Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Making music, clothes, writing plays or exploding candle wax all over my Mother’s kitchen, everything was about experimentation and expression! I learned to play guitar at 12 and as soon as I realised I could sing with a few chords, I started writing my own songs. My influences have always been eclectic, including greats such Joni Mitchell, John Martyn and Quincy Jones, so I think my style reflects that.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Lorna Reid”?
A: I hope people that discover my music feel they have found something that is authentic and real.
Sweet Baby Blues is the first single from a new album of original songs called I Will Tell Your Story (due for release in March 2025). I’m very much hoping that existing and new fans take these songs to their heart and onto their playlists!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I love Allison Russell. Her album Outside Child is a beautiful acoustic journey. I love to create music with a range of textures and concepts too, so this is right up my street.
My inspiration comes when I allow myself time and space to really feel and let ideas in. If I’m too busy ‘doing’ I can’t listen to myself, or the world around me. That’s why I often like to write on retreats, so I can become immersed.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the lead single, “Sweet Baby Blues.”?
A: Give love a chance and stop running. Sweet Baby Blues is set at 2am – what I called the ‘witching hour’ for reflection. We created the late night, feel with simple voice and piano (and haunting saxophone solo) to express the loneliness and longing of the narrator. Unlike novels or films, we don’t need a conclusion by the end of a song, it’s about creating a mood; a moment in time. The listener then becomes part of the story and can decide what they want to happen next. The short form of songs creates so many more possibilities.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording the upcoming album?
A: My partner Neil Warden (guitar/Weissenborn) and I had created loads of demos, but knew we wanted an external producer, who could work sensitively across genres of jazz, blues, soul, americana. I went through loads of ideas and landed back at my first conclusion. I invited Boo Hewerdine (who is an amazing songwriter and friend of many years) to produce my new album I Will Tell Your Story. We worked together to finesse the songs and make the final selection – it’s always hard of course when a few songs you love hit the ‘cutting room floor’!
Finance was always going to be a struggle and so I was delighted to be supported by a grant from Creative Scotland which allowed me to hire fantastic musicians and engineers. Everyone I have worked with on the album has been fantastic which made the project a joy.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Music and words are a catalyst for making sense of the world, The muse can be a lost love, a new joy, or a single autumn leaf blowing by, that creates an energy or moves human emotion.. If my songs can help to move people to connect, escape or bring some healing then I’ve achieved artistically. I Will Tell Your Story are my musings set in the beautiful artistry of my musicians.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Poly Styrene (RIP) of X-ray Spex. I remember the first time I heard her voice and crazy sound of the sax (first time heard in punk music). I was hooked on her sound and powers of observation She was ahead of her time calling out all the toxic waste in society.
I think we could make a really cool Punk-Jazz album and I’d love to learn from her brave soul.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Music will always love you back, if you love it. If you don’t love it then don’t give up music, but DO change what you are doing in music. Keep your friends and family close. Don’t do it for fame, do it for love.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Be grateful everyday, don’t let fear hold you back and make those around you feel special. The world needs more love!
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