Iona Lane presented by Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club at Chaucer's Pub on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in London, Ontario. Doors open: 7 PM, show: 7:30 PM.
Highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane’s new album Swilkie intertwines themes of ecology, conservation, islands, and folklore through poetic lyrics and contemplative melodies. Written during residencies on the Isles of Eigg, Mull, and Sanday, the album reflects a deep connection to landscape and place. From tales of basking sharks and lighthouses to meditations on vanishing islands, Iona captures the spirit of the sea and nature’s rhythms with her expressive vocals, subtle guitar work, and droning shruti box. Recorded on Scotland’s West Coast, Swilkie immerses listeners in the sounds and stories of the natural world, offering a musical experience both intimate and expansive.
The lead single “Torus” explores humanity’s evolving relationship with basking sharks, from mythical sea monsters to endangered species making a return to coastal waters. Praised for her insight and artistry, Iona has been recognized by leading figures in modern folk, including Nancy Kerr and Karine Polwart, who commend her storytelling and musicianship. With Swilkie, Iona Lane cements her place as a rising voice in contemporary folk, blending ancient narratives with modern environmental reflection.
