A new album created by Grammy-nominated singer Richard Walters is using music to raise awareness of the Solent’s coastal habitats and the communities connected to them, as part of a collaboration with the Solent Seascape Project.
Titled ‘Songs from the Solent’, the 8-track EP was written during Walters’ artist residency with the conservation partnership, and is available to stream and download from today. The music is inspired by key marine habitats being restored through the project, including saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, oyster reefs and seabird sites.
The album blends field recordings with original songs that reflect both the natural environment and local voices from across the region. Proceeds from the release will support ongoing habitat restoration efforts.
Among the contributors is Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, who was born in Cowes here on the Isle of Wight. He lends his voice to one of the tracks, Lanterns Part 1. Isle of Wight artist Trudie Wilson features in Wight Paint, while Big Notes Choir from Chichester appear on Salt Forests.
Richard Walters has said:
“I hope the songs I’ve written shine a light on parts of the coastline it’s easy to overlook. I hope they make people think about this seascape and why we must give it our care and attention, and I really hope it inspires people to spend time exploring the area.”
To create the album, Walters spent time with community groups across the Solent area, including sea swimmers at Hayling Island and conservation sites being restored by the project. Their stories were used to inform the songwriting, supported by location recordings and musical elements inspired by the sea.
Artist Angela Harding has designed a bespoke illustrated map to accompany the release. The map, available on the Solent Seascape Project’s website, links each track to a specific site around the Solent and features a creative interpretation of the seascape.
Angela Harding has said:
“It has been a great delight to work on this special map of the Solent Seascape Project for Richard Walters. It is loosely based on an old sea chart – with wild winds pushing the terns to their rafts, and Richard sailing out to sea in a small boat, cat and guitar, dodging sea monsters as he goes. I hope it is a map to be enjoyed and raise awareness of the important conservation work being done.”
The Solent Seascape Project is a 5-year partnership involving 10 organisations, led by the Blue Marine Foundation. The initiative aims to restore and reconnect key habitats across the Solent region.
Solent Project Manager, Louise MacCallum, has said:
“The Songs for the Solent have given me the opportunity to look at this beautiful seascape we are working to restore through such a wonderful new artistic lens. I feel excited for new members of the Solent community to discover the work we are doing through the power of music.”
Songs from the Solent is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Bandcamp.
More information can be found at www.solentseascape.com.
