It’s difficult to be bold in the face of those who wish we would silently slip away, but that’s exactly what Zora McDonald and her band Dryadic have done with their new album, Permission To Speak.
By Graeme Smith
“It’s called Permission To Speak because I’m at a time in my life where I’m finally learning to love and champion myself, and to say exactly what I think when I need to say it,” says McDonald. “It’s a lifetime’s work. Giving myself permission to speak through my songs is what ties the album together.”
McDonald is a queer woman in her forties, not exactly what mainstream radio stations and record labels are looking for. She meets these challenges by accepting them, and showing tenacity to keep going anyway, and it’s the reason I find myself returning to Dryadic’s music as much as I do.
“I’m considered old to be doing this, and I don’t fit into a heteronormative image that appeases those with influence. I can tell by who will book us and for what slots,” she says.
This is my second interview with Zora. We caught up previously last summer after the release of Dryadic’s single Mansplain. The track features on Permission To Speak, nicely balancing the personal and political of the album. It stands out because of the lived experience of its lyrics.
It shares an openness with some of the album’s other most captivating moments such as the loving and lively Smiling in the Dark, and the warm, wistful Rainbow Family.
“Listeners get to come on a bit of a journey through Zora’s head,” says McDonald. “I’d love people to feel connected and to relate to the lyrics. That’s what I get from the music I love. I hope people feel seen, less alone, and joyful…
“Songs like Mansplain make people laugh, but they hold a deeper message that many women instantly recognise. A man told me over the summer that the song made him question his own assumptions and communication style. That’s brilliant. That’s allyship.”
As folk musicians, Dryadic pour plenty of the political into their music too, and Permission To Speak explores topics such as privatisation, urban decay, and civil resistance. “I hope some of the political songs unite or provoke thought,” says McDonald.
It’s all backed by attention to detail and musical craft. In our interview, McDonald relished going into detail about how the songs came together. “I really wanted to bring the piano into this album,” she says. “The keys have enhanced my songwriting and musical experience so much. I love playing it live. It’s a bit of a b*stard to travel with, but it’s worth it.”
As well as broadening their songwriting, Dryadic have developed a ruthless streak when it comes to composition. “We recorded lots of layers for Susie’s Challenge and it was time-consuming, but after a lot of listening I edited nearly all of them out,” McDonald says.
“That’s often how I work. Put lots in, then edit, edit, edit. I learned years ago not to be precious. Keep the very best bits and you can end up with a gem. If I’m unsure about something in the mix, I ask: what is this contributing? Does it enhance the song? If not, I chuck it.”
It’s helped to create a cohesive collection that truly showcases who Dryadic are. “I feel like we’ve honed a Dryadic sound that cuts across all the styles in our repertoire,” says McDonald, and I must agree. Permission To Speak is unabashed. It’s unafraid to take on difficult topics and to speak its mind, all while faithfully adding to the British folk-rock scene.
So, what’s next for the band?
“We have a lovely tour starting at the end of February to accompany the release, and we’re extending the live line-up to include drums,” says McDonald. “It’s going to lift the sound and really do justice to the recordings. I’m excited about that. It’ll also give my leg a rest from the stomp box.”
Those shows include a stop nearby in Sheffield for an acoustic set for Pear O’Legs Records. Then, it’ll be a summer of festivals including Purbeck Folk Festival and Rockaway Park. “We’d also love to play in York sometime if anyone fancies a gig swap or putting us on,” McDonald adds. “I’ve heard it’s beautiful, and our bassist George is from round there.”
You can keep up to date with Dryadic via their website and by following them on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram.
Permission To Speak is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator
