The concept for ‘Dig where you stand’ came to me sometime in 2008. I wanted to celebrate all the different industries that have and continue to shape the Cornish identity. I was inspired by the song ‘Nine Brave Boys’ which tells the tale of nine sons of Cornwall who each died from the afflictions of their various industries. I wanted to celebrate not only the industries but Cornwall itself. By 2011 I had whittled down nine trades to seven for my final recital on Newcastle’s Folk music degree and added the song ‘Ten thousand miles’ to juxtapose the fantastic accomplishments of industry with the devastating flipside that so often accompanies the highs. Following my graduation from the folk degree I moved back to Cornwall and gradually started work on Dig where you stand as an album. I made contact with Alan Pope of Camborne Youth Band and a good friend Phil Innes who I knew was the right man to record and produce the album. With the addition of some fantastic guest musicians I was able to forge an album I feel immensely proud of. The album is a mix of traditional songs, self written material and both traditional and contemporary tunes. The strong family connection with this album is also one that looks back into history but also has a contemporary modern tie. My family have been closely involved, whether playing on the album, designing and putting together the artwork or supporting in all manner of ways!