Lavinia Blackwall (Trembling Bells)

A rich tapestry of folk, rock, and psych-power pop, the album showcases Blackwall’s unparalleled vocal prowess and evocative songwriting, further cementing her reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.

A classically trained soprano, Blackwall first gained recognition as the lead singer of Trembling Bells, a Glasgow-based psych-folk outfit known for their ambitious blending of folk traditions with rock and baroque influences. Over the course of seven albums with Trembling Bells, she honed her signature vocal style - often compared to Fairport Convention’s Sandy Denny - and collaborated with legends such as Bonnie Prince Billy and Mike Heron of The Incredible String Band.

Stepping out as a solo artist, Blackwall released her debut album, 'Muggington Lane End', in 2020, which was met with widespread acclaim for its lush arrangements and intricate songwriting. 'The Making' is a deeply personal collection of songs that have evolved over time, shaped by both hardship and joy.

Written over a four-year period and recorded at The Barne Studio, the album reflects Blackwall’s journey through personal loss, artistic exploration, and renewed creative energy. The whole process took much longer than intended, says Blackwall. Life seemed to happen around it. There was a lot of darkness - my partner and collaborator Marco lost his mum in 2021 and very nearly his dad shortly after. I lost my dad in October 2023. But there was a lot of light too, a lot of time spent in Italy and up at our cabin at Carbeth, all of which leaked into the songs on the album, she continues.

A key factor in 'The Making'’s distinctive sound is the intricate production work by Marco Rea, who has been instrumental in bringing Blackwall’s vision to life. Marco’s production really shaped this album, says Blackwall. His attention to detail, combined with contributions from incredible musicians like Laura J Martin on flute and recorder, and Ross McRae and Richard Merchant on brass, has made this a truly collaborative effort. With influences spanning from Jefferson Airplane to Weyes Blood, 'The Making' is a testament to Blackwall’s ability to weave together diverse musical inspirations into a cohesive and compelling body of work with songwriting at its centre.