Roddy Woomble
Encyclopedia
Roderick "Roddy" Woomble (born 13 August 1976) is the lead singer of Scottish
rock band, Idlewild
and a solo contemporary folk musician. To date, Woomble has released six full-length studio albums with Idlewild, and two solo albums, My Secret is My Silence
and The Impossible Song & Other Songs
. Woomble also curated the Ballads of the Book
project, released in 2007.
Woomble also collaborated with folk musicians Kris Drever
and John McCusker
on the joint solo album, Before the Ruin
, released in 2008.
, Idlewild was formed in 1995 by Woomble, Rod Jones
, Colin Newton
and Phil Scanlon
. The band were initially known for their energetic live shows and punk-tinged albums, however, their sound has changed to a sweeping, melodic rock sound over time.
In 2006, Woomble worked with several musicians including Kate Rusby
, his wife Ailidh Lennon, songwriter Karine Polwart
(to whom he presented the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards 2005, and with whom he performed at Celtic Connections
) and Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones
on his debut solo album My Secret is My Silence
, produced by John McCusker
. The album was released in July 2006, and Woomble toured the United Kingdom
in in support of the album's release. My Secret is My Silence reached number one in the UK Folk Charts, and a year later, on 10 July 2007, My Secret is My Silence
was released in the U.S.
on 7-10 Music.
Woomble's follow-up album, Before the Ruin
, written and recorded with Kris Drever
and John McCusker
, was released on 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records.
In January 2010, Woomble began writing a new solo album:
On March 21, Woomble will release his second solo album, The Impossible Song & Other Songs
.
, providing lead vocals on the ballad "Who Told You". He also collaborated with Kate Rusby
for her 2005 album The Girl Who Couldn't Fly
which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2006 BBC
Folk Awards, singing backing vocals on the songs "Wandering Soul", "Fare Thee Well", and "No Names"; the latter of which was nominated for 'Song of the Year'.
Woomble also appears on Kris Drever
's acclaimed album, Black Water, and is set to appear on John McCusker
's project Under One Sky.
when young, before moving to the United States
. He then moved back to Scotland and at nineteen began a degree in photography
. Living in Edinburgh
, he met Colin Newton
and Rod Jones, both future members of Idlewild. He moved back to the United States after the success of Idlewild's Top Ten album, The Remote Part
, and lived in New York City
for some time, developing a love for America while nurturing his pride in Scotland.
In late 2005, Woomble married Ailidh Lennon, who plays bass
for the Glaswegian punk
-folk
band, Sons and Daughters
, a group that have supported Idlewild on several occasions. The couple currently live in the West End of Glasgow
and now have a child, named Uist Lennon-Woomble. Lennon and Dave Gow from the band also played alongside Woomble when he toured his solo album.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
rock band, Idlewild
Idlewild (band)
Idlewild are a Scottish rock band, formed in Edinburgh, in 1995, comprising Roddy Woomble , Rod Jones , Colin Newton , Allan Stewart and Gareth Russell...
and a solo contemporary folk musician. To date, Woomble has released six full-length studio albums with Idlewild, and two solo albums, My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence is the debut studio album by Idlewild lead vocalist Roddy Woomble, released 24 July 2006, on Pure Records.The album, produced by John McCusker, features tracks co-written by McCusker, Rod Jones, Michael Angus and Karine Polwart as well as the vocals of folk singer, Kate...
and The Impossible Song & Other Songs
The Impossible Song & Other Songs
The Impossible Song & Other Songs is the third solo album by folk musician and Idlewild vocalist Roddy Woomble, released on March 21, 2011 on Greenvoe Records. Regarding the album's overall aesthetic, Woomble states: "My first two solo albums were much more low-key than this one and they were far...
. Woomble also curated the Ballads of the Book
Ballads of the Book
Ballads of the Book is a studio album, released on 5 March 2007, on Chemikal Underground. The project was curated by Roddy Woomble, and features collaborations between Scottish musicians and Scottish writers. The album is considered a "joint effort" by all those involved...
project, released in 2007.
