Maddie Morris releases debut album

Based in Leeds, Maddie Morris is a talented musician that cuts their timeless folk sound with activism. Exploring LGBTQIA+ experiences through traditional music, Maddie’s musical output crystallises into a soundtrack for societal change. Collaborating with organisations like Queer Folk, Esperance and Trans Pride Brighton, Maddie reshapes centuries-old ballads and instils them with a new context, focusing on extracting genuine meaning rather than adhering strictly to tradition.

Debuting their musical journey with the 2020 EP Purgatory, a poignant reflection on lockdown experiences, recorded at the artist’s home. Maddie continued to evolve their sound with the 2022 EP Upstream, capturing their sound in the studio for the first time to craft a collection of songs built on their passion for political expression woven into art.

Now Maddie introduces their magnum opus with the debut full-length record titled Skin. Produced by Pete Ord and recorded at The Studio at Sunbeams in Cumbria, this ten-track outing glances into the intricate layers of identity, stitching together intimate, hopeful and political themes.

Collaborating with exceptional artists like Archie Churchill-Moss, Belinda O’Hooley, Bryony Griffith, George Sansome, Janice Burns, Kath Ord and Matt Downer, and with the involvement of musical guests, including Belinda O’Hooley, Bryony Griffith, Archie Churchill-Moss, George Sansome and Janice Burns, the album perfectly distils Maddie’s compelling folk sound.

Opened by lead single “Marsha P Johnson,” Maddie’s elegant voice floats above the gentle plucks and broken chords of clean guitar. Bright melodies, meaningful lyricism and a stripped back arrangement accented with soft piano plinks gradually builds with the patter of percussive elements and rising vocal intensity to reflect the angst in their writing, resulting in an enchanting and powerful alternative folk music experience.

“Cedar Swamp” transports the listener to an upbeat traditional folk scene with playful instrumental notes, dancing strings, warm acoustic strums and shuffling percussion as Maddie spins bouncy vocal leads. With an uplifting sound and picture painting songwriting, “Cedar Swamp” is a charming song that maintains the artist’s distinct sound while showcasing their range.

Next up, “Easily Bruised” slows things down with lilting acoustic guitar chords providing the mellow backing for Maddie’s beautiful vocals. Laying down a dreamy indie folk sound, the laid back snap of drums injects a swaying rhythm as alluring vocal layers brush the sonic fabric with dashes of vivid musical colour on this delightful outing.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Wee Weaver,” a cover of a folk classic which starts with an intimate a cappella introduction of fluttering vocal melodies. Soft acoustic instrumentation drifts in to wrap around Maddie’s voice to see Maddie Morris take a beloved song and make it their own.

The album closes with “Political T-Shirt,” a delicate song that pairs lush acoustic folk instrumentation with a mesmeric vocal performance. With a cheerful feel and buoyant arrangement capped by graceful vocals, it’s a superb finale to the artist’s sensational debut LP.

Listen to Skin below