Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lucy Farrell is well known on the folk scene with a long list of credits that include Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Gluepot, Modern Fairies and Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young. An impressive resume, but on April 21st 2023, Lucy will release ‘We Are Only Sound’ her debut solo album via Hudson Records, recorded in the glorious medieval surrounds of Much Wenlock Abbey, home to Nick Drake’s sister Gabrielle who gifted the recording space – as well as the use of her brother’s instruments – through a mutual friend. Lucy is embarking on a wide-reaching UK tour commencing March 6th at Green Note, London, to support the upcoming record. We’ve more about Lucy, the album and a full list of tour dates, so please read on.
‘We are only Sound’ is the long-awaited debut album from singer, composer, viola, fiddle and tenor guitar-player Lucy Farrell. Lucy has been a prominent figure on the UK folk scene for many years with her skills much in demand by a plethora of esteemed folk artists, which has meant her solo career has taken a back seat. Until now.
Paperthin is the first single from the album released on 9 February and is one of twelve self-penned songs that make up the collection that combine Lucy’s respect for traditional, as well as contemporary, songwriters.
‘We Are Only Sound’ was recorded in the glorious medieval surrounds of Much Wenlock Abbey, home to Nick Drake’s sister Gabrielle who gifted the recording space – as well as the use of her brother’s instruments – through a mutual friend. Specifically, Nick Drake’s piano and guitar were tuned and used in the recording bestowing a unique quality to the album. Songs were recorded together, in one room, in one take.
Lucy’s crystalline vocals are highlighted by sparse accompaniment: the exquisite melodies interwoven with intricate – yet delicate – guitar playing and subtle electronic touches. Songs are introspective and dreamy, written over a span of eight years during which Lucy experienced motherhood, breakups and all that comes with such heart and life changing events. “I think these themes and ideas are universal,” she says. “They would resonate for other people too.” Lucy continues, “I find it hard to articulate my thoughts in sentences – it’s much easier to muse through them in songs. It’s how I work through my feelings. There’s a lot of wonderings in them, but no answers”.
Immersed in folk culture and traditions from birth (her father is a Molly dancer) Lucy has collaborated and played with many illustrious artists over the years including Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Gluepot, Modern Fairies and Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young. There have been duo projects with Andrew Waite and Jonny Kearney and in 2017 she won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Group with The Furrow Collective.
With such a distinguished list of past projects ‘We are only Sound’ now shifts the focus firmly on to her. Through sophisticated song writing, elegant vocals and considered accompaniment Farrell is carving out a unique niche for an artist at the forefront of contemporary English folk music.
Lucy is joined by Kris Drever (Lau) on guitar and vocals, Ben Nichols (Nadine Shah) on double bass, Tom Lenthall on piano, Neil McSweeney on bass and M G Boulter on slide guitar.
We Are Only Sound is released on Hudson Records and is available on CD, vinyl and digital on 21 April 2023
Live dates 2023:
6 March Green Note, London
7 March Medina Bookshop, Cowes Isle of Wight
8 March Bowerhouse, Maidstone
9 March Chidham Village Hall, nr. Chichester
10 March Sound Lounge, Sutton
11 March Temperance, Leamington Spa
12 March House Concert, Edinburgh
14 March Folklore Rooms, Brighton
15 March Cornish Bank, Falmouth
17 March St Nicholas Church, Baulking
18 March Pocklington Arts Centre, nr. York
19 March Bishop’s House, Sheffield
22.March Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
23 March The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
24 March Christ Church, Great Ayton North Yorkshire
25 March West End Centre, Aldershot
26 March Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
31 March The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
