Nick J. Webb and Petra Jean Phillipson are Skylark and the Scorpion.
The duo from London and Brighton have recently released their debut LP recording ‘Weather The Storm’ on Skinny Dog Records.
In a bold attempt to visualise the entire record the band have also produced a film, shot in Shetland and soundtracked by the album featuring both band members. The 40 minute film is currently being screened as Nick and Petra perform the score live with an 8 piece orchestrated band.
Recent screenings and performances include the Regent Street Cinema (Heavenly Films), Mark Kermode's Screenplay Film Festival in Shetland, Brighton's Cinecity Film Festival, Festival No. 6 and most recently St Pancras Old Church and Dalston’s St Matthias Church.
THE STORY
Nick J. Webb is the songwriter, producer and creative force behind musical duo ‘Skylark and the Scorpion’ alongside vocalist Petra Jean Phillipson. Having completed their debut record 'Weather The Storm', Nick invited internationally acclaimed photographer Finlay Mackay to direct a film to accompany the music featuring both band members. Returning to the remote island on which Mackay was born, the result is a stunning visual album set against the dramatic and Jurassic aspect of Shetland in winter.
WEATHER THE STORM (film synopsis)
A musical odyssey of two haunted souls in search of re-connection set against the breathtaking backdrop of Shetland's wild and ancient landscape. Performed and soundtracked by Skylark and the Scorpion.
Director: Finlay Mackay / Producer and Editor: Nick J. Webb / Director of Photography: Peter Bathurst / Featuring Nick J. Webb and Petra Jean Phillipson
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“It’s a really remarkable, beautiful record...There’s something so refreshingly authentic about this, it’s really from the heart and her voice is extraordinary.”
GUY GARVEY (Elbow)
"Cool, ethereal, innovative, strange, beautiful. Like a magical dream..."
STEVE COOGAN
"From the conception of this simple idea, through capture and edit this is a quiet masterpiece. It's what you would wish for in the best modern opera or ballet. It leaves just enough space for you to create your own personal story whilst carrying you with a perfect blend of music and cinematography to another more poetic world."
HENRY NORMAL
"In an age where the art of the album and attention spans are compromised, this film forces us to listen from start to finish. It is a total thing of beauty."
NADINE SHAH
"Internationally acclaimed photographer Finlay Mackay travels back to his birth-place Shetland to direct his debut short 'Weather The Storm' a musical odyssey beautifully filmed against a breathtaking jurassic coastline."
