Homeward sound

Highly acclaimed folk siren Mariah McCarthy is full of anticipation ahead of the release of her debut album, At Home, which will be twin launched at the Brunswick Artists’ Bar and the Old Church on the Hill over two consecutive Saturdays this month.

The album has been a few years in the making and, in true McCarthy style, the title track was constructed around a narrative that has extra special personal meaning.

“I’m really proud of what I have created,” she said. “I’m excited to have a more stripped back authentic representation of my live performance, with a small amount of extra instrumentation to fill the songs.

“The name At Home originally came from the line ‘I feel at home’ from the fifth track of the album, Old Picture Slide, which is a song very close to my heart.

“It was inspired by both my maternal and paternal grandparents, who were both married for over 65 years.”

“I decided to run with that theme and my nana was kind enough to let me take over her beautiful home for a few days, taking photos and filming a couple of videos, which has made the whole album even more personal and special.

“I started planning the album back in 2019 and even did an early recording then.

“I was all ready to finally get into a studio at the start of 2020 when the whole world changed!”

“At Home also reflects the strange few years we experienced staying at home.”

Mariah’s Brunswick Artists’ Bar launch event takes place on 10 September with Kate Lucetta and Emily Soon the supports, while the Old Church on the Hill launch, featuring Flora and Jess Parker, happens on 17 September.

Tickets for the Bendigo show can be purchased via bit.ly/3RylkLd.