Withered Hand is the musical project of Edinburgh-based visual artist Dan Willson. Live and on record, Dan may be accompanied by any or all of the following: Hannah Shepherd (cello); Neil Pennycook (banjo); Alun Thomas (drums); Benni Hemm Hemm; Chris Bryant; Faith Nicholson; Jo Foster; and Bart Owl.
Withered Hand have made three records. Their Religious Songs EP was recorded at home by Neil Pennycook and released through SL Records and Bear Scotland in 2008. You’re Not Alone is a solo EP, recorded by King Creosote and released through Fence Records and SL in spring 2009. Good News is the band’s first album – it was funded by the Scottish Arts Council and mixed by cult American producer Kramer (Low / Galaxie 500 / Daniel Johnston), and was released by SL Records on September 14th 2009.
Withered Hand have been privileged to play alongside many incredible artists, including Jeffrey Lewis, Calvin Johnson, Little Wings and Malcolm Middleton. They have twice played Fence Records’ magnificent Homegame Festival, played at both the last ever Triptych Festival and the inaugural Tennents Mutual, and during the Edinburgh Festival last year performed on The Edge and at all-day DIY extravaganza Retreat.
In 2009, Withered Hand recorded two radio sessions: with Marc Riley, on BBC 6Music, and with Vic Galloway, on BBC Radio Scotland. In 2010 Withered Hand’s debut album continues to gain endorsement from quarters as diverse as DJ and indie superstar Jarvis Cocker, alternative music legend Julian Cope and comedian Daniel Kitson.
The snow-bound early months of 2010 saw Withered Hand tour the UK solo, selling out almost every date on the tour, but managing to sneak in a couple of memorably raucous full band shows on the road. Withered Hand played solo shows across 5 countries in continental Europe through Spring, as Dan headed out on the road accompanying the Icelandic band Benni Hemm Hemm.
As Summer closed, Withered Hand also joined Marc Riley at BBC 6 music for a second radio session, played Wickerman Festival and headlined a sold out show at Edinburgh’s Edge Festival.
Dan is currently working on songs for the next recordings.
