News

The Ballad of Shirley Collins

Film-makers Rob Curry and Tim Plester (the team behind the acclaimed 'Way of the Morris') have launched a kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a new film about the iconic English folk singer Shirley Collins; and one of the rewards on offer for those who pledge money towards the film is a tribute album featuring a Slate Islands track. We are thrilled and honoured to be part of this project (and to be in such excellent company; the album also features tracks by Will Oldham, Graham Coxon, Alasdair Roberts, Sharron Kraus and others). 

The Slate Islands contribution is a solo effort by Polly, who chose a song called 'Proud Maisrie' and laid down the main vocal a cappella, then layered in some harmonies plus the sounds of birds, bees, winter winds and a crow for added atmosphere - all created vocally.

Shirley Collins was (and is) a real trailblazer - not just in terms of her exceptional singing, but also through the ways in which she championed and revitalised folk music. Her story deserves to be told. The fundraising drive closes on Tuesday 22nd July 2014.