On 25 March, Leeds-based folk singer songwriter Iona Lane releases her debut album Hallival which takes its name from a mountain on Scotland’s Isle of Rum. Despite the steep ascent, the Rum Cuillin is popular with walkers, offering one of the finest ridge walks in Scotland, as well as affording great views of the neighbouring islands of Eigg and Muck. Interestingly, the ground around the area is dotted by the small burrows made by nesting Manx Shearwaters, a third of the world’s population of these seabirds nest on the Rum and Norse settlers apparently use to think that the strange sound they made was underground trolls. It’s a story that may already be familiar to Iona who is fascinated by folklore and legends from across the UK. Hallival features all original material and has a strong Scottish emphasis, inspired by natural landscapes, scientific discoveries, equality, human relationships and the supernatural, all bound by a strong sense of place and a love of wild settings – creating something truly special. An album informed by the folk tradition but heading out on its own contemporary journey of exploration.
This is all reflected in her lead single ‘Humankind’. Featuring Jenny Sturgeon on backing vocals, it was written from the depths of the Lake District in Wasdale just before the first lockdown. Being the closing track on the album, it reflects on how important humans are to each other and the kindness that we can bring particularly whilst feeling isolated, a feeling that we all know too well after the past couple of years.
The track opens to a beautiful guitar melody that sets a pattern matched by the soft and characteristic presence Iona brings with her calming vocals. Her lyrics are poetic in their structure and delivery as she paints an image of peace and solitude, overlaid with caring words of optimism and hope:
When we fall, and we all fall Someone will be there to hear us May you find, then rewind Some of your time, for humankind
The accompanying video, shot by Jonathan Doyle and edited by Iona offers a beautiful backdrop to the song and is quite moving in its own special way. Alongside Iona and Jenny, are Sol Edwards on backing vocals who co-wrote the song with Iona, Mia Scott on violin and Jay Taylor on piano and double bass.
I can already see that this is going to be one of my album highlights of 2022 and I look forward to sharing more from Iona.
Pre-order / pre-save ‘Hallival’ now: https://ffm.to/hallival-ionalane
A recent graduate of Leeds Conservatoire, Iona’s imaginative, well-crafted songs belie her 23 years. Having studied with the likes ofNancy Kerr, Jim Moray and Stuart McCallum, the rising star has been praised for her delicate yet powerful vocals and savvy songwriting skills, which have captivated audiences up and down the country.
Born in Lancaster, Iona has lived most of her life in Yorkshire, growing up near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. She recalls: “Spending my childhood in the Dales was wonderful but pretty much all our family holidays were north of the border when I was a child so I’ve grown to love the Scottish as well as the English landscape. Although, when I was very young, I remember hating the hills and the walks my parents would take me on. Fast forward fifteen years and now I love it!”
Produced by Andy Bell, Hallival was recorded in the Scottish Highlands at Watercolour Music in April 2020 –overlooking Loch Linnhe and Ben Nevis.
Says Iona: “Being surrounded by the environment that inspired a lot of the music was just magical.”
While Iona plays guitar and shruti box, she is joined by guest musicians Mia Scott on violin, Louis Berthoud on drums and shells, Sol Edwards on synth and Jay Taylor on double bass, guitar, piano and field organ.
Iona was chosen by Karine Polwart to receive the 2020 Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary. Since receiving the bursary luthier Rory Dowling, of Taran Guitars, has designed and built a bespoke instrument for Iona’s increasingly impressive music.
Funded by Help Musicians UK, Launchpad and Leeds Conservatoire and distributed by Proper Music, Hallival will be showcased on a UK tour with an album launch at Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds on April 8, 2022.
TOUR DATES
4th February – The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham
25th February – The Grove Folk Club, Leeds
10th March – The Black Swan Folk Club, York*
13th March – The Live Room, Saltaire
26th March – The Met, Bury*
8th April – Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds (album launch)
9th April – The Hall Coffee Shop, Lancaster
16th April – Bunkhouse, Isle of Rum
24th April – The Hug & Pint, Glasgow
12th May – Topic Folk Club, Bradford
17th June – Beverley Fringe Festival
25th June – Green Note, London^
*supporting Lucy Farrell ^ supporting Martin Carthy
Photo by Jonathan Doyle