By Isle of Wight Observer
A new music project, celebrating the Solent’s coastal landscapes, wildlife, and communities, has been released, bringing together Grammy‑nominated singer‑songwriter, Richard Walters, Oscar‑winning actor, Jeremy Irons, and linocut artist, Angela Harding.
‘Songs from the Solent’ is an eight‑track EP created during Mr Walters’ residency, with the Solent Seascape Project, a five‑year partnership working to restore saltmarsh, seagrass, oyster reefs, and seabird habitats across the region. The songs draw on field recordings, local voices, and stories gathered from communities around the Solent, including sea swimmers, artists, and coastal groups.
Mr Walters said he hoped the music would “shine a light on parts of the coastline it’s easy to overlook”, and inspire people to explore and care for the area. Mr Irons, who was born in Cowes, lends his voice to one of the tracks, while Isle of Wight artist, Trudie Wilson, also features.
To accompany the release, an illustrated map highlighting the locations that inspired each song has been released, helping listeners connect the music with the seascape that shaped it.
The project aims to build emotional connection with the Solent’s fragile habitats, and raise awareness of the restoration work underway. Solent project manager, Louise MacCallum, said the EP offered “a wonderful new artistic lens” through which to view the landscape.
The music is available now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
