What The Whisper Said is a ghost story about an old man who kept a dark secret that has died with his former lover. The single begins with an enchanting yet dark, mesmerising arrangement, combined with Reema’s rich, smooth vocal, sounding akin to the likes of Lisa Hannigan. Reema combines the traditional story telling charm of folk with Guy’s jazz influences to create something truly haunting and majestic.
Recorded live and completely computer free over three magical sessions, Reema‘s UK neo-folk approach met Guy’s avant-garde, jazz and classical influenced arrangements. The result is incredibly moving, with Reema‘s ethereal, emotional vocals lighting the way. These special moments were captured using tape and have stayed analogue all the way to the vinyl itself.
With What The Whisper Said, Reema hopes to continue to charm further listeners with her unique blend of minimal, honest, celestial music.
What The Whisper Said, taken from The LowSwing Sessions is now available via LowSwing Records. You can order a limited edition, hand-drawn vinyl copy of The LowSwing Sessions here.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Reema about influences, challenges, the new project and more.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I have been writing songs since I was 7 and folk music was what drew me in. The mix of beautiful melodies and story telling was what first got me hooked but also the way you can play with darkness but still have an uplifting feeling.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
This is my very first release as ‘Reema’ but I have been playing shows for years. I started out on my own with my guitar, then joined a punk band called ‘Battlekat’, then tried a little in electronic atmospheric music but I’ve gone full circle back to my folk roots.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I’m influenced by conversations, people I meet, the bleak and destroyed parts of Berlin, where I live but also the countryside in Suffolk where lots of my family live. The ancient quality of places that have lived and been destroyed is beautiful. I’m fascinated with history and the passing of time. I keep going because I feel a need to do it. It’s always different and I feel connected in a way that I don’t get from anything else. I think it’s my way of communicating. Above all it makes me happy like nothing else!
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
The producer and arranger of my latest vinyl ‘The Lowswing Sessions’, Guy Sternberg and I share a love for capturing a moment with live recording and are both analogue recording enthusiasts. The idea to record something live to tape without the use of any computers excited me so much. Guy’s label ‘Lowswing Records’ produces vinyl that is 100% computer free. Guy’s avant-garde and jazz influenced arrangements of my minimal, hand made folk songs was a special collaboration that we both had so much fun with.
What was the last song you listened to?
“6+9” by Ethan Johns
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Tidal because it’s a higher quality of sound.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The sheer volume of work needed is always a challenge. I was overwhelmed by how much you need to produce- not only music but video, images, social media posts. I got really in to it now. I love Instagram because you can post 1 minute videos. I’ve started just writing little one minute songs to post. It’s an interesting challenge. I think that as long as you’re consistently being creative, you can reach people eventually.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I love to play live! I put my shows up on the events section of my Facebook. I’ve also started live streaming parts of my shows on there too.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Facebook is best for finding out about shows, seeing my latest videos and news but Instagram is better if you want to see what I’m up to, watch little music clips or if you’re just interested in pictures of my large, fat cat, Gomez.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Don’t wait for anyone, do it yourself.
