All My Swim is the forthcoming debut LP from Faeland, aka Bristol-based folk duo Jacob Morrison and Rebecca Nelson, a beautiful selection of original, modern folk compositions influenced by music from both sides of the Atlantic. It gives the duo’s personal spin on classic themes of humanity, such as love, healing, and magic.
As a taster for the album, the band are launching the first single from the album We’re Just A Love Song/All My Swim on 11th November 2017. We’re Just A Love Song is a plaintive hymn to a doomed relationship with beautiful vocals and rich violin hooks. The single is accompanied by a beautiful video directed by filmmaker Adam Hale.
Despite tackling difficult themes and life experiences, there is a strong vein of optimism running through the music of Faeland; as Rebecca says they are “fully committed to making music that changes lives for the better and adds something good to human existence”. Key musical influences include classic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake and Paul Simon, alongside more modern stars like First Aid Kit, Gillian Welch/David Rawlings, Bon Iver, R.E.M., Nick Mulvey and Hem.
With nature and humanity’s relationship to the natural world being such a big inspiration for Faeland’s music, Jacob explains their unusual name – “we are named after Failand, a countryside village near us that connects us with the land around our home and our favourite woodland. The spelling change to “Fae” hints at the magical/mystical/other”.
Jacob and Rebecca both come from families of artists, creatives and healers. Rebecca was born and brought up on the island of Guernsey, and Jacob in Hackney, London. They both trained to university standard and have between them played with a host of folk, country jazz and world artists across the south of England. They met through Bristol’s ever-thriving music scene and have played together ever since.
Faeland is Rebecca Nelson – lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and Jacob Morrison, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist (mandolin, banjo, ukulele). The duo are supported for All My Swim with performances from Martin Solomon – harp, violin, accordion, Lizzie Tucker – double bass and vocals, Rowan Sterk (of Carrie Tree) – drums and percussion, Michael Stanton (Susie Ro, Avalon Roots) – keys and santoor, Matthew Heyse Moore – Clarinet, and Sarah Moody – cello. All My Swim was co-produced and mixed by John Hendicott, who has recently worked with Jamie Woon and Nick Mulvey.
Faeland are next performing live at their We’re Just A Love Song/All My Swim single launch at The Bristol Folk House on 11th November 2017 plus a gig at the Harrison in London on 5th December 2017.
Photo Credit: Rupert Russell