Olivia Chaney's Folk Ballad Haunts Wuthering Heights Film with Emotional Depth
In Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, a haunting folk ballad provides the emotional backdrop for Margot Robbie's character as she traverses the moors in a wedding dress. The song, Dark Eyed Sailor, performed by Olivia Chaney, emerges as a pivotal element in the film's soundtrack, its high, pure vocals and harmonium drone echoing themes of longing and misplaced love.
A Spooky Coincidence: Chaney's Personal Connection to the Song
Long before Fennell discovered Chaney's version online, the folk singer was preparing to perform it for a BBC Radio 2 session in 2013, amidst her own Brontë-esque love triangle. Chaney recounts from her Yorkshire home, "I was at the start of my relationship with my now-husband, while he nearly married another, and I nearly had children with someone else." She describes the song's use in the film as "very spooky," noting how it mirrors Cathy's emotions about being with the wrong man.
Fennell selected Dark Eyed Sailor from three of Chaney's songs, drawn to its raw emotion. Chaney explains, "There's something about the way she uses my voice, without an orchestra, that shows how raw and emotional I felt." This choice highlights the song's timeless appeal and its ability to convey deep personal narratives.
Chaney's Musical Journey: From Folk Roots to Cross-Cultural Explorations
Chaney's career spans diverse musical landscapes, from folk to electronic remixes. Her 2024 album Circus of Desire features a title track remixed by Vessel, and she has performed with groups like Zero 7. Recently, she formed the British folk-rock band News From Nowhere, featuring notable musicians such as Tom Skinner from the Smile and Sons of Kemet.
Her discovery of folk music in her 20s was transformative. After studying jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, a chance encounter with busker Matthew Ord introduced her to traditional songs like Dark Eyed Sailor. Ord, now a folk music lecturer, taught her the tune and gifted her a harmonium, sparking her journey as a folk performer.
Chaney has earned respect in the folk community, supporting Shirley Collins, singing with Richard Thompson, and fronting the supergroup Offa Rex with the Decemberists. Their album Queen of Hearts received a Grammy nomination, cementing her status in the genre.
Cultural Crossovers: From Purcell to Charli xcx
Chaney's artistic vision extends beyond folk, embracing cross-cultural connections. This summer, she releases an album of Henry Purcell songs, performing them at Kings Place in London, where she is an artist in residence. She notes, "Purcell wrote for royalty but also absorbed street culture, creating catchy tunes that resonate today."
In Wuthering Heights, Chaney's folk ballad contrasts with Charli xcx's atonal anthems on the companion album. Chaney observes, "Her music is great and harmonious with my song—even the synths share a similar tonal world to my harmonium." This blend underscores her belief in music's ability to bridge historical and contemporary styles.
The Release and Impact of Dark Eyed Sailor
After years of existing only in live YouTube clips, Chaney finally released a recorded version of Dark Eyed Sailor last Friday, produced by Oli Deakin. She had attempted multiple recordings before, but it wasn't until the film's premiere that she felt it truly fit. Recalling the event, she laughs, "Drinking champagne behind Richard E Grant was insane. I gripped my husband's hand so tight, it reminded me of giving birth!"
The song reappears in key moments of the film, haunting the narrative as Heathcliff returns to Cathy. Chaney adds, "It's my husband's favorite recording—a song that comes back and haunts you." Her residency at Kings Place begins on 27 February, promising more explorations of folk's enduring power.
