The first thing to say about 'Her by Design' is regarding the striking album cover – an anatomical representation of the artist in bone, muscle and tissue, complete with guitar – like an essential appendage.
The design ‘concept’ stretches beyond the words and music into the nine bespoke illustrations that accompany the album cover and each song. It’s art in more ways than one. Hence, the description of the title ‘Her by Design’ as a bold debut featuring women’s stories in folk music is explained, starkly, in the physical, material product.
The award-winning Scottish musician releases her anticipated debut on 28th February. It’s a stirring, yet reflective blend of traditional folk with contemporary artistry.
‘Hers by Design’ is a feminist statement – amplifying women’s voices in folk music. She will not be silenced, choosing to challenge traditional narratives – by voicing alternative versions of women’s storytelling. With the focus firmly on women’s perspectives – stories told in song of female strength, struggles, and memories – I was particularly struck by the concept of ‘memories for sale.’
Opening with Jenn Butterworth’s version of Sandy Denny’s ‘All Our Days’ – an epic, poetic reflection of the changing of the seasons, and the passing of time (a timeless Denny theme).
These reflections made me think of a jumble or car boot sale of old ornaments and bric-a-brac for some reason – those unwanted items and the stories attached to things that once mattered somewhere to someone – the tendency of women to hold on to memories attached to little material things, of no consequence or value to others, but which mean the whole world to them.
Each song on ‘Her by Design’ tells a story. For example, ‘A Toast’ is a tale as old as time – of jealousy and consequences. ‘One in Ten’ shines alight on the silent struggles of women living with the agony of endometriosis and its consequences, a condition that affects one in ten of half the global population – but is often overlooked and under treated.
‘Little Sparrow’ will be instantly recognisable to listeners – otherwise known as ‘Come all ye fair and tender ladies’ – a traditional melody and song arranged by Jenn, as a warning to all women about the perils of relationships that things ain’t all they’re cracked up to be.
‘Fair Maids of February’ evokes undercurrents of women’s struggles beyond the blooming of the snowdrops – alive with imagery and symbolism of women’s connection to mother nature, while the Housewife’s Lament’s speaks out on the theme of unpaid labour and endless endurance of household work and relentless, thankless domesticity.
In ‘Jeannie’ Butterworth reframes the narrative of another traditional song ‘Anachie Gordon’ to focus the story of forced marriage from the women’s perspective.
Closing with ‘Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still’, a timeless ode to the echoing legacy women leave behind – and it’s a song that stays with you long after it ends.
Jenn says crafting ‘Her by Design’ was a deeply personal journey. It builds on her celebrated career as a guitarist and folk collaborator but here, via ‘Her by Design’, she has the full opportunity to express herself as a solo artist, arranger, writer and producer.
She’s taken control – and that’s not by accident, but design. Although daunting at times, she took the lead while having the good fortune to link with a talented team of engineers and other artists who encouraged and empowered her to feel comfortable in her own creative space.
Butterworth – already an acclaimed and prominent figure in the Scottish music scene – will be touring throughout 2025.