Image credit JoshWoolford
Lose yourself in the soulful world of singer-songwriter Tawiah’s poignant second album, Ertha, created in collaboration with artist Al Moore.
Ertha is a concept album, created collaboratively through a process of storytelling and musical interpretation. Through a series of original writings and poems Al tells a story of the human journey as one of “getting lost in order to be found”, suggesting that, despite unavoidable suffering, there is great hope in this; it is by navigating darkness that we find light. Tawiah composed music in response to these writings. The album depicts Ertha’s life from birth to death; her journey represents that of the individual and the collective, we also hear from the ever present, objective Universe.
The pair describe the process as akin to an actor and director working with a script, and the outcome a cohesive musical story as opposed to simply tracks on an album. Ertha was written and recorded at their home during the Covid19 lockdowns, it was agreed that the raw first draft nature of the home recordings is part of Ertha’s story and charm. Co-produced by Jodi Milliner (Kano, Sam Smith), mixed by Blue May (Kano, Joy Crookes) and mastered by Matt Colton (Christina and the Queens, James Blake). The album also features collaborations with Matthew Kofi Waldren (Welsh National Opera, Opera North) and Lydia Marchione (English National Opera).
“The process of collaborating with Al within the limitations of my home studio has been liberating; it forced me to work in new ways and to push myself musically. My creativity feels limitless and unbounded. I see now that, like Ertha, getting lost is what gives us the strength of character we need to find, and be, who we really are. I’m grateful for this journey” –Tawiah
What inspired this release?
Al Moore did the artwork and stage design for my debut album launch show. I was so inspired by the way she worked we decided to do a project together with me responding to her visuals, writings and poems. We were locked down together with time on our hands!
What makes this album special in your opinion?
Ertha is the first album I’ve played bass, guitar and piano on. I usually write demos and get my amazingly talented friends to replay the parts but this time you get my playing! People also ask who the choir are on the record – it’s all my vocals, apart from “Universe I”…it was amazing to have Lydia Marchione from the English National Opera and Matthew Kofi Waldren conductor of Opera Holland Park bless the record with their vocals; it was a collaboration that pushed us all out of our comfort zones.
What is the lyrical content inspired by?
The lyrics were written by Al Moore. The opening lyrics for “Birth” are “Born unto this earth, born of the universe” – Ertha fits neatly into her place and time. Nothing distinctive, nothing new, just one tiny part of everything, one thing and all things. Her story is one of getting lost in order to be found, an essential process for strengthening connection to her truest purpose. As the collective is the sum of its parts, her life offers us great hope for the species and our journey through darkness in order to reach the light. I found Al’s writings to be pure and heartfelt, truthful outpourings; they gave me clarity, and I felt connected to her journey. I could relate deeply.
How do you keep yourself inspired?
I started gardening, growing my own fruit and veg. The process reminds me to take my time, and it’s one of those all-consuming tasks, so no phone! It allows me to be present. The process of seedling to food on your plate is one of patience and nurture, cultivating the right environment for the garden to thrive. It reminds me to apply these principles to my own life. I also happen to have some amazingly talented friends doing wonderful things, so they all feed me in different ways. I feel blessed to be part of an amazing tribe.
What was your first exposure to music?
My first memory of being on stage was when I was about four in a church girl group called Sisters of Praise. I remember singing too loudly and annoying the other girls, but I caught the spirit, boy – that feeling is just the same as I get now. It’s beautiful when it happens, and I chase it! Off stage I am quiet – it’s mad, that transition.
What excites you about your life?
Putting the lessons I’ve learned into practice. Growing as a human, as an artist, as a creative. I have just scored my first TV show alongside my co-composer Lindsay Wright starring Vicky McClure and Johnny Harris on ITVX. I’m excited about writing more for TV and film. I’m excited to tour Ertha in the new year. Some exciting shows are coming in. It’s a tough world, so I do my best to lean into the pockets of joy – they are everywhere if you look.
