MATT HILL

The arthur+martha project, WHISPER TO ME ALONE, gathers words and art from people who have experienced homelessness — and the experiences of other vulnerable people in Manchester during the pandemic of 2020. The resulting poems and songs give tiny glimpses of other lives, in rooms, on streets, isolated in hotels. 

The song cycle here is performed by the project participants with singer-songwriter Matt Hill and poet Phil Davenport. Written and recorded during the pandemic of 2020, these recordings capture their voices over phones and in isolated rooms across a city in lockdown. 

The project was supported by Arts Council England. These recordings are free to stream online.

Read my reflections and thoughts on the project in this blog.

CREDITS

Project devised & directed by Phil Davenport 
Music written, performed & produced by Matt Hill 
Lyrics/poems co-written by participants with Phil Davenport & Matt Hill 

Featuring Kris Johnsen, Alan Bostock, Jessica Louise, Roy Johnson, Chris Keane, Sue Dean, Steve, Anastacia Hesketh, Danny Collins & Anonymous. 

Recorded on phones & at various locations in lockdown by Matt Hill 
Additional vocals, instruments & sound treatments 
by Christine Johnson, Gary Parkinson & Phil Davenport 
Mastered by Mike Harries 
Artwork & handwriting SPD 

Thanks to The Booth centre (again) homeless resource centre, Back on Track, Inspiring Change Manchester art group, Bury Art Museum. 

Special thanks to these individuals : Christine Johnson, Gary Parkinson, Katie Watson, Nathan Williams, Tom Jenks, Dylan Gwilym & Danny Collins for writing the first poem. 

Twitter @whisper2mealone 

Supported by Arts Council England during the 2020 pandemic.