At the beginning of January 2023, Jodie Marie of Clarbeston travelled north of the Arctic Circle to write new music as part of an artist residency with help from Arts Council Wales International Opportunities Fund.
After a three-day journey to Seiland Island in Norway, Jodie Marie arrived at her cabin, located at the very end of the island road where only a handful of people live in the fjord during this time of year, to stay in the polar darkness, alone, for over three weeks.
Living 70° North, with almost 24-hour darkness and limited hours of light to make the most of the outdoors, Jodie Marie experienced a new level of isolation. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape, extreme weather conditions and stories of the indigenous Sámi people, she made the most of her time by writing and recording what has now become the 6 track, Polar Night EP with the finishing touches being made back at StudiOwz which she runs with her partner Owain Fleetwood Jenkins.
During her stay, Jodie Marie immersed herself in the local community at the only shop on the island, she sheltered from a hurricane, reminisced of her own home and Welsh heritage, and spent time with Sámi reindeer herders, learning of their culture and history. Jodie Marie spent hours on a mountain top amongst 3000 reindeer, watching the sun rise above the horizon for the first time in 3 months, which you will hear at the end of the final track. All of these moments inspired songs on her latest EP, Polar Night, and accompanying documentary, 24 days of Polar Night, filmed and directed by Gøril Nilsen, of the band I See Rivers.
“It was truly life changing, I can’t put into words how incredible this experience was, so I wrote them into 6 songs. Learning about the indigenous Sámi culture, spending time alone in a cabin in the 24 hour darkness does something to you - it sparks creativity in a way I’ve never experienced before. The inspiration born on Seiland island flows through every word and every sound on this EP and I can’t wait to share the magic with you.”
All 6 songs from the EP are available to play in the Artist of the Week slot. They were also aired on the BB Skone Show of Sunday 7th April together with an extended interview with Jodie about the project – catch up with it on the podcast.
Local Artist of the Week: JODIE MARIE