A talented harpist and sailor who writes songs inspired by her voyages at sea is set to perform at Greenock’s Beacon Arts Centre.

Chloe Matharu, from Wemyss Bay, creates music that draws on her time working as a navigational officer in the Merchant Navy.

The singer has sailed around the world on oil tankers and her songs give an insight into the modern sailor’s life, and blends field recordings of the natural world with the harp.

She is keen to explore breaking down cultural and gender barriers through her music, which offers a unique maritime narrative – the voice of a female seafarer.

Chloe explained: “In folk music, there are a lot of songs about the sea, but they are mostly from man’s perspective, also often sung by people who aren’t actually seafarers.

“It’s great they are keeping the tradition alive, but I also think those songs aren’t really relevant any more.

“It’s keeping the song alive but is it keeping actual tradition of being at sea, as a story, alive? I don’t think so.

“I think it’s time for new traditions, especially ones that incorporate a female perspective.”

Matharu will perform Small Voyages, her eight-track album of original songs, at the Beacon on Saturday March 18 at 7:30pm.

The album was named Celtic Music Radio’s Album of the Year in 2022, and Matharu has performed at several folk festivals including the popular Celtic Connections.

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.