Renowned for her insightful lyricism, and hailed as “a songwriter who weaves insightful and thought-provoking lyrics into irresistibly catchy tunes” by Rock and Reel Magazine, singer-songwriter Marsha Swanson announces her triumphant return with her third album, “Near Life Experience”. It follows the widespread critical acclaim of her debut album “Watershed” in 2005 and follow-up album “Sentient Stardust” in 2007.
In 2008, Marsha won Best Folk Artist and Best Album at the Glasswerk New Music Awards in London, with “Sentient Stardust” receiving a stunning response from regional and national BBC radio.
Marking her signature brand of progressive “grown-up pop”, Swanson’s music is a tapestry of “romantic realism,” weaving emotive storytelling into captivating melodies.
The album is a collaboration with a distinguished ensemble of musicians, including the versatile Henry (King Thumb) Thomas, acclaimed for his collaborations with musical luminaries such as Randy Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Van Morrison, and Sarah Jane Morris.
Recorded at Konk studios in London and Echo Zoo studios, Eastbourne with album artwork from the legendary Storm Studios, responsible for iconic creations for artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Muse. Adding to this impressive roster is the multi-platinum-selling producer Iestyn Polson, recognised for his work with icons like David Gray, Patti Smith, and David Bowie.
With current singles “In Parallel”, “Facing Life”, “Not You” and “Happy Ever After”, accompanied by visually enthralling music videos, Swanson sets the stage for an album that delves into the depths of existence. “Facing Life” serves as a thematic prelude, paving the way for a narrative that traverses life’s ebbs and flows.
Bookended by instrumental tracks “Waltz for Life” and “In Touch,” the album encapsulates the essence of life’s journey, mirroring its highs and lows.
The lead single, “Making Waves”, epitomises Swanson’s mature and sophisticated approach to pop. A soul-stirring ballad, it weaves a series of emotions, resonating with listeners on an existential level. With poignant lyrics and melodies that linger, “Making Waves” invites introspection, seamlessly blending tranquillity with emotional depth.
It is a song that was influenced by the work of the famous American Psychiatrist and bestselling author Irvin Yalom. He spoke of rippling, which is the idea that people can continue to have an impact long after they have died by their ideas and deeds rippling in much the same way as the ripples that are created by tossing a pebble into a pond.
Swanson effortlessly channels this energy into a peaceful and simply stunning track that keeps you ever present throughout, in an existential song that aims to put us in touch with our mortality and meaning.
Marsha shares on the album, ““The roots that we come from and return to are in death yet we continue to reach for the light”. As the only animals aware of our mortality, us humans have the unenviable task of navigating how to live our lives with the shadow of death always close by.
We are used to hearing about Near Death experiences, but I thought flipping it round to consider what it means to nearly live would be interesting.” She launches the album with a special show at London’s Bush Hall on release day, marking an incredible return for Marsha Swanson.
“Making Waves” stands as a poignant showcase within the album, capturing the essence of an accomplished 17 track record set to unveil early in 2024. Marsha Swanson’s evocative vocals, coupled with the thoughtful composition, provides a sonically diverse journey that transcends boundaries, and ‘Near Life Experience’ leaves an indelible mark on the listener’s soul.
