tour
SAND, SILT, FLINT
INSPIRED BY THE FOLKLORE, LANDSCAPE AND BALLADRY TRADITION OF NORTHEAST SCOTLAND, SAND, SILT, FLINT IS AN IMMERSIVE AND MESMERISING INTERWEAVING OF TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC, FILM AND LIVE VOCALS BY PRODUCER AND SONGWRITER FIONA SOE PAING
A sublimely powerful and lingering experience
Billy Rough, Songlines Magazine
ABOUT THE SHOW
Interweaving voice, experimental textures, and archive recordings with traditional Scottish instrumentation from some of the north-east’s premier instrumentalists, innovative musician and performer Fiona Soe Paing’s show “Sand, Silt, Flint” is a mesmerising audio-visual experience combining music, film and live performance. Re-imaginings of traditional ballads and original compositions are crafted into an immersive, delicate, and contemplative soundtrack that resonates with ancient storytelling.
Inspired by the folklore, landscape and balladry tradition of north-east Scotland, the music is rooted in place, but otherworldly in spirit. The show is a testament to the fearless future of folk music, infusing new life into age-old traditions and forging an enchanting connection between past and present.
Her album, “Sand, Silt, Flint,” developed with support from Creative Scotland, and Aberdeen Performing Arts, has gained widespread critical acclaim, earning Four Stars ratings in The Guardian and Songlines Magazine.
The unique fusion of genres has captivated a diverse range of tastemakers, from the experimental realms of Elizabeth Alker’s “Unclassified” on BBC Radio 3, to the award-winning podcast “Folk On Foot” which recently invited Fiona to record an episode from her native Aberdeenshire, walking, talking and singing in the landscapes that inspired the songs. Fiona’s music has also been championed by the legendary rock icon Iggy Pop, who gave the album a personal recommendation on his on BBC 6 Music show.
Availibility
reviews
startling scottish balladry with a global scope
A sublimely powerful and lingering experience, her otherworldly vocals providing a haunting and mesmerising homage to the northeast of Scotland
dark, extraordinary versions of traditional songs – I am already a big fan
ELIZABETH ALKER, BBC RADIO 3, “UNCLASSIFIED” SHOW
well, wow, that’s advanced- and beautiful!
IGGY POP, BBC 6 MUSIC
a wonderful, stirring album
mat smith, electronic sound magazine
Credits
Composition, vocals and production – Fiona Soe Paing
Films by Isla Goldie and Clea Wallis
Soundtrack musicians –
Fiddle – Paul Anderson
Clarinet – Joanna Nicholson
Cello – Alice Allen
Guitar – Thee Manual Labour
Drums – David McKay
Clarsach – Irene Watt
Mixed and mastered by Musicrange
Cover artwork “Dark Rabbit” by Clea Wallis
The Ballad of John Hosie co-written with Thee Manual Labour.
Lyrics for Fisher’s Lullaby by Zetta Sinclair.
John Strachan samples from the Alan Lomax Collection at the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Courtesy of the Association for Cultural Equity, with thanks.
Developed with support from Creative Scotland, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Help Musicians UK
Audiences
Show Timings
60 mins • No Interval
Audience Suitability
12+ • Pre/Post-Show Talk, Public Workshops
Marketing
Various Publicity Materials eFlyers
Flyers
Hi-Res Images
Media Release
Poster
Posters
Programme/Brochure
Social Media Support
TECH & RIDER
PEOPLE
Two people on tour – 1 performer and 1 stage manager
BACKSTAGE REQUIREMENTS
Private Dressing Rooms
Private Toilet
Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
Playing Area
4m (w) x 3m (d) x 3m (h)
Stage Set-Up
Fixed Stage/
Flexible Stage
Flexible Staging
Floor Only
1 performer and 1 stage manager/technician 4m wide x 3m deep minimum
Partial blackout is necessary
We can travel with our own sound system, projector and screen. However, if this equipment is available in house, we may request use of it instead. We would like to utilise in-house lighting.
2x 13a sockets
Seating Configuration
Bespoke
Cabaret
Fixed Rake
Flexible Rake
Rowed Seats on Floor
Lighting Spec
A full blackout capability, or as close as possible, is required. Lighting let-up is minimal – a singe spot on vocalist.
Tech Support
Lighting assistance required, to set up single spot on performer.
No lighting changes required during performance.
Sound Spec
Company will travel with their own sound system, but will use venue sound system if available. Minimum four channel mixing desk, PA system suitable for venue size, one vocal mic and stand for performer.
AV Spec
The show includes projected film – company will provide own projector. A projection screen or plain white backdrop is required, as large as possible for venue size.
Get In/Get Out
Get in and get-out – 30 minutes each.
Set-up and soundcheck – two hours
Loading Access
One hatchback car.
Tour Policies
Public Liability Insurance
Risk Assessment
