We’re back with another delight from lovely Caledonia. Today we have the pleasure of premiering the new single from a clever and endearing artist from Edinburgh, Scotland. Under the Boulder Fields moniker, this project revolves around singer-songwriter Cam Fraser, formerly of Borrowed Books and 80s punk legends The Cateran, the band who joined Nirvana on their famous 1989 UK tour. Through those bands he has also toured or played with The Proclaimers, Tad and Grant Hart (Husker Du).
Superbly composed and engineered, the beautiful lulling track ‘Wipe Out The Stars’ was inspired by his love for and attachment to his hometown. The lyric express this relationship:
“And we can’t escape now and so we remain
Forever enthralled by the mist and the rain.
And we never noticed you tricking our hearts
Sweeping us up when we’d fallen apart.”
With a melody that feels so comfortable it would seem you might have heard it before, this original single previews his debut album‘With All The Other Ghosts’, out in mid-June via Scottish startup label Let There Be Numbers. Warm and engaging, Boulder Fields is known for his melodic and heartfelt music – music that would not be out of place at folk festivals, coffee houses, busker sessions or outdoor summer concerts. Wherever you are and however you listen, one thing is certain – you should just listen to this awe-inspiring Scottish songsmith.
‘Wipe Out The Stars’ reveals Fraser to be not only a wise, talented songwriter and performer, but also a philosopher, offering all of us a lesson in intimate songwriting. Grounding and catchy at the same time, this music radiates goodness in terms of both spirit and storytelling qualities
Cam Fraser explains, “I’ve lived in Edinburgh – more or less – since I came here as a student. I’ve tried to leave. Honestly, I have. But here I am. And here I stay. It can be a cold place. Not just the weather. (I blame the private schools. I blame private schools for a lot of things. Edinburgh has far too many of them. Ban them all and make the richest go to the same schools as everyone else and two things would happen: a lot more money would be spent on education, and we might see a shitload more empathy towards the poorest. Both of these would be fucking awesome). Anyway, back to the city. Is there a better city to live in? Maybe. But not for me. My family and friends are here. My favourite café. My favourite pubs. My favourite people. I’ve long accepted that I’ll very likely die here. They can scatter my ashes in the park I run round and round and round as I try to fend off the dying bit for a good while longer. So it’s a love song. Living and dying in the city. I think Suzy’s drumming is superbly understated, likewise Richie’s organ playing. Aly’s bassline and his little improvised piano part are perfect.”
This long-play record features eleven thoughtful tracks with beautiful, stripped-down arrangements. Mainly played on acoustic instruments, these songs are enveloped with sonorous harmonies and delivered with fierce intensity, recalling these artists’ collective punk history.
On ‘With All The Other Ghosts’, Cam (vocals, guitar) forms the core three-piece with his long-time collaborator Aly Barr (bass, vocals) and the talented Suzy Cargill (drums, vocals). Since their debut performance as a collective at 2022’s Belladrum Festival, they have played several very well-received shows around Edinburgh, some as a three-piece and some with the extended line-up.
This album also features Jamie Watson, a hugely respected figure in the Scottish music scene. Perhaps best known as a producer for the likes of Snow Patrol and The Vaselines, or former owner of Chamber Studio, Watson was also a member of such influential Scottish bands as The Monos, The Solos and The Persian Rugs. Jamie and Cam first worked together back in the 1980s, when Cam’s band rehearsed and recorded at Jamie’s studio. On acoustic guitar for several tracks, he contributes some impressive finger-style guitar, in addition to tapping his vast experience in helping create the final mix.
Fraser adds, “The album owes a lot to the very lovely guy who sat behind the mixing desk, Richie Werner at B&B Studios. As well as fretting about all the technical stuff and making sure he got the best possible sound out of all the instruments, Richie also fired up his studio’s old Hammond organ and played on a couple of songs.”
On May 14, ‘Wipe Out The Stars’ is available from fine digital outlets, including Apple Music and Bandcamp. The album ‘With All the Other Ghosts’, on June 14, is already available for pre-order.
ALBUM CREDITS
Music and lyrics written by Cam Fraser (PRS / BMI)
Cam Fraser – vocals, acoustic guitar
Aly Barr – acoustic bass, vocals, piano
Suzy Cargill – drums, percussion, mandolin, vocals
Richie Werner – organ
Jamie Watson – acoustic guitar, mixing support
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Richie Werner at B&B Studios
Album cover design & artwork by Cam Fraser
Front cover photography by John MacPherson
Catalogue No: LTBNLP703
Videos by Cam Fraser
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