Radie Peat takes a bold step into the spotlight with her debut solo single, 'Still I Love Him', a haunting reimagining of a traditional love song that's as intense as it is beautiful. Released through Rough Trade Records, this emotional powerhouse marks a new chapter for the Irish folk star, who has poured her heart and soul into crafting a deeply personal interpretation of enduring love amidst hardship.
The spark for 'Still I Love Him' was lit when Radie Peat's musical associate, John Francis Flynn, stumbled upon a rare version of the song in the Irish Traditional Music Archives. Flynn composed a new melody, which he then shared with Peat, who meticulously wove it into a rich tapestry of intricate vocal arrangements, harmonies, and subtle tonal shifts – lending the piece its distinctive, atmospheric quality.
At the heart of 'Still I Love Him' is Peat's fascination with the darker undertones she perceived in the archived song, originally titled 'True Love'. She's drawn to the profound implication that even in the face of suffering, an overwhelming love can compel one to remain. Peat explained her intention to represent 'the two sides of the coin' within the experience of love – striving to convey the extreme emotional spectrum that can exist simultaneously.
Throughout the composition, Peat masterfully uses minor chords and sombre tones to depict an escalating pattern of negative behaviour from the male figure within the song's narrative. But just when you think it's all doom and gloom, the chorus bursts into a more romantic and expansive soundscape – brimming with lush vocals and instrumental strings. It's a testament to Peat's skill that she can evoke such contrasting emotions in one track.
But 'Still I Love Him' is just the beginning for Radie Peat. She's confirmed a limited series of live performances across the UK, Ireland, and Europe – with UK audiences getting their chance to see her at Union Chapel in London on 3rd November. Don't miss out: pre-sale tickets were available from 9th July, with general sale commencing on 10th July.
Peat is widely recognised for her role in Lankum, whose fourth studio album 'False Lankum' was a game-changer – securing nominations for both the Mercury Prize and the Ivor Novello Awards. The band's music has also recently gained broader exposure, with tracks like 'Katie Cruel' and 'The Granite Gaze' featured in Netflix's 'House Of Guinness', and 'Hunting The Wren' appearing in the final scene of the 'Peaky Blinders' film, 'The Immortal Man'.