Oxen Mare

‘There’s something profound at the heart of this’

Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales

I’ve been writing and recording music since my early twenties under the name Oxen Mare; atmospheric, harmony-rich folk-pop.

I released my first EP, a small fire, in 2024, which you can listen to here.

I’m currently working a project entitled Blodau Gwyllt (Wildflowers)- inspired by the Welsh names for different wild plants and associated lore and mythology, adopting a more traditional folk style, featuring Celtic harp and atmospheric vocals

Find out more about the project here: https://www.womanwithplants.com/blodau-gwyllt

Performing at Saison in Manchester in March 26, accompanied by the wonderful Hazel Genevieve. The clip is from the song Blossom, inspired by the character Bloduewedd from The Mabinogion. Lyrics below.

I live to please you.

I live to do the things that women do to keep you warm.

Blossom in your hands.

My life for this man

who chose all that I am.

Who even are these guys?

And what have they been taught and what have I

to place my worth in their desire

who plucked me from the earth

and banished me to the sky

I preside.

So I claim the night

on a silent glide

with no voice

but flight.

And in your reckless way you knew not bird nor prey

you did not see all that I became.

And in your selfishness

you took from the Oak, the Broom, the Meadowsweet

seeing only what you wanted to see

in my face so fair and lovely

but you know not of the depth of my reach.

I deceived you well.

Caught in a woman’s wiles.

But I was never truly alive.

As the night draws near

I’m not looking back in fear

for my approach you will not hear.

And as the night sets in

I hunt on the wing.

You will not see me coming.

Performing the song ‘Nothing’, at the Art of Tea in Manchester with Hazel Genevieve on viola.

All songs, lyrics and images by Esther Williams.