Meet the 17-year-old Dundee musician celebrating Scotland’s World Cup return through music
- Andrew Batchelor
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
At just 17 years old, Broughty Ferry singer-songwriter Evie Laing is already beginning to make a name for herself with the release of her original track “The Hampden Roar”.
Inspired by Scotland’s return to the World Cup after 28 years, and her lifelong love of both football and music, the song has already surpassed 1,000 streams - with listeners connecting to both its passion and authenticity.
Dundee Culture caught up with Evie to chat about songwriting, musical influences, confidence, Broughty Ferry’s impact on her music and what comes next.
Andrew Batchelor (AB): Hello Evie, it’s great to talk to you. I first of all wanted to ask, what inspired you to write “The Hampden Roar”?
Evie Laing (EL): I decided to write “The Hampden Roar” because I grew up playing football alongside music so I wanted to combine my two favourite things. It’s also a very special occasion with the fact it’s Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years so I wanted to commemorate and celebrate their achievement by writing a song about it.
AB: You’re only 17 and already releasing original music. How does it feel seeing people respond so positively to it?
EL: Seeing people respond positively to my music is honestly incredible. Ever since I started playing music one of my dreams was to release some of my own songs and the fact I’ve been able to do that for the first time and it receive such a good reception, I am truly grateful for all the love and support.
Just seeing people like the music I’ve created honestly means the world.
AB: Where did your love for music begin and who would you say your biggest influences are?
EL: I always loved playing guitar. I first started when I was 8 but I’d have to say my real passion for it came during lockdown when I started learning more chordal guitar and singing along to it.
I’d sit in my bedroom and just try and learn any song that I liked at that time and I found I really enjoyed it.
I’d say my music taste has changed since then but my main influences at the moment are Noah Kahan and Mumford & Sons. I think their talent and music in general is incredible.
But I wouldn’t be where I am without my instrument tutors and my music teachers at school. I really lacked confidence before and these people have really helped me grow and believe in myself so they’re definitely a big influence for me as well.
AB: You mentioned songwriting there - when did you begin writing your own music?
EL: I first started writing back in lockdown but not proper songs - I’d start them but never finish.
However as I grew up I started to analyse music more and I realised artists like Marcus Mumford and Noah Kahan are incredible storytellers. Their music really connects with people on personal levels, so I started writing songs based on things that have happened to me hoping people could relate.
Last year I went to a songwriting camp in Spain run by Kyle Falconer from The View. It was an incredible experience and I learnt so much about songwriting and music in general. It really helped me develop as a songwriter and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to go.
AB: Do you think growing up in Broughty Ferry and Dundee has influenced your music at all?
EL: Definitely. I think the scenery and landscape in Broughty Ferry is amazing.
Because of the indie-folk music I listen to as well, I think the atmosphere really matches that style. I tend to write songs about the outdoors and weather too, so I definitely think where I live and where I was brought up has helped shape my songwriting.
AB: What has the reaction from family, friends and listeners been like since the song released?
EL: My family and friends have been really supportive and have all expressed their love for it by listening and sharing.
I’m really grateful for everyone who has taken the time to listen. It’s so nice seeing people enjoy a song that I wrote. I could never have imagined when I started writing that it would have over 1,000 streams but managing to get that is an amazing feeling.
AB: Looking ahead, what are your hopes over the next few years musically?
EL: Over the next few years I definitely want to continue releasing my own music.
It would be a dream come true to have people listening to songs I wrote in my bedroom. I also want to continue playing gigs and tick off some bucket list venues as well.
That’s all while studying music at university which I’m starting in September.
AB: Finally, for anyone discovering your music for the first time through Dundee Culture, what would you like them to know?
EL: If you’re seeing me for the first time, I’d just like you to know that if you like music in the indie-folk genre by artists such as Noah Kahan, Mumford & Sons and Bon Iver, that’s definitely where I’d say my music fits in.
Although “The Hampden Roar” is based on football and the World Cup, I do write songs about different parts of life too.
Mainly, I just hope to connect with as many people as possible through my music.
With a growing audience, a passion for storytelling and a clear love for music, Evie Laing is already showing huge promise as one of Dundee’s emerging young artists to watch.
As she prepares to begin studying music at university later this year, “The Hampden Roar” feels less like a one-off release and more like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
