As we come to an end of our ten year anniversary year, we thought it would be nice to share some messages with you from all of us before we all disappear for a few festive days off over Christmas. Our last gig was a live session on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe, and the good news is, you  can still hear it on the iPlayer here. We’ll leave you with a few fond memories of a fantastic ten years, and look forward seeing you all in the new year.

” What an amazing and intense year. It has been such a privilege to learn, arrange, record and perform the music written for us. Although this is the first album where we have not chosen every piece, but been given 6 of the 10 compositions I really connect with all the music. From the dissatisfaction and frustration of our political system but with defiant ending of Laura-Beth’s ‘From the Shadows’; to the feminist ‘Song for Mary’ by Karine Polwart; Chris Wood and Hugh Luton’s  “Cradle song’ (which happens to be my 8 month old son’s favourite lullaby at the moment) and of course Brian Finnegan’s compositions which evokes such amazing memories of India for me every time I play it. I could go on… Here is to the next 10 years! “ – Lillias

 

” I would firstly like to thank the other members of the Shee, not only for a fantastic 10 years of playing music together but for a wonderful 10 years of friendship.  From Canada to Cromarty during my 20’s we’ve always had a great time.  I look forward to spending my 30’s, if slightly differently… with them. “ – Amy

 

” Hi folks!
so, last week saw our last gig of the year, and what a year its been!
It started with the launch of our Continuum project at Celtic Connections to a fantastic crowd in the Mitchell Theatre – one of the most memorable and special gigs I have ever had the pleasure to be involved in. Each member of the band invited their chosen composer to join us on stage so that the audience could hear exactly where the pieces had come from. Having Martin Simpson write us such a personal and moving song, and then performing it in front of him, in front of a crowd was pretty exhilarating to say the least! Martin was a support throughout the process, and I am very grateful he agreed to be on board. You can see a video of the song, as well as the duet we sang, here.

Recording and then gigging the music throughout the year has felt like such a special opportunity, and a memorable way to mark our ten year anniversary as a band. A lot has happened in those ten years, but I have The Shee to thanks for being there throughout, both as one of the most important creative outlets in my career and as some of my closest and most trusted friends.

Here’s to the next ten years! “ – Laura-Beth

 

” The Shee has been such an integral part of my musical education over the last ten years. Arranging tunes and songs and performing with this band has informed everything else I’ve done. And more importantly than that, I’ve learned so much in general and experienced such support from a group of women who often feel more like sisters than band mates. “ – Rachel

 

**** The Guardian – Robin Denselow “A sophisticated, unexpectedly emotional set.”

***** – fRoots Magazine – Colin Irwin “ The Shee have already made a considerable mark on the folk landscape, but this excellent album takes them to another level.”

We would like to offer special thanks to;

Linda Kinsman-Blake, our agent for many years
Duncan Lyall – a better producer we couldn’t wish for
Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios, for knowing our sound and being so invested in our recordings
Kathryn Tickell, Karine Polwart, Brian Finnegan, Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Chris Wood for agreeing to compose for our project, and being so supportive along the journey.
Our audiences, who are just blummin lovely and a pleasure to play for
Our families, partners and friends for believing in us and your continued support throughout the last ten years.

Now we’re off to find some mulled wine and mince pies and relax!

Merry Christmas everyone, and see you in the new year.