A contemplative, wistful reflection of modern life, ‘Unfold’ conceives five songs that traverse the pains of leaving safe places and seeking out the unknown. It documents the disintegration of a long-term relationship and subsequent struggles with identity and emotional turmoil. However, at the heart of ‘Unfold’ is a positive message: the renewal of the self, finding solace in being alone. With a background rooted in classical, jazz and indie music, Austel – aka Devon-born Annie Rew Shaw – moved to London days after turning 19 to seek a new life; yearning for the hum of the city. In the following years, Austel joined forces with numerous musical projects – Lyla Foy, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Munro Fox, Stella Martyr, Marie Naffah – but it wasn’t until she started working with producer Adam Stark (MIMU Gloves, Rumour Cubes) in late 2016 that she felt like she had finally found the right direction for her compositions.
‘Unfold’ – the pair’s first collaborative work, recorded over a year of stolen weekends and evenings at Stark’s studio in Peckham, South London – is a striking synthesis of moody electronic soundscapes and introspective songwriting, led by Austel’s compelling, emotive voice.
Reflecting on the EP, Austel says, “From the insecurities and self-doubt observed in tracks like ‘Lost At Home’ to the restoration of inner strength and release found in ‘Crows’ and ‘Hours’, these songs accompanied me through a significant process of cathartic release and regeneration. For me, they represent a new beginning; taking the core of pain and heartache and turning it into something beautiful that brings clarity and hope.”
Austel is performing with her live band at The Finsbury, London on 23rd July 2018 to celebrate the launch of her debut EP ‘Unfold’.