You might not think of mid Wales when listening to international pop superstar Taylor Swift’s new album – but there is a little slice of Montgomeryshire life to be heard.
When Mochdre violin maker Tim Phillips was crafting one of the five-stringed instruments for a customer, he had no idea it would be used on the recording of Swift’s new album, Folklore.
It was used by American violinist Bobby Hawk on a “top secret project” – and even the violinist himself only learned of where it would be appearing the day before its release.
Bobby Hawk
The album, Folklore, is already one of the fastest-selling albums of all time, and became the best-selling record of the year after just one week on sale.
Tim said: “What ever happens to my violins once I have sold them is completely out of my control. But this use of one with Taylor Swift on such a massive album is right out of the blue.”
Swift's new album, Folklore
Tim has been making violins in Mochdre for nearly 30 years and has just announced himself ‘retired’. He marked this after completing this 500th violin this summer, which he says is a little ironic after receiving the news that his craftsmanship had been used on such a big album. However, it certainly seems like quite the feat to end on.
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