A debut album released by the National Youth Pipe Band of New Zealand, ‘Bound by Sound’ comprises a ten‑track showcase of the country’s emerging talent, writes Liam Kernaghan.
Recorded over three days in December 2025, the album blends the Scottish tradition with the modern Kiwi revival. Piping and drumming are booming again among young New Zealanders, and everyone on the album carries their own personal thread in that story.
”Bound by Sound’ is a journey—honest, raw, and uniquely Kiwi,’ says National Youth Pipe Band Director Stuart Easton.
‘While it celebrates the depth of talent we have right now, we also wanted it to feel timeless, something that still hits home in 20 or 30 years — and something future members of the National Youth Band will feel proud to stand behind.’
The album’s name reflects the powerful connection that forms when dozens of young musicians come together to create one unified sound.
‘In a pipe band, you have to be one. Same tempo, same lift, same intent. You rely on the person next to you, and they rely on you,’ Stuart says. ‘When it clicks, it’s magic. That’s the bond the title speaks to — we really are bound by the sound we create.’
Across ten tracks, listeners will find everything from traditional piobaireachd to contemporary, high‑tempo arrangements.
‘Bound by Sound’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Here’s a link to Spotify
Pipers: Angus Wilson, Anthony Song, Caleb Ung, Cameron Dean, Dylan Jones, Ethan Carmichael, Hunter McInnes, Joel Wilden, Lachlan Checketts, Lucas Paterson, Sam Foote, Seumas Eade, Thomas Kehely, William Lindsey; Drummers: Aiden Teviotdale, Annie Young, Ash van Wering, Charlotte McArthur, Daniel Liu, Finn Cruickshank, Georgia Eagle, Harry Justice, Kaitlyn Braithwaite, Lachlan Dean, Lisa Brown-Hatchard, Peter Devery, Rachel Holyoake, Matt Aldworth, Jack Spencer; Support: Vocals: Ishbel Eade; Keys: Hayden Lam/ Ishbel Eade; Guitar/Bass: Max Horn; Cello: Reilly Blennerhassett; Djembe: Scott Birrell; Bouzouki: Stuart McHale.
Wheel of Fortune Results
Bradley Parker hit double top at the 2026 Piper Major’s Wheel of Fortune competition on Saturday, 25th April, writes Paul White.
Making his competition debut, Bradley won the Medley and the MSR. Cameron May took second place in the Medley, with John Dew third. Craig Muirhead won the prize for best joke.
Other invitees were Sandy Cameron, Angus MacPhee, Sarah Muir, and Dan Nevans. The competition, hosted by the City of Edinburgh Pipe Band, was held at Danderhall Miners Club in Midlothian.
Bradley’s winning medley featured P/M George Allan, Rakes of Kildare, Donella Beaton, Tommy Tully’s Air, Finlay MacDonald’s Reel, Contradiction Reel, the Prince of Wales and the Fourth Floor. His MSR was Mrs Duncan MacFadyen, Susan MacLeod and Alick C. MacGregor.
We were delighted to attract a field of top pipers to the competition. Congratulations to Bradley, Cameron, Craig and John for their successes. Judges were Ian Duncan, Douglas Murray and the audience; compere Gary West.
Former winners include: Chris Armstrong (2007), Cameron Drummond (2023), Ben Duncan (2017), Brian Lamond (2006 and 2015), Stuart Liddell (2008, 2009, 2013), Sarah Muir (2025), Douglas Murray (2014, 2016), Craig Sutherland (2024), Gordon Walker (2011, 2012).
Classic Strathspeys & Reels – Vol. 3 (P – W)
Some of the all time great competition strathspeys and reels are listed here. Each is played in full on the practice chanter by Robert Wallace. Firstly he goes through the tune very slowly at a practice tempo and then he plays it a little more quickly, closer to performance speed. Download your tune and then try playing along. If the tune you need is not listed email pipingpress@gmail.com.
- Our photos show:
- Bradley Parker being presented with The Tam Waterson Cup by Lorraine Aitken and Denise Wilson from Unison Lothian Health Branch. (Photo: Peter Hazzard)
- Bradley Parker at the Wheel of Fortune with The Tam Waterson Cup. (Photo: Paul White)
- Bradley Parker on his way to Wheel of Fortune win. (Photo: Peter Hazzard)