UK songstress Ruth Blake embraces her fierce side on 'Not Your Angel' single

April 6, 2023

"A straightforward melody and beautiful voice with an arrangement that comes alive in your head, angelic woes at the chorus juxtapose with the message in Blake’s lyrics, making for an enthralling listen" ~ The Spill Magazine

“Destined for great things in the future… the pick of the bunch, channeling the spirit of Joni Mitchell” ~ Drowned in Sound

"A true gem and will strike up mind associations to many musical greats, including Dido, Jewel, Laura Marling, and Regina Spektor" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Extremely talented... contagious positive energy, beautiful voice and timbre, meaningful message with impressive depth" ~ The Record Stache

"Soulful and sensitive, spacious and sweet, deft and delicate, understated and gently majestic" ~ The Swindonian

UK indie pop artist Ruth Blake presents her new single 'Not Your Angel', rejecting the idea that our beauty lies only in our capacity to be angelic, beautiful and sweet. An antidote for that toxic ideology, Blake invites women to embrace their own fierceness.

This single marks a departure from Blake's folkier sound and is the first time she has gone completely electronic with a track. Inspired by Joan as Policewoman, glitchy electronica and dirty bass lines, this creatively refreshing sound honours another facet of her artistry and the human experience - one that is fierce and strong.

Originally from the Midlands, Blake now resides in the mists and vales of Somerset, where she creates multi-faceted music that stirs the soul and is rich with symbol and storytelling.

On this track, Ruth collaborated with London-based producer James Yuill, who has worked with such artists as Erasure, M83, Mint Royale and Au Revoir Simone, in addition to having music featured on Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, Scrubs, Love Island, The Inbetweeners and Dead Pixels.

"I wrote this song after a sudden and unexpected break up, which I was trying to make sense of. My ex made a comment about how shocked he’d been to see my angry side, as if it made me lesser in his eyes somehow, and I felt completely betrayed, not to mention dumbstruck that he couldn’t understand that my rage was indicative of how much pain I was in. I felt as though my rage was something to be ashamed of and that just made me more angry," says Ruth Blake.

"The song became a way for me to really honour and embrace my rage, while shaking off outdated shackles of the 'good girl' and over-sanitised notions of femininity I've been conditioned with. I wanted to reclaim it as a sacred, vital force and say a massive ‘fuck you’ to anyone who would judge me for it. As women, we have become so terrified of our anger, but having lived through a great deal of manipulation and abuse in my time, reconnecting with my anger has been fundamental on my journey towards learning where my boundaries are and how to defend them."

Having received an unusual musical education from pioneering composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist Edward Chilvers, Blake crowdfunded her debut album 'Lullabies for Grown-Ups' (2015), followed by 'Creation' in 2018. Lyrically profound and musically sophisticated, Ruth’s music is born out of her own passion for self-knowledge and the deeper truths of existence.

Her career has led to her recording at Real World Studios with James Frost and also to involvement in Manchester-based collective Caulbearers, as well as the Music as Medicine collective and Brightsky Community. Her latest solo work prior to this new single is the uplifting 'Brave Ships'.

'Not Your Angel' will be released on April 4 and available across digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Ruth Blake
Recorded by Ruth Blake and James Yuill
Produced, mixed & mastered by James Yuill / Online Recording Studio
Cover photo by Ruth Blake
Artist photos by Kay Dilley

Keep up with Ruth Blake
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Manchester's CAULBEARERS present 'Synching (Bubbling Spring Remix)', an indiepop celebration of simplicity and wonder

May 6, 2022

"Impressive... stellar, believable and inspiring.... vocals and lyrics that are heartfelt, hopeful and genuine" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Music worthy of top-dog soundtracks.. Caulbearers struts in with a sonic funkadelic swagger and groovy bassline that recalls early works by the likes of RHCP and No Doubt" ~ Spill Magazine

“Funky and original... All music should be this progressive” ~ Jammerzine

"Exploring the spiritual ties that bind us as communities" ~ God is in the TV

'Texturally rich and gorgeously cinematic... It may rest on the creative shoulders of musical giants, but it has its eyes set firmly on the future" ~ The Swindonian

Manchester's Caulbearers presents 'Synching (Bubbling Spring Remix)', a spacious yet vivacious and sanguine offering that is a celebration of the simplicity and wonder of silent meditation practice. The accompanying video was filmed by Ben Taylor with editing, post-production and visual effects by Latent Variables.

