Halocline by Malin Lewis

Halocline - a visible layer of water that forms between saltwater and freshwater when there is a rapid change in salinity; they are found in colder oceans, caves, fjords and estuaries.

Malin Lewis is a queer bagpiper, fiddler, instrument maker and award winning composer. One of Scotland’s most exciting innovators, Malin melds West coast tradition with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe. Hair tingling, philosophical and dance inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, humans, queerness and the universe. Having played in Canada, Europe and across the UK. Halocline began as a New Voices commission for Celtic Connections and was premiered to a sold out Strathclyde Suite, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in 2023.

“I saw my first Halocline aged fourteen whilst swimming in an estuary in the Isle of Skye. I didn’t know what it was at the time but the image has stayed with me ever since. Appearing like a hazy layer of cloud under the water; it floats between two worlds and provides an environment which is home to a unique microbial ecosystem. As a trans person I live in a space in between; this beautiful space between a binary with its own colourful and unique culture.

My music and gender have always felt intrinsically linked. Music is my form of self-expression. As a child I remember closing my eyes and imagining the sounds and the feelings that I wanted to tell people; the timbres, textures and colours that danced together to make the joy, intrigue and queerness of the world as I saw it. I remember feeling frustrated not having the words or musical skills to tell that story and so I kept practicing and searching for those sounds… expressing this will be a lifelong pursuit. Halocline is a glimpse into my childish wonder and imagination so far.”

Malin's unique sound is born from the deep connection that comes with making and composing for their own instrument. Alongside whistle and fiddle, Malin plays a newly invented two octave bagpipe that, when combined with guitar FX pedals, creates a whole new world of sound which is as lively, thought provoking and sensitive.

Malin melds West coast tradition with a newly invented, self-made bagpipe. Hair tingling, philosophical and dance inducing melodies inspired by European folk traditions, human nature, queerness and the universe.

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