Woomble also collaborated with folk musicians Kris Drever
Kris Drever
Kris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
and John McCusker
John McCusker
John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
on the joint solo album, Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin is a studio album by Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble, released 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at #156 and the Scottish Albums chart at #45...
, released in 2008.
Idlewild
Named after the quiet meeting place in Anne of Green GablesAnne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is a bestselling novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery published in 1908. Set in 1878, it was written as fiction for readers of all ages, but in recent decades has been considered a children's book...
, Idlewild was formed in 1995 by Woomble, Rod Jones
Rod Jones (musician)
Rodric "Rod" Iwan Pryce Jones is the guitarist and backing vocalist for indie rock band Idlewild.Son of classical musician, John Pryce-Jones, Jones is an energetic live performer, and his guitar playing has been described as "gritty yet melodic."In 2000 Jones played second guitar for Graham Coxon...
, Colin Newton
Colin Newton
Colin Newton is the Scottish drummer for the Scottish indie rock band, Idlewild....
and Phil Scanlon
Phil Scanlon
Philip Scanlon is a former bassist in the Scottish rock group Idlewild. He was replaced by Bob Fairfoull who remained in the band until 2002. The band's current bassist is Gareth Russell....
. The band were initially known for their energetic live shows and punk-tinged albums, however, their sound has changed to a sweeping, melodic rock sound over time.
Solo
Kate Rusby
Kate Anna Rusby is an English folk singer and songwriter from Penistone, South Yorkshire. Sometimes known as The Barnsley Nightingale, she has headlined various British national folk festivals, and is regarded as one of the most famous English folk singers of contemporary times...
, his wife Ailidh Lennon, songwriter Karine Polwart
Karine Polwart
Karine Polwart is a Scottish singer-songwriter. She writes and performs music with a strong folk and roots feel, her songs dealing with a variety of issues from alcoholism to genocide...
(to whom he presented the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards 2005, and with whom he performed at Celtic Connections
Celtic Connections
The Celtic Connections festival started in 1994 in Glasgow, Scotland, and has since been held every January. Featuring over 300 concerts, ceilidhs, talks, free events, late night sessions and workshops, the festival focuses on the roots of traditional Scottish music and also features international...
) and Idlewild guitarist Rod Jones
Rod Jones (musician)
Rodric "Rod" Iwan Pryce Jones is the guitarist and backing vocalist for indie rock band Idlewild.Son of classical musician, John Pryce-Jones, Jones is an energetic live performer, and his guitar playing has been described as "gritty yet melodic."In 2000 Jones played second guitar for Graham Coxon...
on his debut solo album My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence is the debut studio album by Idlewild lead vocalist Roddy Woomble, released 24 July 2006, on Pure Records.The album, produced by John McCusker, features tracks co-written by McCusker, Rod Jones, Michael Angus and Karine Polwart as well as the vocals of folk singer, Kate...
, produced by John McCusker
John McCusker
John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
. The album was released in July 2006, and Woomble toured the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in in support of the album's release. My Secret is My Silence reached number one in the UK Folk Charts, and a year later, on 10 July 2007, My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence
My Secret is My Silence is the debut studio album by Idlewild lead vocalist Roddy Woomble, released 24 July 2006, on Pure Records.The album, produced by John McCusker, features tracks co-written by McCusker, Rod Jones, Michael Angus and Karine Polwart as well as the vocals of folk singer, Kate...
was released in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on 7-10 Music.
Woomble's follow-up album, Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin
Before the Ruin is a studio album by Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble, released 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at #156 and the Scottish Albums chart at #45...
, written and recorded with Kris Drever
Kris Drever
Kris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
and John McCusker
John McCusker
John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
, was released on 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records.
