Sólskin is a stunning new artist that I’ve recently discovered, through her song, Lake. It’s a gorgeously folky piece of music, sounding absolutely beautiful throughout. If you’ve not checked her music out yet, I implore you to listen to the track after reading through this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Lake. What can you tell us about the track?
Lake was written during an emotionally challenging time and sees me singing of ways to encourage coming down from the burdens of the mind and returning to the present moment and your full bodied self.
During this time I was gifted a poem by poet Julian Chant – the seed of inspiration was sewn and Lake was born. Literally, the arrival of my nephew Lake and the sweet anticipation of his birth was also a golden thread of inspiration to this song.
How has the reception to Lake been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The reception to Lake has been really touching, it’s had some amazing reviews, radio airplay and moving emotional responses from listeners.
Lake can be streamed on all platforms and purchased on Bandcamp.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I have a line-up of singles to be released in the pipeline – all going well, the next release will be in June.
Your music has a folky sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always been captivated by the lyrics in a song. Artists who have something meaningful to say like Robert Nesta Marley, story tellers and poets like Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega and Nick Drake, and also artists that have a musical edge like fellow Bristolians Massive Attack and Portishead have all played an influential role in my sound.
When I’m in the process of recording or songwriting (which I currently am), I become fully immersed in my own music and listening to other artists takes a back seat.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
I absolutely love the writing and recording process. It’s like therapy, creating a piece of art out of a strong emotion and experience. The evolution of a lyric or melody becoming a full song then taking it into the studio and hearing it grow into itself is a wonderful journey to be part of. Collaborating with legendary music producer Mark Saunders is an absolute dream, we have lots more releases in the pipeline.
You live in the UK. Where are you based? How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
I’m based in Gloucestershire near Stroud. The music scene here is amazing, there’s an abundance of excellent venues and incredible artists. It’s a creatively thriving place to be!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I’ll be planning some tour dates when we have the EP finished, until then I’m fully immersed in the recording process with some local gigs here and there.
Any last words for the fans?
Stay tuned, as there are lots of goodies coming your way…