‘So Far Away’ is the first single by Port, a group formed by Kathryn Way (former singer, songwriter and saxophonist with Manchester indie pioneers Dislocation Dance) and Michael James Pollard. The title track builds from a simple string motif with Kathryn’s beautifully distinctive vocals floating in with a melancholy air leading us through to a final crescendo of voices. Whilst indie pop is at its core, the song introduces elements of jazz and folk to both disrupt and enhance the pop flow. The accompanying track, ‘From Ebb Until Flow’, is a radically alternative, instrumental take on ‘So Far Away’ which fully embraces the jazz and folk elements introduced in the title track. Beginning with the haunting but very considered notes of a solo piano, played by Alex Pollard, the song quickly develops with Alex’s natural jazz piano responses intertwining with the beautifully crafted violin playing of Eilidh Pollard. This time the song builds to a crescendo of strings and guitars, finally collapsing in shrieking feedback. All income raised from the sale of ‘So Far Away’ is being donated to the #helpjoellivelonger campaign.
In September 2019 Joel, the 19 year old son of Stephanie Danziger and Dislocation Dance’s Ian Runacres, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. This is the most aggressive and lethal of all brain cancers. To help prolong his life, the best option for Joel is to receive pioneering new treatments, as quickly as possible. However they are very expensive. The aim is to help Joel live longer.
Information about Joel’s story and the fundraising campaign can be found at Go Fund Me and Facebook.
The single releases February 3, 2023 and is available in CD single and Digital Format.
Musicians are:
Kathryn Way – Lead Vocals
Michael James Pollard – Electric and Bass Guitars
Alex Pollard – Piano
Eilidh Pollard – Violin and Backing Vocals
Hector MacDuff – Backing Vocals
Producing, Programming and Cover Design – Michael James Pollard
Different Noises 