Cailleach's Herbarium

Cailleach's Herbarium


Interview – Isobel Gowdie Concept Album – with Stone Maiden Art and Ex Reverie

June 15, 2018

My folks have always told me I have more a face for radio than I do TV. I also don’t like associating myself with my writing to any great degree. I’m no brand – I think I’m still scarred by the kickstarter promotion. So, doing a recorded interview is a step toward bravery for me. However, I just couldn’t pass it up for these two amazing, enchanting and quick of wit folk.
I had the great pleasure to bend the ear of the enchanting Julia Jeffery from Stonemaiden Art. Also the captivating Gillian Chadwick (from the band Ex Reverie). About their joint project titled Isobel Gowdie. It’s part Prog rock gorgeousness and part captivating Artwork, It’s no secret I’m a great fan.
Isobel Gowdie is a fantastic character from Scottish folk lore. Who they discuss in depth. We meander together through the birth of the concept, how the collaboration came about. (By way of freak weather conditions.  Broken relationships and Isobel herself taking a tithe. We end in speaking about the relevance Isobel has today.
The interview is layered with tracks from the new album as Julia and Gillian discuss them. It was a delight to hear two lovely people discuss their project so candidly. Sadly we never did get round to talking about the fourth part of Isobel’s confession but we would have made the interview a lot less PG rated.
The featured image above is by Julia and its Isobel. Taken from the front cover of the album art.
The Isobel Gowdie Interview
I do end up asking that fatal question “woman of today“. I’d like to clarify that Isobel can be an inspiration to anyone. No matter how you identify. Apologies for my oversight on that one.
You can find out more about the Isobel Gowdie project (and hopefully imminent release date) by heading to the stone maiden art website or on Ex Reverie’s band camp pages.