SOAK – aka Ireland’s Bridie Monds-Watson – has released a new collaboration track and film called ‘I’m Alive’. Conceptualised by Ellius Grace during the height of lockdown, ‘I’m Alive’ is based around a poem written and performed by SOAK with instrumental music created by Gemma Doherty of Saint Sister. It brings together a team of collaborators from across Ireland who worked in isolation to create the track and accompanying short film, many of whom had never met before.
SOAK explains the creation of the piece saying “Ellius Grace reached out to me during the lockdown with this idea of creating an ‘antidote to anxiety’, with the concept centering around finding beauty in the mundane. I sat down in the up and down waves of isolation, when I let my brain go I started to write about how it feels to ‘wake up’ from a long depression. The relief when a tide starts to turn and things I’d given up on begin to seem possible again. Ellius asked Gemma Doherty to compose the soundtrack and she provided a gentle and gripping bed to speak over. I hope this piece can act as a reminder that it won’t always be like this.”
Grace says of his role overseeing the collaboration, “‘I’m Alive’ is a short film about being mindful of the small joys and blessings around you. It’s about slowing down and taking stock of the things that often go unnoticed. It’s about the space you can create in your head when you’re feeling anxious or frustrated with life. With this piece, I hope to create a calming experience and send a message of peace and strength in oneself. I hope to remind you of the beautiful experiences that anyone can have no matter their situation.”
SOAK’s latest album Grim Town was released in 2019 via Rough Trade Records, and saw her make her national TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Grim Town earned glowing reviews and coverage from Pitchfork, The Guardian (4/5 stars), BUST (5/5), NPR Music, Under the Radar (8/10 stars), The Line of Best Fit (8/10), AllMusic (4/5 stars), Exclaim! and more.
Purchase / Stream ‘I’m Alive’ https://soak.ffm.to/
PRAISE FOR GRIM TOWN
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“The Northern Irish musician graduates from lonesome singer-songwriter to bold art-pop auteur; her growing confidence translates to emotionally probing songs of startling candor.” – Pitchfork, 7.3
“Soak’s songs are a product of an unsure age of casual relationships and employment, of economic and ecological crises. But rather than rattling towards the depths of existential despair, Grim Town is an upbeat voyage, finding unlikely optimism settles in as reassuring folk-pop.” – The Big Issue
“Signalling an audible shift from indie folk to dreamy pop, SOAK’s much-anticipated upcoming record ‘Grim Town’ is the stunning culmination of a lengthy period of unintentional reinvention.” – Best Before
“The Derry-based singer songwriter exhibits increasing versatility on this accomplished sophomore release.” – The Line Of Best Fit
“It’s SOAK sense of boldness on Grim Town that feels like major step on her creative odyssey. Where she ends up is to be confirmed, but the possibilities are limitless.” – The Irish Times, ★★★★
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