The original version, released on the band's 'More Lie Deep' EP, is the B-side of Caulbearers' new funk-rock single 'Twisted Cord', an infectious high-frequency funk-rock offering with Stone Roses-eque bass and bittersweet, multi-layered laments. It's also a vibrant and grounded celebration of this earth and humanity's interconnectedness.

Mixed by Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor), this follows the slower, more spacious and meditative sound of their 2021 single 'Burst Through The Borders'and B-side 'Solid Supposed'.

Fronted by Damien Mahoney, core members included guitarist Anton Hunter(Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), cellist Stefan Skrimshire and drummer Phil Bennett. Somerset-based ethereal folk artist Ruth Blake also contributes vocals in her ongoing collaboration with the band.

"This song is about how observing our own natural breath and physical sensations in the body can be so effective to access & transform buried emotions. Often we have learnt to ignore our true feelings from a young age and rely on external coping mechanisms to numb pain or to ‘get out if it’, so we can feel disassociated from our bodies at times of stress and anxiety. As the psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk says, ’The Body Keeps The Score!’” says Damien Mahoney.

"The song asks ‘what’s gonna be your dummy next?’ In my experience, we often subtly try to swap one ‘dummy’ or addiction for another, rather than staying present to really feel what is happening in our bodies. if we can ‘turn the noise down’ enough to listen, they are an incredible source of wisdom for us."

The song 'Twisted Cord' is about how intense events in our lives can act like initiations by shaking up, radically changing and enriching our perspectives and features several acclaimed Manchester musicians, including pianist John Ellis (The Cinematic Orchestra, Stone Roses' John Squire, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tom Jones, Lily Allen) , renowned violinist Olivia Moore (Jason Singh, Stuart McCallum, Suns of Arqa) and bassist Alex Berry (The Earlies, King Creosote, Daniel Johnston, Thea Gilmore, Micah P Hinson).

The single's cover showcases original artwork by Ben Taylor, a painter and sculptor who combines natural materials and up-cycled gems to create incredible, large-scale pieces of work. These reflect Ben’s reverence for nature, plants & magic, depicting some of the profound experiences of ancient spiritual traditions he has been initiated into.

The 'Twisted Cord' single is out now, available across digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. It can also be ordered directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, recorded, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney at Padded Cell Studio (except piano & keys recorded by John Ellis at Limefield Studio)
Mixed by Seadna Mcphail at Airtight Studios
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering
Cover artwork by Ben Taylor
Video directed by Ben Taylor, Damien Mahoney & Latent Variables.
Filmed by Ben Taylor.
Video editing, post-production and visual effects by Latent Variables

Keep up with Caulbearers
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube| Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Ruth Blake
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud| Apple Music | Spotify |

Funk-rock collective CAULBEARERS unveil earthy 'Twisted Cord' single. Their new 2-track single is out now

March 18, 2022

Manchester's Caulbearers return with a vibrant and grounded celebration of this earth and humanity's interconnectedness on their new infectious funk-rock single 'Twisted Cord', an infectious soulful rock offering with dark funk grooves and bittersweet, multi-layered laments.

Their stunning earthy new video was filmed by filmed by Ben Taylor and directed by Ben Taylor, Damien Mahoney and Latent Variables with editing, post-production and visual effects by Latent Variables.

The inspiring indiepop B-side 'Synching (Bubbling Spring Remix)' is a spacious yet vivacious and sanguine offering. The original version can be found on the band's 'More Lie Deep' EP (2011).

Mixed by Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor), this follows the slower, more spacious and meditative sound of their 2021 single 'Burst Through The Borders'with B-side 'Solid Supposed'.

With pulsating guitar hooks and distorted drum breaks, the song explores different tonalities usually associated with Flamenco, Arabic music and Indian ragas, enhanced by renowned violinist Olivia Moore (Jason Singh, Stuart McCallum, Suns of Arqa), whose own work fuses jazz with Indian classical music. This track also features such acclaimed Manchester musicians as pianist John Ellis (The Cinematic Orchestra, Stone Roses' John Squire, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tom Jones, Lily Allen) and bassist Alex Berry (The Earlies, King Creosote, Daniel Johnston, Thea Gilmore, Micah P Hinson).

