No one sets out to sail across the Pacific in their early twenties without seeking something. For Scottish songwriter Colin Manson, that quest was for connection. Connection to himself, to silence, and of course, to the sea—ultimately leading him to his music.
His debut EP, ‘Wayfinding,’ is a folk suite infused with the essence of salt and brimming with emotional depth and oceanic clarity, guided by the rhythm of the tides and the profound solitude of the sea. This isn’t a clichéd shanty reproduction; Manson’s approach is far more nuanced. Nevertheless, the maritime influence is evident.
While there’s a tin whistle present, there’s also a sense of peace, patience, and perspective—qualities best experienced somewhere between Stornoway and Samoa. Fresh off a sold-out performance at Totnes’ Barrel House Ballroom, complete with a ceilidh finale, and gearing up for a summer tour, Manson spoke with CLASH about his oceanic inspiration, fatherhood, and the art of ease in creativity.
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Hey Colin! What prompted you to sail across two oceans?
I was inspired by my dad. As kids in Argyll, he had grand dreams of sailing the world with us, but for various reasons, that never happened. I ventured out to fulfill that dream for both of us. Even though we didn’t accomplish those adventures together, his inspiration was always there. In a real sense, he accompanied me on that journey. He remains proud of my achievements.
When did these songs begin to form?
Several of them came to me during or shortly after my sailing trips. I crossed the Atlantic at 19, then the Pacific at 23, and in the stillness of those moments, everything started to click. ‘The Water’ in particular emerged from that experience. It’s not a direct diary entry, but it embodies that space and clarity. My sister recorded backing vocals for it on her iPhone, just a simple voice memo she sent. It worked out. It’s raw, but it felt right.
There’s a beautiful line in ‘Where We Started’: “stop fighting / if you try just a little less.” What does that mean?
That’s a realization I’ve encountered repeatedly in life. Things tend to unfold better when I stop overexerting myself. I wrote that track during lockdown, during which I was pushing myself to create something amazing, but it just wasn’t happening. Once I let go and eased my efforts, the song naturally emerged. It serves as a reminder to take it easy and trust the process.
The EP has a maritime theme, but it doesn’t fall into shanty clichés. Was that a deliberate choice?
Not exactly. It’s simply the sound that comes to me authentically. I do utilize the whistle and there’s a Celtic influence, but it's not a costume. It reflects the music that fits my narrative. That said, I do enjoy a ceilidh—it's communal, joyful, and slightly chaotic.
Has sailing shaped your overall approach to music?
Absolutely. There’s an abundance of waiting and silence, particularly in the open ocean. You start to notice the smaller details, and I believe that awareness translates into my songwriting. Much of the journey feels like being in a vast desert with nothing happening. But then you stumble upon these oases—fish leaping, birds diving—and suddenly, everything comes alive again. Additionally, you can’t rush anything at sea; you move at nature’s pace. I strive to honor that in my writing.
What about ‘These Words’? It has a mildly psychedelic flair in its treatment of language and thought.
That song explores how our thoughts shape our reality, often based on distorted beliefs, things someone once told you, or misconceptions. ‘These Words’ is about unraveling that—letting go of beliefs that no longer serve me.
What’s next on your agenda?
I’ll be performing at the Sound of Iona Music Festival in Argyll on July 20, and then at Between The Trees in Wales on August 21. After that, I’m relocating to Edinburgh to study music production. I want to delve deeper into the technical side and connect with collaborators. For now, no more epic journeys.
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Follow Colin Manson on Instagram.
Words: Andy Hill
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No one embarks on a boat to sail across the Pacific in their early twenties unless they're searching for something. For Scottish musician Colin Manson,