Il lancio ufficiale di Sooner or Later Silver Screen Remix segna l’atto costitutivo dei blantyre
Group 1: The Origin and Energy of “Splitting The Ash”
It wasn’t the shock of the cold water, it was more that I was so exhilarated to be in such wild and rugged conditions with my friends, getting thrown around by waves and having fun. The sun was breaking through large grey clouds and the whole experience was inspiring. As I left the water feeling satisfied that we had defied the elements, the lyrics began to present themselves and I wrote them down as soon as I could. So it was a very organic and natural process.
- The title refers to the ancient Irish ritual of splitting an ash tree to access healing and rebirth. How did you come across this tradition, and what symbolic meaning does it hold for you today?
I think that it holds great symbolic and practical meaning for the modern world which seems to be spiritually impoverished in many respects. The ash tree was greatly revered by the Irish Celts as it connected both the heavens and the earth and the regenerative powers associated with the tree, and from the splitting of the ash ritual, reminded me of the regenerative and inspirational side effects of spending time in natural settings.
Spending time in and reconnecting with nature can nurture and revive one’s internal well-being and perhaps even our spiritual faculties.
- Compared to the cosmic and contemplative dimension of Forged Inside A Dying Star, Splitting The Ash explodes with a vibrant Celtic energy. Was this shift a spontaneous need or a deliberate choice?
It was entirely spontaneous in that I was attending a traditional iris music festival and I found the rhythms and reels uplifting and inspiring. Later that evening when I returned home with my mind full of music, I picked up my guitar and the main riff of the song emerged very quickly and organically which I took to be a good sign that I was on to something!
That said, it took 2 years to finish the song as, although the music came quickly, it took me a long time to arrive at lyrics that I felt properly suited the vibe of the song.
- In the lyrics, you refer to the water as an “altar” and speak of the magic in the waves. What kind of spiritual and personal connection do you have with the sea of your homeland?
I swim in the Irish sea all year round and I receive tremendous benefits from spending time amongst the waves. In my experience, the combination of the cold water and the natural setting immediately shut down my monkey mind and a calm happiness sets in.The perfect frame of mind for rising music and lyrics and I find that, often musical ideas will present themselves to me during and after a dip in the cold sea. Should also say that its tremendous fun as I swim with friends and we spend most of our time laughing and messing around as none of us are particularly strong swimmers so it is as much a social experience as anything else!
- The song conveys a deep sense of resilience and overcoming physical and mental barriers. Was there a specific moment in your life when you felt you had to “split the ash” to make a fresh start?
All of us have to overcome barriers and obstacles in our daily lives and that doing so, or even attempting to do so, is one of the keys to a fulfilling life. Overcoming an obstacle does not mean achieving success or any particular outcome, as none of us can control that, rather, in my opinion it’s about trying and striving to do your best and the fulfilment that comes from this.
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