Fronted by Damien Mahoney, core members included guitarist Anton Hunter(Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), cellist Stefan Skrimshire and drummer Phil Bennett. Somerset-based ethereal folk artist Ruth Blake also contributes vocals in her ongoing collaboration with the band.

The lyrics for 'Twisted Cord' explore how intense events in our lives can act like initiations by shaking up, radically changing and enriching our perspectives. Sometimes we need to break down or be broken apart, in order to come back together stronger and with greater understanding. The healing of our wounds over time can transform into wisdom, bringing more colour, depth and detail to the tapestry of our lives.

The song also celebrates the concept of Animism - the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence - a foundational thread for the varied belief systems of many indigenous peoples, who deeply understand the importance of ritual, ceremony, initiation and connection to nature that the majority of us in the west have forgotten.

‘The songs are rarely stories specifically, but more like moods, deep emotional states or parallel worlds that we enter into, where scenarios, perspectives and protagonists can shift and morph with a dream-like quality,” says Damien Mahoney.

Working with a different artist for each single, 'Twisted Cord' showcases original artwork by Ben Taylor, a painter and sculptor who often combines natural materials and up-cycled gems to create incredible, large-scale pieces of work. These reflect Ben’s reverence for nature, plants & magic, depicting some of the profound experiences of ancient spiritual traditions he has been initiated into.

As of February 25, 'Twisted Cord' is available across digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. It can also be ordered directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, recorded, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney at Padded Cell Studio (except piano & keys recorded by John Ellis at Limefield Studio)
Mixed by Seadna Mcphail at Airtight Studios
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering
Cover artwork by Ben Taylor
Video directed by Ben Taylor, Damien Mahoney & Latent Variables.
Filmed by Ben Taylor.
Video editing, post-production and visual effects by Latent Variables

Keep up with Caulbearers
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Ruth Blake
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify |

Manchester's Caulbearers present earthly funk rock delight on 'Twisted Cord' single

February 4, 2022

"Impressive... stellar, believable and inspiring.... vocals and lyrics that are heartfelt, hopeful and genuine" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Music worthy of top-dog soundtracks.. Caulbearers struts in with a sonic funkadelic swagger and groovy bassline that recalls early works by the likes of RHCP and No Doubt" ~ Spill Magazine

“Funky and original... All music should be this progressive” ~ Jammerzine

"Exploring the spiritual ties that bind us as communities" ~ God is in the TV

'Texturally rich and gorgeously cinematic... It may rest on the creative shoulders of musical giants, but it has its eyes set firmly on the future" ~ The Swindonian

“Twisted Cord' https://soundcloud.com/caulbearers/twisted-cord/s-D13QgGADdVX

Caulbearers

Twisted Cord

Single Cell Recordings

25 February 2022

View Promo

Manchester's Caulbearers present earthly funk rock delight on 'Twisted Cord' single

FOR FANS OF: Massive Attack, early Maroon 5, Sufjan Stevens, Moby, Djo, Cinematic Orchestra, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, A Certain Ratio
Photos by Jan School, except collage images by Ben Taylor & Latent Variables
FCC clean

FOR SHARING
'Twisted Cord' https://soundcloud.com/caulbearers/twisted-cord/s-D13QgGADdVX
Bandcamp https://caulbearers.bandcamp.com/album/twisted-cord-single
Pre-save the single https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/caulbearers/twisted-cord
'Solid Supposed' feat. Ruth Blake (2021) https://youtu.be/1FPtinaYcGg
'Burst Through The Borders' (2021) https://youtu.be/e4DgMN6VKsQ
'Over Comes A Cloud' (2020) https://youtu.be/4ckjxV0FDY0

FOR REVIEW & AIRPLAY
Soundcloud preview https://soundcloud.com/caulbearers/sets/twisted-cord_release/s-0kXxFSU9cso
Online press kit https://haulix.promo/7nb
Download via Dropbox https://bit.ly/3cBjkAb

"Impressive... stellar, believable and inspiring.... vocals and lyrics that are heartfelt, hopeful and genuine" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Music worthy of top-dog soundtracks.. Caulbearers struts in with a sonic funkadelic swagger and groovy bassline that recalls early works by the likes of RHCP and No Doubt" ~ Spill Magazine