In January 2010, Woomble began writing a new solo album:
On March 21, Woomble will release his second solo album, The Impossible Song & Other Songs
The Impossible Song & Other Songs
The Impossible Song & Other Songs is the third solo album by folk musician and Idlewild vocalist Roddy Woomble, released on March 21, 2011 on Greenvoe Records. Regarding the album's overall aesthetic, Woomble states: "My first two solo albums were much more low-key than this one and they were far...
.
Collaborations with other artists
In 2002, Woomble worked with the Reindeer Section on Son of Evil ReindeerSon of Evil Reindeer
Son of Evil Reindeer is the second studio album by Scottish indie rock supergroup The Reindeer Section, released on August 13, 2002. It was recorded in February earlier that year. An alternate version was released in Japan. It contained 3 bonus tracks....
, providing lead vocals on the ballad "Who Told You". He also collaborated with Kate Rusby
Kate Rusby
Kate Anna Rusby is an English folk singer and songwriter from Penistone, South Yorkshire. Sometimes known as The Barnsley Nightingale, she has headlined various British national folk festivals, and is regarded as one of the most famous English folk singers of contemporary times...
for her 2005 album The Girl Who Couldn't Fly
The Girl Who Couldn't Fly
The Girl Who Couldn't Fly is an album by British folk musician Kate Rusby, released in 2005. The title refers to Rusby's fear of flying.The album cover features a painting by former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.-Track listing:...
which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2006 BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Folk Awards, singing backing vocals on the songs "Wandering Soul", "Fare Thee Well", and "No Names"; the latter of which was nominated for 'Song of the Year'.
Woomble also appears on Kris Drever
Kris Drever
Kris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
's acclaimed album, Black Water, and is set to appear on John McCusker
John McCusker
John McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
's project Under One Sky.
Writings
Woomble wrote a weekly column for The Sunday Herald, and in November 2008, began writing a monthly column 'Woomble's Way' for UK hillwalking magazine, TGO. Regarding his writing, Woomble states: "I'd do more if I could, [but] it's as hard for freelance writers as it is for musicians. I enjoy writing almost as much as I enjoy reading."Personal life
Woomble moved around significantly during his childhood, living in the United Kingdom and FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
when young, before moving to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. He then moved back to Scotland and at nineteen began a degree in photography
Photography
Photography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
. Living in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, he met Colin Newton
Colin Newton
Colin Newton is the Scottish drummer for the Scottish indie rock band, Idlewild....
and Rod Jones, both future members of Idlewild. He moved back to the United States after the success of Idlewild's Top Ten album, The Remote Part
The Remote Part
The Remote Part is the third full-length studio album by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released on 15 July 2002 to widespread critical acclaim. The album is Idlewild's most commercially successful to date, and is the last to feature bassist Bob Fairfoull...
, and lived in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
for some time, developing a love for America while nurturing his pride in Scotland.
In late 2005, Woomble married Ailidh Lennon, who plays bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
for the Glaswegian punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
-folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
band, Sons and Daughters
Sons and Daughters (band)
Sons and Daughters are a rock band from Glasgow, Scotland.-Biography:Conceived while on tour with Arab Strap in 2001, Sons and Daughters was initially Adele Bethel's creation...
, a group that have supported Idlewild on several occasions. The couple currently live in the West End of Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
and now have a child, named Uist Lennon-Woomble. Lennon and Dave Gow from the band also played alongside Woomble when he toured his solo album.
Solo
- 2006: My Secret is My SilenceMy Secret is My SilenceMy Secret is My Silence is the debut studio album by Idlewild lead vocalist Roddy Woomble, released 24 July 2006, on Pure Records.The album, produced by John McCusker, features tracks co-written by McCusker, Rod Jones, Michael Angus and Karine Polwart as well as the vocals of folk singer, Kate...
- 2008: Before the RuinBefore the RuinBefore the Ruin is a studio album by Kris Drever, John McCusker and Roddy Woomble, released 15 September 2008 through Navigator Records. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at #156 and the Scottish Albums chart at #45...
