Megan Henwood and Findlay Napier (aka The Story Song Scientists) met at Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh in 2016 - a few hours into an EFDSS (English Folk Dance Song Society) run song-writing retreat. They are outside drinking their 7th coffee of the morning! Napier’s driven nine hours from Glasgow and is a bit wobbly. Henwood’s back from a month-long writing trip to Nashville and she is jet lagged and delusional.
“Fancy writing a song about maths?” Napier enquires. And so the seed for this songwriting partnership was sewn. Their collaboration has led to the creation of songs about a hermit known as The North Pond Phantom, WBAI host Bob Fass’ lifesaving broadcast on 6th Nov 1971, Georg Cantor’s struggle with infinity, maths and God plus something about Shepherds and leaders. They are yet to write a song about pickup trucks…or beer!
If ever an artist called on the elements in her songwriting, it's Megan Henwood. The distinguished English singer-songwriter is far too self-deprecating to describe herself as a force of nature, but her third album ‘River’ reaffirms her unique ability to create roots music of beguiling purity from what's around her.
One of the finest songwriters and storytellers of the contemporary Scottish folk scene Findlay Napier is an insurgent talent that comes on like a Caledonian Loudon Wainwright. Distilled to artful acoustic guitar and Napier's remarkable voice his most recent album ‘Glasgow’ captures the timeless essence of one of the world's great cities.
"Intelligent songwriting and delightful voices in equal measure. The synergy between Megan and Findlay is palpable.”
David Evans, Folk Radio UK
“The Story Song Scientists prove that songwriting experiments can work very well.”
Andy French, Oxford Mail
“Charming, fascinating and intelligent folk songs… these two voices sound like they were destined to sing together… two clever songwriters who create intriguing songs… and they both have wonderful voices by the way”
The Rocking Magpie
“Throughout the songs the pair never fail to produce lyrics that resonate…the variety and sheer beauty of the music on offer here is truly outstanding… Two of Britain's finest songwriters together in one package. Not to be missed in my eyes.”
Ian Cripps, Fatea Magazine
