Sacrificing mental well-being for a single spark of inspiration—19-year-old Irvine artist Blair Gilmour channels that tension. At a young age, he discovered that performing soothed his Tourette’s, turning potential struggle into creative power. His latest track, “Burning Up,” expands on the theme of being so attached to someone or something that you trade comfort for emotional immersion.
He credits the heat in Spain for sparking the music’s direction, but he recalls a sudden “moment of clarity” that made the track more than a summer jam. “When we were writing the song my head was definitely scrambled from situations back home… I would describe the feeling that is embedded into the song as ‘controlled frustration’.” That honest energy echoes in his voice, laced with a subtle Scottish accent he once tried to hide.
His style avoids standard chord structures, landing closer to spontaneous honesty. Growing up on catfish and the bottlemen, medium build, and mumford and sons, he took notes without compromising his own methods. He’s now looking at 2025 through a lens of new singles and live rehearsals, with no firm gigs scheduled yet. When asked about notable artists, he points to eckø and ben walker for their bold talent.
Scroll below for our full interview with Gilmour, where we dive into the meaning behind “Burning Up,” the power of “controlled frustration,” how his Tourette’s shaped his songwriting, and his next moves for 2025.
So “Burning Up” sounds like it came from a really personal place—how did the idea first hit you? Was it the heat in Spain, or was there a moment when it clicked and turned into something bigger?
It was a bit of both to be honest. The heat definitely helped conceive the idea of the song’s direction. However, there was a moment of clarity when we were writing the verses. That clarity helped us realise that the song was so much deeper than just being sweaty in Spain.
You’re singing about being hooked on something that’s bad for you—what does that feeling actually sound like in your head when you’re writing? Is it a chaotic rush, or something calmer?
When we were writing the song my head was definitely scrambled from situations back home… I would describe the feeling that is embedded into the song as “controlled frustration”.
Your style swerves away from that cookie-cutter four-chord pop thing. Was there a specific moment where you decided, “Nah, I’m doing my own thing,” or has that always been your vibe?
It has definitely always been my vibe to steer away from conventional chord structures. I’m not saying that they are bad as anyone can use them! However, personally I tend to use chords that not only compliment what I’m playing but also tell the story in harmony with the lyrics. Almost as if the chords are alive and are walking you through the structure.
How does your Scottish accent sneak into your vocals? Is that something you’ve leaned into intentionally, or just the way it flows when you’re being yourself?
My accent has always been a part of my voice. I used to cover it up un-intentionally because I was just trying to sing in tune. Though, as I’ve grown as an artist the accent has just become part of who I am.
Tourette’s and music—how has diving into songwriting and performing shaped your relationship with your tics? Does it feel like an escape, or more like a collaboration with the rhythm of who you are?
Music & songwriting in general have both definitely helped me and my Tourettes become one instead of being in a constant tug of war. It definitely feels like both an escape and a collaboration of my rhythm.
What’s the one thing about your songwriting process that would totally surprise people? Do you have a weird ritual or something that always kicks off your best ideas?
My best ideas come to me when I am fully in the zone. I really have no idea or formula to how I do it’s all natural!
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You’re 18, but your music feels way older—like it’s lived through some stuff. Where does that depth come from? Are there artists or life moments that have shaped that?
I think a lot of that depth comes from my life stories. Although, growing up and maturing to the sounds of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Medium Build & Mumford and Sons have definitely helped shape not only the way I write but the way I go about things in general and that all pours back into the songs/lyrics.
“Burning Up” is such a feel-good anthem, but there’s this heavy emotional undercurrent too. How do you balance those two vibes when you’re crafting a track?
I don’t really have an answer to this question other than when I’m in the studio, my headspace is a whole lot different to my day to day headspace. I find when I’m crafting a track that everything from the parts to the vibes comes collaboratively and naturally in the room!
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected thing you took away from that songwriting camp in Spain? Did being out of your usual environment flip a switch for you?
Being out of my normal environment definitely had a positive effect on my songwriting. Since I was out there for a week (and sometimes a half) I didn’t feel a rush or a time pressure to get anything “finished”. It made the process of being creative feel new again, a switch was definitely flipped.
Where do you see yourself heading next? Is there an album in the works, or are you sticking with singles for now? And are there any gigs coming up we shouldn’t miss?
2025 definitely will bring more singles rather than an album. I see myself heading into rehearsals with the band to start preparing for hitting the gigging scene. As for upcoming gigs, there are none on the agenda YET.
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If you had to shout out a couple of local artists from Irvine or anywhere in Scotland that people should listen to, who would it be and why?
They aren’t local to me but boy are they talented. I’d shout out Eckø an incredible band making waves in down south, they are so full of life, energy and especially talent.
Another artist that isn’t local but is miles beyond talented would be Ben Walker such a sweet and innocent soul but man, his songs hit like a truck.
Cheers for your time. All the best for 2025! Feel free to drop your last words.
Thank you all for having me, it’s been fun!! Be sure to check out my single “Burning Up” and stay tuned for 2025!
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