Resonate Artist Of The Week: Josie Duncan
We had the honour of catching up with singer, songwriter and all round incredible artist Josie Duncan this week ahead of their debut album release on 26th August. The Isle of Lewis born and bred artist now resides in Glasgow where she’ll be celebrating her album release with a headline show at The Glad Cafe on September 9th, you can grab a ticket here.
This stunning release touches on Josie’s experiences as a neurodivergent person navigating their way through life and relationships in their twenties. Duncan’s effortlessly honest and authentic songwriting casts an aura of experience far beyond her youth - without doubt cementing herself as one of Scotland’s most exciting young musical prospects.
Your debut album As The Moonlight Melts is out tomorrow. Tell us about the process of writing & recording this sensational body of work
In 2021, I got the chance to perform a ‘New Voices’ at Celtic Connections. This provided me with the opportunity to choose musicians for a brand new project. I loved working with this new group and after this performance, I knew I wanted to make my debut album alongside them. I also met my producer Krayg through this project, who was playing keys and synths on the gig.
You hail from the beautiful Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides, what was the musical scene like growing up? How did it inspire you?
I feel so lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place, as well as such a musical one. The island has a really special and nurturing music scene and it was exciting to be a part of that. We all spurred each-other on. Having grown up surrounded by the sea has definitely impacted my writing, I find I am drawn to water when creating metaphors.
The album features an impressive cohort of sessions musicians including performers from Admiral Fallow & Skipinnish. How did these connections come about?
Honestly, I just got in touch and asked my dream musicians for the sound I wanted to create. I thought that if even some of them said yes, I’d be cooking with gas. But cut to and now every single one of them is on my album! I am a jammy Josie.
What track is your favourite from the album? Why?
That’s really hard to say! They are all so different from eachother. Maybe ‘Be Around’ which was the first single. The lyrics are pretty raw but the melody is upbeat. To me this represents being on the struggle bus but keeping on going. My producer and I also made sure the arrangement represented the constant distractions life provided. (Especially for an ADHDer like me) and towards the end of the track it descends into chaos. This was so fun to work on.
Tickets are on sale for your album launch at The Glad Cafe in September, what can people expect from a Josie Duncan live show?
People can expect a lot of pink, a delicious band and plenty for of sad girl bops. Maybe even some happy ones for good measure! I’m so buzzing. It’s going to be a party!
You’re hosting a dinner party for 3 of your musical heroes. Who are you inviting along?
Oof. That’s a tough one. I’ll go for Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor and Ella Fitzgerald!
Debut album As The Moonlight Melts artwork