Karen Matheson‘s last studio album Urram was released in 2015 and was hailed by Neil McFadyen, in his Folk Radio UK review, as the ‘next step in a fascinating journey’ on which Karen united the voices of the Hebrides with traditional and classical musicians from Scotland, Senegal, and India.
Five years on, we get the first taste of those new steps as the opening acoustic cinematic sway of her lead single ‘Cassiopeia Coming Through’ heralds the arrival of much anticipated new music this winter from revered Scottish folk songstress. Watch the accompanying video below.
Her new album, ‘Still Time‘ (released February 2021 on Vertical Records) is a collection of contemporary and traditional-sounding songs featuring an intoxicating palette of sonic textures wrapped around that instantly recognisable voice. Featuring piano and production by Donald Shaw, this new album is a creative discovery from this summer’s unexpected lockdown.
“10 years ago I was working on a bunch of different tracks, unsure of what direction to go in when I found myself facing a number of personal challenges including the loss of both my parents. It felt right to concentrate on the Gaelic songs of my childhood, in tribute to what had given true shape to my life, resulting in the purely Gaelic release of ‘Urram’ from 2015. We were then left with a body of work, waiting in the wings to be resurrected at a later date with my sore heart eased and my faith in humanity restored. Fast-forward a decade and while the world paused, bird song soared and banana bread baked “Still Time” was re-born. With the help of some familiar, brilliant musicians who could accommodate the ‘home-recording’ situation we worked through lockdown. Somehow having time to reflect and consider music in a different way helped me finally finish the record and I am super proud of it!”
Karen Matheson
Pre-Order/Save for ‘Still Time’ released February 2021 on Vertical Records – https://verticalrecords.ffm.to/stilltime.owe