Hector Shaw releases his debut single ‘Gravity’ on Vertical Records.

The track is the first of a string of planned singles – with a debut EP set for early summer release – and is available to download or stream now.

‘Gravity’ was produced by Sorren Maclean and recorded and engineered by (his father) Gordon Maclean, director of Mull’s An Tobar arts centre in Tobermory on Mull in September 2020.

Shaw takes on vocal and guitar duties on ‘Gravity’, with Sorren Maclean also on guitar, Hannah Fisher on backing vocals and Andrew Samson aka DUNT on drums.

Originally from Glasgow and now studying English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, Shaw sold out his first full band headline show at Sneaky Pete’s in January 2020.

He has performed with Scottish touring project Hit The Road, including a headline slot at Websters Theatre, and at a number of Glasgow venues such as The Hug and Pint as part of Celtic Connections, Stereo and Broadcast. He has also played Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.

Shaw is the son of traditional vocalist Karen Matheson of Capercaillie fame and musician, composer and producer Donald Shaw – also of Capercaille as well as being the creative force behind Celtic Connections.

The singer-songwriter says of the track: “Gravity is a song that’s really close to my heart and explores the desperation of witnessing someone you care about suffering. The track talks of the confusion and longing you feel when you see that person distance themselves from the world.

“Musically, I’m continually inspired by John Martyn and Joni Mitchell, particularly their percussive hybrid of folk and jazz guitar playing. I wanted to recreate that timbre in a song of my own.

“This has been my first proper recording experience and I’m grateful to have had the chance to collaborate with the musicians involved and for their support. I’ll always look back on the experience of recording my first single with real fondness and now feel so excited to share it with others.”

More at facebook.com/HecShawMusic.