NUA is an award-winning innovative trad trio, bringing a fresh and unique sound to traditional music, creating their own distinctive original compositions, balanced with traditional and contemporary tunes drawn from Irish and Scottish traditions. Based in Toronto, Canada, NUA consists of three award-winning members: fiddle player James Law, guitarist Graeme McGillivray and bodhrán player Jacob McCauley. The interaction between the three is what really makes the music shine, whether it be their soaring melodies or tasteful grooves.

The original tune-writing of NUA gives their music its groundbreaking, adventurous quality, as demonstrated on their debut album BOLD and follow-up album FLOW. Bordering on progressive, while hinting at the traditions of the past, NUA’s compositions will take you on an exhilarating journey, creating an atmosphere and mood unique to the listener. The trio is also well known for their exciting incorporation of odd time signatures and polyrhythms, which give the music an electrifying lift and spontaneity.  "NUA have delivered two of the finest Canadian Celtic roots albums of recent years, each one bursting with fresh and exciting ideas, magnifying the sonic scope of Scottish and Irish music." (Penguin Eggs Magazine)

Each member adds his own distinctive sound and influence to the music. Although NUA is a trio with a sole melody player, the brilliant multi-tasking of each member is demonstrated countless times with perhaps a guitar-driven flat-picked melody, rhythmic fiddle playing, or melodic bodhrán playing to add to the mix. The ability for each member to take on multiple roles is one of the staples of NUA. This adds to a thrilling live experience, and a “you just don’t know what’s coming next” approach! “Challenging melodies and rhythms ripped out at an impressive pace, without any loss of definition or detail. To achieve this level of impact with only three pairs of hands takes rare skill” (Irish Music Magazine)

NUA released their debut album BOLD on October 14th 2013 and have recently released their highly anticipated second album entitled FLOW on June 5th 2016.

Accolades:

2016 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee for Instrumental Group of the Year

2015/2016/2017 Toronto Independent Music Awards Nominee for Best Instrumental Group

Best Albums of 2013 by FolkWorld

Top 10 albums of 2013 and 2016 by well-known music reviewer Alex Monahan (Irish Music Magazine, FolkWorld, The Living Tradition Magazine)

Top 10 Irish Music Album Covers of 2013 by TradConnect

"NUA have delivered two of the finest Canadian Celtic roots albums of recent years, each one bursting with fresh and exciting ideas, magnifying the sonic scope of Scottish and Irish music."

Penguin Eggs Magazine

“Challenging melodies and rhythms ripped out at an impressive pace, without any loss of definition or detail. To achieve this level of impact with only three pairs of hands takes rare skill”

Irish Music Magazine

"NUA are just that, as the Gaelic word suggests, new, fresh, bright and presently in full flow"

Dónall Mac Ruairí, Host of RTÉ Radio Ireland’s Cóisir Cheoil

"It’s all inventive and ultra modern in its arrangement and reveals three musicians at the top of their creative game. This should also make for a very engaging live act so if they are near your neck of the woods, do check them out. A group that most definitely have something new to say."

TradConnect

“A fresh and vibrant take on traditional Celtic music, a strong collection of original tunes and some inspired interplay between the three musicians, NUA are likely to continue cementing their reputation on the folk scene and no doubt pick up a few more awards with this, their second album”

The Bright Young Folk

“An energetic fiddle, a driving guitar and a bodhran – this is all that is to NUA and to this album – and you would not want anything more. “BOLD” features mainly compositions of James and Graeme, primarily in a Scottish-Canadian trad style, presented with style and skill. Hats off to James Law (fiddle), Graeme McGillivray (guitar) and Jacob McCauley for this impressive debut album. The trio managed to master the art of pressing a live feel onto a CD. This music is pure energy – you cannot stop tapping your feet along. A real favourite!

Folkworld