“Funky and original... All music should be this progressive” ~ Jammerzine

"Exploring the spiritual ties that bind us as communities" ~ God is in the TV

'Texturally rich and gorgeously cinematic... It may rest on the creative shoulders of musical giants, but it has its eyes set firmly on the future" ~ The Swindonian

Manchester-based Caulbearers have announced their next release - the upbeat funk-rock single 'Twisted Cord', along with B-side 'Synching (Bubbling Spring Remix)'. This offering sees Caulbearers back with their signature dark funk grooves and bittersweet, multi-layered laments.

Mixed by Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor), this follows the slower, more spacious and meditative sound of their 2021 single 'Burst Through The Borders'with B-side 'Solid Supposed'.

With pulsating guitar hooks and distorted drum breaks, the song explores different tonalities usually associated with Flamenco, Arabic music and Indian ragas, enhanced by renowned violinist Olivia Moore (Jason Singh, Stuart McCallum, Suns of Arqa), whose own work fuses jazz with Indian classical music. This track also features such acclaimed Manchester musicians as pianist John Ellis (The Cinematic Orchestra, Stone Roses' John Squire, Corinne Bailey Rae, Tom Jones, Lily Allen) and bassist Alex Berry (The Earlies, King Creosote, Daniel Johnston, Thea Gilmore, Micah P Hinson).

Fronted by Damien Mahoney, core members included guitarist Anton Hunter(Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), cellist Stefan Skrimshire and drummer Phil Bennett. Somerset-based ethereal folk artist Ruth Blake also contributes vocals in her ongoing collaboration with the band.

The lyrics for 'Twisted Cord' explore how intense events in our lives can act like initiations by shaking up, radically changing and enriching our perspectives. Sometimes we need to break down or be broken apart, in order to come back together stronger and with greater understanding. The healing of our wounds over time can transform into wisdom, bringing more colour, depth and detail to the tapestry of our lives.

The song also celebrates the concept of Animism - the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence - a foundational thread for the varied belief systems of many indigenous peoples, who deeply understand the importance of ritual, ceremony, initiation and connection to nature that the majority of us in the west have forgotten.

‘The songs are rarely stories specifically, but more like moods, deep emotional states or parallel worlds that we enter into, where scenarios, perspectives and protagonists can shift and morph with a dream-like quality,” says Damien Mahoney.

Working with a different artist for each single, 'Twisted Cord' showcases original artwork by Ben Taylor, a painter and sculptor who often combines natural materials and up-cycled gems to create incredible, large-scale pieces of work. These reflect Ben’s reverence for nature, plants & magic, depicting some of the profound experiences of ancient spiritual traditions he has been initiated into.

As of February 25, 'Twisted Cord' will be available across digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. It can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, recorded, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney at Padded Cell Studio (except piano & keys recorded by John Ellis at Limefield Studio)
Mixed by Seadna Mcphail at Airtight Studios
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering
Single cover artwork by Ben Taylor

Keep up with Caulbearers
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Ruth Blake
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify |

Caulbearers present 'Solid Supposed' in support of 'Burst Through The Borders' single

July 2, 2021

"Impressive... what it might sound like were you to cross Bill Laswell and Massive Attack with Laura Marling and Mojave 3... stellar, believable and inspiring. With a tandem of female and male vocals and lyrics that are heartfelt, hopeful and genuine"~ Big Takeover Magazine

“Funky and original in such a quirky way that the sauvé jazz-infused style and improv mindset create such a tasty track that you find yourself giving multiple listens within the same sitting. All music should be this progressive” ~ Jammerzine

"Caulbearers have been one of the city's forward-thinking musical forces. A unique blend of genres backed up with a commitment to alternative lifestyles which brings real soul to their various endeavors" ~ Danny Moran (Northern Soul)

“With so much new music clamouring for attention now, Caulbearers deserve a place in your heart because they are thinking about the world and offering optimism where others are just ranting“ ~ 160 gig blog

Manchester-based Caulbearers present 'Solid Supposed' featuring Somerset-based vocalist Ruth Blake, with haunting vocals and multi-layered delivery, perfectly resonating with the dream-like, otherworldly theme of the lyrics. The vocals bathed in distortion and delay, accompanied by Caulbearers’ signature horns, strings and live breakbeats.

