William Patrick Owen is a singer songwriter from east London who crafts a distinctly meditative and dreamy brand of contemporary folk music. His latest album, ‘Blossoms Invite the Butterfly’, is an act of generosity, an offering of a melancholy yet tender compassion.
Written over a period of around ten years, the album consists of eight gentle and tender songs that glide through the various chapters of life, from birth through adolescence to maturity and death. It is set in a naturistic and earthy ambience, with birdsong, the sound of walking, cicadas and children’s play fluttering in and out of consciousness.
His songwriting is influenced by 60s songwriters like Nick Drake and John Martyn, as well as contemporary new folk artists like Sufjan Stevens, Adrienne Lenker, Grouper and Florist. The fingerpicking guitar playing is informed by classical, primitive and americana artists, including James Blackshaw, Six Organs of Admittance and Jim O’Rourke. The lyrics emanate from Owen’s Buddhist practice, as well as his interest in the spiritual poetry of Ryokan, Rumi and Rilke.
