During Covid, McRae released a single with his Belgian friend, Wannes Cappelle, a reworking of one of Tom’s songs in English and West Vlaams, as well as an album of duets with a Welsh artist, Lowri Evans. Both projects sparking his interest in collaboration with other artists. “It’s not been a great time to be British since 2016”, says McRae. “We’ve become politically, economically and culturally isolated since Brexit - and I want to show that I feel more of a European than simply just an English person.”
“But mostly this album, Étrange Hiver, is about beautiful songs, some in English, some in French. Sung as duets with friends (some established artists, as well as some new or undiscovered voices) and creating 11 little emotional moments in a crazy world. Some cinematic, some more intimate and personal, all of the songs addressing the important things in life: love, loss, political populism, impending climate collapse… written at a time when it feels as if the world may never escape from this long, strange winter.“
TRACK LISTING
01. Wild Love Ft. Keren Ann
02. Ginkgo Ft. Chien Noir
03. Speeding Cars Ft. Clou
04. Étrange Hiver Ft. Alex Beaupain
05. Sans Lumière Ft. Vanille
06. For My Confessor Ft. Aïtone
07. Lover's Souvenir Ft. Rose
08. Habit Of You Ft. Naya
09. Half On My Mind Ft. Alma Forrer
10. Lost In Translation Ft. Julien Brocal
11. Inherit The Wind Ft. Helena Noguerra