Hailing from the Isle of Lewis, Sunrise not Secular are the hottest new band to emerge on the Celtic Rock scene. The band are known locally for their distinctive Celtic music, merging Gaelic and English writing with their own individual sound. They’ve already put their name of the map by supporting international acts such as Runrig and The Sawdoctors and appearing on popular Gaelic music show, Rapal. Now they’re releasing their first EP – “Toiseach an Turais” (meaning start of the journey) at a showcase gig at the Woodlands Centre in their hometown, Stornoway, on the 26^th June.

The Stornoway gig marks the start of their EP tour, which will run from 26^th June – 5^th July, throughout Scotland playing in the following venues:

•  Woodlands Centre, Stornoway, Thurs 26^th June
• Anchorage, Harris, Fri 27th June
• Carinish Inn, North Uist, Sat 28th June
• Hootananny's, Inverness, Mon 30th June
• Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen, Tue 1st July
• MacGochans, Tobermory, Mull, Wed 2nd July
• O Donnell's, Oban, Fri 4th July
• BA Club, Fort William, Sat 5th July

Following the release date the EP will be available online at their myspace (www.myspace.com/sunrise4) where you can also find out more about the band. They will also be uploading two songs from the EP (“The Revival” (new version) and “An Turas”) to Myspace and Bebo.

 Described by the Stornoway Gazette as  “One of the most determined and committed bands to show their Hebridean faces on the mainland”, Sunrise not Secular have an abundance of support from the Gaelic community, the music scene, and throughout Scotland. Amongst their fans are their own heroes – Runrig. Calum Macdonald, percussionist and songwriter with Runrig, said: “It’s good to see that the wonderful Lewis tradition of Gaelic rock and roll is alive and well in the capable hands of the inspirational Sunrise Not Secular. They are young lads on a journey, with hearts full of melody and byre-loads of enthusiasm.”

Niall Iain Macdonald, presenter of popular music show, commented: “'Their roots and influences are worn firmly on their sleeves, loud and proud! Young, Scottish and talented...makes you sick!'

Within the Gaelic arts community there is even more support. Calum Maclean, Director of Proiseact nan Ealan (PnE) said: “Sunrise not Secular are not only talented musicians but enthusiastic and lively performers who have succeeded in truly making the Gaelic language their own through their new EP. Proiseact nan Ealan have been watching their progress with interest and are delighted to be able to support the band on their first tour”.

Donna Macrae, Director of Firefly Productions whose clients include Blas Festival and Aly and Phil, also welcomes the young band to the scene: "It’s great to see this cutting edge band prove themselves in a powerfully authentic way in their native language - making Gaelic a natural part of the mainstream contemporary music scene.”

The “Toiseach an Turas” tour and EP are supported by Bord na Gaidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Gaelic Media Service, Stornoway Round Table and Comun na Gaidhlig with in kind support from Proiseact nan Ealan.