Iconic folk artist Linda Thompson has paired up with her son, Teddy Thompson, to bring you a new single titled ‘Those Damn Roches‘. This track is a fresh cut from her upcoming album Proxy Music, which is set for release on June 21st.
A Love Letter to Folk Dynasties
‘Those Damn Roches’ is a tribute to the dynasties that have shaped folk music. Teddy Thompson leads the vocals, supported by a chorus of backing singers, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates the Roches, Wainwrights, McGarrigles, Watersons, Carthys, Coppers, and, of course, the Thompsons themselves.
Linda shared her thoughts on the single, saying, “I stand by this statement! Those women are catchy. I do so love all the musical families, and this is supposed to be a paean of praise.”
Proxy Music: A Unique Album Concept
Linda Thompson, lauded for her own vocal prowess, has handed over the reins to a diverse group of artists to sing her songs. This includes contributions from The Proclaimers, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, John Grant, Dori Freeman, The Unthanks, Ren Harvieu, and her children, Kami and Teddy Thompson.
The idea was simple: Linda wanted to match her songs with the voices she felt were perfect for them. And once she had the title Proxy Music, she “jolly well had to use it!” The result is an 11-track album that spans traditional English folk to early 20th-century cabaret, all unified by Linda’s exceptional songwriting.
A Personal Touch in Every Track
Linda’s personal touch is evident throughout Proxy Music. The single ‘Those Damn Roches’ is a perfect example of this, offering a heartfelt and evocative narrative that’s both personal and universal. Other tracks like ‘Bonnie Lass‘ by The Proclaimers and ‘Mudlark‘ by The Rails highlight her ability to craft songs that feel timeless.
Celebrating with a Special Live Show
To celebrate the release of Proxy Music, a special live show will be held at Cadogan Hall on July 19th. The event promises performances by Eliza Carthy, John Grant, Ren Harvieu, Zak Hobbs, and Teddy Thompson. While Linda will be in attendance, she won’t be performing due to her rare vocal condition, spasmodic dysphonia, which has affected her ability to sing since the early 1980s. Book your tickets via this link.
Listen and Pre-order Now
You can listen to ‘Those Damn Roches’ featuring Teddy Thompson on streaming services now. Proxy Music is available for pre-order here.
Linda Thompson: A Legacy Continues
Linda Thompson’s legacy continues to grow with this new release. Proxy Music is more than an album; it’s a celebration of her songwriting brilliance and the familial bonds that have shaped the folk music landscape.
