Out Friday 3 May 2024 | On Hudson Records
Malin Lewis (they/them), the groundbreaking bagpiper, fiddler, instrument maker and composer, is set to release their eagerly anticipated debut piping album Halocline on Friday 3 May 2024 on Hudson Records.
The music of this record is a deeply personal narrative, drawing inspiration from every facet of Malin’s journey so far, both personal and musical. From the influence of folk traditions and piping competitions in their upbringing, to the transformative experience of an exchange at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki during their time at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, each of Malin’s encounters and connections has made a mark on Halocline.
Inspired by the captivating sounds of bagpipes from a young age growing up in Moidart and Skye in north west Scotland, Malin began creating their own instruments in their teens, starting with simple experiments of drilling holes in sticks and inserting chanter reeds.
Aged 15 they discovered the innovative Lindsay System Chanter, a two-octave 3D printed smallpipe. Enthralled by the instrument’s possibilities, Malin collaborated with its inventor Donald Lindsay to create the world’s first wooden version of the instrument. With its distinct voice and character, this chanter became central to Malin’s creative process, shaping their musical identity and inspiring experimentation on various instruments, as showcased throughout their debut album.
With a unique blend of West Coast piping traditions and inventive, self-made instruments, Malin showcases a mesmerising fusion of sound with Halocline that reflects their personal journey as well as their deep, lifelong connection to the pipes.
Drawing its name from the halocline, a visible layer of water formed between saltwater and freshwater, the stunning body of work symbolises Malin’s existence as a trans person in a space of inspiration and individuality between a binary.
Featuring a stellar lineup of musicians, including Luc McNally onbouzouki, guitar and electric guitar, Cammy Maxwell on double bass and synth, Maija Kauhanen on kantele and vocals, Matthew Herd on saxophone, Michael Owers on brass, Stuart Brown on percussion, and Sally Simpson on fiddle, Halocline weaves together intricate compositions and spine-tingling melodies inspired by European folk traditions, human nature, queerness and the universe.
The first single from Halocline, released on Saturday 9 March, is Elision, which Malin wrote when they were just 18. The track begins with two traditional Bulgarian Kopanitsas, or line dances, infused with an infectious beat. The track’s name refers to a technique used in poetry which involves omitting sounds or syllables to enhance the flow and rhythm.
The second single from the album, The Old Inn, out Saturday 30 March, is based on Malin’s fond memories playing in Carbost’s cherished pub on the Isle of Skye. The inn served as a creative hub where Malin, alongside their talented friends, explored diverse musical styles, learned new repertoire and forged lasting connections.
In Hiraeth, the third single from the album, set for release on Saturday 20 April, Malin delves into the concepts of longing and equality, drawing inspiration from their childhood memories growing up on the secluded island of Eilean Shona.
Malin Lewis said: “Creating an entire album that is based on the sound of my own handcrafted pipes feels very special. There is something intrinsic about performing and composing with an instrument which you have made and been with for every part of the process. Just as I have navigated my gender, crafting a unique instrument mirrors the process of forging my own path in music.
“My gender and music have always been intertwined; music is my form of self-expression. From childhood, I envisioned sounds that conveyed the joy, intrigue and queerness of the world; Halocline offers a glimpse into this lifelong pursuit of expression.”
Since graduating from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Malin has performed across the globe with a range of esteemed musicians, includingAli Hutton, Ross Ainslie, Shona Mooney, Jenn Butterworth and Finlay MacDonald at festivals including Celtic Connections, Piping Live!, Celtic Colours and Edinburgh Tradfest.
In addition to their live music career, Malin released their first book of original music in 2021 and was a winner of the ‘In tune with Nature’ composing competition run byNature Scot and Fèis Rois.
Malin will be touring their debut album extensively across Scotland and England throughout spring and summer this year, stopping at venues from An Lanntair on the Isle of Lewis down to Pound Arts in Corsham.
Halocline was recorded at GloWorm Studios in Glasgow and produced by Malin Lewis and Andy Bell. Three singles will be released from the record, including Elision on Saturday 9 March, The Old Inn on Saturday 30 March and Hiraeth on Saturday 20 April. The album will be available digitally, on CD, black LP and limited edition blue LP from Friday 3 May 2024 and is available to pre-order now at https://hudsonrecords.ffm.to/halocline.
