Medicine Songs For Gaia

Truth Seeker Debut Album Release: Medicine Songs for Gaia

I am reaching out to the wider community to ask for financial support to fundraise towards the purchase of hardware and software to enable me to record and mix my debut album from a mobile home studio set up. I will be investing in a new laptop with any accessories necessary to connect to my existing studio hardware (audio interface, microphones, sampler) as well as digital audio software, post production plugins and video editing software. This album release will consist of a release campaign with several singles (alongside music videos) all of which I am producing myself. I will be outsourcing professional assistance with mastering. This aims to be a digital release, with the wish for a limited edition run of vinyl press should sufficient additional funding be sourced.

Inspiration

This album has been simmering away in the background for some time; with writing from as early as 2017 beginning to explore the voice through mediums of poetry, evolving over time into a more narrative Hip Hop style. The musical influences of this project stem from the roots of own Scottish Oral Tradition of folk song and storytelling and span out to my wide reaching interests in music from other parts of the world. Much sonic inspiration is drawn from my 2019 independent Ethnomusicology research project: A Vocal Journey In Mongolia where I engaged in direct transmission of various techniques in Overtone Throat Singing. Here is a link to a short documentary covering some of my adventures there if you are interested to learn more: Mongolia Documentary.

Motivations

The subject matter of this album is concerned with the problematic impact of human behaviour on the natural

world resulting in the destruction of wild spaces which directly threatens our connection to place and our main resource for inspiration, transformation and healing.

In parallel to this, the critique of sexual violence is explored based on reflections of my own transformation through personal trauma. This work does not shy away from uncomfortable discussion, rather amplifies it. It is my intention for these songs to firmly make themselves understood as pieces to aid healing for those affected by, witness to or concerned by the unacceptable violence being inflicted upon Gaia and her children. I am presented with an opportunity to break the stigma of silence, and invite others to share their experiences and stories through creative therapeutic outlets. It is my intention to utilise the release campaign as a platform to signpost supportive agencies and organisations that offer assistance with sexual violence and domestic abuse.

Over the last 3 years I have been refining a learning methodology that is a consolidation of my teaching practice of Holistic Voicework resulting in the creation of; 5 Elements of Voicework. This framework underpins my ethos and approach to vocal development as well as my creative practice. It is my intention to further promote the philosophy of work through this album release to inspire other vocalists to consider the benefits and enrichment of a Holistic exploration of voice.

Having been on my own vocal health journey 2021-2022 which included a period of rehabilitation; I wish to highlight the importance of Vocal Health and Mental Health in the Music Industry, using this project as a means to spread greater awareness and signpost to relevant supportive resources and organisations championing these issues.

I am excited to announce the time is right to bring these fusion of frequencies into the world!

Support

I am in the process of applying to the Creative Scotland Open Fund to request assistance with the other elements of project costs, to support a successful launch of this album culminating in an in person event.

If you would like to get in touch or offer any in-kind support, please reach out to me to get in touch: [email redacted].uk

I am so excited, and looking forward to all of this finally coming together!