Sorrel Nation Talks New EP, Her Voice And More

Kent born songstress Sorrel Nation brings a soulful mix of folk/country/rock with powerful vocals and haunting melodies. Her forthcoming ‘Thirty Summers’ EP will be released in July 2024 with a series of UK live dates. We wanted to learn more about her and her new music and she agreed:

Your new live ‘Thirty Summers’ EP is due to be released on 4th July 2024. How did you approach the making of the EP?

It has been over three years since I have released any music so the release of ‘Thirty Summers’ is incredibly exciting. I wanted to release an EP that features tracks recorded live at a recent show, including old and new originals plus some of my favourite covers. It serves as a little teaser for the audience as two of these songs are also going to be on my debut studio album, due to be released on October 4th.

This EP is close to my heart in many ways, one reason being that it is to be released on July 4th, my thirtieth birthday (hence the title). Another being the cover artwork, which I designed many months ago, as it features our campervan Dory, my guitar and our sweet little dog Gracie out in nature at sunset. My partner Theo and I live in and travel around in the van, living an ‘on the road’ lifestyle with our darling rescue dog Gracie. Sadly Gracie became very unwell in May and we had to say goodbye to her. She was always featured on the cover but I have added ‘For Gracie’ as this EP is now dedicated to her and the unconditional love she has given me through the years.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

The EP was recorded live at my favourite hometown venue – The Grey Lady in Tunbridge Wells. I’ve been playing here since I was 15 years old (15 years!!) and Paul Dunton the host has always been a huge supporter of my music career. This venue has helped me grow into a confident musician and performer and the local Tunbridge Wells audience are incredible.

The live sound was engineered by Al Drake-Brockman and then mixed and mastered back at his studio, Doz Recording Studio, where my last EP ‘Walk With Me’ was recorded, mixed and mastered.

Who plays on the EP with you?

This is a completely solo EP. I played this gig totally back to my roots – electro-acoustic guitar and vocals. I’m excited for the audience to hear these songs in their purest, rawest form, as they were written for this EP. A few of these songs will reappear on my debut studio album, due to be released on October 4th, where you will hear me accompanied by some incredible musicians.

You have also released the track ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’ What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

This is a cover of a beautiful song by Fairport Convention, originally sung by Sandy Denny and has been one of my favourite songs to perform lately. It gives me shivers every time I sing it and the words are so poignant, speaking of love and lost time. For me, the song is both sorrowful and uplifting, and perfectly fits in with the themes across all songs on the EP.

What is the inspiration behind the EP title?

A simple and to the point title ‘Thirty Summers’ is a little 30th birthday present to my self. For me summer is full of such wonder and excitement, sunshine and joyful activities. It felt like the perfect opportunity to release new music and the perfect title to celebrate my birthday and share new music with the world.

Who created/designed the EP artwork?

Myself. I absolutely love this aspect of creating an EP or album; choosing the design and creating the artwork is a wonderful way to further express the EP and the themes inside. It is now extra special as it features Gracie and a picture of our life in happier times.

The incredibly talented Michelle Kelly Fredericks is the photographer behind the photograph featured on the back cover of the EP. I can’t thank her enough for her time, support and wonderful work.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing Norwegian Wood with a French Beatles tribute band at Hotel Du France at the age of 9. My parents have a photograph somewhere which I’ll dig out for you. From the moment I sang on stage that day I knew that was the life for me. My family have always been huge supporters of my musical journey and I have them to thank for the musical influences I’m about to list.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Carol King, Gillian Welch, Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Led Zeppelin, Tedeshci Trucks Band, Alanis Morisette, Neil Young, Madison Violet, Bonnie Raitt, Sandy Denny, Eva Cassidy, Lucinda Williams, Portishead, No Doubt, Lissie, Ray Lamontagne, Jefferson Airplane… I could go on for pages.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

A sense of pride and achievement. That I’ve done my absolute best and given it my all no matter the venue, the size of the crowd or the songs I’m performing. I love talking to the audience after the show and seeing their reactions/getting their feedback. I’m extremely grateful that I’ve been getting such positive feedback from new fans lately.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Just my new favourite guitar – A Blueridge 180ce. I absolutely LOVE playing this guitar and get so many compliments on its sound and appearance. I actually just purchased another second hand Blueridge on Ebay. Such wonderful sounding guitars.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My campervan Dory is my home with my partner Theo and our 12 year old rescue dog Gracie. 5 words: Home is where they are. (Making some edits to this since losing Gracie and changing the format of the EP but I can’t bare to take this bit out because it is still true. She’s with us in spirit and always will be.) Music is a wonderful way to channel your emotions and losing her has inspired me to write a few new beautiful songs, which I’ve just finished recording for the debut album.

I grew up in Tunbridge Wells but my parents now live on the Isle Of Wight so I use that as a base when I’m in need of home comforts, and our latest plan is to buy a converted horse lorry to live in. Fully embracing our on the road lifestyle!

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the EP recording sessions?

This EP was recorded at the hometown leg of my first ever solo UK tour and was SOLD OUT! I was so overwhelmed with joy and emotion to see so many friends, family and fans there to support me. There were so many people there who had been so instrumental in helping my music career along the way over the last thirty years (fifteen as a professional musician) that the title seems even more fitting.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

I have some exciting slots at music festivals this summer including Black Deer Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and Secret Garden Party, plus an autumn tour booked in for October with my band.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Crazy For You

b) 16 Year Old Me

c) Wild Solitude

Was it a difficult EP to write?

Some of the songs were. Mostly the songs came easily. Lost en Route was a difficult song to write and is still a heart-breaking song to sing as it tells of forgotten friends and losing touch with people who were really important to me. Wild Solitude was written in Snowdonia, in the middle of nowhere, next to a waterfall, a lake and next to the van, with Gracie sat at my feet and Theo my partner next to me. I feel very mixed emotions when I sing this songs now, as it’s a love song to a happier, simpler life with our little family.

How do you look after your voice?

I drink a LOT of herbal tea. A ridiculous amount, including one called Throat Coat which is a blend of liquorice, fennel, ginger, mullein, turmeric amongst others. I always warm up before I sing and on festival and tour days I try to limit unnecessary talking in the mornings/days before I’m due to sing, which is tough because I love a chin wag!

What makes Sorrel Nation happy and what makes you unhappy?

I am happiest when I’m in the middle of nowhere in my campervan with my man, my dog (missing Gracie but we will rescue another dog soon) and my guitar, preferably with a cup of tea and a bar of chocolate! What makes me unhappy… hmm… The news… I like to stay updated but I also struggle with mainstream media and how if affects my mental health. I enjoy reading positive news stories.