We’re very excited to announce that Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Richard Walters, is our Solent Seascape Artist in Residence!
We had so many amazing applications for the residency, which is funded by the Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme, but the judges were particularly impressed with Richard’s proposal to create ‘Songs from the Solent’, an EP of original songs inspired by, and featuring the sounds of, the Solent coastline, exploring themes of community, nature, history, industry and nostalgia.
Who is Richard?
As a critically acclaimed UK artist and Grammy nominated songwriter, Richard has released five solo albums and four EPs since 2007 and his music has featured on a number of TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, After Life and CSI: Miami. He has also collaborated as a songwriter with an eclectic mix of artists, including Oscar nominated actress and singer Florence Pugh. Collectively, his work has amassed well over 200 million streams and his releases have gained notable support from BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2.
Richard said, “I’m absolutely over the moon to be beginning this exciting residency and to play a small part in helping to amplify the incredible work being done by the Solent Seascape Project. Since moving to Hampshire six years ago, the Solent coastline has proved to be a massive source of artistic inspiration for me and I can’t wait to delve into this work and learn more about its natural history, people and communities.”
Connecting people to nature through song
The idea is that ‘Songs from the Solent’ will raise awareness of the Solent Seascape project and the environmental challenges faced by the region, as well as building an emotional connection between the public and the Solent coastline.
Once the songs are finalised, they will be shared as a digital EP release via streaming/download sites, as well as an interactive ‘music map’, allowing listeners to experience the songs in situ.
We’ll soon be adding details about how you can be involved and add your voice to ‘Songs from the Solent’ at community workshops across the Solent.
This scheme is supported by the Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme (ELSP), funded by Arcadia. The ELSP are keen to apply collaborative, transdisciplinary arts practice to celebrate the distinctiveness of the land- and seascape restoration projects (including SSP) that are supported by the ELSP, including their communities, as well as to provide a better understanding of the hopes, ambitions and opportunities that come with nature restoration at scale.
