Maryen Cairns has released her much awaited album, “One Woman Band – Live at Echotown Studios, Vol. 1,” marking her debut on vinyl!
In this collection, Cairns’ exceptional musical talents shine through in a stripped-down, intimate atmosphere. Performing solo on stage, she effortlessly moves between piano, acoustic guitar, and occasional percussion while singing along with her unique and emotive vocals.
This burst of creativity stems from a transformative 10-date tour across the UK in August 2023, where Cairns connected deeply with her audience through intimate renditions of her timeless classics.
Following the tour, Cairns retreated to a nearby studio for a two-day recording session in front of a select audience. From this session emerged nine carefully curated songs for Volume 1.
Reflecting on this period of introspection and artistic renewal, Cairns shares:
“In my youth, my music was a form of expression, but now I find myself more open, connecting deeply with my audience in ways I hadn’t imagined.”
The album features a mix of autobiographical songs as well as re-imagined acoustic versions of previous hits, each exploring Cairns’ sincerity and depth.
From the passionate rendition of “Kids from the Burbs'” to the mesmerizing acoustic ballad “Missing You,” each track on the album reaffirms Cairns’ status as both a captivating storyteller and unique singer and musician. There is a diverse array of traditional percussion instruments which infuse her folk repertoire with a fresh and soul-stirring sound.
Other previous releases, “The Smuggler’s Tale” and “Voices from Scotland,” are also stripped back. “Voices from Scotland” which weighs in at just over 8 minutes long, and it is an emigrant’s song:
“It’s about my own journey of returning to Scotland as an adult, loving it, yearning for it, but also having a strong connection to the land I immigrated to – Australia. I left Scotland at 8 years old, and wrote this as an adult, after being in a “little pub in Edinburgh”… the pub was Kays Bar, and it is tiny! It’s about seeing who I might have been if I hadn’t left, but appreciating who I am. It also tells the story of my own birth, in Edinburgh, at quarter to three in the morning.”
The song “Missing You” has not previously been released, and it is an unrequited love song:
“It’s about that moment, that instant, when you see so clearly the possible future you might have with someone, that love story, the whole thing … but it doesn’t happen, you don’t get together, but it all seemed so right in that vivid vision of the future that it’s really hard to let go of the “non” relationship.”
The final track on the album is “Lady Bushranger”. Originally from the Femina Australis album/book, this song is presented here with only piano and vocals and tells the story of Australia’s only female bushranger, Jesse Hickman.
“I’m really happy with how this turned out…for the story, here is an excerpt from the Femina Australis book: 1890 – 1936 Elizabeth “Jessie” Hickman (nee Hunt) was given, aged 8, by her parents to a travelling circus to be apprenticed. She became an incredible bareback trick rider, a crack shot and an amazing knife thrower. Marrying Martini from Martini’s Buckjumping Show she became the Ring Mistress after his death, then married Ben Hickman, whom enlisted and went overseas to fight in WWI. Giving her son with Hickman to a friend to bring up, Jessie turned to a life of crime and served two jail terms in Victoria. She became involved with a violent man called Fitz, whom she killed in self defence and then fled after burying the body. Taking up residence in a remote cave, now in the Wollemi National Park, Jessie used her circus skills to rustle cattle with a gang she recruited. Generously sharing her ill gotten gains – food! – with the local community, she was much appreciated, so that when she was finally captured and prosecuted for her deeds, the jury found her “not guilty” and she was set free to return to her cave. Her wire framed bed is rumoured to still be in her cave whilst her “Rikket’s Blue” teapot is on show at the Kandos Museum at the foot of the Blue Mountains in NSW.”
It is this autobiographical styling that is so unique and distinctive of Maryen’s songwriting, a wonderful way to close out what is a powerful album.
Despite its minimalist approach, “One Woman Band” remains engaging and involved, making it a compelling listen for all fans of lyric-driven acoustic music.
Listeners can purchase the album now at: https://cairnsclub.maryencairns.com/order-owb-laes-vol1
Or you can purchase the album along with other of her albums at Maryen’s store: https://cairnsclub.maryencairns.com/store
Maryen Cairns has had a remarkable journey in the music industry. Her ability to blend folk-pop sensibilities with allegorical themes reflects a depth of creativity and a commitment to storytelling.
Collaborating with seasoned professionals like Chris Kimsey and Fish has undoubtedly enriched her musical sound, allowing her to explore new avenues as well as refine her craft.
The release of her first vinyl album signifies a significant milestone, not only in terms of format but also as highlights her enduring appeal and evolution as an artist. Her live performances, both in person and through livestreams, display a real ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, especially in times of adversity such as the pandemic.
Maryen has produced seven solo albums, earning praise and guidance from acclaimed producer Chris Kimsey, famous for his collaborations with the Rolling Stones. This collaboration with Kimsey in the studio shows Maryen’s dedication to honing her sound and presenting her compositions in the best possible light.
Maryen Cairns’ recent projects draw inspiration from her 10-date solo tour across the UK in August 2023, aimed at fostering connections during the pandemic. Initiatives like The Cairns Club and a popular livestream series have further fueled her creative pursuits.
Post-tour, Maryen collaborated with producer Chris Kimsey, resulting in nine tracks for her forthcoming album.
Connect with Maryen Cairns:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube
