Glasgow-based singer-songwriter and talented ukulele player Claire Hastings is set to release her third studio album Lullabies from Scotland on Friday 30 June 2023.
A beautiful collection of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk tunes, and featuring one of Claire’s own compositions, the record is a charmingly wholesome listen and is inspired by her daughter Nuala who has just turned two.
Lullabies from Scotland comprises old and new songs, some well known, and others less so. The lead single from the album, Dream Angus, released on Wednesday 31 May,is relatively popular among Scottish households, however Claire textures the tune with different instrumentation and musical layers.
My Little One is a beautiful track composed by Claire for Nuala. Reflecting on the hopes all parents have for their children’s future, the song has more of a pop feel in comparison with other tracks on the record, and touches on themes of love, kindness and individuality. The track is layered with delicate vocals, soft percussion and elegant strings with a catchy melody.
Claire explains: “My daughter is always a great source of inspiration to me, and she was a real driving force behind this record in particular. My Little One is for her, and she even helped me write it! She tinkered a few keys on the piano one day and the little tune inspired the entire melody of the song.”
Minnie o Shirva’s Cradle Song is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album, and is well known throughout Shetland, yet less so in the rest of Scotland. It is a traditional song said to have been sung by Minnie, a single woman who acted as a local midwife on the island. Claire was initially attracted to the song for its playful melody and lyrics depicting a wholesome Shetland lifestyle.
The Dumfries and Galloway-born musician was inspired to create her latest album when searching for traditional Scottish lullabies to sing to her daughter. As she struggled to find many online, she decided to put together a collection herself and was fascinated by the music she found. Although not a Gaelic speaker herself, Claire felt it was important to include a song from the Gaelic tradition (Gille Beag O), as well as Scots, as a vast amount of Scottish lullabies are sung in Gaelic.
Claire continues: “I wanted to create a delicate folk album of relaxing songs, not just for families with children, but for everyone to enjoy. In my opinion, lullabies are about more than singing a baby to sleep; they are an important part of passing on cultural knowledge and tradition. The perfect way to listen to the album would be to curl up with a hot drink or glass of wine to unwind, and I really hope listeners will enjoy this more laid back offering.”
Adding to Claire’s vocals and ukulele on the album are Tina Rees on piano and flute, Charlie Stewart on fiddle and double bass, Signy Jakobsdottir on percussion, Alice Allen on cello, Tom Gibbs on piano and Innes White on guitar and who also produced the record.
A folksinger, songwriter and ukulele player, Claire Hastings won the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2015. She has since toured extensively as both a solo artist and with her band, with standout performances including BBC’s Friday Night is Music Night alongside Lulu and Jamie Cullum and BBC’s Hogmanay 2021 performing Auld Lang Syne.
Claire is launching her latest album with special concerts at Glasgow’s Websters Playhouse on Friday 30 June, and Dumfries’ Loreburn Hall on Sunday 2 July. Both dates will have concerts designed specifically for children in the afternoon, with official launch concerts in the evening.
Lullabies from Scotland was recorded and mixed at GloWorm Studios in Glasgow by Carla Feuerstein and was mastered by Andrea Gobbi at Carrier Waves Mastering.
The album will be available on CD, and to stream and download on all major digital platforms, from Friday 30 June 2023. For more information visit www.clairehastings.com.