Josie Duncan is an award-winning singer, songwriter and composer from the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis. Steeped in the language, stories and songs of her island home, Josie brings a rare authenticity and emotional depth to contemporary folk music. With a voice described as “intensely beautiful” (FATEA), she bridges tradition and innovation with effortless grace.
Rooted in the rich musical heritage of the Western Isles, Josie grew up surrounded by Gaelic song and storytelling. Her early exposure to this living tradition has shaped a creative voice that honours the past while fearlessly exploring new ground. In 2017, she was awarded the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, a milestone that marked her as one of the most exciting young voices in the UK folk scene.
Josie’s songwriting, both in English and Gaelic, carries a rare honesty – weaving together timeless melodies and intimate lyrics that speak of place, people and belonging. Her acclaimed New Voices commission for Celtic Connections in 2021 showcased her versatility as a composer and performer, leading to a debut album of self-penned songs that drew comparisons to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers while remaining deeply rooted in folk sensibility.
She has since performed at major festivals across the UK and beyond, including Celtic Colours (Canada), the National Celtic Festival (Australia), Tønder Festival (Denmark), Sidmouth Folk Festival and the Hebridean Celtic Festival, for which she composed the 2022 Opening Concert commission.
Alongside her work as a performer, Josie is an emerging composer for film and theatre, bringing her distinctive melodic touch and sensitivity to visual storytelling.
Whether performing solo, with her band, or writing for stage or screen, Josie Duncan continues to forge a path that celebrates the beauty and resilience of her island heritage – a voice at once ancient and utterly of today.