In July, we shared the news of Emma Gatrill‘s new album ‘Come Swim‘ (24th November 2023 via Willkommen Records), and shared the video for her shimmering and transportive lead single ‘Adonis Blue‘; a collaboration with Villagers’ Conor O’Brien. With her new single ‘Seed’, the Brighton-based harpist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist keeps those positive vibes coming.
A manifesto for kindness, ‘Seed’ speaks to the challenging times we find ourselves in, suggesting ways we can all make a difference by sticking to our principles and striving to be the best possible versions of ourselves – “Help a stranger out like a friend in need…Don’t be frightened to stand up for what you believe”.
The track features contributions Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), Rozi Plain, Rachael Dadd and more.
According to Emma – it features some pretty wild ocarina playing by Kate Stables, and the critics are calling it “the most culturally significant ocarina solo since Wild Thing by The Troggs”. Incredible strings by incredible Andrew Stuart-Buttle, drums straight from Dan Harding’s deep deep pocket and lots of instruments, production and mix by Marcus Hamblett.
Emma Gatrill on ‘Seed’:
“‘Seed’ attempts to represent how tough life can be. We may sow a thousand seeds but only one may survive and grow, but that one can be everything. That one idea can blossom if we nurture it. That one kind gesture from a stranger can change how the whole day goes. Stay strong, stand up for what you believe and don’t feel afraid to ask if you need help. That’s how we all learn. It was an honour to have Kate, Rozi and Rachael all add vocals to this tune. I’ve enjoyed playing music with all three of them so much over the years and learnt a lot musically from them. I really wanted this song to have a feeling of camaraderie and a sense of togetherness. Kate’s wild recorder and ocarina also sonically embody one aspect of the song’s meaning for me – the continual cacophony of life perhaps! To find answers we have to ask questions. To find kindness we have to be kind. To grow we have to learn. Seed is about trying to be the best possible version of us in a world which is tough.”
Kate Stables (This Is The Kit) on ‘Seed’:
“Emma Gatrill is one of the most talented people I know. We’ve played together a lot in various projects and so I was very happy and honoured to be asked to contribute to this track. I especially loved having the freedom to add whatever I felt like and anyone who knows me beyond my own band knows I love adding ocarinas and recorders – which is what I did and which Emma generously left in! This track is filled with so many people that I love. Plus, I just can’t get enough of “out of the dark into the light, into the light of the morning”. A message we all need to remind ourselves of on a daily basis. Good one, Gatrill!”
Rachael Dadd on ‘Seed’:
“This song is like a glorious seed sprouting towards golden sunlight. I’m so happy to hear Emma bringing her third album into the world in all its harmonious joy and honoured to sing here, and massively grateful to Emma for all she’s brought to my music over the last 12 years”
Watch the accompanying video that was directed by Marcus Hamblett and edited by Nick McKinlay.
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