Simon Kempston is ‘one of Scotland’s very best songwriters’ (The Sunday
Herald), a composer and 'a master of fingerstyle guitar' (The Scotsman)
based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
There are very few artists who manage to create a sound on an acoustic
guitar which is distinctive, instantly recognisable. Simon’s complex
finger-picking style, which draws from the disparate genres of
classical, celtic and blues (amongst others) confirms he is certainly
one such artist, his subtle style providing the perfect accompaniment
for his rich, powerful and compelling tenor vocals.
His outstanding songs showcase thought-provoking, inspiring poetic
lyrics which often sidestep the usual themes of love and attraction, in
favour of offering crucial, important political and social commentary.
Fascinations with architecture, travel and English literature have all
informed his impressive lyrical style, words which can stand alone as
poetry in their own right apart from the music.
Live performances are well-known for their intensity, Simon’s true
passion for music and songs shine through in his critically acclaimed
shows. With more than a decade of international touring behind him in
32 European countries, Siberian Russia, Uzbekistan (the first Scottish
artist to do so), Canada (9 tours), New Zealand, Argentina and Brazil he
has performed at a countless number of esteemed venues, festivals, and
on a plethora of international radio and television stations.
Simon’s latest album (his tenth as a singer-songwriter), saw him
reignite his relationship with Ian McCalman as producer and it is his
most honest, direct and heartfelt collection of songs yet, the perfect
companion piece for these troubled times. ‘My Dreams Are Theirs’,
released in late summer 2024, showcases his sheer talent for songwriting
of the highest order.
Never one to follow expectations, only his prolific, creative muse, in
Summer 2023 Simon released his first album of classical guitar pieces,
entitled ‘Moonrise Over Mostar’, following on from four instrumental
acoustic guitar albums. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of this
incredibly talented performer and allow his beautifully crafted music to
transport you on a uniquely Scottish journey.
'A stunning talent' - STV (Scottish Television)
'Beautifully authentic guitar style & heartfelt vocal'- Tom Robinson,
BBC Radio 6
'Beautiful tunes…..infinitely talented' - BBC at the Edinburgh Festival
Sun Aug 31 2025
7:30 PM Doors - 11:00 PM
£18.00
Ages 16+
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Simon Kempston
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simon kempston
Scottish Folk
£18.00 Ages 16+
Simon Kempston is ‘one of Scotland’s very best songwriters’ (The Sunday
Herald), a composer and 'a master of fingerstyle guitar' (The Scotsman)
based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
There are very few artists who manage to create a sound on an acoustic
guitar which is distinctive, instantly recognisable. Simon’s complex
finger-picking style, which draws from the disparate genres of
classical, celtic and blues (amongst others) confirms he is certainly
one such artist, his subtle style providing the perfect accompaniment
for his rich, powerful and compelling tenor vocals.
His outstanding songs showcase thought-provoking, inspiring poetic
lyrics which often sidestep the usual themes of love and attraction, in
favour of offering crucial, important political and social commentary.
Fascinations with architecture, travel and English literature have all
informed his impressive lyrical style, words which can stand alone as
poetry in their own right apart from the music.
Live performances are well-known for their intensity, Simon’s true
passion for music and songs shine through in his critically acclaimed
shows. With more than a decade of international touring behind him in
32 European countries, Siberian Russia, Uzbekistan (the first Scottish
artist to do so), Canada (9 tours), New Zealand, Argentina and Brazil he
has performed at a countless number of esteemed venues, festivals, and
on a plethora of international radio and television stations.
Simon’s latest album (his tenth as a singer-songwriter), saw him
reignite his relationship with Ian McCalman as producer and it is his
most honest, direct and heartfelt collection of songs yet, the perfect
companion piece for these troubled times. ‘My Dreams Are Theirs’,
released in late summer 2024, showcases his sheer talent for songwriting
of the highest order.
Never one to follow expectations, only his prolific, creative muse, in
Summer 2023 Simon released his first album of classical guitar pieces,
entitled ‘Moonrise Over Mostar’, following on from four instrumental
acoustic guitar albums. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of this
incredibly talented performer and allow his beautifully crafted music to
transport you on a uniquely Scottish journey.
'A stunning talent' - STV (Scottish Television)
'Beautifully authentic guitar style & heartfelt vocal'- Tom Robinson,
BBC Radio 6
'Beautiful tunes…..infinitely talented' - BBC at the Edinburgh Festival
Herald), a composer and 'a master of fingerstyle guitar' (The Scotsman)
based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
There are very few artists who manage to create a sound on an acoustic
guitar which is distinctive, instantly recognisable. Simon’s complex
finger-picking style, which draws from the disparate genres of
classical, celtic and blues (amongst others) confirms he is certainly
one such artist, his subtle style providing the perfect accompaniment
for his rich, powerful and compelling tenor vocals.
His outstanding songs showcase thought-provoking, inspiring poetic
lyrics which often sidestep the usual themes of love and attraction, in
favour of offering crucial, important political and social commentary.
Fascinations with architecture, travel and English literature have all
informed his impressive lyrical style, words which can stand alone as
poetry in their own right apart from the music.
Live performances are well-known for their intensity, Simon’s true
passion for music and songs shine through in his critically acclaimed
shows. With more than a decade of international touring behind him in
32 European countries, Siberian Russia, Uzbekistan (the first Scottish
artist to do so), Canada (9 tours), New Zealand, Argentina and Brazil he
has performed at a countless number of esteemed venues, festivals, and
on a plethora of international radio and television stations.
Simon’s latest album (his tenth as a singer-songwriter), saw him
reignite his relationship with Ian McCalman as producer and it is his
most honest, direct and heartfelt collection of songs yet, the perfect
companion piece for these troubled times. ‘My Dreams Are Theirs’,
released in late summer 2024, showcases his sheer talent for songwriting
of the highest order.
Never one to follow expectations, only his prolific, creative muse, in
Summer 2023 Simon released his first album of classical guitar pieces,
entitled ‘Moonrise Over Mostar’, following on from four instrumental
acoustic guitar albums. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of this
incredibly talented performer and allow his beautifully crafted music to
transport you on a uniquely Scottish journey.
'A stunning talent' - STV (Scottish Television)
'Beautifully authentic guitar style & heartfelt vocal'- Tom Robinson,
BBC Radio 6
'Beautiful tunes…..infinitely talented' - BBC at the Edinburgh Festival
simon kempston
Scottish Folk
Share With Friends