Eve Simpson Presents: In The Round with Dara Dubh, Lewis McLaughlin, and Mike McKenzie

Information

Eve Simpson Presents: In The Round, with Dara Dubh, Lewis McLaughlin, and Mike McKenzie.

Experience the intimate storytelling of a Nashville-style songwriters’ round, as Eve Simpson brings it to Scotland straight from Newcastle Fringe Festival 2025. The round will feature long-term collaborators, friends and songwriting inspirations, including Leith’s-own Lewis McLaughlin, Mike McKenzie, and Dara Dubh (da-ra doo). All four songwriters will offer the stories behind their songs before playing an intimate, acoustic version of their song, encouraging the other writers’ to improvise along.

Eve Simpson

Sandancer born Eve Simpson has undergone a transformational period of artist development in 2025. Signing an Exclusive Publishing Deal with Extra Mile Music, she travelled the world, developing her craft through writing with songwriting legends: Don Black, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Shelly Peiken, Pam Sheyne, and Ben de Vries. Whilst recording her new music, set for debut in 2026, Eve is continuing to host writers’ rounds, influenced by her time in Nashville, with the aim of platforming the co-writing culture throughout the UK. She regularly writes for other artists, TV, and film projects, and as an artist has toured extensively throughout the UK, notably backed by The Ivors Academy and Help Musicians, performing at major events such as: London Fashion Week, Celtic Connections, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Dara Dubh (da-ra doo)

Dara Dubh is an Irish indie–folk–rock artist whose songs sit somewhere between heartfelt confession and a good kick up the road. A singer-songwriter and harpist with a habit of blending the delicate with the downright fierce, she brings a sharp emotional edge to a sound shaped by folk roots, alternative influences, and whatever else has been rattling around her head that week. With the harp as her trusted companion, Dubh challenges the idea of an instrument often associated with traditional music. A SAMA Best Newcomer nominee, JBL & Martin Garrix Music Academy top 10 UK artists and one of The List’s Hot 100 (No. 57), Dara has taken her live show across the UK and Italy, collecting a run of sold-out nights in Scotland, Ireland, and Italy along the way. Her 2024 EP opened the door to a wider audience, followed by a collaborative EP in 2025 that pushed her sound into new territory. She’s currently working away, quietly but determinedly, on her debut album, set for 2026.

Lewis McLaughlin

Lewis McLaughlin began writing songs in secret at the age of 14, honing his craft through intimate pub gigs and local performances in Edinburgh before making the leap to Glasgow. There, he collaborated with Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit fame on his debut album, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. Since his debut, McLaughlin has toured extensively throughout the UK, gracing the stages of festivals, winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, Latitude, Belladrum, and Moseley Folk Festival, while also supporting acts like Rachel Sermanni and Flyte. His work has been championed by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Radio Scotland, with appearances on BBC 2’s Glastonbury coverage and BBC Scotland’sThe Quay Sessions. With his second album, "A Hope In Fear," McLaughlin delves deeper into themes of self-discovery and resilience. The album serves as a testament to his personal journey of overcoming fear and embracing new beginnings.

Mike McKenzie

Mike McKenzie is a BBC award winning, Singer/Songwriter based in Edinburgh, Scotland. After nearly a decade behind the scenes as a freelance producer and songwriter he began his career as a solo artist in 2017. Since then, he has released multiple singles, EP’s and, most recently, his debut solo album "I'd Wait Again". His music has been described by The List as “A melting pot of Scottish folk, jangle pop and Americana”, “Gorgeous” by Jo Whiley and “An outstanding talent” by Grant Stott, and has received airplay from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland and over 120 regional stations throughout the UK.
Outside of his solo work, Mike is a prolific writer and collaborator, having previously worked on projects with PJ Moore (The Blue Nile), Black Lilys and Haquin as well as regularly writing with artists and songwriters from around the world.

Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KD_nizx4Xo

Venue Info
Pianodrome Bruntsfield is at The St.Oswald's Center at 41 Montpelier Place in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4NB, just parallel to the main street and next to the primary school. It has an accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. Please get in touch if there is anything else you'd like to ask or tell us prior to your visit.