We’ve all heard the classic Scottish ballads, but what if they were combined with alien elves? Rhymer, a new independent record label, is blending the two genres for an unexpected but ultimately enjoyable hybrid.
Created by composer and producer Elroy Watson-Coleman, Rhymer brings together traditional Scottish folk music and modern electronic elements to create a unique sound. Watson-Coleman, who is from Glasgow, has incorporated a host of traditional instrumentation into his productions, from fiddles to flutes, while also experimenting with progressive beat productions.
The result is an alien-tinged folk-step, where mix of melodic interludes, swinging rhythms and samples from Scotland’s musical heritage come together in an unearthly mix.
Watson-Coleman says his music is inspired by a variety of sources, from the avant-garde jazz of Sun Ra to the high-octane intensity of drum and bass. He has even managed to find ways to incorporate alien elven-influenced sounds into the mix – an example of which is his latest single, “The Copper Knight.”
The track features a conventional Scottish melody overlaid with shimmering synths and otherworldly vocal loops. It’s a sound that Watson-Coleman says he has been working towards for years.
“It’s about taking the traditional elements of Scots music, then bending, stretching and pushing them out of their comfort zone,” he says. “For me, it’s about creating something new but rooted in tradition.”
The success of the single has sparked interest in the Rhymer label, with many eager to hear what other strange and exciting sounds Watson-Coleman will craft. In the meantime, he is busy in the studio, creating more of his hybrid of Scottish ballads and alien elves. We can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.