EVIE WADDELL RELEASES VISUAL EP AND CD ALBUM
The Bothy Society is delighted to announce the release of Cluich! a new 3-track visual EP from Gaelic and Scots singer, Evie Waddell. Cluich! will also be available as an 11 track album (CD), combining and showcasing all 3 of her most recent EP releases – Leviathan, Faultlines and Cluich!.
The full EP and album will be released on 16th February, following on from Evie’s televised performance at the final of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition – a show that marks the end to the World renowned Celtic Connections festival.
The Visual EP showcases 3 new songs and videos ‘Cailleach Mhòr Staidhlaigh’, ‘Fios no Fois’ and ‘Chan Eil’, connecting the Deaf community with Gaelic and Scottish identity through a visually immersive experience. By incorporating sign language, movement, and dance, Evie aims to foster cultural belonging and inclusion. The visual perspective offers a distinctive, multisensory exploration of Gaelic and Scottish identity from a Deaf perspective.
Inspired by Women, Rooted in Change: 'Cluich!' is more than just an EP; it's a creative rebellion against historic narratives surrounding Gaelic women. Evie draws inspiration from medieval tales where Gaelic women poets were buried face down, challenging stereotypes and filling the gaps in their representation. The desire to change this narrative fuels the EP's three distinct tracks, contributing to a more empowered characterisation of women within the Gaelic tradition.
In a commitment to represent women vibrantly and dynamically in the Gaelic tradition, Evie expresses her determination to "take up space" through playful language and rhythms. The EP brings Gaelic music to diverse audiences, offering a unique, inclusive experience that transcends language barriers.
'Fios no Fois' born from an online songwriting course during lockdown in 2021. Collaborating intensively in March and April of 2023, 'Cailleach Mhor Staighlaidh' showcases an intimate collaboration with Icelandic drummer/instrumentalist Signy Jakobsdottir.
Recorded at GloWorm Recording Studio, Tolbooth, and CCA, 'Cluich!' is released under The Bothy Society, reinforcing Evie's commitment to challenging traditional constraints. The project's unique aspects extend beyond audio production, incorporating visuals created in various studios to create an immersive experience.
Video Details:
"Cailleach Mhor Staighlaidh": is an intimate collaboration with Icelandic drummer/instrumentalist Signy Jakobsdottir. It focusses technically on an exploration, deconstruction and reworking of puirt a beul (mouth music) by reconstructing the use of vocables combined with percussion and step dance to create a whole new form of expression which melds British Sign Language, vibration and rhythmic dialogue together to make a new traditional form which is more accessible also to deaf people.
https://youtu.be/PiU2SN9WX4Y?si=-3l0Twp5KzXraqC1"Fios no Fois": a self-penned Gaelic song written as an exploration of Evie’s personal experience of sound, in collaboration with sound engineer Keir Long. The piece was created as part of a creative exploration of elements such as distortion, the significance or vibration, register and technological engineering of penetrating sounds/instruments. The song and accompanying choreography also capture some of the confusions of deaf experience as well as the defiance to express oneself. ‘Fios no Fois’ does not translate well: “Information or Relaxation”, describing the choices a deaf person often has, either straining constantly to hear what is being said, or choosing not to and gaining more relaxation). It is also a call to political action/advocacy/awareness. It was written as part of a writing workshop, Bothan an Oran by MaryAnn Kennedy.
https://youtu.be/q9jHlAeV6AI?si=3dhBzoMykZ5ZrcuT"Chan eil": is a self-penned song that is a rebellious mix of the frivolous and the serious with traditional fiddle and guitar and a very catchy chorus that invites participation and inspires movement. The video, featuring vivid textures and costumes, portrays an eclectic mix of moods that women don’t often feel they can express including anger and wildness, as Evie and her dance collaborator Fran Till say ‘no’ to typical expectations and ‘take up space’ in an atypical (for the Trad world) explosion of playful funk dance, to this Gaelic alternative/modern/urban sound. Video out 16th February.
Evie Waddell's unique musical journey is informed by her diverse range of interests, skills, and experiences. As a passionate advocate for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Evie integrates various forms of artistic expression into her performances, incorporating British Sign Language and contemporary dance. Her collaborations with esteemed organisations such as Solar Bear, Theatre Gu Leor, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, and Magnetic North have allowed her to explore the rich intersections of Gaelic culture and communication, amplifying the voices of the d/Deaf community.
‘Cailleach Mhòr Staighlaidh’ and ‘Fios no Fois’ are available on YouTube and Instagram now and ‘Chan Eil’ will follow on 16th February alongside the album release. The CD will be available to purchase from Evie’s Bandcamp.
Cluich! EP Track Listing:
1. Cailleach Mhòr Staighlaidh
2. Fios no Fois
3. Chan Eil
Cluich! CD Track Listing:
1. I Worn My Elbows
2. Phiuthra Olc
3. Puirt
4. The Last Leviathan
5. Uamh an Oir
6. I will Give My Love An Apple
7. Orra Loon
8. The Slave’s Lament
9. Cailleach Mhòr Staidhlaigh
10. Fios no Fois
11. Chan Eil
Find Evie Waddell online: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube | Website