🎙 Australian Folk Luminary Ruth Hazleton Unleashes Mythic Power in Darkfolk Masterpiece
- Stevie Connor
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Photo Credit: Dave Wayman
“Ruth Hazleton doesn’t just interpret folk traditions—she inhabits them, reshaping ancient stories with modern fire. The Returning (Selkie) is a stunning example of folk music’s power to reclaim, reveal, and renew.” — Stevie Connor, The Sound Cafe
Few artists embody the heart and evolution of folk music as fully as Ruth Hazleton. With three decades of artistry behind her and a fierce new vision ahead, the Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, banjoist, and guitarist continues to prove that folk is anything but static —it’s a living, shape-shifting force, just like the selkies she sings of in her stunning new single, The Returning (Selkie).
Rooted in ancient Celtic and Nordic myth, The Returning (Selkie) is a spellbinding darkfolk ballad that reclaims an old tale of transformation and betrayal for modern times.
In Hazleton’s hands, the story of a seal-woman reclaiming her stolen skin becomes a luminous metaphor for agency, identity, and the irresistible pull of home. Her voice — clear, commanding, and full of yearning — rises above waves of electronic sampling and textured sound design, conjuring a soundscape both intimate and cinematic.
It's elemental music: salt-soaked, wind-swept, and unflinchingly human.
“This song is about a Selkie betrayed,” Hazleton explains. “It explores themes of choice, agency, coercive control and the reclaiming of identity or skin.”
With bold lyricism and a deep respect for the folkloric tradition, she delivers not just a song, but a statement.
The Returning (Selkie) is the second single from her upcoming album Heronbones (due September 2025) — a record that marks both a milestone and a reinvention. Celebrating 30 years in music, Hazleton draws from her love of traditional song while embracing new sonic terrain. With electronic beats, soundscapes, banjo, electric guitar, strings, and drums, Heronbones promises a collection that is as rooted as it is exploratory.
Hazleton's musical legacy is nothing short of remarkable. From her groundbreaking work with Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton to her international tours and collaborations with artists like Andy Irvine, Bruce Molsky, Nancy Kerr, James Keelaghan, and Martyn Wyndham-Read, she has long been a pillar of Australian folk.
Her solo debut, Daisywheel (2019), was hailed as “compelling and intimately fierce” (The Living Tradition, UK) and nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2020 Music Victoria Awards. In 2021, she was named Solo Artist of the Year at the Australian Folk Music Awards and spotlighted internationally through Folk Alliance and Sounds Australia's Global Music Match.
But perhaps what makes Ruth Hazleton most compelling is her ability to hold tradition and transformation in the same hand. She is a keeper of old stories and a teller of new ones. A scholar of sound and a seeker of soul. With Heronbones, she invites us on a mythic journey — not just back to the sea, but to the core of what it means to remember who we are.
In an ever-changing world, Ruth Hazleton remains a constant: a voice of truth, a conduit of folklore, and one of the most vital, visionary artists working in folk music today.
Artwork by Diem Dangers
Stevie Connor, a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, is renowned for his versatility across various domains within the industry. Initially destined for football, Stevie's heart found its true calling in music. His multifaceted journey has seen him excel as a musician, composer, recording artist, journalist, and internet radio pioneer.
In 2012, Stevie laid the foundation for Blues and Roots Radio, an online platform that quickly became a global stage for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and Celtic music. His visionary leadership propelled the platform to international acclaim. Not content with just one venture, Stevie expanded his influence in 2020 by founding The Sound Cafe Magazine, a multilingual platform dedicated to artist interviews, album reviews, and music news.
Stevie's impact extends beyond these platforms. His discerning ear and industry acumen have presented opportunities to be selected as a juror for national awards such as the JUNO Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Maple Blues Awards. Through his tireless efforts, he has earned a solid reputation within the music community, garnering respect from peers and artists alike.
Despite his extensive responsibilities, Stevie remains deeply connected to his roots, both musically and geographically. He continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world, ensuring his influence resonates far beyond any single platform. Stevie's enduring passion and commitment to music make him a true luminary in the industry.
Stevie is a verified journalist on the global PR platform, Muck Rack.
