Iona Lane

Event Details

Event type: All Ages

Swilkie, the new album from Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane, weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. Written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney, sense of place and landscape are at the core of these songs. Charting in the UK Official Folk Album charts at #23, Swilkie explores rom basking sharks to lighthouses, lichen to vanishing islands, curlews to tree planting; the album was recorded in a boathouse on the West Coast of Scotland and the eager listener may even hear the lapping sound of the tide murmuring through the album. Iona’s connection to places by the sea is translated through these songs with evolving vocal melodies, subtle guitar and droning shruti box.

Iona’s debut album Hallival charted at #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts and was named by Folk Radio UK as #27 in their Top Albums of 2022. The album received widespread press including in The Guardian, Walk Highlands, BBC Radio 2 and The Scotsman to name a few. 

In 2023 Iona toured extensively and joined Karine Polwart on a run of tour dates in England. Iona joined Karine on stage for a few songs, an awe inspiring opportunity for audiences to see these two artists sing together.

Iona has toured extensively across the UK, Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark and is looking forward to bringing her music across the Atlantic.

Iona was the recipient of the Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary in 2020.

“It stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it… Haunting, touching, atmospheric, loving it!” - Mark Radcliffe BBCR2

“Swilkie is a masterful album full of heartfelt emotion and breathtaking songwriting” - KLOF Mag

“Swilkie is evocative of coastline, nature & history, much like the sound of wind & sea reflecting Iona’s airy, light & gentle voice.” - RnR

“Iona’s lyrics and musical arrangements crackle with wide-eyed curiosity.” Jude Rogers, The Guardian

“Iona feels like a kindred spirit with her gorgeous evocations of landscape and geeky scientific references.” - Karine Polwart