Scottish-born and Appalachian-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Ali Tod has returned to the studio to showcase her seasoned skills once more.
Already recognized in the acoustic music world for her guitar work and loop-pedal experimentation, her upcoming self-titled album marks serious artistic evolution with songwriting at its core. This acoustic rhythm ’n soul record — which was produced by Kaki King — is set to greet listeners October 23rd, 2026, and is preceded with the release of its lead single, “Down,” which was released today, September 18th.
Tod’s performance experience is international and extensive. She founded the Edinburgh Guitar Night, a concert series highlighting world-class guitarists, and participates in festivals across North America, Europe, and Australasia.
Her 2021 EP, Lumbini ‘20, was recorded in the private studio of the Flamenco-metal duo Gabriela y Rodrigo, and Tod recently performed with Gabriela Quintero at the San Francisco Film Festival. Other appearances include those alongside Grammy-winning artists Daniel Ho and Brandi Carlile, who rightfully referred to the songwriter as “kick-ass.” Though now based in Appalachia, her connections and skill continue to place her in front of audiences across the world.
Her new single, “Down,” channels this spirit with the addition of tastefully sparse production. Some alluring, introductory picking melts quickly into Tod’s signature percussive fingerstyle.
The song discusses pride and self-control as the singer fights to maintain her image in front of those who might not deserve to see her struggle. A grooving chorus assures us that “I’m going down, but you won’t see me fall / And if I’m down, I’ll make sure you’re not there at all.” It is the instrumental break following the second chorus that really exhibits her knack for melodic stacking and tension build-up, a four-on-the-floor rhythm guiding an accelerating shaker and bass line. Tod’s delivery is explosively evocative as she riffs and growls her way to the end.
Arguably the most powerful aspect of Tod’s musicianship are her thrilling live performances. She makes a single instrument sound like a full band through technically complex and expressive compositions. Her powerhouse vocals translate the story she tells into a feeling any listener can resonate with.
Tod is currently touring with the MusiSHEan Guitar Tour through Europe. Founded in 2018, MusiSHEans seeks to uplift female musicians through their concerts, and work towards a world where talent is given its deserved attention, regardless of gender. Tod is featured as a percussive fingerstyle guitarist alongside other international guitarists and singer-songwriters. The Guitar Tour shows will continue into the fall.
