Longtime readers of Red Line Roots may recognize the name Heather Scott. They are half of the dreamy folk duo “Hawthorn”, of which we have been fans of since the group’s early years. You may recall articles about their release for “Salt” or the band’s early, beautifully bare live “Aboretum Sessions”. The point being, we’ve long been fawning over the duo’s gorgeous harmonies and storied songs.
On this new solo effort, Heather beautifully bridges the gap between old and new. They told us of the process of setting out on this new project, “Embarking on my own solo songwriting path has been over a decade in the making. It has been something that has been slowly and surely simmering alongside my more public-facing pursuits. Hawthorn will continue to thrive (we have a full-length album very much in the works!) as both projects enter new chapters.”
Where plucked strings and simple, but rich harmonies may have classified much of Hawthorn’s work, Scott’s two new tracks have gently undulating synths, guitars with light crunchy overdrive and steady, in the pocket drums. A small deviation from a banjo, a guitar and two voices, but its still Heather’s voice that shimmers above it all. A yearning, an ache are present. Heart and soul still peering through and served a more full sonic plate than listeners may be previously used to. Their voice dancing in a back and forth conversations with the instrumental pieces of the arrangements. There is still that ever present rawness.
Where “Honey Coated” has a more pop driven feel and buoyant vibe, “Big Moon” comes in with a slightly heavier, blue tinged atmospheric feeling. Like a dense blanket covering you on a cool Fall morning. Something comforting, but also melancholy in a way. Different, but cut of the same cloth. Heather’s voice, commanding and potent at times and gentle and curious at others. Undulating in a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength.
Heather continues, “Honey Coated and Big Moon are two songs that absolutely poured out of me. In the past year something happened — my intuition opened up and these songs, among several others that haven’t yet been recorded, are a result of that. They are two sides of the same coin. Both emotional and powerful but in different ways — a flaming sun and a lustrous moon, an extrovert and an introvert, momentum and reverence.”
Check out the new tracks today and keep an eye out for Heather as they continue to explore this new adventure in art.