a soothing and introspective miniature album designed for those seeking rest.
Renowned Manchester-based musician Matthew C. Whitaker has just released ‘Songs for the Weary’, a soothing and introspective miniature album designed for those seeking rest. Following his 2016 record ‘Man With the Anvil Hat’, Whitaker dedicated the following years to recording and touring extensively across the UK and Europe with HENGE, releasing four albums of high-energy, rave-infused prog. In contrast, ‘Songs for the Weary’ offers a serene listening experience – eight gentle compositions featuring subtly intricate harmony, delicate classical guitar, and warm instrumentation.
October 2025 marked the release of debut single “Lucid Dreamer” – a lush, cinematic composition that weaves sweeping strings, nostalgic melodies, and electronic textures into a spellbinding whole. The music finds its visual counterpart in a hypnotic video directed by acclaimed artist Antony Barkworth-Knight. Filmed at Manchester’s Supermassive visual installation, the piece brings Whitaker’s vision to life with breath-taking, ethereal detail.
Co-produced and arranged in collaboration with long-time friend and neighbour Alan Keary (Shunya), the album weaves Whitaker’s compositions with lush string arrangements and subtle electronic elements. The project also features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Alabaster DePlume, Rob Turner (GoGo Penguin, Mammal Hands, Elf Traps), Liviu George (Matt Halsall, Elf Traps), as well as his HENGE bandmates Roy Medhurst, Pete Turner, and Sam Draper.
The album’s artwork is an oil painting by acclaimed portrait artist Simon Davis, showing a weary-looking Whitaker depicted as an old man. Ultimately, Matthew wants listening to this album to be a comforting, pleasurable experience. “I recommend that you listen to this album somewhere comfortable. A cosy chair or beanbag, or perhaps in the bath.” But, as an alternative to these you can hear Matthew performing these songs and others on his current tour
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