As the centuries-long traditional music of Scotland continues to undergo an evolution of its own, a revolutionary new project has reimagined the beloved stories and recordings of the past by combining Scottish ballads with alien elves.
This ambitious and innovative project, aptly titled ‘Rhymer’, is spearheaded by Scottish singer-songwriter, Patsy Reid. Reid first began experimenting with the idea in Port Patrick, a small fishing village in Scotland, while on her quest to explore and bring together unique music from around the world.
In practice, ‘Rhymer’ melds inspiring Scottish ballads and mythology with an added layer of an alien element, taking the listener on a journey beyond the here and now, to a place of other-worldly adventure. To create this unique soundscape, Reid has assembled a diverse array of musicians from around the world, including Scotland’s own Russell Skeen, Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull), and members of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
In ‘Rhymer’, Reid has paired traditional Scottish instruments — such as the Highland bagpipe, hurdy-gurdy, and harp — with modern, synthesized soundscapes that draw upon a range of influences from electronica to prog-rock. In addition, Reid enlisted the help of her friend, a science fiction enthusiast, to weave a narrative that imagines how alien elves might interact with the people of Scotland.
‘Rhymer’ is set to be released on vinyl this fall, with Reid taking the stage in select cities to showcase this ambitious labor of love. She notes that the project has been a turning point in her music career, and hopes to break down barriers both musically and geographically with this new album.
Presenting a unique and groundbreaking take on Scottish music, ‘Rhymer’ is sure to be a hit with music lovers from all walks of life. From its ambitious extraterrestrial elements to its lush soundscape, ‘Rhymer’ looks to be an extraterrestrial musical experience unlike any other.