The stunning B-side to their single 'Burst Through The Borders', a different version of this song was released on the ‘More Lie Deep’ EP (2011), In this rendition, frontman Damien Mahoney's vocals are switched out for Blake's. This is part of an ongoing collaboration between the two artists, Mahoney also having produced her recently-released single 'Brave Ships' single.

Influenced by modern, urban existence and celebrating the sacred in the everyday and the supposedly mundane, the song’s lyrics for 'Burst Through The Borders' were inspired by dreaming of a beautiful revolution occurring in the markets, pubs, boardrooms, hospitals and schools of our towns and cities. The fantastic cover artwork was created by James Roper.

Shot almost entirely on mobile phones during the Covid 19 epidemic and under various states of lockdown restrictions in 2020, the accompanying video depicts eerily empty scenes of Manchester, the Blackburn countryside and the Norfolk coastline. This collaboration between Mahoney and editor / animator James Stirzaker is rooted in a long history of working with the band, including artwork for the ‘Over Comes A Cloud’ single (December 2020). As in the song, the natural world with its mysteries, wisdom and wonder, is the main protagonist.

“I wanted to capture all these locations at such a unique time when everything felt so different, to help tell the story of a song that imagines great transformations of our societies, spaces, cultures and of ourselves," says Damian Mahoney.

“As a species, we have so many difficult challenges to find solutions for, that it can feel overwhelming to know where and how to start. I wanted to write something that had total faith in the possibility of change, in the ability to transcend the complexities of our modern lives with simplicity. The song imagines this energy of love flooding through the world and transforming the institutions and purposes of our societies and our lives. By its nature, it dismantles the barriers that cause hardship for so many and the borders that separate us from each other."

Mixed by Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor) at Eve Mastering in Manchester, this track features numerous renowned musicians - drummer Howard Jacobs (808 State, Beth Gibbons, Homelife, Toolshed), guitarist Anton Hunter (Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), cellist Stefan Skrimshire, bassist Nicholas Malin, and acoustic guitar by Andrew Mucha. Acclaimed composer and polyrhythmic pioneer Edward Chilvers also contributes piano.

Caulbearers was formed in 2007 with contributors from around the UK and Europe. A DIY ethic has coursed through the band’s work from releases, design and production to the recording process. This hybrid ensemble blends diverse musical styles, fusing them together live and in the studio, weaving nu jazz and folk with elements of hip-hop, funk, dub, soul and afrobeat.

'Burst Through The Borders' is available across digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney
Rhythm and guitar tracks recorded at Airtight Studios in Manchester
Vocal & instrument recording by Damien Mahoney at his Padded Cell studio
Mixed by Seadna Mcphail
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering in Greater Manchester
Video directed by James Stirzaker & Damien Mahoney
Filmed by Elizabeth Murphy, Damien Mahoney, James Stirzaker, Elia Santini, Richard Smith and Amii Priestley
Video editing & post-production by James Stirzaker
Single cover artwork by James Roper
Photos by Jan Schoof. Collages by James Stirzaker

Keep up with Caulbearers
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Ruth Blake
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify |

Caulbearers explore native Manchester, celebrate humanity on 'Burst Through The Borders'

April 22, 2021

"Impressive... what it might sound like were you to cross Bill Laswell and Massive Attack with Laura Marling and Mojave 3... stellar, believable and inspiring. With a tandem of female and male vocals and lyrics that are heartfelt, hopeful and genuine" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

“Funky and original in such a quirky way that the sauvé jazz-infused style and improv mindset create such a tasty track that you find yourself giving multiple listens within the same sitting. All music should be this progressive” ~ Jammerzine

"Caulbearers have been one of the city's forward-thinking musical forces. A unique blend of genres backed up with a commitment to alternative lifestyles which brings real soul to their various endeavors" ~ Danny Moran (Northern Soul)

“With so much new music clamouring for attention now, Caulbearers deserve a place in your heart because they are thinking about the world and offering optimism where others are just ranting“ ~ 160 gig blog

Manchester-based Caulbearers present their new single 'Burst Through The Borders', influenced by modern, urban existence and celebrating the sacred in the everyday and the supposedly mundane. The fantastic single cover artwork was created by James Roper. The accompanying video is a collaboration between Mahoney and editor / animator James Stirzaker, who has a long history of working with the band.

