Lavinia Blackwall, renowned for her work with Trembling Bells, will release her solo album, “The Making,” on May 30th via The Barne Society. Described as a rich tapestry of folk, rock, and psych-power pop, the album showcases Blackwall’s vocal prowess and evocative songwriting, which, alongside its lush arrangements, won her widespread acclaim for her debut album Muggington Lane End in 2020.
The Making is a deeply personal collection of songs that have evolved over time, shaped by both hardship and joy. Written over a four-year period and recorded at The Barne Studio, the album reflects Blackwall’s journey through personal loss, artistic exploration, and renewed creative energy.
“The whole process took much longer than intended,” says Blackwall, adding, “Life seemed to happen around it. There was a lot of darkness – my partner and collaborator Marco lost his mum in 2021 and very nearly his dad shortly after. I lost my dad in October 2023. But there was a lot of light too, a lot of time spent in Italy and up at our cabin at Carbeth, all of which leaked into the songs on the album.”
A key factor in The Making’s distinctive sound is the intricate production work by Marco Rea, who has been instrumental in bringing Blackwall’s vision to life. “Marco’s production really shaped this album,” says Blackwall. “His attention to detail, combined with contributions from incredible musicians like Laura J Martin on flute and recorder, and Ross McRae and Richard Merchant on brass, has made this a truly collaborative effort.”
The pair worked on the album in their studio between other artists’ projects, chipping away at it little by little before enlisting the help of producer friend Thomas McKay, who helped spur them on. “It had almost become a bit of a refrain,” jokes Blackwall. “‘We must get back in the studio and finish the album,’ and over these last couple of months, we finally did.”
“The songs on The Making are varied in feel because they were written across such a long period,” Blackwall explains. This diversity in sound is reflected in the album’s overarching themes, which explore self-discovery, mental resilience, and the power of shaping one’s own destiny. The title track and lead single, ‘The Making’ (released tomorrow – March 18th), encapsulates this ethos, celebrating the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Watch the accompanying video below, filmed by Harrison Reid and Trevor Thompson and edited by Walker & William.
Lavinia Blackwall is also on a joint tour with Alex Rex in April, see dates below.
Alex Rex & Lavinia Blackwall Tour
April 4th – Shipley, The Triangle
April 5th – Nottingham, JT Soar (sold out)
April 6th – Hastings, The Piper
April 7th – Brighton, The Greys
April 8th – Birmingham, Kitchen Garden Cafe
April 9th – London, What’s Cookin, Keystone Social Club
April 10th – Stockport, Strines Nightingale