News From Topic Records - May 2023

 News From Topic Records - May 2023

Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay Eponymous Album Out May 26 on LP, CD and Digital

Topic is delighted to announce this eponymous collaboration between Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay - their first since 2018's 'The Hawksworth Grove Sessions.’  Postponed for two years due to the small matter of a global pandemic, finally, as some semblance of normality took shape, in February 2022, the duo headed into Giant Wafer Studios, mid-Wales, with very little rehearsal time and recorded the entire album live, with no edits or overdubs over three days.

Watch the new live video for Gylfinir, the third single from the new album.

Jim and Toby are both prolific, praised and established artists in their own right. Hailing from South Yorkshire, Ghedi's previous work has often been instrumental, exploring the natural world and his relationship to it, as seen on 2018's A Hymn For Ancient Land but also developing into using his voice, songwriting and traditional material on his more recent album, In The Furrows Of Common Place. Toby Hay, hailing from the Cambrian mountains, professes likewise, that the landscape serves as eternal muse and the spiritual groundwork of his entrancing guitar playing which has dazzled critics and listeners alike throughout his career. All of this makes their collaboration with the world's oldest independent label and custodians of UK folk music, Topic Records, a natural home for this exceptional record.   The album artwork includes beautiful liner notes by Andrew Male.

Pre-order the album on CD, LP or Digital

Album Release Tour June 10th - Chapter, Cardiff Tickets June 11th - The Lost Arc, Rhayader Tickets June 12th - The Greystones, Sheffield Tickets June 13th - The Old Church Stoke Newington, London Tickets

Happy Birthday Martin Simpson

Today (Friday May 5th) marks the 70th birthday of the world-acclaimed singer, guitarist, banjo player and songwriter, Martin Simpson.  Martin released his first record for Topic (‘A Cut Above’ with June Tabor) all the way back in 1980 and has since become a central figure in the label’s story.  His most recent albums, ‘Home Recordings,’ ‘Rooted,’ ‘Trails & Tribulations’ and ‘Vagrant Stanzas’ are indelible proof of a singular talent, ever-enthused, prolific songwriter and collaborator, much admired by fans and peers alike.   Happy Birthday Martin!  News of a very special album featuring Mr Simpson coming soon!    More info (including his Patreon page) about Martin over on his official website.

Topic Records on Spotify

Check Out Folk Discovery – a Topic Spotify Playlist

Folk Discovery – a Topic Spotify playlist

Topic Records recently launched a new Spotify playlist called ‘Folk Discovery’ which features new and not so new folk songs they are currently enjoying. The playlist isn’t just limited to Topic artists and includes folk music from around the UK, Ireland and further afield. Topic will be keeping it regularly updated so make sure to follow on Spotify and check back in to explore the world of folk.

If you like what you hear, you can consider supporting the artists by buying an album or merch and by following, sharing and liking on social media and streaming platforms.

As well as Topic’s Folk Discovery playlist, you’ll also find lots more on their Spotify profile here