Inspired by local stories and the natural rhythms of the coastline, Richard Walters has launched Songs from the Solent – a musical portrait of a seascape in recovery, created during an Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme‑supported Artist Residency in the Solent Seascape.
Blending the sounds of shoreline life with the voices of local communities, Songs from the Solent is the result of Richard Walters’ deep dive into one of the UK’s most distinctive coastal landscapes. Over several months, the Grammy‑nominated singer and songwriter immersed himself in the Solent’s people, habitats and histories. The songs that emerged from this process capture both the human stories that shape the Solent and the quieter, often overlooked ecosystems that underpin life along its shores.
The project was developed through an Artist Residency supported by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, enabling Richard to explore the Solent with a fresh creative lens and to channel its shifting moods, challenges and wonders into new music. Field recordings gathered from restoration sites sit alongside contributions from local choirs, artists and musicians, creating an EP rooted firmly in place. Available to stream and download now, the album features eight original songs, with proceeds helping towards vital restoration of these threatened habitats.
“I hope the songs I’ve written shine a light on parts of the coastline it’s easy to overlook, I hope they make people think about this seascape and why we must give it our care and attention, and I really hope it inspires people to spend time exploring the area,” Richard says.
Local stories, international voices
The album brings together a rich tapestry of local Solent talent, including painters, choirs, and musicians, alongside internationally acclaimed contributors. Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, who was born on the shores of the Solent at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, lends his distinctive voice to Lanterns Part 1; Isle of Wight artist Trudie Wilson lists the paints made of natural pigments she uses in the song Wight Paint; and members of Big Notes Choir from Chichester sing on Salt Forests, inspired by the tiny wonders of saltmarsh worlds.
Richard says, “To be awarded this residency has been a real gift, an excuse to get out there and dig a little deeper, to meet the people that play their part in Solent communities, to tell their stories and give voice to the silent elements in need of our support. The work the Solent Seascape Project does is remarkable and I’m very happy to play a small part in amplifying their message.”
To gain inspiration for the songs, Richard met with local groups and communities to find out what makes the Solent and its habitats special to them. It saw him chatting with sea swimmers at Hayling Island and heading to the top of Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Their responses have been woven together with field recordings gathered at sites the project is working to restore.
Adding a visual dimension to the release, renowned linocut artist Angela Harding has created a bespoke map of the Solent. The map highlights the locations that inspired each song and features on the Solent Seascape Project’s website, allowing listeners to connect the music directly with the places that shaped it.
“It has been a great delight to work on this special map of the Solent Seascape Project for Richard Walters. It is loosely based on an old sea chart — with wild winds pushing the terns to their rafts, and Richard sailing out to sea in a small boat, cat and guitar, dodging sea monsters as he goes. I hope it is a map to be enjoyed and raise awareness of the important conservation work being done by the Solent Seascape Project,” says Angela.
A seascape in recovery
The Solent Seascape Project is a partnership of 10 organisations led by Blue Marine Foundation and supported by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme. They are working to protect, restore and reconnect key habitats – saltmarsh, seagrass, seabird nesting sites and native oyster reefs – across the Solent. Through music, Songs from the Solent aims to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing these habitats while building a deeper, emotional bond between people and place.
“The Songs for the Solent have given me the opportunity to look at this beautiful seascape we are working to restore through such a wonderful new artistic lens. I feel excited for new members of the Solent community to discover the work we are doing through the power of music,” says Louise MacCallum, Project Manager at the Solent Seascape Project.
The songs area available to download and stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Bandcamp, with a live performance taking place at the Square Tower in Portsmouth on 11 February. Tickets for the performance will be free and are available from Friday 16 January.
