Nathan Bishop MacDonald

Life, Music, Cape Breton & Celtic History

Summary

In this episode, we interview Celtic musician Nathan Bishop McDonald from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Diving into his life, career, and Celtic history in Canada. He is an accomplished singer and songwriter. Nathan brings the Celtic tradition of his home to live audiences across Canada.

Cape Breton Island is a cultural mix: Gaelic-dominant west coast with Acadian pockets. First colonized by the French and Scottish Gaels that fled the Highland Clearances. Cape Breton’s isolated Gaelic communities preserved the culture for around 100 years.

Nathan studied at Guelph University, then busked in Ottawa’s Byward Market, forming the band Celtae. They toured amid Great Big Sea’s popularity, playing pubs packed with Newfoundlanders. Key projects include “Merchant Marine.” He lived in Toronto and was teaching at Fanshawe in London. He returned home in 2017. Now he focuses on music, touring (recent Toronto/Ottawa/London; upcoming BC), Parks Canada gigs, and a new album.

Follow @nathanbmcdonaldmusic on Instagram/Facebook for shows.