New release! Two live Watersongs…

I’m very excited to say that as of Sunday 14th December, I’ve released two more songs — but only available on Bandcamp this time (for now at least). The release is called ‘Watersongs Live at the Glad Café’ for the obvious reasons that these two songs were recorded live at the ‘Bloodrush’ launch gig, and that each of them relates somehow to bodies of water…

You can find the release here: https://fergusmcneill.bandcamp.com/album/watersongs-live-at-the-glad-cafe

I’ve already blogged about both of these songs, so I won’t repeat myself too much, but Watersong is a love song from the River Kelvin. Since I’m releasing these songs as COP26 ends in Glasgow, it’s probably also worth saying that it is a challenge to me and to us: Will we return the love that rivers have shown us, especially through the lockdown? You can read more about the story of the song, and about how it came into dialogue with a climate justice project here: https://www.fergusmcneill.com/blog/a-watersong-of-the-kelvin-and-for-the-rio-atrato

The Swell and the Sway was inspired by an overheard conversation between two ferrymen, who were discussing their retirement. I wrote about it here: https://www.fergusmcneill.com/blog/happenstance-and-over-hearing. Strangely, it was only when I was rehearsing the song with James and Dan (ahead of the Glad gig) that its deeper meaning hit me. I think my subconscious was somehow helping me process worries about how my dad might come to terms with life after my mum’s death in January. If you listen carefully, you can probably hear how hard that realisation made it to sing the song live. But, imperfect though it is, I hope there’s honesty, vulnerability and love in that performance, and I’m glad to share it as a tribute to them both.

Hope you enjoy them!