Tortoiseshell, three friends from London and the North of England bring together abstract melodies, weaving bass lines and soulful drums to create original singer-songwriting material, influenced by the sounds of chamber-pop, alternative-jazz/folk and soul. The band draw on inspirations from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Mammal Hands, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, and Go Go Penguin.

After traveling across Germany in 2014 as session musicians, Madelene Sutton and Alex Malseed started writing lyrics, melodies and bass lines together in hostels to pass the time. On returning to their homes in the North of England and London, they made sure they continued to meet to carry on this songwriting journey with the help of London based Sardinian drummer, Davide Marini. 

Maddy's pianistic skill and classical training, love of modal folk song and harmonies from contemporary jazz outfits is brought together by the alternative bass lines of Northern Irish bassist Alex. With Davide’s progressive jazz-rock touch on drums, the trio create an equal partnership in harmony, texture and melody. 

In November 2017, the band recorded their first studio demo tracks at Map Street Studios, Camden.  They continue to write more original music, with a song list ready to perform.

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