The atmospheric video for ‘Hare Spell’ is the perfect accompaniment to this striking song. It’s taken from her new album, ‘Wrackline’, which is out on 11th September. This song follows Isobel Gowdie’s witch trial confessions from 1662 when she shared a spell to transform into a hare. It’s a compelling subject, matched by a mesmerising melody and rhythm.
Hield says of the new album: “‘Wrackline’ is split into 6 themes, including my interpretations of songs from within the tradition and contemporary responses. It’s my first foray into songwriting but it is firmly within the realms of folk music – drawing heavily on traditions but looking at how they are still relevant for us today. Perhaps in these strange times it’s particularly important to understand how stories can help us make sense of the world around us, both the world we can see and also those darker, less tangible things. In the run-up to the release, I will be sharing blog posts and podcasts which I hope will help you find a way into thinking about the mythical unknown. Maybe hearing how they’ve become important to me, can help you in this time of insecurity, to find some sense and beauty.”
Hield was a leading member of folk supergroup, The Full English, which featured the likes of Seth Lakeman and Martin Simpson. As well as being highly regarded on the folk circuit, Hield is a lecturer in music at Sheffield University with a specialism in the role folk music plays in the construction of communities. Accomplished and talented. Hield shows how it’s done here.
