Our studio version of the traditional Manx song Hop Tu Naa is out now!
Hop Tu Naa is the Manx equivalent of Halloween, and on the Isle of Man, we don't 'trick or treat', but instead we sing at the doorsteps of our neighbours in the hopes they'll open up and give us some pennies or sweets! We have turnip lanterns instead of pumpkins and the song we sing depends on where on the island you live!
Our version came to being when Culture Vannin asked us to arrange a 'new' version of Hop Tu Naa in 2017. We combined the regional version that I sang as a child with the Manx Gaelic song and added a spooky minor section too. We've played it live every year since and each year it grows and develops so we finally got together in the studio to record what it's become!
We've loaded the song with drums, brass, backing vocals and even timpani so I hope you love what we've come up with! Get learning the dance and take it to the streets, Hop Tu Naa is upon us!
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Gyp Buggane at Ballagroove Recording Studio
ballagroove.com
Artwork by Little Moot Studio
Arranged by Ruby Biscoe-Taylor, Matt Brewster, John Kaighin, David Kinley, Django Kinley and James Kinley
Vocals and Ukulele - Ruby Biscoe-Taylor
Guitar - David Kinley
Accordion - John Kaighin
Bass - Matt Brewster
Trombone - James Kinley
Trumpet - Django Kinley
Drums - Matt Parkes
Backing Vocals - Matt Brewster, John Kaighin, Django Kinley and Joff Whitten
released October 23, 2023