Interview: The Meadows
UK based Celtic-Crossover Folk band The Meadows are back with their second album 'Dreamless Days'. Louder Than The Music caught up with this talented group of siblings to find out more about their special brand of music, recording their new album, and their plans for the future.
For those who haven’t heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?
We’re an all sibling Celtic Folk crossover band. We started playing music at an early age and it was only a matter of time before our shared interest led to us playing as a band and we haven’t looked back since.
Tell us about your new album ‘Dreamless Days’ and what the inspiration behind it was?
It’s actually quite different from our last album ‘Force of the Tide’ as this time the music consists of entirely original material. As the title suggests, most of the songs elude to the dream state, whether that be based on looking to the future or feeling nostalgic about the past. It also draws much inspiration from our shared faith, the landscape of Wales, old haunts, childhood memories, the changing world, family and our beloved dogs.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
It’s difficult to pick one as we all have our own favourites. One track which is very special to us is ‘Dream You Into Life’, as it was written by our dear friend Steve Balsamo, who also helped with the production of the song.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
We really drew a lot of encouragement from this family project, and hopefully that really comes through with the album and that it gives people a moment of calm and relaxation when they’re listening to the music, along with a gentle reminder that there is genuine hope for the future beyond these difficult times.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
There’s a definite folk undertone to everything we do, although other genres such as Classical and Musical Theatre also play a strong part. Clannad were always a big inspiration as we grew up and we enjoy many other artists including Simon and Garfunkel and Julie Fowlis.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
That is so difficult to answer, there are so many amazing song writers out there. We absolutely love working with Steve Balsamo, and we are actually working on some new music with him.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success to us is about enjoying each moment, taking in the journey and feeling thankful that we have the opportunities that we do. Being able to do what we do as a family is really special, and we don’t take any of it for granted. Being rooted in our shared Christian faith, success is more about looking ahead to the hope of the future, and appreciating the gifts we are given en route.
What is your favourite album of all time?
Breathe by Midge Ure is amazing and Clannad’s Nadur is really special.
You’re stuck on an island, it’s hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
That is a difficult one, but probably Vaughn Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful tunes ever written!
What does the next year hold for you?
Hopefully more performing and touring with our new album, and maybe even the start of some new projects. We’re working on new material already, lots of writing and arranging which we’re really excited about!
