For years there’d been talk of reforming Magnet to perform Wicker Man material ‘live’ but the loss of Paul Giovanni made that a dream – until the fortuitous meeting of critically acclaimed British folk artist Matt Deighton and the original film’s MD, and Magnet founder member Gary Carpenter, over an erroneous eBay listing for a Nordic Lyre.
The result is Ballad, an album that sits musically and spiritually adjacent to the mythical soundtrack of the original movie. If Magnet had made their next album in 1974, perhaps this is akin to what they might have recorded.
As a young musician, British folk legend Matt Deighton was beguiled by the original iconic sound track to the 1973 film The Wicker Man, and the world that the film conjured, watching it regularly with his older brother Paul. After years of releasing critically acclaimed albums both solo and in bands, as well as playing with other artists, Matt chanced upon the ebay listing, amazed that it was for the actual Nordic lyre used in the film, and so began a friendship steeped in music that has led us here. Gary, who has gone on to have a prestigious career as a musician, composer, performer and arranger, agreed to play the lyre on Matt's songs No One's Lost Tribe and Rite on his 2018 album Doubtless Dauntless. The rest as they say is folk history, and the coming together led to a new songwriting partnership between Gary and Matt that has become the vehicle that has finally brought back together Lesley, Andy, Gary and Ian, to weave together Magnet's new album 'Ballad' alongside Matt, just 52 harvests or so after the film came out. The best things are worth waiting for, after all...
The album has been recorded at the wonderful Echo Zoo studios in Eastbourne by Dave Izumi Lynch, live performances onto tape, going through exactly the sort of vintage recording equipment Magnet might have used in the 70's. The result is a gloriously folky album comprising folk tales from across all four corners of the United Kingdom that sits wonderfully adjacent to the original soundtrack recording.
The record is a thing of honesty and love, and so far there are no record labels or the likes involved. The entire recording has been covered by the musicians, and a generous donation from Richard Clarke who runs the not for profit collective Monk's Road, and who supports so many musicians in making real music.
Now we need to raise the money to mix and master this slice of folk history, and get the artwork and packaging done to a standard that it sits proudly amongst the best of what the film and it's extended folklore has given the world already. And we need your help to do it by pre ordering the album, or taking part in one of the limited number of experiences!
What Can You Get?
- Ballad on 180g Vinyl - including 100 signed and hand numbered 1-100
- CD Digipack
- Hi Res 24 Bit Studio Master quality files
- Signed Lyric Sheet from Matt and Gary of your choice of song from Ballad
- Tape! - Two options here, in the spirit of the hi fi 70's, receive one of a limited run of reel to reel tape copies of the album, either hi fi 7.5ips RTM tape on plastic reel, or studio master TRM 10” metal reel recorded at 15 IPS in real time, in a hinged cardboard box with artwork
- Your name as a thank you in the sleeve notes for CD and Vinyl
What Experiences are there?
- The Tape In Person Experience - join a maximum of three other fans in the control room of the recording studio where you'll meet the members of the band over a cuppa, and be amongst the first in the world to hear the album played back, while the album is run to analogue tape. Two different options!
- Your Own Ballad - One person can get a song written and recorded by Matt and Gary about your own folk tale
- Meet and Greet aftershow at the Ballad launch party with members of Magnet
Risks & Challenges
We need to raise around £12,500 to cover the cost of mix, master, artwork, and pressing to ensure the digital version of the album is available. The tape we won't order until we sell it, so there's no real risk there. We're confident that with all the fans of the film out there, and fans of great, authentic folk music; as well as Matt's existing fans, that we can reach our target and ensure everyone receives their copies on time.
Other Ways You Can Help!
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help!
- Spreading the word amongst fellow lovers of British folk music would be so helpful
- Sharing the campaign with fellow lovers of the film is also a massive help!
We'd love to get this album released this year alongside a special launch show... and we'd love you to join us!