A Song for Us celebrates our community and the power of music to bring us together. A nationwide project, Sound UK, Beaford Arts, Exeter Pheonix and Villages in Action have commissioned Seth Lakeman to write a new song inspired by the people of Devon. How We Remember by Seth Lakeman will be premiered on asongforus.org from 12.30pm on 23 March 2021, the first anniversary of lockdown 1, available online for 12 months. Performed by Seth and singers from across Devon, including Wren Music’s choirs and Barnstaple Community Choir

Sound UK: Tell us about your connection to Devon and what it means to you.

Seth: I grew up on the southwestern edge of Dartmoor in Devon and I’ve always loved the landscape around here. It’s been constant inspiration to me through all the albums I have worked on.

What was the inspiration behind your song for Devon?

I feel this song sums up those things we all miss from being held up at home. Familiar faces and the wonderful diverse landscape of the county.

A Song for Us wants the public to help create a music map of the country. What track or piece of music would you share to mark your experience of this time and why?

It’s hard to find a song to encapsulate the whole experience of this. I would choose Sandy Denny’s ‘Who knows where the time goes’

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for people wanting to create their own song for the music map?

I think its important to look towards those things that are missing in our lives right now. I feel it’s a way of remembering or rediscovering those people and places that we have overlooked. 

What do you hope A Song for Us will bring to the people of Devon at this time?

I hope it will give people a chance to celebrate all wonderful aspects of our county.