Arcelia (pronounced Ah-KELL-ia – meaning ‘treasure chest’ in old Spanish) are songwriter Gavin Alexander (who has supported the likes of Mark Nevin, co -wrote the theme tune to Studio Ghibli’s Emmy award winning TV series, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter), voice artist Teresa Gallagher (Octonauts, Thunderbirds, Thomas & Friends) and Flying Picket Simon Foster. Together they create an exquisite sound which has been likened to Crosby Stills & Nash, America, Paul Simon and Squeeze (they regularly perform and tour with Chris Difford). They have also been in demand as a support act for the likes of Scott Matthews, Oysterband, Coope Boyes and Simpson, Michele Stodart, Boo Hewerdine, Maddy Prior.
Following up their 2014 debut Wrap Your Bones, on their new album the band continues to evolve into an exceptional songwriting and performing unit, further exploring stunning songs of everyday life and loves.
The new album Building On The Land was recorded and produced in Arcelia’s own studio, a 150 year old barn surrounded by forest within a glorious Kent valley. As a songwriter, Gavin is a collaborative musician and several of the album’s songs were written with Cat Bloomfield (Fallen, Turn Out The Light and The World). Collaboration underpins how Arcelia approach their work as a band too – once Gavin, Teresa and Simon have developed and gigged the songs, they then invite a variety of guest musicians such as Perry White (piano – co-writer of Heart) and Martin Elliott (bass, Michael Nyman Band) to have free rein at the recording stage.
The resulting album is a rich mix of exceptional songwriting and understated, sparse arrangements, outstanding vocals and harmonies, and wonderful musicianship. Interestingly, two of the albums tracks, Workhouse and Last Goodbye were commissions. The former was a collaboration with Gressenhall Workhouse in Norfolk (the song featured in an exhibition) and the latter was written for short film Hometown by the University of Kent.
With songs exploring themes that include family (Building On The Land), frailty and vulnerability (Fallen, Turn Out The Light), loss (Into The Dark, Far and Away) and optimism (The World), Building On The Land further highlights Arcelia’s exploration of the wonders of life and the human condition, through their timeless, unique bend of soulful folk.
2019 Gigs
30th May – Metro Radio Newcastle
31st May – Midlem, House Gig
1st June – Paisley Starlight Theatre
2nd June – Comrie White Church
5th June – Drill Hall, Lincoln
- 13th June – Haverhill Arts Centre, Suffolk
25th June – Mrs Yarringtons, Battle
18th July – The Waterfront, Southport
25th July – Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
31st July – Victoria Hall, Settle
- 2nd Aug – The Bank in Eye, Suffolk
4th Aug – Winteringham Village Hall, Scunthorpe
8th Aug – Barry (Wales), St. Mary’s Church
For more information or to book visit www.arcelia.co.uk.
