There’s often a shared path when it comes to greatness. So when you hear that the legendary Scottish rockers Simple Minds, crafted the soundtrack for The Spirit of 1926– a short film from master distillery The Macallan, it just makes sense.
“Solstice Kiss”, a powerful love song composed by Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, and Ged Grimes- plays a starring role in the eight-minute Mike Newell-directed film, unveiled by The Macallan last year to celebrate Janet “Nettie” Harbinson.
Nettie (played by the acclaimed actress Emily Mortimer), assumed control of the distillery after the sudden passing of her husband Alexander in 1918. Out of tragic circumstances—and with a burning passion to support the local community—she would go on to craft the most valuable single bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction; The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which was famously sold at Sotheby’s in 2019 for £1.5m.
While the film celebrates Janet’s profound legacy and unsung heroism, the lilting Celtic pipes and Sarah Brown’s infernal vocals from Simple Minds’ track, offers the perfect backdrop—the gentle shifting tones place you firmly at the heart of a story that isn’t simply about fine whisky, but also love, loss and commitment.
The band’s Scottish deep provenance and heritage along with the respect they share for the local landscape were crucial to how the music resonates. With 46 years in the industry, they also know a thing or two about writing a track to evoke emotion.
“We approached Simple Minds because the story behind The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926 is unique to Scotland, so it was important to us to work with a Scottish band for the soundtrack”, says Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan and a producer of The Spirit of 1926.
“Solstice Kiss, has a beautiful dramatic quality that we felt conveyed Janet’s love for her husband and also her determination to continue what they had built together at The Macallan.”
Lead singer Jim Kerr seconds this sentiment of Scottish serendipity, stating “Occasionally, a song emerges where you try to evoke both the spirit of the times and the surrounding landscape that brought it into being. Solstice Kiss is one of those songs.”
The film itself has some extraordinary talent associated with it. From the aforementioned Emily Mortimer, acclaimed Hollywood director Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire), to award-winning screenwriter Allan Scott (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Castaway, The Queen’s Gambit).
Scott was also actually Managing Director at The Macallan for 18 years—his real name is Allan Schiach—and Nettie was his great aunt.
Meanwhile, Scottish designer Christopher Kane was behind Nettie’s costume. It’s an ensemble of talent unrivaled in a brand message, all tied together by the evocative soundtrack composed by Simple Minds.
“Solstice Kiss” from Simple Minds has now been released globally as a single by BMG, and taken from their 18th studio album, Direction of The Heart. It is the first single to be released in its own right by an artist, following a collaboration with The Macallan. The Macallan is just as meticulous with their sound as their bottles, previously partnering with Nicola Benedetti and Mogwai to write and perform dedicated compositions.
The Macallan also collaborated with Simple Minds in the making of the official video for “Solstice Kiss”. Also released today, the video includes clips of Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill visiting The Macallan Estate in Speyside as they explored Nettie’s inspirational, real-life story.
You can watch the music video here along with the full version of The Macallan’s ‘The spirit of 1926’ here.