Constant Follower

Event information

Constant Follower is the band formed around Scottish songwriter Stephen McAll. Their debut album for legendary New York indie label Shimmy Disc was shortlisted for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) and found its way onto the top of multiple ‘Best Albums of 2021’ lists, leading to a string of notable performances including Austin’s SXSW 2022 and SXSW 2023, and a spellbinding set from the crown of Scotland’s National Wallace Monument. A triumph after tragedy, the album was McAll’s first work many years after an unprovoked attack in his late teens left him with catastrophic head injuries, partially paralysed and unable to write or play guitar. The following decade was spent recovering on the West Coast of Scotland, learning to live, and eventually picking up the guitar to allow the songs that form his acclaimed debut ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’ to emerge.




In addition to his band endeavours, in April 2023 McAll released a collaborative album with renowned folk guitarist Scott William Urquhart. This exceptional work, released on Golden Hum Recordings, garnered widespread critical acclaim and was long-listed for the 2023 SAY Award. Described as “an enchanting, deeply absorbing, and meditative album” (Folk Radio) it showcases the musical affinity and unique talents of these two Scottish songwriters and musicians. The duo has already embarked on their next project, currently in the works and scheduled for a late 2025 release.

Released on 28th February 2025 via Scottish label Last Night From Glasgow, The Smile You Send Out Returns To You marked a significant step forward for Constant Follower. Mixed by Dan Duszynski (Loma, Sub Pop) in Austin, Texas, the album builds on the dream-folk and slowcore textures of earlier work while opening new sonic space. It debuted at No. 2 on the Official Scottish Albums Chart, No. 3 on the Official Folk Albums Chart, and reached No. 1 on the Official Independent Breakers Chart. It also broke into the UK-wide Album Sales Chart at No. 14 – an ambitious release, warmly received.

“Hopelessly beautiful.” CLASH Magazine
“Luxurious but melancholy. Epic but comforting. Genuine, heartfelt and profound. Incredibly moving and distinctive… characterised by maturity, perfectionism and an unmatched emotional depth.” KLOF Mag
“Gentle, understated, fully formed and utterly beguiling.” The Scotsman