Laura Marling showcases fuller instrumentation on new album tracks
12 August 2009 - Mercury Prize-nominated folk singer Laura Marling has given fans and critics a taster of her second album.
Despite planning a 'medieval' sophomore record, Marling said: "I did say that but we changed our minds, thankfully."
She showcased new songs last night at a one-off gig with hand-picked guests at London's Royal Festival Hall.
The likes of Andrew Bird, Mumford and Sons, Johnny Flynn, Peggy Sue, Alessi's Ark, Pete Roe and folk collective Sons Of Noel & Adrian took to the stage.
'Medieval' turnaroundThe as yet untitled follow-up to
Alas I Cannot Swimis currently in the mixing stages, due for release in February 2010.
When asked about the possible 'medieval' direction, which she had alluded to in the press, she told BBC 6 Music: "Gosh, I shot myself in the foot saying that."I was doing a play through of the songs to Ethan [Johns], who just produced my album, and we suddenly went on a mad brainstorm and decided that 'medieval' was definitely the direction we should be going in."But Marling exclaimed: "Thankfully we came to our senses."
More instrumentationThe folk songstress is currently backed by a band which includes two members of Mumford And Sons, an upcoming folk quartet from London, who release their anticipated debut album
Sigh No Morein October.It also includes other well known members in folk circles, for example Tom Fiddle from Noah And The Whale and solo artist Pete Roe."The vibe of it is pretty different to the old stuff. There's a lot more instrumentation."Laura Marling
From the influence of having the band around, Marling acknowledged it has led to a fuller sounding record.
"The vibe of it is pretty different to the old stuff," she explained. "There's a lot more instrumentation. There's still a few solo songs but it's different."
"It's pretty traditional," she added. "We went and just rehearsed it for two weeks and came up with all the arrangements, the band and then myself and Ethan [Johns], so it is a lot more band-based than the last album."
Working with a hero
Ethan Johns, famed for his work with Ryan Adams, Rufus Wainwright and Kings Of Leon - he produced the Nashville giants first two albums - debuted one of his own songs, titled Hello Sunshine, at the gig last night.
Marling said working with one of her idols was a bit overwhelming at first: "Ethan has been a hero of mine long before I met him.
"He produced a lot of albums I was head over heels in love with, so it was quite a step to meet a hero like that, but of course he fulfilled every expectation and he was a wonderful chap."
As for the final product, she added: "I think we've worked really well together. He's very, very clever and an incredible musician so that's been exciting."
Marling plans to head out on a big tour next year.