Coming Soon – ETA W/C 19th Jan 2026
Welcome to the Helm Winds landing page. Here, you will find the digital booklet for anyone who purchased the CD or downloaded it digitally, as well as other related materials.
The Helm Winds are a naturally occurring weather phenomenon, and are strong, northeasterly winds that blow down the southwest slopes of Cross Fell in Cumbria. Cross Fell happens to be a twenty-minute walk from the source of the River Tees – and I was born in Stockton-on-Tees. I’ve never actually been to Cross Fell or the source – but one day, health permitting, I’d like to. Often, geographical places occupy a place in my imagination long before the physical reality.
The title track, which opens the collection, was written while on the “Humankind” songwriting retreat, organised by Katie Spencer and Iona Lane in Ardnamurchan, in the Scottish Highlands. There, I spent four nights in the stunning Victorian mansion of Kinlochmoidart House, among very talented creative people. I was a bit 50/50 about going there – would I be able to come up with the “goods”?
In hindsight, I realise it’s more about just being with like-minded people – not about coming away with a song. Thinking that way would have probably jinxed me. But I went there with the tune, two lines, and an idea. The idea is perhaps the most important thing. Whilst I was there, I was struck by how the trees at Kinlochmoidart grew straight and tall, sheltered from harsh winds, whereas in the Peak District, where the trees are almost horizontal due to the winds and the exposure. It occurred to me that, unlike trees, some people need to lean into the wind to remain upright. The opening song is all about trees, and the wind – and then again – isn’t about trees at all – but perhaps the trees of the Helm Winds would have to lean into the wind to stay upright.
As I type, I wonder actually if there are any trees there – I will have to go there to find out more.
There are several people whom I’d like to thank. Firstly, I’d like to thank Ben Haynes, who recorded and mixed the collection. Ben is encouraging and brings subtle ideas to the mix, raising my material from a singer-songwriter armed with a guitar and harmonium on the floor. Secondly, I’m incredibly grateful to Gillian Frame, who performs all the fiddle playing throughout the collection – she’s a truly amazing and talented musician. Finally, I’m so very grateful to Mary Waterson for agreeing to create an animated video for the Helm Winds – she did a great job in translating my words and music into a visual form.
The Helm Winds Video by Marry Waterson
Helm Winds Booklet:
With the help of Martin at Simply Marvellous Music, we have a digital booklet for your viewing pleasure – the artwork comes from the video created by Marry Waterson – and includes lyrics, backstory around the songs and some simple guidance about the guitar work