Discovering Helen Mac’s Latest Album: ‘Precipice’
Introduction to ‘Precipice’
Launched on the 28th of November last year, ‘Precipice’ is the latest album from Manchester-based singer-songwriter, Helen Mac.
‘Precipice’ is available to stream and download here.
Album Overview
Comprising 11 tracks, ‘Precipice’ has emerged from more than a decade of songwriting and has been transformed from Covid-era bedroom recordings into polished studio productions, thanks to Oscillate Recordings.
Inspiration Behind the Music
Throughout the release, Helen Mac draws her inspiration from the sky, as she explains, with songs that seem to emerge from nowhere. While they are not specifically personal, they explore the edges of the universe and the human condition. This thematic exploration does not detract from the heartfelt and relatable nature of the songs.
Track Highlights
‘Precipice’ – The Title Track
Opening with the title track, ‘Precipice’ resonates with anyone who has faced uncertainty in life, capturing the feeling of being at a crossroads. Helen’s writing process involves crafting the entire song in her mind before translating it to the piano, ensuring each track is fully formed before fine-tuning it in the studio.
Watch the music video for ‘Precipice’ below:
‘Teenage Princesses’
There is an element to Helen Mac’s sound that is reminiscent of Kate Bush, which is intentional. Mac layers each vocal and instrumental track manually, resulting in a rich sound, particularly evident in ‘Teenage Princesses’. This track critiques the cultural shift observed before the pandemic, when unrealistic beauty standards proliferated through social media filters, emphasizing the importance of embracing aging as a natural process.
‘Waves’
The final track, ‘Waves’, was initially written to an instrumental by Paul David Gillman, one of Helen’s inspirations. Its lyrics reflect themes of serenity and healing, recounting her journey to finding love with her husband, Dave. The song flows effortlessly, mirroring the ebb and flow of waves, both in its lyrical structure and piano accompaniment.
A Journey Through Music
Helen Mac embarked on her musical journey at the age of 13 in the early 90s. To date, she has recorded nine albums and three EPs. Her career milestones include her first major support tour at 19 and signing a publishing and record deal at 22. Over the years, she has performed across the UK, supporting renowned artists like Leo Sayer and Durutti Column, and collaborated with Vini Reilly, the frontman of Durutti Column.
Recently, she has made appearances on BBC Radio 6 Live and XFM, collaborating with artists such as Jocelyn Brown and sections of The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. With approximately 50 released tracks to her name, some have garnered over one million streams on Spotify. Her collaborations span various artists, including Caruso/Ten Lovers Music, Maurice Bird/Mange Le Funk, and Paul David Gillman.
Conclusion
‘Precipice’ represents a significant milestone in Helen Mac’s career, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her ability to connect deeply with listeners. The album’s themes of uncertainty, healing, and cultural critique resonate with a wide audience, ensuring that her music remains relevant in today’s changing world. Fans can stream and download ‘Precipice’ and stay connected with Helen Mac through her social media channels and music platforms.
FAQs
Where can I listen to ‘Precipice’?
You can stream and download ‘Precipice’ on various music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
What themes are explored in ‘Precipice’?
The album explores themes of uncertainty, the human condition, and cultural critiques, providing a relatable experience for all listeners.
How did Helen Mac create her music?
Helen Mac crafts her songs entirely in her mind before working them out on the piano, allowing for a fully developed track before recording.
What is the significance of the track ‘Teenage Princesses’?
‘Teenage Princesses’ addresses the impact of social media filters on beauty standards and emphasizes the importance of accepting aging as a natural process.
How long has Helen Mac been making music?
Helen Mac began her musical journey at the age of 13 and has since released numerous albums and EPs, showcasing her growth as an artist over the years.
