Rachel Newton is set to release her 5th solo album later this year in November, the songs are to ‘follow a woman’s experience through old poems and texts in English and Gaelic’ alongside her own writing.’
The album will feature Lauren MacColl on strings, Mikey Owers on trombones, Sarah Hayes on backing vocals and Mattie Foulds (also co-producer/engineer) on drums alongside Rachel on vocals, harp and keys.
Although we don’t know the title as yet, the artwork (main image) is out there and we absolutely love it. It was taken by Somhairle MacDonald. It has a great Lomographic look (something our Editor is a big fan of) and Somhairle’s recent Facebook comments suggest Rachel is having just as much fun experimenting when he gave an amusing insight into the photo: “This photo was taken on a soviet lens from 1981, with a piece of elliptical plastic fucked inside it. It’s some kinda magic. Useless for taking ‘actual’ photos excellent for making art. Rachel’s been recording her vocals in a wardrobe. This album will be boss!!! So much good adventurous art-music being made right now. Chuffed.”
Rachel released her debut album, The Shadow Side in 2012 which was nominated for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2012. Two years later Changeling provided a fascinating exploration of folklore, and in 2016 Here’s My Heart Come Take It earned her the title of Instrumentalist of the Year 2016 at the Scots Trad Music Awards, Musician of the Year in the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and a place on the short-list for the 2017 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award.
2018 saw the release of West (reviewed here), which charted her onward progression and inventiveness, as she headed to the comparative solitude of Wester Ross, with our reviewer, Neil McFadyen noting: “she seems to have been able to draw on her exceptional skills as a solo performer to present her unique mix of Gaelic and English, traditional and contemporary, in a new way.” He adds “This album never sounds sparse or minimalist (even when it’s almost silent), it’s almost as if the setting has helped Rachel Newton pour more of herself into this album than ever before. West is a significant accomplishment; a rich, deeply moving, and immensely enjoyable album.”
Of the new album, Rachel tells fans that “It is already developing into a big, bold sound that I’m really excited to share with you” so we’re naturally very excited to hear it.
Of course, she has had the current lockdown logistics to contend with which has proven something of a challenge: “co-producer/engineer Mattie Foulds and I have been working hard these past few weeks to find ways of making sure the project is still possible to achieve in this new self-isolating situation we all find ourselves in. ”
The good news is that she has reached her initial financial target via Kickstarter which means she can finish the album and pay everyone involved. But you can still be a part of this release and receive some great rewards as well as pre-order the album (and receive it way ahead of release) via Kickstarter here.
Rachel “In a time where everyone’s income is so uncertain this is especially appreciated. There are still a few days to get involved if you’d like to and every penny will go towards album costs. As well as receiving my new album well ahead of its release, you can also commission new music or a cover song of your choice from me among other rewards.”
Although she states it will be very “work in progress style”, Rachel will be sharing some of her new songs and talking about her process in an online sharing concert on Thursday 21 May at 7 pm via Facebook page and Youtube channel. Rachel will be in the comments answering any questions and saying hello.
If you want a reminder, you can subscribe to her Youtube channel and hit the bell for an alert.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rachelnewton5/rachel-newton-new-solo-album
http://www.rachelnewtonmusic.com/
Album Artwork by Somhairle MacDonald