Witch Post: The Ethereal Collaboration Forged by Fate and Folklore
The musical collaboration known as Witch Post, featuring Scottish singer-songwriter Dylan Fraser and American artist Alaska Reid, is gearing up to unveil their latest EP, titled "Butterfly." This forthcoming release, scheduled for March 20th via Partisan Records, marks a significant milestone in their journey. Their partnership, described by the artists themselves as having an "eerie" and "witchy" beginning, is rooted in an extraordinary series of coincidences and a profound mutual fascination with ancient tales and mythical narratives. This unique foundation has allowed them to meld their individual vocal styles into a distinctive and harmonious sound.
The genesis of Witch Post began several years ago when Dylan Fraser, during his regular train commutes from Edinburgh to London, discovered Alaska Reid's 2020 EP, "Big Bunny." Impressed by her work, he covered one of her songs on Instagram, leading to an arranged writing session in London. The night before their studio date, fate intervened as they unexpectedly met at a Charli XCX concert. Further conversation revealed another uncanny parallel: both grew up in towns named Livingston, Fraser in Scotland and Reid in Montana. The band's name itself emerged from a visit Reid made to a folk museum in northern England, where she encountered a 'witch post'—a 17th-century superstition involving carved crosses to ward off witches. Fraser later identified the carving as the St. Andrew's saltire, a symbol deeply embedded in Scottish heraldry, cementing the mystical undertones of their union.
Their creative process, while occasionally marked by playful disagreements, consistently leads to outcomes that both artists deeply appreciate. Fraser likens their occasional clashes to sibling squabbles, always resolving into a shared artistic vision. Reid, with a laugh, admits to a degree of "laziness" in compromising, which often unexpectedly leads to her loving the final result. This dynamic tension is evident in "Butterfly," showcasing the rich interplay of their distinct musical backgrounds. The EP's opening track, "Changeling," features a haunting narrative underscored by explosive, Pixies-esque guitar chords, while tracks like "Tilt-A-Whirl" and "Country Sour" demonstrate their growing confidence and willingness to embrace a bolder, more dramatic rock sound.
Before forming Witch Post, both Fraser and Reid had established solo careers. Reid, with over a decade of experience performing and releasing music, cultivated a dedicated following through her blend of grunge and dream pop. Fraser, starting as a teenager, gained recognition for his atmospheric songs set against a backdrop of rock guitars. Ironically, they both note that Witch Post has generated more immediate interest than their solo endeavors, fueling their ambition for the duo. Their shared love for narrative songwriting, drawing inspiration from their respective homelands' mythologies, forms the core of their collaborative efforts. This belief in storytelling, combined with a powerful emotional delivery, allows them to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
With "Butterfly" setting the stage, Witch Post is preparing for a tour in March, with dates in New York, Los Angeles, and Idaho, alongside working on their debut full-length album. Despite securing a record deal with Partisan Records, they remain committed to their DIY ethos. Fraser expresses excitement about the increased resources allowing for greater ambition, while maintaining their unique, unconventional approach. Reid reflects on the liberating aspect of their collaboration, particularly as a female artist in an industry often fraught with ageist and appearance-based pressures. She cherishes the certainty that their musical partnership with Fraser will endure, free from superficial concerns, allowing her to fully embrace her artistic space without apology. This enduring commitment to their shared creative journey suggests that Witch Post was always destined to be.