In Conversation: Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand

'Willson Williams’ witnesses the meeting of two likeminded musicians who’ve built their successful, independent careers on inventive folk instrumentation, reflective and sincere lyricism, and not a small amount of self-deprecation. Their modest confessionals, written poetically and over nostalgic and atmospheric melodies, are as relatable as ever, and together they find new ways to unpack their feelings. With their truly personal project proving extremely captivating, we caught up with them both to learn more.

Hello, Kathryn and Dan. How are you both?

We are good; thanks for asking. Should we answer as one entity? We are looking forward to the upcoming tour!

Your collaboration was born out of heartache. How therapeutic was working together on the project?

We engaged in numerous discussions about our mutual love and loss. We had both experienced the loss of individuals in our lives, and we discussed this extensively. Our intention was to create a song about this experience, but instead of dwelling on it, we wanted it to serve as a source of solace or comfort.

Any kind of creativity is a great way of transforming and making sense of life, so we kind of ended up singing it out together in new songs.

It was therapeutic in the sense that, with a collaborative project, you get to have fun, play, learn, and step out of your usual paths. We have become great friends.

Did you have a clear idea of what the project would evolve into?

Great question! No, we didn’t. The plan was simply to see what songs would emerge from writing. At one point, we considered writing songs for either Dan's or my record, but over time, it became evident that it should be a collaborative effort.

As the collection of songs took shape, we both realised we had made something we should really try and record together, something that was close to but different from what we each make alone.

From the album's starting point, how did it change shape?

We had a lot of songs, and it started to become clearer when Dan got funding from Creative Scotland so we could employ a producer in a studio and a crack team of Scottish musicians and artists.

We recorded the core of the album songs with just us two and built up the rest of the collaborations around it, and by the end, we had something even more beautiful than I think either of us could have imagined at the outset.

The album features a few cover versions. What drew you to those songs?

There's only one cover, but we love that you think there's more, because it must mean our own songs sound like they've existed a while! Hooray. The cover is a Cat Stevens song from the film Harold and Maude (a cult classic), and it represents the joy, sorrow, and play we both feel.

We'll probably throw in another cover as a treat for the live shows; come along and find out what it could be.



Independently, you have both enjoyed critical acclaim. What pressure does that place on releasing the new record?

Well, we respect each other and the back catalogues of both of us individually, so that feels great as a starter. The pressure… Well, whatever happens with the recording, we get to share it. Good and bad, and that can only be a bonus, right? Getting positive reviews is exciting, and all but the most important acclaim is that some of these songs might touch some other people’s lives.

What are your hopes and goals for the album?

We can reach out to people who may find comfort and joy in it. This allows us to establish connections and spread the joy to as many people as possible. That leads to more adventures in music for us both.

Which song are you most excited to hear the response to?

The songs have received amazing radio play, and the more intimate songs on the record should be pretty special to share. It's hard to pick any one song from the collection, but it's always enjoyable at shows when people get involved and sing along with us on a chorus or two. We love that.

Lastly, we are very excited to hear you are heading out on the road. What can we expect from the tour?

Dancers/lasers/tightrope walkers. Oh wait, we're daydreaming again! It will be us doing our thing, with a chat, a beautiful merchandise stand, and free hugs. Yeah. Come along; everyone is welcome.

We're excited to hit the road too, to play the songs together, meet fans new and old, and also to support ourselves, opening the shows with a flavour of our respective solo sets before uniting for a romp through songs from the new LP.

UK Northern headline dates:

1 May Glasgow Mono
2 May Newcastle Gosforth Civic Theatre
4 May Edinburgh Summerhall
7 May Durham - The Holy GrAle
9 May Rossendale Horse & Bamboo Theatre
10 May Manchester Halle St Michaels
22 May Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
29 May Selby Town Hall
30 May Otley - The Courthouse