Absolutely magical new record from The Hardy Tree – music to live in, be around, make the world better.

Frances Castle is the illustrator/owner behind the Clay Pipe record label and The Hardy Tree is her ongoing musical project. Common Grounds was started during the first 2020 lock down – when time moved very slowly and travel away from home became impossible.

“Like many others with nowhere else to go, I walked the streets of my neighbourhood for exercise and well-being. I began to see the ghosts of the people who had lived here before me, and notice the things that they had left behind; shapes of ancient tram tracks creeping under the tarmac, an old gas street lamp in an alleyway, a tiny metal sign indicating a culverted river. I spent my evenings writing and recording the music on this LP, and then the following day would listen to the rough mixes as I walked, the music began to soundtrack the walks, and the walks began influencing the type of music I was creating.”

Frances Castle 2022

The album was recorded at home by Frances, then mixed to tape with Ed Deegan at Gizzard Analogue Studios in East London. Ed plays drums on three of the tracks.

Recorded, written and produced by Frances Castle

Mixed with Ed Deegan at Gizzard Studio, East London

Ed plays drums on 3,4 & 9 and tape loops on 6.