A project for uni. 
Acapella with a play on harmonies.

Carry me home

Performed live at an informal concert, February 2022

The Black Path (Diotima Quartet Performance)

Written, recorded & produced by Sam Rankin, Kirsty Hughes & Sam Johnson 

Guitar & Electronics - @SamRankin
Keys - @SamJohnson
Vocals - Kirsty Hughes

The first track we made together - music that made us want to be Ampersand.

Something Has Escaped

Commissioned by the AHRC research project, INTO THE FOREST, led by Dr Eleanor Barraclough. 
Created for Light Up Trails and exhibited at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

This unique project was the result of a creative partnership with the historian, author and BBC presenter, Dr Eleanor Barraclough. 
'Song Of The Pine' integrated the cycle of forest ecology with the fireside storytelling traditions of the Vikings and Anglo Saxons, as seen through the life cycle of a pine tree, the original Christmas tree.
Atmospheric and emotional, the piece drew on the audience’s own ancient and instinctive response to the primeval supremacy of ice and fire and aimed to reconnect them to the fullness of forest life.
Using a combination of specially written poetry by Karen, the piece fused modern technology in the form of specially designed foliage projection and a 5.1 surround sound system with traditional storytelling, creating a compelling work suitable for an all age 21st century audience.

Video extract here:
https://youtu.be/uKziRcCkhAU?si=pjD2sGoSb3eee31D

‘Song Of The Pine’ was seen by 70,000 people and the piece was very well received, and was voted the ‘Audience’s Favourite’ by the visitors on the trail that year.

“Karen had clearly done extensive research into my work and used that foundation to craft a resonant, immersive experience. She composed a remarkable sound design that felt both ancient and vividly modern. Being recorded and directed by her as a narrator felt completely natural.” - Dr. Eleanor Barraclough

Song Of The Pine

Song Of The Pine (Gift Bringing/'The Angel Gabriel' - excerpt)

Madwell - Early Grey

I Can Hew

Simplicity

On My Way - ISSIMO

Written and arranged by Marc Otway

Produced by Roni Szpakowski & Marc Otway

Engineered and mixed by Roni Szpakowski

Marc Otway - Vocals, Guitar and Piano
Abi Uttley - Vocals and percussion (slap to the face)
Samuel Jackson - Upright Bass
Jamie Welsted - Drums

Recorded at Peak Studios

Mastered by Streaky

Things About You (ft. Abi Uttley)

Written and Arranged by Marc Otway

Engineered and mixed by Roni Szpakowski

Marc Otway - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Abi Uttley - Backing Vocals

Recorded at Peak Studios

Mastered by Streaky

MARC OTWAY - Find Your Way

Karen Monid is a UK sound artist and projection specialist who has created award-winning sound art pieces and son et lumière works worldwide. Her work is regularly presented at arts festivals and large scale public events.

Song Of The Pine (Gift Bringing/'The Angel Gabriel' - excerpt)

Karen Monid - Sound Artist & Designer