testimonial
KELLY BAYFIELD
• WHAT WERE YOU HOPING TO GET OUT OF THE RETREAT?
I had been looking at music retreats before lockdown. I had an inescapable urge to take time out from all the unhelpful noise and focus purely on stoking the embers of creativity that seemed to have died down since completing my album. I knew that I would feel contented and comfortable surrounded by fellow musicians as well as energetically restored by the surrounding landscape. Aside from the music, for personal reasons I had also been attempting to re-visit that area of Scotland for a while, so it seemed serendipitous when this retreat was recommended to me! I also wanted to put my skills to the test, and see what lay beneath the surface of my default approaches to songwriting.
• WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKE AWAY?
Aside from the breath-taking environment, I was utterly bowled over by the level at which everyone in the group connected, both musically and personally. It was a stark reminder of just how powerful the process of collaboration can be. I realise this was not simply by chance, but very much facilitated by Janey & Duncan’s ability to place the right people together… their skills are akin to the wizardry of the Hogwarts sorting hat!!
The spirit of Knoydart has been kept firmly alive as we continue to stay in contact with one another on a regular basis, sharing friendship, knowledge, advice and of course music.
• WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT?
Just one? That’s hard, so many memorable moments: the milky way, Ally Mcerlaine playing out my new song, the late nights jams, the stunning journey there and back and making eye contact with a visiting stag, but scaling the top of a hill on the last morning to find unforgettable panoramic view towards Skye was a really seminal moment for me, and brought all the events and emotions of the week into very sharp focus.
• CAN YOU SHARE ANY FUTURE PLANS / COLLABORATIONS / GIGS?
Aside from my ongoing collaboration with David, and the release of my album in the spring, I have met up with several of the retreaters and look forward to working and/or gigging with them in the future!
• WHAT THREE WORDS SUM UP YOUR TIME AT THE RETREAT?
Profound. Invigorating. Fun!
TO HEAR KELLY'S MUSIC CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING ICONS ...
ATTENDED : Shelly Poole & Paul Statham's retreat
DATE: Sept 2021
