It was late 2006 when Carran Waterfield, Artistic Director at Triangle Theatre Company in Coventry, first shared with me something of the impact on her of her research into the lives of the 'Last Women' to be executed in the UK. The stories of love and loss, of vengeance and of mercy, had 'got under her skin' and in later conversation with her you could visualize the key themes emerging for a major piece of work - themes that would embrace feminism, history, law, theology, politics - themes that are capable of confronting our compliance with, and reliance on, institutions and unjust structures. The early phase of the 'Last Women' project encouraged dialogue and debate with an online research and development forum. It was Triangle at its most 'immersive'. Soon Carran will be deep into the auditioning and rehearsing phase for the Last Women production to run at Coventry Belgrade Theatre at the end of April. The track Parallel Cell was written with the issues that Carran and Triangle have so clearly conveyed in mind (the systemic failures of our criminal justice system, and the harsh reality of domestic abuse, above all the yearning for spiritual strength), and I am delighted, and deeply honoured, that Carran is to use the track in the performances . Best Wishes, go and see! - Simon

'leere are to release their second album in the summer of 2008, the title of which is 'What Grows Of Me'. The songs on the album are based loosely on the framework of the Jonah story in the Old Testament, and its themes of personal change, vocation and conviction. Simon Monaghan writes, 'The recording will bring together many strands in our songwrithing over the last 14 months. There is an intimacy within the lyric and the harmony, in part due to working at Jon's home based studio, and at every step of the way we have aimed to reflect on the wider narrative and themes. Wayne has worked a treat with his thoughtful basslines, and Ben (leere's new drummer)has pointed out new, and very leere-like, patterns to follow. It's been a really worthwhile process setting the songs to a backdrop, despite the inherent difficulty of writing out of another's perspective.' The band hope it will resonate with anyone who enjoys a good musical journey and a playfulness with characters. The album will be available on the Wild Duck Productions lable from the leere website in Autumn 2008

'I think it is sometimes out of a profound sense of trust that we go on making music. In the process of songwriting and recording with others, its value seems heightened to a point where knowledge of self is put aside in favour of a common objective, a shared story or sound. Long before I fully trusted in Paul Brook, he fully trusted in me - to last the creative course, to follow (or perhaps feel!) the intracacies of songwriting and in my own musical journey, and why it had now brought me to his compact basement studio in Leamington Spa. And he communicated that trust in a unique way - joking (about the Ringo-esque beat on 'New York of the Isle', about the layered BVs, about the tea!) , humouring the peripheral rubbish that plagues the music industry and appealing to simple truths - try things out, relax on takes, remember 'recording should be fun'. His focus and drive was born of trust. Paul Brook was an exceptional talent and it was a privilege to work on the leere album with him over the course of a year. I watched him craft the title track 'Compassionate Ride' in a day's work. I learnt that music can and should challenge, and how it leads us on to new places. So.. he coloured, he advised, he devoted himself to the task beyond earthly hours...and I learnt about the value of patience alongside trust. His true generosity of spirit is only something I can see now - in fact I think I hear it! Walking between rooms was how he would listen to fresh ideas and various mixes - for as as he kept time, he treasured space. Thank you Paul for trusting. Thank you for the many lessons. I shall miss you dearly.' Simon.

At tonight's game against Brighton & Hove Albion fans of Gillingham Football club were treated to 'Priestfield' a beautiful and reflective track by leere, which was commissioned especially to accompany the tour extra on the DVD created for the FoGFC vs The Legends playing out across the Priestfield stadium.

When we caught up with Simon from leere earlier today and asked him about the track he said "I was trying to make reference to Kent and the landscape, that wonderful environment, and link it with the passion for the sport and for the club that the fans of Gillingham so obviously have. The song is still evolving, we started with the soft, melodic, lilting version which was commissioned for, and used on, the DVD but now we're looking to go back into the studio and speed it up a little! We want to capture more of the match day atmosphere, the excitement and tension."

Nearly 7,000 football fans heard the track playing at the stadium and further thousands heard it as it played in the background on BBC Radio Kent.

You can listen to a sample of the track online on the Music page. Just click any blue arrow to listen to the corresponding track! Enjoy!

To purchase your copy of Priestfield visit our online store.

We're pleased to announce that samples of all of leere's currently released tracks are available to listen to online on the Music page. Just click any blue arrow to listen to the corresponding track! Enjoy!