Formed in 2007, Caulbearers are a collective led by Damien Mahoney, with contributors hailing from around the UK and Europe. A DIY ethic has coursed through the band’s work, including releases, design, production and much of the recording process. This hybrid ensemble is known for blending diverse musical styles and fusing them together on stage, weaving nu jazz and folk with elements of hip-hop, funk, dub, soul and afrobeat.

The video was shot almost entirely on mobile phones during the Covid 19 epidemic and in various states of lockdown restrictions in 2020. It depicts eerily empty scenes of Manchester, including the heart of the city centre. Other locations include Blackburn countryside and the Norfolk coastline. Singers Ruth Blake and Damien Mahoney are the only humans seen in the video, accompanied by various birds enjoying brief cameos throughout. As in the song, the natural world with its mysteries, wisdom and wonder, is the main protagonist of the video.

“I wanted to capture all these locations at such a unique time when everything felt so different, to help tell the story of a song that imagines great transformations of our societies, spaces, cultures and of ourselves. When everything initially locked down in the UK, we only had access to our phones and each other, so my wife Liz and I took a DIY approach and would go out filming in the early morning. As the year progressed, other friends also filmed sections and when times of less restriction came, we visited more locations but kept the same approach and aesthetic throughout," says Damian Mahoney.

Written in 2017, the song’s lyrics for 'Burst Through The Borders' were inspired by timeless texts by authors such as Idries Shah, Kahlil Gibran and Neil Douglas-Klotz whilst simultaneously dreaming of a beautiful revolution occurring in the markets, pubs, boardrooms, hospitals and schools of our towns and cities.

“As a species, we have so many difficult challenges to find solutions for, that it can feel overwhelming to know where and how to start. I wanted to write something that had total faith in the possibility of change, in the ability to transcend the complexities of our modern lives with simplicity. The song imagines this energy of love flooding through the world and transforming the institutions and purposes of our societies and our lives. By its nature, it dismantles the barriers that cause hardship for so many and the borders that separate us from each other. I wanted to write something that included everyone and everything. I was imagining this powerful force, reaching and filling up all these places and the people in them, leaving no one behind," says Damien Mahoney.

Mixed by Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything, I Am Kloot, Happy Mondays) and mastered by Jim Spencer (New Order, Johnny Marr, Charlatans, Factory Floor) at Eve Mastering in Greater Manchester, this track features numerous renowned musicians. Among them are drummer Howard Jacobs (808 State, Beth Gibbons, Homelife, Toolshed), guitarist Anton Hunter (Beats and Pieces Big Band, Article XI), cellist Stefan Skrimshire, bassist Nicholas Malin, and additional acoustic guitar by Andrew Mucha. Ruth Blake joins Damien Mahoney on vocals, while acclaimed composer and polyrhythmic pioneer Edward Chilverscontributes piano.

Along with the A-side, Caulbearers presents a stunning b-side - 'Solid Supposed' featuring Ruth Blake, whose latest single 'Brave Ships' was produced by Damien Mahoney. Not long ago, Caulbearers also released the single 'Over Comes A Cloud', which marked the beginning of a blossoming relation with Blake.

Caulbearers' music and sound is influenced by an eclectic range of artists, including Bill Laswell, Toots & The Maytals, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Curtis Mayfield, Talking Heads, Andy Weatherall, Brian Eno, Lee Scratch Perry and The Specials.

'Burst Through The Borders' will be released on April 29 and will be available across digital platforms, including and Apple Music and Spotify. It can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, produced & edited by Damien Mahoney
Rhythm and guitar tracks recorded at Airtight Studios in Manchester
Vocal & instrument recording by Damien Mahoney at his Padded Cell studio
Mixed by Seadna Mcphail
Mastered by Jim Spencer at Eve Mastering in Greater Manchester
Video directed by James Stirzaker & Damien Mahoney
Filmed by Elizabeth Murphy, Damien Mahoney, James Stirzaker, Elia Santini, Richard Smith and Amii Priestley
Video editing & post-production by James Stirzaker
Single cover artwork by James Roper
Photos by Jan Schoof. Collages by James Stirzaker

