Josephine Illingworth - Silent Earth

“It's about mountains and strange places and seeing the world close up, and it tells the story of a hike I did a few years ago where we got lost in fog and nearly died.”

Based in London, Josephine Illingworth is a folk artist who paints pictures with stories and sounds. From far-off locations like the Himalayas and Dolomites, poetry—along with photographs, recordings, and writings—makes their own narrative and genre that is unforgettable and unique. 

We get introduced to "Silent Earth" with a hint of wind chimes and the sound of plucking guitar strings, all along with a humming that guides throughout. The wind flowing leads us to the sound of Josephine’s voice, delicate yet steady and articulate. 

“With broken boots and bony knees, all strewn across the grass...” This place is not bustling with the city lights and the hum of cars but rather embraced by the serene feeling and darkness of the night, where the blades of grass sway and the mysterious fog envelops everything. 

“And though the town was cold and wet, their only bed a wooden bench,” Seeking reprieve and rest after a hike, the sun seems to have retreated, leaving behind a blanket of clouds and fog that hangs around. In this moment, the hiker finds themselves resting on a bench—a sort of reminder of the weather's impact. The bench, worn and weatherbeaten, offers a sanctum for the time being, yet it is frigid to the touch, embodying the bleak environment. 

It’s said in posts about “Silent Earth” that Josephine had captured soundscapes around, incorporating them into this song. Attention to detail is a skill that is admirable and noticeable; the delicate layering of dogs barking and howling along with humming and voices in different octaves adds a bit of depth, feeling, and atmosphere to this song that is difficult to replicate in any way. 

Whether recording in fields of the mountains or a little shed in the woods, it’s a song made of different places, people, and things. If you have time to take a moment to listen to Josephine Illingworth’s other work, do so—you won’t be let down.