Sanctuary (The Witches Stone) - VOKXEN
A breath of fresh 'Eire', this celtic infused electronic pop song is based on the Northern Irish folk story of The Witches Stone. Bathed in atmospheric soundscapes, emotive vocals, harp riffs and earthy drums, the track rises and swells - just like the sea by the mystical coastlines of Islandmagee Co.Antrim, on which the song is based. It commemorates the historical Islandmagee Witch Trials some 300+ years on.
'Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)' tells the story of a woman condemned as a Witch. She is caught as she reaches the sanctuary of The Witches Stone, which she clings to tightly as she is grabbed and taken away. Such is her desperation, the marks from her fingers gripping the stone remain present to this day. A truly spellbinding single with haunting harmonies, earthy percussion and delicate harp riffs.
The video fuses the old with the new, combining the contemporary electro-pop sounds of VOKXEN with shadow puppetry and a unique 18th century visual storytelling technique. Dedicated to women throughout history, who were persecuted as witches.
The video features a handmade cranky box, originating in Europe in the 18th century, inside, is an illustrated scrolling panorama operated by a 'crank' handle. The cranky box is then back lit to add another visual layer to the story through shadow puppetry.
Credits:
Claire McCartney - Songwriter, Vocals, Harp, Keys
Beccy Henderson - Songwriter, Backing Vocals, Bass Synth
David McLaughlin - Session Drums, Percussion
Rocky O'Reilly of Start Together Studio, Belfast - Producer, Studio Engineer
Claire Roi Harvey - Puppeteer, Set Design
Annie Brooks - Puppeteer
Dominic Creagh - Video Production
Caitlin Kerr - Cover Art Design
Lyrics inspired by Audrey Kyle's fictional tale from the Northword story collections, 'The Witches Stone' and Dixon Donaldson's words on 'The Witches Stone' in the book, The History of Islandmagee.
With specials thanks to Dr David Hume (Ulster University) & George McGrand of The Gobbin's Tourist Centre, Islandmagee for their historical knowledge and research assistance on the subject.
