Hamish – “Singing In My Soul”: A Timeless Folk Classic Full of Joy
There are certain songs that you need a very calm place to record, then there are some where you need the atmosphere in there, so you can record some sounds of nature and everything. But have you tried recording a song in a half-ruined mansion with doves flying around the kitchen and smoke coming off an old wood stove? Just picture it and it looks like a recipe for chaos, but this one here turned into pure folk magic. Singer-songwriter Hamish brings that rustic charm to his classic folk single, “Singing In My Soul“.
There’s quite an intriguing story here, the song was actually recorded for his 1999 debut album “Picture In My Bag” and produced by Les Penning, who worked with Mike Oldfield, but you know there are certain songs that sometimes you feel it’s a classic and therefore have to release it again. And I can say this re-released single carries a timeless, feel-good purpose. Written while hitch-hiking around New Zealand, where it became a runaway folk hit and landed on national television, the track was built to bring people together. When you listen to it, you realize how simple of a track it is, very uplifting, and asks you to celebrate life, hold onto joy, and keep a light heart no matter where your journey takes you. I mean that’s the beauty of life, always being positive, putting negative energy aside and striving to enjoy life and move on from any chaos.
I really like how the production has this rare balance between raw acoustic energy and rich, organic arrangement. The way the track starts with this low gentle raw acoustic strings is just beautiful. Then the vocals being slightly over the strings carrying each rhythm with precision is truly mesmerizing. It feels like sitting right next to him and he playing such an emotional piece to you. And that’s thanks to its live recording in an ancient oak-paneled drawing room. You can feel how the instrumentation centers around Hamish’s strummed acoustic guitar and warm, steady lead vocals.
Legendary musician Feliks Tabis layers in expressive violin riffs, warm basslines, and subtle sax melodies that flow naturally around the main hook. I love how they allowed the natural reverb of the room and the spontaneous playing came together, it really gives the track a lively, living-room feel. The rhythm moves at a cheerful, steady pace, making the melody instantly memorable and easy to sing along with. “Singing In My Soul” speaks to that deep, unshakeable feeling of inner peace you get when you are doing what you love surrounded by good friends. Now I see why this song became a go-to favorite for weddings and live gatherings over the years.
It’s an absolute masterpiece of art, it calms your nerves, ignite your soul and comfort it, it has that charm to it, his vocal delivery is really up there with one of the best and I love its authentic classic 70s-inspired folk storytelling vibe. It brings a cozy, genuine warmth that feels like sitting by a fireplace with old friends. So go stream “Singing In My Soul” and let it brighten up your day!
Want more from Hamish? Check him out on the links below;
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