Scottish singer-songwriter, Calum Baird, returns with Mi Verdad, a powerful and intimate track that blends raw emotion with a bold, sonic palette reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, Billy Bragg and Springsteen.  Written and recorded in June during his Germany tour, the song represents a sharp turn from his usual acoustic-driven sound, this time built around an electric guitar, expansive reverb, and a vocal performance that mixes confessional half-speech and engaging melody.

Mi Verdad (“My Truth”) is a reflection on the weight of words left unsaid. The track captures both fragility and strength — its lyrical honesty balanced against atmospheric layers that echo with tension and release. Lines like “I’m not over apologising / At worst, I’m philosophising” and “ Like a nod across a crowded room / I’m holding it for a while, and I’ll move on soon” carry the duality of vulnerability and resilience. 

The song builds on Calum’s reputation for politically and emotionally charged songwriting, but here the focus is purely personal: universal and profoundly human themes of regret, reflection, and connection. At little more than 3 minutes long, Mi Verdad manages to be both concise and expansive — a song that feels timeless and immediate all at once.

With its haunting reverb, deliberate space, and a vocal performance that walks the line between tenderness and urgency, Mi Verdad is one of Calum Baird’s most affecting releases to date.

Mi Verdad

A pointed and urgent anti-war protest song—direct, unapologetic, and rooted in the long tradition of folk as a vehicle for resistance. This track is driven by an acoustic guitar and intimate and impassioned vocals reminiscent of early Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Billy Bragg.

I Don't Want War (I Want Beauty Today)

A defiant contemporary folk song reflecting the uncertainty of modern life—war, rising living costs and the feeling that the ground keeps shifting beneath our feet. Built around acoustic guitar with banjo, bass and accordion, the track grows into a soaring chorus that carries a message of resilience: these dire days will pass. Rooted in the storytelling traditions of Bob Dylan,  The Pogues and Billy Bragg.

These Dire Days

Calum Baird is a Scottish folk, punk and story-telling singer-songwriter and musician featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Scotland and Amazing Radio.

Calum’s music is characterised by its honesty and authenticity, with lyrics that are often introspective and personal. His songs explore social commentary, modern life, relationships, alienation and social change. Calum’s influences include Neil Young, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and Dick Gaughan.

Calum has been featured on radio stations across the UK and internationally, and he has performed at festivals and events throughout the UK, Europe and Cuba. He has been featured in online media and the press, including in Scotland on Sunday as their Artist of the Week.

In addition to touring and writing his own music, Calum wrote and composed the musical score for the award-winning feature-film Exiles (2021) written by Glasgow poet and writer, Victoria McNulty. 

“Echoing early Billy Bragg with his dogged optimism” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

“A rising Scottish folk star“ – Jim Gellatly, Amazing Radio

“A wonderful songwriter” – Charlie Ashcroft, Amazing Radio USA

Calum Baird

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