Nathan Bishop MacDonald

Life, Music, Cape Breton & Celtic History

In this episode, we interview musician Nathan Bishop McDonald from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Diving into his life, career, and Celtic history in Canada. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for his baritone voice, his skills with the guitar and the bodhran. 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 then Scottish Gaels that fled the Highland Clearances. Cape Breton’s isolated Gaelic communities preserved the culture for over 100 years.

Nathan studied at Guelph University, then busked in Ottawa’s Byward Market, forming the band Celtae in 2001. They toured amid the Great Big Sea’s popularity, playing pubs packed with Newfoundlanders. Key projects include his song “Merchant Marine” that was featured as the theme for a CBC radio drama. His song “Without You” was a finalist in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition. He also released a solo album titled Lovers, Leavers, and Believers (2011) under his own label, Uptown Underground. He’s played at major Canadian festivals and venues, including the National Arts Centre. 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.

Join us on the Name and Occupation Podcast for an immersive session with the acclaimed Cape Breton singer-songwriter Nathan Bishop MacDonald.

Follow @nathanbmcdonaldmusic on Instagram/Facebook for shows and more info.