Went To Walk (self- released, 2024)

CLAUDIA SCHWAB (Violin/Vocals/Loop/Piano/Composition)

Following the release of her new single “Went To Walk” in May 2023, which was accompanied by a beautiful video created by French artists Raphael Decoster and Fanny Alet, Claudia Schwab launched her third solo album in July 2024.

Born out of solitary forest, seaside and mountain dwellings during the periods of lock down, the album marks a return to the origins of her composing practices: a world of sound that she could create, and retreat to, entirely on her own.

Never shy of crossing borders between genres, traditions and conventions, the album presents an introspective body of folk-inspired songs with experimental elements. Amalgamating aspects of the worlds of Irish, Austrian and Indian Classical music traditions, the compositions are interwoven with sound samples collected at home in Sligo, as well as during arts residencies in Crete, Austria, India and Sri Lanka. Amidst the sounds of a whistling kettle, wooden drawers, a coffee cup, nuclear alarms or Indian prayers, we hear of unfinished love stories, the yearning to be left alone, diverse “what if” scenarios of re-crafting our lifestyles, or reflections on the startling lack of being present to our own lives.

Featuring guest musicians Jos Kelly (keys) and Matija Solce (accordion) on the title track “Went To Walk”, as well as Michael McGoldrick (flute/whistle) on the avantgarde yodel-trad experiment “Jodlphase”, the remainder of this delicate body of sounds is written for an intimate solo set up of violin, vocals, piano and loops.