Glaswegian singer-songwriter Kerri Watt sees her years of work and passion come to fruition with the release of her long-awaited debut album, Neptune’s Daughter, writes Nick Benson.
Delayed due to the ongoing global situation, Kerri Watt’s debut album, Neptune’s Daughter, was originally recorded back in 2018 with Texas-based producer Machine.
Not every day does the opportunity arise for an artist to work with someone who sits so dramatically on the opposite end of the musical scale, so when Watt was told that the metal and rock producer was interested in working with her, she jumped at the opportunity.
“I loved the idea of joining forces with someone from a totally different genre to bring something unique to the sound,” she said. “Machine and I spoke at length about the sound of the album, influences, bands/playlists/moods we liked and found we had a lot in common.”
It’s a partnership that clearly worked. As Watt sought to expand her sonic palette past her Americana roots, Machine facilitated the infusion of other genres integral to Watt’s musical upbringing, all whilst ensuring the original songs essence stayed intact.
The tunes Watt bought to the studio were given a new edge with elements of rock, blues, and contemporary pop, producing thrilling results. Supplementing this evolution of her sound was a team of top session players in Austin, Texas.
“The final result perfectly encapsulated the five weeks Machine and I spent experimenting and creating magic at his studio with some incredible Austin players!” Watt said.
In short, fans can expect the full gamut of Watt’s musical talents on display here, and her excitement is palpable.
“It feels like years of work and passion are coming to fruition and I’m finally getting to share a full body of work,” she said.
“There’s some really fun, light tracks mixed with darker moments, and scattered throughout are a few subtle references to some of my musical heroes that I’m hoping fans will have fun picking out!
“After years of experimenting with different sounds and ideas, I’ve written a piece that I hope will have something for every kind of person and be the positive start we all need for 2021.”
Neptune’s Daughter is available on CD, cassette (available exclusively from Watt’s official store) and has a deluxe digital edition, which includes six bonus acoustic tracks.
Watt preceded the album with her Chapter Two EP. Released on 11th December, the EP includes three tracks; one original, one cover and the new single, an acoustic version of one of Watt’s most beloved songs, Chasing Aeroplanes.
Last year was a busy one for Watt, with highlights including a BBC 5LIVE Session for Laura Whitmore; a Mahogany/COVERS Session on YouTube; playing at Celtic Connections and Americana Fest; a One To Watch for 2020 feature in Maverick magazine; plus an Under The Apple Tree Session.
Watt has also been keeping busy recently with a host of content and streams, including her Watt A Wonderful World show.
She has also been a featured performer on charity streams such as Save Our Scottish Venues for the Music Venue Trust, Takeover Fest for Nordoff Robbins, and The 2.6 Challenge for Stop The Traffic, plus being sought after for collaborations with Puma Women on their Stronger Together campaign live stream, and French designer Les Georgettes on a jewellery campaign.
2019 saw Watt successfully supporting Keith Urban on his sell-out London O2 show, plus receiving rave reviews with her stand out performances at Country 2 Country Festival London; Cambridge Folk Festival; Glastonbury; Kew The Music; British Summer Time; Introducing Nashville and support performances including at the Royal Albert Hall & The Palladium.
Previous radio support and successes include BBC Radio 2 A & B listed solo singles, plus BBC Radio 2 C-list with Embrace as well as Soccer AM and Virgin Radio session appearances with Embrace.
Other TV appearances and support have come from Bob Harris, Ricky Ross, Chris Country, Jim Gellatly, Amazing Radio, ITV Weekend TV show, ‘The Edit’ BBC Scotland, The Sun Scotland, CLASH, Metro, BT Music, and Vevo, plus spots on mainstream Spotify & Deezer playlists.
And now, to top her hectic list off, Watt has finally released her debut album!
Neptune’s Daughter by Kerri Watt is out now on Cooking Vinyl Limited.
Picture: Kerri Watt on stage. (Katie Betteridge).
