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Rising Folk: an eclectic series of the very best emerging folk acts in the UK today.
For Maddie Morris, it’s never been just about music. Whether she’s adapting an ancient ballad or writing something new, her focus is on opening up conversations, changing perspectives and shining a light on society. It’s therefore no surprise that her debut studio release, Upstream, has rather a lot to say.
Never afraid to tackle difficult subjects, Maddie’s strength is in the subtlety of her approach. Using traditional songs and ancient myths as a jumping off point, her skilful storytelling gets right to the heart of contemporary issues in a way that is powerful, yet inclusive.
Upstream opens with an original twist on Down by the Greenwood Side, a version of The Cruel Mother. While this dark tale of infanticide typically demonises the mother, Maddie looks again from the perspective of a woman who never chose motherhood, exploring the reasons behind her actions and encouraging understanding. Blending elements of the traditional ballad with a whole new narrative thread, the result is a seamless new chapter of a song well loved in the folk canon.
Following closely behind this is Barbara Allen, a traditional song of unrequited love with an unexpected outcome. Maddie picked this up from American singer Jean Ritchie, and the Appalachian influences learned from Ritchie’s version find their way into Maddie’s soaring vocals, which are recorded unaccompanied.
The remaining tracks on the EP are all self-penned, taking inspiration from myths, folklore and the natural world. Though each can simply be enjoyed for the beauty of the music itself, there’s a wealth of meaning behind the storytelling, particularly focused on the experiences of women and those who experience gender-based violence. Philomela, for example, tells the story of a Greek goddess who is raped, before her tongue is cut out so she can’t speak about it – a powerful metaphor which endures through the ages.
The Selkie and The Salmon, meanwhile, are focused on queer identity and belonging. Both songs embrace the importance of accepting who you are, even if this means going against the tide. The EP as a whole has a focus on togetherness and joined experiences, sending a message to all who listen that their story matters and is worth being heard.
Heading to the studio for this recording was a particular milestone moment for Maddie, whose career to date has been heavily affected by the onset of the pandemic. After winning the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2019, Maddie had high hopes for 2020, but with her touring plans dashed, her first release, Purgatory, was a lockdown project recorded at home.
When it came to Upstream, Maddie headed to Sunbeams Studios in Cumbria to record with Haystack Records. Working with a team had a big impact on the creative process, as she explained:
“Up until now, music has been quite a solitary thing for me, so recording in a studio was totally different. It was amazing to work with a producer who understood my goals and could draw out the best in me, as well as having the opportunity to work with guest musicians to bring a whole new element to my sound.”
The EP is set for release on 30th September, and you can catch Maddie playing live throughout the Autumn.
Pre-event Food & Drink
Enjoy delicious drinks and light bites from our Café Bar ahead of the event.
Available to pre-order when booking your tickets, you can choose from a selection of house drinks on arrival, accompanied by a board of bread, olives and dips (all Vegetarian). Just select which option – for one or two people – you would like, before checkout. Or if you’ve already booked, please email boxoffice@stgeorgesbristol.co.uk to add your food to your order.
Your pre-ordered food and drink will be available to collect from the Café Bar from 90 minutes before the event. It’s the perfect way to begin your event experience at St George’s!