With his new album Songs From The Trees, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chris Murphy has created a record that feels both timeless and adventurous. Recorded in a 16th-century monastery on the edge of Dartmoor with acclaimed British folk musician Seth Lakeman, the album blends Americana, British folk traditions, world music and poetic storytelling into something entirely its own.

Inspired by nature, travel and the people he meets along the way, Murphy's songs are rooted in emotion and curiosity. As he prepares to bring Songs From The Trees to audiences across the UK, we caught up with him to talk about the album, working with Seth Lakeman, songwriting, touring, and, of course, what trees might say if they could really sing.


If trees could actually sing, what do you think they'd be complaining about most?

I've always liked trees, especially big, old ones. I feel like they've survived and witnessed so much, so they must have stories to tell – and, of course, songs to sing. They'd probably be complaining about not being appreciated.

Songs From The Trees sounds like it could be a fantasy novel. If the album were a book, what would the first line be?

I love that interpretation!

"You can dream, but you can never come back the way you came."

What's the strangest place you've ever found inspiration for a lyric?

I'm constantly picking up ideas everywhere I go – from antique dealers and industrial sculptures to foragers. I recently saw the phrase "Furnished Apartment" on the window of an estate agent's office and immediately thought I could develop a song around that.

Working with Seth Lakeman, what's one thing he brought to the project that completely surprised you?

Although he's known and loved for his beautiful folk music, at his core Seth is really a rocker.

Your music draws comparisons to Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Which of those artists would you trust most to look after your houseplants?

Definitely Leonard Cohen. The man was a dedicated Buddhist monk – he's easily the most meticulous and responsible of that bunch.

If one song from the new album had to soundtrack a road trip across America, which would you choose and why?

Like all parents, I'm proud of all my children on that album, but the title track, Songs From The Trees, has a special magic to it. It's been resonating with audiences recently, so I'd go with that.

The new single blends folk traditions with experimental sounds. What's the most unexpected musical risk you took on this record?

Seth encouraged me to do much more spoken-word style singing on this album – almost like talking – similar to the way Lou Reed or Serge Gainsbourg approached vocals. I thought it was incredibly creative and effective.

Have you ever written a song so personal that you nearly didn't release it?

Yes. I have a song on my Two Rivers Crossing album called Long Ago that I never perform because it's too personal for me. It's about a friendship that ended.

You're based in Los Angeles but working deeply with British folk influences. What's the most British thing you've picked up from collaborating with UK musicians?

Nothing – and I mean nothing – gets in the way of tea time!

If you could perform Songs From The Trees anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I'm very keen to go to Japan.

As someone touring both sides of the Atlantic, what's the biggest difference between American and British audiences?

In the end, I'd say audiences are more similar than they are different. But Britain certainly respects live music in a way that's very inspiring. I might be playing in a pub or a restaurant, but when I count a tune in, everyone seems to turn around, the televisions go off, the espresso machine is switched off, and we're all on the journey together. Very classy.

The album explores nature and storytelling. If you could spend a day following one famous fictional wanderer through the woods, who would it be?

First choice: Indiana Jones!

Second choice: Ray Mears. I love him!

What's one song you wish you'd written, and what makes it so special to you?

Without question, Tangled Up in Blue by Bob Dylan. It's a ridiculously creative and beautiful piece of work. The way he moves from first person to third person is truly remarkable.

You're appearing as Artist at Large at the Maverick Festival. If festivals had yearbook superlatives, what title would you want to win?

Most Soulful.

Finally, if the trees listening to Songs From The Trees could leave a review, what do you hope they'd say?

"Turn up the sound of the wind!"