Key Highlights
- Nathan Evans reached number one in the UK with his debut single “Wellerman” in 2021.
- “Heather on the Hill,” a distinctly Scottish folk song, confirmed Evans should embrace the sound of his home country.
- The collaboration between Evans and St Phnx (Alan and Stevie Jukes) resulted in the album “Angels’ Share.”
- Evans credits St Phnx for sharing industry experience that helped him navigate success after “Wellerman.”
- A new festival, named after their hit song “Heather on the Hill,” is set to take place later this year.
The Rise of Nathan Evans and His Scottish Folk Journey
In 2021, Nathan Evans, a postman from Airdrie, Scotland, found himself catapulted into international fame with his debut single “Wellerman.” The TikTok sensation quickly became a global hit, leading to numerous questions about what would come next. The answer was clear: embracing the rich Scottish folk culture that had initially inspired him.
The Turning Point
“Heather on the Hill,” released in 2024, served as the turning point for Evans. This song, characterized by its distinctly Scottish feel and mentions of Aberfeldy and amber whisky under a Caledonia sky, confirmed to Evans that his music should reflect his home country’s culture. “That song was the turning point,” he says. “It made us realise Scottish culture and folk music should be at the heart of what we do.”
Collaboration and Support
The success of “Heather on the Hill” brought Evans closer to St Phnx, a duo consisting of Alan and Stevie Jukes who have been touring since 2016. They’ve worked with artists like Imagine Dragons, Yungblud, and Lewis Capaldi. For Evans, this collaboration was invaluable. “I was thrown in at the deep end,” he says. “The boys took me under their wing, sharing everything they learned over 10 years of touring. It’s been incredibly supportive.”
A New Album: “Angels’ Share”
The result of Evans and St Phnx’s collaboration is the album “Angels’ Share,” released on Friday. The title track is a toast to everyone who has helped along the way, reflecting the bond between the artists. Stevie Jukes explains, “We’ve been writing together for years but ‘Heather on the Hill’ was the moment everything shifted. Before that, we had a transatlantic sound, but this song brought us home.” The new album includes songs like “Blood and Bone,” which tells the story of the three as brothers on a journey.
Live Performances and Future Plans
The release of “Angels’ Share” will be followed by a world tour starting in February, with stops across North America, the UK, Europe, and Australia. Evans says, “The more you do this, the more you realise how special what we have is. You can’t fake chemistry.” The album launch comes at a time when Scotland’s connection to the music industry is stronger than ever, with the trio hinting they are working on a song for the upcoming World Cup.
Evans and St Phnx are also planning their own festival later this year, named after their biggest hit “Heather on the Hill,” which will take place at the Royal Highland Centre near Edinburgh.
Alan Jukes says, “Naming the festival after it felt very fitting; it started this whole journey. We wanted something family-friendly for people of all ages to enjoy together.” The success of the festival could lead to an annual tradition, with the artists aiming to create a space where everyone can come and celebrate Scottish music.
As Evans looks to the future, he remains grounded in his roots. “At first it made sense because of the sea shanty connection, but now they’re staying for the band and the community we’ve built,” he says. “The support is incredible.” With a new album and festival on the horizon, Nathan Evans and St Phnx are poised to continue their journey, celebrating Scottish identity through music.
