. Particularly his comical songs ‘When I’m cleaning windows’ and ‘Leaning on a lamp post.’ Performing in front of people has never been difficult for Fraser.

“In terms of performing – my mum is a hairdresser, and I would often perform in front of the elderly people she cut hair for, developing thick skin as they weren’t there to listen to me.”

Fraser outside Staney Brig Park- Picture Source: loumacphoto

Fraser grew up listening to artists like The Beatles, Joy Division and Pulp, above all else, the band The Fall which he speaks very highly of. Throughout Fraser’s music, you can hear that he was inspired by these talented artists but still being very much his own self.

“I was always told I’m like Jarvis Cocker, even before I knew who he was. The fall is my favourite group, I started listening to them through a depressive state. Their music is abrasive, no-nonsense, and intellectual but not pretentious.”

Fraser’s latest single ‘Corrugated Iron’ was released in 2020, he said: “A lot of my music, I like to describe as shipping container music, much like Corrugated Iron and Time Cube” (a single of Fraser’s which is unreleased). Not only does he perform solo, but he is also a guitarist for the band ‘Middle Class Guilt.’

“I’ve always loved the idea of being in a band but fell into being more of a solo artist – being in a band takes the pressure off. I just turn up, know my parts, and play my bit.”

Being an artist hasn’t always been easy for Fraser, he said: “In the past, I’ve lost my work ethic and gone through intense grief with the loss of my father and uncle.”

Two days after the funeral of Fraser’s beloved father, Stuart MacCallum, he had a gig to perform, -playing solo and as a part of Middle Class Guilt.

“I felt like I needed to play this gig to make my dad proud. His favourite song of mine was The Fisherman (unreleased), it was played at his funeral and every time I play it, I dedicate it to him.”

It is no doubt that Fraser’s father would be proud of him, his future is promising, given the music he has produced already. Fraser MacCallum’s debut album is said to be released in the next upcoming months, along with The Fisherman.