We have a growing relationship with Totnes-based singer songwriter which started back in May when Jane included her track Whale Eyes in her Monthly Favourites round up. Two more single shares and an interview later, she’s now back with the release of her debut, self-produced EP. It’s called We Belong.
By Graeme Smith
We Belong is about reflecting the human experience in a positive way, focussing on togetherness, kinship and self-care. It’s certainly a message we need an ever-divisive world where we’re all feeling the strain.
The EP opens with the aforementioned Whale Eyes. Here it acts as an introduction to the We Belong story, giving us lingering acoustic guitar, minimal percussion and contemplative strings. Billie’s vocals are instantly gripping, sharing image-laden lyrics that are full of life. It’s a beautiful start.
Young Child is an altogether more intimate number, rich with folk sensibilities and hypnotic acoustic guitar. Title track We Belong sits at the heart of the EP providing a natural, ethereal highlight. Billie’s vocals are at their most soulful during a spiritual verse that unfolds into a lush and warming chorus that celebrates feminine energy.
Darkest Winter is suitably moody and gives us an immersive story told through thoughtful vocals and traditional instrumentals. Moon closes the EP with a cosmic cry of a track. In it, Billie really opens herself up and we as listener get the privilege of connecting with her on a personal level. It’s another highlight.
A Kaya Project remix of Whale Eyes is included as a bonus, giving a lo-fi electronic twist on the EP opener.
Billie Maree is a very special artist who is giving us a narrative in her music that is hard to come by. Her sense of spirituality and fire is infectious and the folk-infused music on display on We Belong is easy to get lost in.
We Belong was self-produced by Billie with support from a bursary-funded residency at Sirens Studio in Falmouth, Cornwall, which works exclusively with women and non-binary people. You can give it a listen below.
