Scottish folk-rock band Skerryvore have released their new single While I’m Breathing, featuring fellow Scottish singer-songwriter Tamzene, as anticipation builds for their forthcoming album Beautiful Mistakes, due out on 6 November. The release arrives following a successful headline tour across the USA and Canada, with the band preparing to return to the UK and Ireland for an extensive run of headline dates.
Skerryvore
Marking the first duet in Skerryvore’s history, While I’m Breathing brings together the band’s driving folk-pop sound with Tamzene’s soulful, expressive vocals. Built around the perspectives of two people caught in a toxic relationship, the song explores the determination to keep fighting for a love that may already be beyond repair. Both characters cling to the belief that they can overcome the odds, even as the realities of their situation become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Skerryvore vocalist and guitarist Alec Dalglish delivers an impassioned performance, his powerful voice contrasting with the delicacy and emotional openness of Tamzene’s contribution. Their voices converge in richly layered harmonies, giving the track an added depth as the two perspectives intertwine.
The collaboration has its roots in a connection that dates back to 2017, when Tamzene performed at Tiree Music Festival, the event organised by Skerryvore co-founder Daniel Gillespie in the band’s home community. The new single brings that longstanding connection into the studio, with Tamzene contributing to both the writing and recording.
Dalglish says: “This is the first ever duet for us and it’s a pleasure to have worked with Tamzene on both the writing and recording of this track. Her perspective really helped to complete the big picture and her incredible vocals bring a beautiful authenticity to the sentiment of the track.”
Originally from the coastal town of Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands, Tamzene has developed a sound that draws on soul, R&B and singer-songwriter traditions. Her releases include the EPs In Any Weather and Call Them And Tell Them You Love Them, alongside the recent single that’s not love, babe. Her emotionally direct songwriting and distinctive voice make her a natural fit for the new collaboration.
Reflecting on the experience, Tamzene says: “Working with Skerryvore on this track was an absolute dream. A band I’ve admired and enjoyed for a long time, and one that continues to evolve and push creatively. This new album has so much beauty and is full of rich storytelling, with ‘While I’m Breathing’ speaking to the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love. It’s an honour to be involved.”
While I’m Breathing offers another glimpse into the contrasting moods of Beautiful Mistakes, an album that moves between energetic, road-ready arrangements and moments of raw intimacy. Its songs explore human fallibility, shifting perspectives and the complicated experiences that shape our lives, building on the sound that has taken Skerryvore from their Scottish roots to international audiences.
Produced alongside Jamie Squire, known for his work with The 1975, the album is described as the band’s most ambitious and personal release to date. It follows the success of Tempus, which brought a chart breakthrough and airplay on BBC Radio 2, as well as a major anniversary headline show at Floors Castle.
Four-time winners of Scotland’s Live Act of the Year award, Skerryvore have spent more than two decades developing a distinctive blend of traditional Scottish influences and contemporary folk-rock. Beautiful Mistakes represents the next chapter in that evolution, combining the band’s established musical identity with new collaborations and a broader emotional range.
The album is available to pre-order in several formats, including a new card-wallet CD edition featuring bonus live tracks, exclusive artwork and a hand-stamped finish from the band. One pound from every sale of this edition will be donated to Street Soccer Scotland, a charity using football to support people affected by homelessness and social exclusion.
The band have also announced limited-edition cassette versions, with eight variants themed around and signed by individual members. Other options include signed black-and-white sunburst vinyl, signed CDs and black vinyl. All album bundles purchased through the official store will also include a signed postcard from Tiree.
To mark the single’s release, Skerryvore will perform an intimate instore show at HMV Glasgow. The band will also meet fans and sign copies of Beautiful Mistakes at Assai stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen during November.
Following their North American dates, the group will launch an extensive UK and Ireland headline tour in November, continuing into December. Their international plans for 2027 also include tours of North America and Germany, alongside a four-week Australian tour featuring appearances at Port Fairy Folk Festival and Blue Mountains Music Festival.
Beautiful Mistakes is released on 6 November. Listen to While I’m Breathing here and watch the official video here. Pre-order the album here.
Upcoming UK & Ireland Live Dates:
NOVEMBER
6th – Edinburgh, Corn Exchange
7th – Glasgow, O2 Academy
12th – Kelso, Tait Hall
13th – Dumfries, Easterbrook Hall
14th – Fort William, Nevis Centre
24th – Sunderland, The Fire Station
25th – Settle, Victoria Hall
26th – Cambridge, Junction
27th – London, O2 Academy Islington
28th – Bridlington, Spa
29th – Lincoln, The Drill Hall
DECEMBER
1st – Bath, Komedia
2nd – Manchester, Academy 2
5th – Dundee, LiveHouse
10th – Belfast, Limelight
11th – Dublin, The Academy
17th – Dunoon, Queen’s Hall
18th – Stirling, Albert Hall
19th – Aberdeen, Music Hall
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