Rising Leith hip-hop star chosen by drinks brand as part of Christmas lockdown gig line-up

A Leith-based musician has been chosen by drinks brand Dragon Soop as part of their Christmas gig offering during lockdown.

Conscious Route, aka Rolain Bradbeer, who studied counselling and psychotherapy at Edinburgh College Sighthill, recently released his hip-hop album Lost Routes with DJ/producer True Note.He was chosen as one of 12 talents by Soopmas 2020, which will see acts from around the UK performing lockdown gigs until Christmas Eve.Also on the line-up are Falkirk-based Primes, and Glasgow acts The Ronains and The Rhubarb.For Rolain, the chance to be on the bill has given him some hope in a year which has seen him and others suffer during lockdown.He said: “It’s exciting when you see brands like Dragon Soop around in shops who also support the arts industry. There is such a gap just now for artists trying to earn money and carry on creativity.

“For me, it means I can reach an audience I might not get to during this time. I’ve been working mainly online over lockdown, but something like this gives you an extra boost.”Rolain who bases himself at Sketchy Beatz community cafe in Leith, recorded his live set for Dragon Soop in the Capital’s Banana Row Studios on Friday, December 18.He said: “The quality of the Scottish music scene is very strong and it’s great to have a scene that also has a lot of cultural integration.

“I’m an entertainer for the community who also cares about well being and mental health.”

Edinburgh-based Conscious Route, aka Rolain Bradbeer.

Fans can find out more and watch The Soopmas gigs at www.dragonsoop.com/blog/soopmas-2020-schedule

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.