Swilkie by Iona Lane
Swilkie, the new album from Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane, weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. Written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney, sense of place and landscape are at the core of these songs. From basking sharks to lighthouses, lichen to vanishing islands, curlews to tree planting; the album was recorded in a boathouse on the West Coast of Scotland and the eager listener may even hear the lapping sound of the tide murmuring through the album. Iona’s connection to places by the sea is translated through these songs with evolving vocal melodies, subtle guitar and droning shruti box.
Tracklist
Credits
Disc 1 credits:
Iona Lane - acoustic guitar, vocals, shruti box
Ben Nicholls - double bass, portable reed organ
Signy Jakobsdottir - drums, percussion
Louis Campbell - electric guitar, classical guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo
Jen Austin - piano
Alex Lyon - bass clarinet, clarinet
Malin Lewis - fiddle, bagpipes
Andy Bell - synth
Jenny Sturgeon - backing vocals
Josie Duncan - backing vocals
Michael McGovern - backing vocals
Terra Burgoyne - backing vocals on Boat Song
Lachie Robinson - concertina, backing vocals on Boat Song
Disc 2 credits:
Iona Lane - acoustic guitar, vocals
Malin Lewis - fiddle (tracks 1, 2, 9 & 10)
Terra Burgoyne - clarsach, backing vocals (track 2)
Lachie Robinson - concertina, backing vocals (track 2)
Hannah Fisher - backing vocals (track 5)
Bess Shooter - tenor saxophone (track 6)
Jen Austin - piano (tracks 1 & 9)
Eigg Primary School - choir (track 10)
Disc 1 recorded at Roshven Boathouse by Andy Bell
Disc 1 produced by Andy Bell
Disc 1 mastered by Sam Proctor
Disc 2 recorded at various locations by Iona Lane
Disc 2 produced by Iona Lane
Disc 2 mastered by Andy Bell
Mixed by Andy Bell at Hudson Studios in Sheffield
Lino print designs / title artwork by Morvern Graham
Front cover film photo by Malin Lewis on the Isle of Canna
All other film photos by Iona Lane
Graphic design by Elly Lucas
Thank you to all the musicians and creatives who have contributed to this album.
Special thank you to the folk on Eigg, Mull and Sanday who showed me kindness and generosity during the writing of the album and to Marie for keeping us fed during the recording of the album. Thank you to my friends and family, especially to Terra and Katie for your unwavering support and friendship.
Thank you to the Ross of Mull Historical Centre and to Tobar An Dualchais / Kist o Riches for the continual conservation of their archives. Without these, ‘Washed Up’ and ‘Feed The Sea’ would not have been written.
With thanks to Creative Scotland for making this album possible. Thanks to my kickstarter backers Neil, Simon, Richard, Geoff & Beth, Duncan, Marie & Ian, Chris, Edward & Amanda.
All songs are written by Iona Lane and Malin Lewis apart from: ‘Solstice’ and ‘Loch Scridain’ which are written by Iona Lane; ‘Staffa’ which is written by Iona Lane and Sol Edwards; ‘Curlew’ which is written by Iona Lane, Malin Lewis and Lucie Hendry; and ‘Lassie Lie Near Me’ which is Traditional.
License
All rights reserved.
Swilkie, the new album from Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane, weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. Written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney, sense of place and landscape are at the core of these songs.