By John Harvey
The Meadows are a vibrant multi-instrumentalist Celtic-Crossover band, all drawn from one family. Bringing cutting-edge techniques and an exciting, contemporary vibe to every show, the band performs original works which weave between foot stomping reels to rich vocal harmonies, taking their audiences on a spellbinding journey.
The Meadows have been preparing a new Album – Force of the Tide – which is due for release on 14th March
“Inspired by the songs, stories, and history of the British and Irish coastline, ‘Force of the Tide’ delves into our rich seafaring heritage. The maritime themes range from the beautiful Welsh language maritime lullaby Si Hei Lwli Mabi, to Maid in Bedlam – a sorrowful lament of a girl kept in chains in the infamous Bedlam after her true love was sent to sea. Alongside these more melancholy songs, the album also includes two up-tempo instrumental tracks, Dribbles of Brandy and a medley of Welsh dance tunes, Bedd y Morwr and Tros y Garreg, so we’re hoping that the album will be quite a journey of stories and emotions.”
John Harvey asked them some questions about the new album.
JH: I believe your new album is on a seafaring theme. Did you choose the theme to match the songs you wanted to cover, or did the theme come first?
Meadows: We always had a love for seafaring stories so had arranged a number of sea songs for our live performances. The ideas for the album grew from there.
JH: What thoughts come to your mind when somebody mentions the sea?
Meadows: From early on the memories we have of times spent by the sea have been profoundly influential on our music. We love exploring the coast of Wales
which offers so much beauty and is incredibly powerful to see. It is impossible to not find the sea inspiring, wild and overwhelming with its ever-changing mood. The stories that we’ve discovered in the songs capture the dangers and beauty that is there before us. There has been a fascination with the stories that has only grown over time. It took root early on, partly perhaps because our Grandparents would prepare the most elaborate treasure hunts for us to search for the “pirates and smugglers buried treasure”, stashed away in caves along the shore.
JH: Who takes the lead in choosing new music to add to your repertoire, or is it a truly collaborative effort?
Meadows: It is very much collaborative, although Fantasia and Melody are most into researching the old songs.
JH: Some artists record songs which they never perform live. Is there a difference in your view between songs to record and songs to perform?
Meadows: We always arrange music with it in mind to perform in our set, and although we might layer the songs with more instruments for the recording, generally it is hardly different from the live version. It is important to us when recording to maintain the feeling of a live performance.
JH: How long does it typically take to arrange a new song for the group to perform?
Meadows: It can take anything from a few minutes to several months. Fantasia generally comes up with a piano part and everything grows around there, and even the piano part can then completely change during the creative process. It is very important to us that all band members have input into each song because that’s where our sound really comes from: the collaborative process.
JH: What are your favorite songs on the new album?
Melody: I find it hard to choose but I probably would say Henry Martin, I just love the way Titania tells the somewhat sad pirate tale. Also, Si Hei Lwli Mabi because it is such a calm, beautiful lullaby and we always enjoy singing in harmony.
Fantasia: I have a soft spot for Lovely on the Water. Right from the beginning, its sadness was so haunting I couldn’t wait to hear it all arranged. I also really love Dribbles of Brandy because it’s so much fun to play!
Harvey: Lovely on the Water because I particularly enjoy playing the violin part in this one.
Titania: Lovely on the Water because it’s a very enjoyable one to sing. Also, Lowlands Away because I like the atmosphere this one creates, and the story is so compelling.
JH: What are two essential things you need to take with you when you are touring?
Melody: My flute is definitely the main thing that I keep checking that I haven’t forgotten… I definitely don’t want to end up having to whistle my part down the mic! Also, if possible, I like to take my little Shih Tzu Merry along to everything he’s allowed to attend.
Fantasia: My folder which contains messy scribblings and ideas for the piano accompaniment. I also take a spare pair of shoes as some mishap always seems to happen to one pair.
Titania: My voice, although it sometimes hasn’t come along… on one tour I had really bad tonsillitis! I also like to take my lyrics, just in case I forget any.
JH: Can you tell us about some interesting incidents which have happened on tour or in concerts?
Fantasia: We were playing on a rather narrow stage and I was on the violin and Melody flute. She accidentally turned around and somehow managed to send my bow flying. It seemed to happen in slow motion as we watched it fly like an arrow into the dancing audience. It didn’t hit anyone and was unharmed, fortunately.
Titania: I remember the one time when we were performing in a very small space. It came to the part when Fantasia and I had to swap places. I could barely get on the piano in time and had to extend the piano part because Fantasia could not reach her violin! It was certainly interesting.
JH: Music can evoke some powerful emotions. Do you find it difficult to perform some songs because of their effect on you?
Meadows: Music is incredibly powerful, and it’s impossible not to be affected by certain songs.
JH: Who would be your dream collaboration?
Meadows: There are so many wonderful musicians who we would love to work with.
JH: Finally, how can we get a copy of your new album, and where and when can we see you performing?
Meadows: Our album is available from our website. We have lots of performances planned, and they will all be announced on our website and social media.
Pre-order “Force of the Tide” – TheMeadowsBand.co.uk
