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"Handspun" brings together nine pieces from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and the Isle of Skye, presented in their original languages. A special focus of the album is on the genre of waulking songs—a traditional form of work song originating in Scotland. In this tradition, woolen fabrics were processed by a group of women, who would beat the cloth on tables or similar surfaces while singing rhythmic songs. These songs helped to maintain a steady working rhythm.

"I find it fascinating how singing transforms an otherwise monotonous and lengthy work process into a lively, social experience," says Danika Ruso. "What I find especially interesting is that the waulking songs were created and passed down exclusively by women—not for performance, but as an integral part of a communal, craft-centered project."

The spinning wheel as a motif symbolises many of our musical ideas and wishes. The sound of a spinning wheel has for many generations been associated with calm, reflection, winter, stories and magic.

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