AN UP-AND-COMING folk musician hailing from the Wee County looks set to record a second studio album with his band, thanks to public support.

Percussionist Craig Baxter, along with his band mates in Gnoss, recently started a crowdfunding drive for their next studio album of original Scottish folk music.

The Menstrie native, who studied at Alva Academy and recently graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, was blown away by the support after the band hit their initial fundraising target in less than 24 hours.

Craig told the Advertiser the band has been "really overwhelmed" by the support and hitting the original target in such a short time was simply "incredible".

In an initiative, Creative Scotland is set to match-fund the money they raise online, with up to £5,000.

With around £5,500 already pledged by supporters, Gnoss looks set to go into the studio later in the year, Covid-19 permitting.

Craig gradually developed a love for traditional Scottish music over the years through his involvement in pipe bands from a young age.

He eventually ditched the snare drums for the traditional bodhrán.

For Craig, the level of support for the new album signals that the folk scene is "as strong as it has ever been".

He said: "There's lots and lots of young people getting more involved with it.

"I think when I was at school there weren't many people that did it [traditional folk music], at first they would maybe see it as an 'uncool' thing."

The 22-year-old added: "But I think young people are seeing their peers getting great opportunities through it and maybe shaking off the stereotype of it being tartan, shortbread and older people.

"The scene is changing, which is great, and lots and lots of young people are getting involved, which is brilliant."

Plans for the new record follow Drawn From Deep Water, Gnoss' first album released last year.

It included many originals but also some tunes from others – and was nominated for Album of the Year in 2019.

For the second album, the band are firmly looking to use their own compositions only, which have been in the works since the start of the year.

While the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down the progress, the band have been keeping in touch online, sharing and building up their ideas and sound.

They hope to come together when they all move back to Glasgow next month for some intense song writing and practice sessions.

The four-piece will then head into the studio, which is currently planned for December if the health crisis permits.

The band members are all current or former students at the conservatoire and include Graham Rorie, Aidan Moodie, Connor Sinclair as well as the Wee County's Craig Baxter.

To support the upcoming album, and enjoy some rewards and perks by doing so, people can visit crowdfunder.co.uk/gnossnewalbum before the end of August.