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WATCH: Brandon McPhee proves a hit on accordion app with over 50,000 views


By Jean Gunn

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Caithness entertainer Brandon McPhee is doing his bit to encourage more young people to take up the button accordion.

During lockdown, keen to keep the Scottish tradition alive, he recorded videos using a two-row button accordion app – one on an iPad and another on the iPhone.

The recording was done at a local independent record label based near Wick at Tannach, Pan Records, which Brandon has a long association with. He said: "The first time I ever recorded with Pan Records I was 11-years-old."

For Brandon now at 24 music is his full-time profession with his chosen instrument being a three-row button key accordion. During the last 10 years he has inspired many young people to take up the instrument.

The local muscian explained that while stuck in lockdown he decided to have a go with a Hohner app in the Apple store which just happened to be the kind of accordion he plays. Little did he know the tracks would receive over 50,000 veiws and receive the attention of the app designer in California or the German makers of the accordion he uses.

"I thought I'd have a bit of fun to see if it would work to play a tune," he said. "We were really delighted with the people who got in touch after. The first one we uploaded was on the Ipad app which is designed by Michael Eskin who lives in California. He got in touch to say he was absolutely delighted saying it was one of the best versions he had heard.

"Then Hohner in Germany asked if it would be okay to share the video on their own social media platforms. I am really delighted about it. It was a bit of fun but also promoting the button accordion through a virtual audience.

"The way I see it, no matter whether a person is playing an accordion or an Ipad, as long as more people are doing that it is brilliant. Button key has meant so much to me – it is great to see people playing it."

Referring to Sir Jimmy Shand and Will Starr, he said button accordion playing had certainly been on the decline over the past few years, and hoped the apps would help keep the Scottish tradition going.

Formed around 1990 Pan Records now distributes music worldwide.


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