We are the Wildlife

We are the Wildlife is the debut solo LP from celebrated Irish folk chanteuse and harpist Brona McVittie. We are the Wildlife is a psycho-geographic journey through a collection of traditional folk ballads and original compositions inspired as much by the geometries of London's urban fringes as by the sonic phenomena within the great rural landscapes of Mourne. This mixing of traditional songs with her own compositions, and thematic ties between songs old and new, coupled with the use of traditional instruments (harp / flute / strings, etc.) against subtle electronic backdrops and innovative production techniques all adds up to a record that is heartfelt, timeless and yet pleasingly contemporary in feel, a perfect mix of new and old, on every front. Brona's musical influences are wide ranging, from the hymns that she sang at school and her teenage obsession with Prince, to 70s folk innovators such as John Martyn and Bert Jansch. Her influences include modern day post-folk electronic artists such as Juana Molina, Tunng, early Colleen, and even Portishead. In contrast she is also equally stimulated listening to traditional archive recordings, such as Alan Lomax, and classical composers including Satie and Beethoven.