(with Kris DreverKris DreverKris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
and John McCuskerJohn McCuskerJohn McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...
) - 2011: The Impossible Song & Other SongsThe Impossible Song & Other SongsThe Impossible Song & Other Songs is the third solo album by folk musician and Idlewild vocalist Roddy Woomble, released on March 21, 2011 on Greenvoe Records. Regarding the album's overall aesthetic, Woomble states: "My first two solo albums were much more low-key than this one and they were far...
with Idlewild
- 1998: CaptainCaptain (album)Captain is the debut release by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released in January 1998. Although the number of tracks would normally class the release as an EP, Captain is commonly known as a mini-album...
- 1998: Hope Is ImportantHope Is ImportantHope Is Important is the first full-length studio album by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released October 19, 1998. The record follows on from their earlier six-track release, Captain....
- 2000: 100 Broken Windows100 Broken Windows-B-Sides from this album:* "A Tone" * "Broken Windows" * "1990 Nighttime" * "Meet Me at the Harbour"...
- 2002: The Remote PartThe Remote PartThe Remote Part is the third full-length studio album by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released on 15 July 2002 to widespread critical acclaim. The album is Idlewild's most commercially successful to date, and is the last to feature bassist Bob Fairfoull...
- 2005: Warnings/PromisesWarnings/PromisesWarnings/Promises is the fourth full-length studio album by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released on 7 March 2005, on Parlophone. The album marks the only appearance of bassist Gavin Fox, following the departure of Bob Fairfoull in 2002, and is the first album to feature touring guitarist Allan...
- 2007: Make Another WorldMake Another WorldMake Another World is the fifth full-length studio album by Scottish rock band Idlewild, released on 5 March 2007 through Sequel Records. The album is the first to feature bassist Gareth Russell, following Gavin Fox's departure at the end of 2005, and is their first since leaving Parlophone...
- 2009: Post Electric BluesPost Electric BluesPost Electric Blues is the sixth full-length studio album by Scottish indie rock band Idlewild, self-released to around 3000 fans in June 2009. The album was subsequently released on October 5, 2009 on Cooking Vinyl...
Other Appearances
- 2002: Son of Evil ReindeerSon of Evil ReindeerSon of Evil Reindeer is the second studio album by Scottish indie rock supergroup The Reindeer Section, released on August 13, 2002. It was recorded in February earlier that year. An alternate version was released in Japan. It contained 3 bonus tracks....
- The Reindeer SectionThe Reindeer SectionThe Reindeer Section are a Scottish indie rock supergroup formed in 2001 by Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, which released albums and gigged in 2001 and 2002. The Reindeer Section grouping was somewhat ad hoc, and so it is uncertain if more will be heard from them... - 2005: The Girl Who Couldn't FlyThe Girl Who Couldn't FlyThe Girl Who Couldn't Fly is an album by British folk musician Kate Rusby, released in 2005. The title refers to Rusby's fear of flying.The album cover features a painting by former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.-Track listing:...
- Kate RusbyKate RusbyKate Anna Rusby is an English folk singer and songwriter from Penistone, South Yorkshire. Sometimes known as The Barnsley Nightingale, she has headlined various British national folk festivals, and is regarded as one of the most famous English folk singers of contemporary times... - 2006: Black Water - Kris DreverKris DreverKris Drever is a Scottish contemporary folk musician and songwriter, who came to prominence in 2006 with the release of his debut solo album, Black Water...
- 2009: Under One SkyUnder One SkyUnder One Sky is an hour-long vocal and instrumental suite composed by Scottish folk multi-instrumentalist John McCusker. A studio album was released in February 2009, through Navigator Records...
- John McCuskerJohn McCuskerJohn McCusker is a Scottish folk musician, record producer and composer. An accomplished fiddle player, he had a long association as a member of the Battlefield Band beginning in the 1990s and was later a band member and producer for folk singer Kate Rusby...