Hamish captures the spirit of a life lived through music in his new single “Singing In My Soul"

“Singing In My Soul,” a newly released single that first appeared on his 1999 debut album “Picture In My Bag,” sees Hamish bringing a piece of his musical past back into focus. The song, produced by Les Penning (famous from his work with Mike Oldfield) has the warmth and character of a recording that is the product of real surroundings, real musicians and years of lived experience. Its return is opportune, coming at a fascinating time in Hamish’ journey, his forthcoming album “Significant Others” adding another chapter to an already colourful career.

“Singing In My Soul” was recorded in the less than polished atmosphere of Hatfield Court, a rambling, partly ruined mansion in Herefordshire, a long way from the studio environment usually associated with contemporary releases. Local musicians sat around an ancient wood-fired Aga in an old oak-panelled drawing room where imperfections could add to the character. That environment helped give the song its rawness, and the performances still have a sense of spontaneity that feels organic decades after the original recording.

The release is even more unique because of the story about Hamish. In 1996, while hitchhiking around the world with his guitar, he stayed with his uncle, the parish priest of Venice Beach. A warning about the boardwalk’s colourful night-time characters only spurred Hamish on to explore it himself. He borrowed a bicycle and disappeared for three days, getting himself involved in a series of unforeseen escapades before heading north towards San Francisco. Later, that trip inspired "Santa Cruz," another song inspired by the experiences that influenced his writing.

“Singing In My Soul” has a history of connection as well as its original release. The song was a hit on New Zealand's folk charts while Hamish was travelling there and was later used in a major television programme. It has remained a favourite at weddings and events since then, continuing to find a place in moments where music becomes part of the memory itself. That longevity speaks to the warmth woven into the composition, and the authentic feeling within it.

Hamish’s career has also extended far beyond his recordings. For 16 years he created and ran the Rabbit Hole at Glastonbury Festival in the UK, building a reputation as a champion for young and emerging artists. The place became an iconic part of the festival’s identity, revealing an artist whose relationship with music has always included creating opportunities for others. The career has had its fair share of strange tales and the image of Hamish as a LEGO character in his bunny outfit is one of them.

With “Singing In My Soul” back in print, Hamish is not only reviving an older recording, but reintroducing a song associated with travel, friendship, discovery and years of musical community. Thanks to its history, the release has an authenticity that can’t be manufactured and the upcoming “Significant Others” promises there’s still plenty to come. For those who are discovering Hamish for the first time, “Singing In My Soul” offers a revealing introduction to an artist whose music has always been closely related to the life he has lived.