Shida says, “this was one of the first pieces that I started working on for this album, recording overtones with slow progressions, which became the foundation of this work. It was pretty early on that I felt that the music was made as a piece for someone else to step in and do something with, and it all came naturally together with friend and wonderful artist, PJ Harvey, who I first met in London two years ago.
Polly had me write words in a freeform way during the process of this track. A pattern developed and Polly wrote and recorded something beautiful out of that. It’s been such a special and meaningful process, working with this piece. I’m in awe of the dedication and care that has been put into this track. Heart is full.”
Polly says, “Shida and I have followed each other's work for years, and first met in 2024 when Shida played at Gunnersbury Park Festival with me. We stayed in touch and became friends, so working together on Wreath was a natural step for us to take.
When Shida first sent me the piece of music that became Wreath I was immediately drawn to its deep, earthy weight, and the way it slowly evolved and transformed. It felt like a living organism. I knew Shida wanted the piece to have words, something that she doesn't often sense, so I had the feeling that she was the one who knew best what the song needed to say. I asked her to write for me a page of freeform words inspired by the music. I told her the words could be as free as she liked, and didn't even have to make sense.
I used her words as the basis of the song, adding things here and there, and editing it down. We discussed the need for simplicity and for a cyclical nature - a sense of life and death, of beginning and ending, as we see in the living world around us.
I kept my melodic line very simple and repetitive to marry with the slow changes in the music. It took us a while to figure out what needed to happen at the end of the piece, but I love how Shida has looped my vocal and used it as she would an instrument sample.
I'm proud to be a part of this unique and mesmerising new album.”
guess i'm lucky i have a day off!
I'll be honest and straightfoward, It's not my thing. I'm not into it, musically-wise, at all, but hopefully this plethora of collaborations will bring good things (other than Vojager, which i like).
