BRIEF BIO
Scottish guitarist and singer Ali Tod blends modern percussive fingerstyle guitar techniques with classical training and loop-pedal mastery, to create a live acoustic experience that gets hands clapping, hips shaking and feet stomping. Her dazzling guitar skills combined with her powerful, raw vocals have been enthralling audiences at festivals all around the world, and she is now ready to take the USA by storm.
Scottish guitarist and singer Ali Tod blends modern percussive fingerstyle guitar techniques with classical training and loop-pedal mastery, to create a live acoustic experience that gets hands clapping, hips shaking and feet stomping. Her dazzling guitar skills combined with her powerful, raw vocals have been enthralling audiences at festivals all around the world, and she is now ready to take the USA by storm.
EXTENDED BIO
Growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, Ali was musical from an early age, playing guitar, violin, piano and singing. She went on to study guitar at Edinburgh Napier University, gaining a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Music with honours, before going on to gain a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education for Secondary Music from the University of Edinburgh. Whilst carving out her own sound on acoustic guitar that combined her classical training with her wider tastes and influences, Ali has developed her musicianship as part of many separate projects.
She is the founder of the Edinburgh Guitar Night, a series of live concerts in Scotland’s capital city, showcasing some of the best guitarists from around the world. After performing at similar events in London, Belfast and Manchester, Ali realised there were no live performances opportunities for guitarists in particular in her home town, so took it upon herself to create one. The 'EGN' was born, and eventually found a home in Edinburgh's world famous Jazz Bar, welcoming performers from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, France, Italy, Poland and Canada. During the COVID pandemic, an online version was created, featuring guitarists from Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA.
The Edinburgh Guitar Night gained the attention of record label Fretmonkey Records, and Ali was invited to participate in their 'Women of Fingerstyle Guitar' event in the winter NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California. At this first-of-it's-kind concert, Ali performed alongside legendary guitarists such as Kaki King, Muriel Anderson and Yasmin Williams. She was subsequently invited to perform on the Yamaha stage, alongside GRAMMY award winning musicians Nathan East, Daniel Ho, Alex Skolnick, and her musical idol, Gabriela Quintero of Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Ali's live performances gained the attention of International Guitar Festivals, and she has performed at the Ards International Guitar Festival, Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, among others. She has performed alongside and opened for acclaimed acoustic guitarists such as Mike Dawes, Alex Misko and Jon Gomm. She has collaborated with celebrated 'guitar superstar' Vicki Genfan, and The Voice UK finalist Sally Barker on an album project 'Monumental Journey', mixed by acclaimed producer Niko Bolas. The album is slated for release in 2025.
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Ali's talent was recognised by GRAMMY winning musician Brandi Carlile, when she was selected to perform in an event at the Americana star's festival Girls Just Wanna Weekend, in Cancun, Mexico. The festival, which has run since 2019, is designed to celebrate female and non-binary musicians and artists. Ali has been asked to perform at every event, and proved so popular with fans that she was given her own official festival set in 2023. She was then part of the finale to the festival 'Ladies of the 80s'.
Ali gained the attention of GRAMMY award winning musicians Rodrigo y Gabriela, after the Mexican guitar duo saw her videos on social media. She was invited to their private studio in Mexico, where she recorded her second EP 'Lumbini '20' over the course of 3 days. She then collaborated with Gabriela on original music which they performed in several benefit concerts for the non-profit Ballenas de Guerrero.
Ali's undeniable talent has been gaining her recognition from not only her musical heroes, but fans all over the world. Moving from Scotland to the USA in 2024, Ali is making waves in her local music scene, and ready to show America what she can do.
Ali gained the attention of GRAMMY award winning musicians Rodrigo y Gabriela, after the Mexican guitar duo saw her videos on social media. She was invited to their private studio in Mexico, where she recorded her second EP 'Lumbini '20' over the course of 3 days. She then collaborated with Gabriela on original music which they performed in several benefit concerts for the non-profit Ballenas de Guerrero.
Ali's undeniable talent has been gaining her recognition from not only her musical heroes, but fans all over the world. Moving from Scotland to the USA in 2024, Ali is making waves in her local music scene, and ready to show America what she can do.
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