Keep up with Caulbearers
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Ruth Blake
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Apple Music | Spotify

Ruth Blake 'I Am' from 'Brave Ships' single

March 11, 2021

“Destined for greater things in the future… Somerset based Ruth Blake … proved the pick of the bunch, channeling the spirit of Joni Mitchell” ~ Drowned in Sound

“With its delicate harmonies, Ruth Blake’s music seems to emanate from a waking dream... made of shades of love, sweetness and strength” ~ David Mboussou, Film Director

“Some of the most beautiful music I have heard in a long time” ~ John Lime, Glastonbury FM

"An extremely talented artist with an uplifting spirit, contagious positive energy, beautiful voice and timbre, meaningful message with impressive depth" ~ The Record Stache

“Visionary works that defy categorisation or label” ~ Jennifer Leach, Outrider Anthems

“A true wonder. Her voice bathes over me as if I have soaked myself in a healing sound-shower” ~ Steve Lee, Gfm

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Ruth Blake presents her new single 'Brave Ships', inspired by the warm, rich tones and strong rhythmic grooves of the 1970s. The accompanying video was filmed by Paul Blakemore on Sand Bay.

The b-side for this release is titled 'I Am'. A reflection of her soul, these compositions are deep and spacious. Richly bittersweet, this is overflowing with love, creativity and reverance. Both tracks were mastered by Shawn Joseph (Portishead, Jonny Greenwood, PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes, Peter Green).

Originally from the Midlands, Blake now resides in the mists and vales of Somerset, where she creates multi-faceted folk music that stirs the soul, rich with symbol and storytelling. 'Using 'music as medicine’, this is poignant, lyrical, poetic and even sacred.

'Brave Ships' was birthed in the autumn of 2019 at the home of Ashley Jenkins, a severely disabled swimmer and radio host who regularly inspires his fans to ‘never give up on their dreams’. "He’s a beloved friend and I’m sure it is no coincidence that Brave Ships entered the world through the portal of his home," says Ruth Blake.

"It was just after the peak of Extinction Rebellion activity, a few months before the Covid pandemic struck. I felt deep love of the earth and a desire to see a paradigm shift in the way we relate to the natural world and indeed the world in general. I was riding difficult inner conflicts, asking myself what I felt was being asked of me as we head into the stormy waters of this unique time in human history. It was then that I re-read an exquisite piece of writing entitled 'Letter to a Young Activist During Troubled Times' by one of my all-time favourite authors - Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, who noted that a "soul on deck shines like gold in dark times". The letter struck me anew, rich with symbolic beacons of hopes set amongst the paradoxes of life, reassuring us heartily that we are seaworthy vessels no matter how ragged our flags have become."

While also self-taught, Blake received an unusual musical education from the eccentric and pioneering Young Steinway Artist, composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist, Edward Chilvers, who persistently encouraged her to believe in herself and develop her gift for music. "Each song is a bit like untangling a complicated knot – the process is utterly obsessive, and somehow inevitable,” says Blake.

In 2015, Blake crowdfunded and released her own debut album of subtle yet poignant folk music - 'Lullabies for Grown-Ups', followed by her colourful second studio album 'Creation' in 2018. Lyrically profound and musically sophisticated, Ruth’s music is born out of her own passion for self-knowledge and the deeper truths of existence.

A member of the Music as Medicine collective and Brightsky Community, she has performed at various festivals. She has recorded at Real World Studios with the enigmatic James Frost, and has been collaborating with Manchester dark-funk 8-piece ensemble Caulbearers, including for their 2020 single 'Over Comes a Cloud'.

A natural progression, Blake collaborated with Damien Mahoney, the driving force behind Caulbearers, who produced and engineered it at his attic studio in Old Trafford. With a creative output ranging from funk, soul and reggae to acid house and Balearic dub, he has collaborated with John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra, The Breath), Rob Turner (GoGo Penguin), Julie Gordon (Happy Mondays) and producer Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Doves, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything). He has also remixed RnB artist Faith Evans for EMI.

