‘We are only Sound’ is the long-awaited debut album from singer, composer, viola, fiddle and tenor guitar-player Lucy Farrell. Lucy has been a prominent figure on the UK folk scene for many years with her skills much in demand by a plethora of esteemed folk artists, which has meant her solo career has taken a back seat. Until now.

‘We Are Only Sound’ was recorded in the glorious medieval surrounds of Much Wenlock Abbey, home to Nick Drake’s sister Gabrielle who gifted the recording space – as well as the use of her brother’s instruments – through a mutual friend. Specifically, Nick Drake’s piano and guitar were tuned and used in the recording bestowing a unique quality to the album. Songs were recorded together, in one room, in one take.

Lucy’s crystalline vocals are highlighted by sparse accompaniment: the exquisite melodies interwoven with intricate – yet delicate – guitar playing and subtle electronic touches. Songs are introspective and dreamy, written over a span of eight years during which Lucy experienced motherhood, breakups and all that comes with such heart and life changing events. “I think these themes and ideas are universal,” she says. “They would resonate for other people too.” Lucy continues, “I find it hard to articulate my thoughtsin sentences – it’s much easier to muse through them in songs. It’s how I work through my feelings.There’s a lot of wonderings in them, but no answers”.

Immersed in folk culture and traditions from birth (her father is a Molly dancer) Lucy has collaborated and played with many illustrious artists over the years including Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band, Gluepot, Modern Fairies and Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young. There have been duo projects with Andrew Waite and Jonny Kearney and in 2017 she won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Group with The Furrow Collective.

With such a distinguished list of past projects ‘We are only Sound’ now shifts the focus firmly on to her. Through sophisticated song writing, elegant vocals and considered accompaniment Farrell is carving out a unique niche for an artist at the forefront of contemporary English folk music.

Lucy is joined by Kris Drever (Lau) on guitar and vocals, Ben Nichols (Nadine Shah) on double bass, Tom Lenthall on piano, Neil McSweeney on bass and M G Boulter on slide guitar.

Paperthin,  the second single from the album, was released on 16th February, following on from ‘But for you’ and is one of twelve self-penned songs that make up the collection that combine Lucy’s respect for traditional, as well as contemporary, songwriters.‘We are only Sound’ is released on Hudson Records on 21 April supported by a UK tour from 6 – 31 March.


Tour Dates are as follows:

06.03 Green Note, London
07.03 Medina Bookshop, Cowes Isle of Wight
08.03 Bowerhouse, Maidstone
09.03 Chidham Village Hall, nr. Chichester
10.03 Sound Lounge, Sutton
11.03 Temperance, Leamington Spa
12.03 House Concert, Edinburgh
14.03 Folklore Rooms, Brighton
15.03 Cornish Bank, Falmouth
17.03 St Nicholas Church, Baulking
18.03 Pocklington Arts Centre, nr. York
19.03 Bishop’s House, Sheffield
22.03 Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
23.03 The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
24.03 Christ Church, Great Ayton North Yorkshire
25.03 West End Centre, Aldershot
26.03 Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
31.03 The Fleece Inn, Bretforton