Rhiannon Hope’s new single Magpie is released today – and next Thursday you can see her perform in person at Brudenell Social Club.
The free Brudenell gig is the official launch of Magpie, which is an ode to trinkets and those who collect them.
Originally from Liverpool, Rhiannon Hope now calls Leeds home and is an established part of the Leeds music scene. Her first EP, All Things, Rising And Returning, was well received and saw BBC radio plays for B.B. and Indulge. Her indie folk sound is melodic, her lyrics personal and poignant.
Hope counts New Zealander Aldous Harding (who is playing the Leeds Irish Centre on June 7th) as a strong influence. Swooping voices and unique lyrics are common to both and the inspiration is clear to see. However, the personalisation of voice and words make the work of both artists unique.
Magpie does see a departure for Hope in terms of orchestration. In the past, she has relied on her accordion for accompaniment. Magpie is a seven-minute immersion in looping keys and auxiliary percussion with saxophones and subtle drums fade in and out. The artist has clearly gathered a talented group of instrumentalists to support her work, making the prospect of a live launch even more enticing. Hope has explained that she fused two shorter tracks together to create Magpie. Although this means there is a marked difference between the start and finish, the track at no point loses its way. I would describe the music as meandering: Hope’s voice takes you on a journey you are happy to follow.
Written while Hope was settling into her new home in Leeds, Magpie is a reflection on the collected ornaments and objects that we gather. Rhiannon Hope: “Magpie is a song for collectors. It’s a personal love letter to all the shit I have ever accumulated and loved; trinkets, hats, plants, mugs, posters, books and anything else. All the things that bring me comfort and make me feel like a person.”
It took me a few listens to connect with the lyrics because it’s easy to be swept along by the gentle rise and fall of Hope’s voice without acknowledging the words sung. Once you do connect, you will find it stirs emotions regarding the trivial things we collect that carry significance despite their ephemeral nature.
Magpie is released on 23rd April on Leeds cult label Private Records. Neve Cariad and Sam King will support Hope at the Brudenell Social Club on Thursday 30th April.
The performance has free entry, but make sure you book a ticket.