'Brave Ships' will be released on January 27 and will be available for digital download via Apple Music, as well as streaming platforms such as Spotify. it can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Ruth Blake
Recorded, Produced & Mixed by Damien Mahoney in his attic studio ‘Padded Cell’ in Old Trafford, Manchester
Mastered by Shawn Joseph (Portishead, Jonny Greenwood, PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes, Peter Green)
All Vocals and acoustic guitar - Ruth Blake
Drums - Rob Turner (Gogo Penguin)
Fretless bass - Dave Tompkins (Johnny Dangerously, Mike Hope's Jazzmahoot, Mojito)
Cello, viola, violin - Alan Keary (Shunya)
Guitar, Harmonium and piano - Pete Barrett (Colourfield, John Cooper Clark & Pauline Murray)

Keep up with Ruth Blake
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UK singer-songwriter Ruth Blake presents invigorating 'Brave Ships' single

January 27, 2021

Brave Ships releases 27 Jan 2021 - Pre-order from Bandcamp now https://ruthblake.bandcamp.com/album/brave-ships-single-b-side. The single will be available f...

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Ruth Blake presents her new single 'Brave Ships', inspired by the warm, rich tones and strong rhythmic grooves of the 1970s. The accompanying video was filmed by Paul Blakemore on Sand Bay.

The b-side for this release is titled 'I Am'. A reflection of her soul, these compositions are deep and spacious. Richly bittersweet, this is overflowing with love, creativity and reverance. Both tracks were mastered by Shawn Joseph (Portishead, Jonny Greenwood, PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes, Peter Green).

Originally from the Midlands, Blake now resides in the mists and vales of Somerset, where she creates multi-faceted folk music that stirs the soul, rich with symbol and storytelling. 'Using 'music as medicine’, this is poignant, lyrical, poetic and even sacred.

'Brave Ships' was birthed in the autumn of 2019 at the home of Ashley Jenkins, a severely disabled swimmer and radio host who regularly inspires his fans to ‘never give up on their dreams’. "He’s a beloved friend and I’m sure it is no coincidence that Brave Ships entered the world through the portal of his home," says Ruth Blake.

"It was just after the peak of Extinction Rebellion activity, a few months before the Covid pandemic struck. I felt deep love of the earth and a desire to see a paradigm shift in the way we relate to the natural world and indeed the world in general. I was riding difficult inner conflicts, asking myself what I felt was being asked of me as we head into the stormy waters of this unique time in human history. It was then that I re-read an exquisite piece of writing entitled 'Letter to a Young Activist During Troubled Times' by one of my all-time favourite authors - Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, who noted that a "soul on deck shines like gold in dark times". The letter struck me anew, rich with symbolic beacons of hopes set amongst the paradoxes of life, reassuring us heartily that we are seaworthy vessels no matter how ragged our flags have become."

While also self-taught, Blake received an unusual musical education from the eccentric and pioneering Young Steinway Artist, composer, pianist and multi-instrumentalist, Edward Chilvers, who persistently encouraged her to believe in herself and develop her gift for music. "Each song is a bit like untangling a complicated knot – the process is utterly obsessive, and somehow inevitable,” says Blake.

In 2015, Blake crowdfunded and released her own debut album of subtle yet poignant folk music - 'Lullabies for Grown-Ups', followed by her colourful second studio album 'Creation' in 2018. Lyrically profound and musically sophisticated, Ruth’s music is born out of her own passion for self-knowledge and the deeper truths of existence.

A member of the Music as Medicine collective and Brightsky Community, she has performed at various festivals. She has recorded at Real World Studios with the enigmatic James Frost, and has been collaborating with Manchester dark-funk 8-piece ensemble Caulbearers, including for their 2020 single 'Over Comes a Cloud'.

A natural progression, Blake collaborated with Damien Mahoney, the driving force behind Caulbearers, who produced and engineered it at his attic studio in Old Trafford. With a creative output ranging from funk, soul and reggae to acid house and Balearic dub, he has collaborated with John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra, The Breath), Rob Turner (GoGo Penguin), Julie Gordon (Happy Mondays) and producer Seadna Mcphail (Badly Drawn Boy, Doves, Jah Wobble, Everything Everything). He has also remixed RnB artist Faith Evans for EMI.

'Brave Ships' will be released on January 27 and will be available for digital download via Apple Music, as well as streaming platforms such as Spotify. it can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.