Best known as the former frontman and chief songwriter for the much-loved band, Wild Beasts, Hayden Thorpe returns to the stage with his beautifully singular third album ‘Ness’, made in collaboration with best-selling nature writer Robert Mcfarlane. “The album’s theme is Orford Ness, a shingle habitat off the southeast coast of England,” says Hayden in conversation with B:Music ahead of his performance at the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space on Sun 2 Feb. “It was once a place for MOD weapons development,” he adds. “It has since become a protected National Trust site, resplendent in its re-wilding. ‘Ness’ is therefore a story of darkness into light. Horror and then redemption.”

His singular voice and imaginative song craft is borne of the Lake District landscape he hails from. “I’d describe my music as sensual, playful, often androgynous and always of serious intention (but never taking itself too seriously),” he says when asked to describe his music. “The songcraft is first and foremost for me, so my sonic palate can be quite varied, from woodwind to electronica. I’d say my voice would be my lead instrument.”

Hayden’s work has continued to evolve into the lush panoramic electronical which underpins his soulful songs and this is made apparent in ‘Ness’. “It’s one of those records that just shouldn’t be. It’s hugely ambitious. A labour of love. I guess it’s a piece of work that deliberately beats back on the high-turnover-policy of our current creative atmosphere. We dared to be singular in our vision and final form, so I’m proud. It belongs only unto itself.”

Hayden will be joined by Propellor Ensemble, a cross-genre ensemble made up of multi-instrumentalists from a variety of musical backgrounds led by Jack McNeill. “Jack is the writer of the orchestral arrangements across ‘Ness’ as well as being the clarinet Maestro who accompanies me throughout the record,” Hayden shares. “He’s also Cumbrian. We know each other through the wilds up there.”

To the audiences of B:Music, the Propellor Ensemble is a familiar face. They performed their ‘Loom’ show at Town Hall back in 2019. “It was a fantastic realisation of the group concept after our residencies at Britten Pears Arts and The Glasshouse,” says Jack. “We went on to tour that piece around the UK and collaborated with various artists and organisations on new sections of it along the way… a river in flow.”

‘Ness’ was a chance happening, says Hayden. “I fan-mailed Rob. We then tried out some improvised music to his reading of ‘Ness’. Jack was in the room that night and immediately came on board with what we were doing. I think the magic lies in the meant-to-be-ness of it all.” The magic of this collaboration truly shines in the thirteen-track album. “Robert Macfarlane bucks conventional wisdom – you must not only meet your heroes but work with them too. It’s been a hugely expansive experience for me,” Hayden admits. “The album is a strange and soulful thing. Lots and lots of patience, belief, trust and daring went into creating it. For me, the music is only as strong as the bonds of friendship that we formed. Jack’s musical approach has been a revelation. I feel it’s the beginning of an onward journey together.”

“Being part of this adaptation and transformation of ‘Ness’ into the creature you’re about to experience has been a ride,” says Jack. When asked what the main differences are when it comes to arranging for a larger-scale project and then down-scaling into a touring ensemble such as this one, he says: “It’s about capturing the way a recording makes you feel as it rummages around your head drawing on your experience – lived and imagined.” He adds, “It’s about allowing the live experience to be a two-way journey where you don’t just recreate a ghost for an audience. You shake the spirit of what you were trying to capture and everything it’s touched since, with whatever you have to hand.”

Many members of the Propellor Ensemble met, formed and performed in Birmingham. “For us, Birmingham was a genuine musical forge,” says Jack. “We connected through various genres and musical experiences. We’ve been students, teachers and part of the community of musical explorers in this city.”

“We recorded the brass section for Ness in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire studios,” Hayden adds, “I recall the atmosphere of support and encouragement that day was inspiring. We had students drop into the studio whilst we were recording and their excitement at what we were recording rubbed off on me. It’s only right that we bring ‘Ness’ back in its completed form.”

“I haven’t felt this excited about a live show for years. The sound we make is greater than the sum of its parts in a way. The unusual array of instruments – voice, guitar, clarinet, orchestral percussion, and choir, come together to bring ‘Ness’ alive in the room. The shows we played at Orford Ness to launch the album were highly emotional. Perhaps this has something to do with the decommissioned nuclear missile we had in the room with us!” Hayden Thorpe and Propellor Ensemble will be coming to Symphony Hall on Sun 2 Feb performing songs from ‘Ness’, promising a sonically spectacular and transformational live show. “The bomb won’t be present, but I’m expecting more of the same.”

Interview by Lerah Barcenilla, Marketing & Communications Officer