Calum Ingram is a Scottish cellist, singer-songwriter, and composer renowned for transforming the cello into a rock instrument. Born in Paisley, he began playing at nine, and later sharpened his craft at New York’s New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music . His style melding influences like Peter Gabriel, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Jack White, and John Martyn blends blues, rock, funk, folk, and pop into something uniquely his own .
In 2014, Ingram released his debut album, Making It Possible, earning nominations for Best Album and the Kevin Thorpe Award at the British Blues Awards . He later appeared alongside Cream bassist Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, and others in a 2016 tribute concert, and in 2017 featured on Sky Arts’ Tony Visconti’s Unsigned Heroes, performing with Stewart Copeland of The Police . A passionate performer, he’s headlined major festivals like Wicker Man and Le Blues Autour Du Zinc and toured across the UK, Europe, and the US supporting artists such as Jack Bruce, Sandi Thom, and SOJA . He’s also active in outreach, working with Glasgow’s “Musicians in Exile” to support refugee musicians.
In April 2024, Calum released The Man, his first studio album recorded live with a band. The ten tracks showcase his irrepressible “rock cello” solos (“Show Me The Way, ” “Burn It Down”) alongside heartfelt, socially aware songwriting (“Cup Of Urafain,” “The World Around Us,” “How We Move”) . Critics hail the album for transcending genre boundaries with raw emotion and vibrant musicality . Calum Ingram continues to tour and perform, bringing his fearless, cello driven sound and message of unity to audiences worldwide.
Social Impact
Calum is deeply committed to using music as a force for positive change. Through partnerships with charities and community organisations across Scotland and beyond, he regularly performs benefit concerts and fundraising events.
He has worked alongside Glasgow-based organisations supporting refugees and displaced communities, helping raise both funds and awareness through the power of live performance and storytelling.
In addition to his charity work, Calum hosts a podcast exploring the intersection of music, mental health, and community — bringing together artists and advocates to share their experiences.