‘A Public Perception’ – A new album from HMP Barlinnie

This September, Vox Liminis spent three days inside HMP Barlinnie, working with a group of eight people – including prison officers and members of the Unbound community. Building on existing musical skills, the sessions invited everyone to push themselves into new creative territory – writing, shaping, and performing original songs.

It was agreed from the outset that the songs would centre on mental health, as part of an upcoming album release to mark Mental Health Week in Barlinnie this October. Alongside the music, this release will also feature original artwork created especially for each song.

The energy throughout the three days was remarkable. Everyone threw themselves into the challenge, supporting each other through the stops and starts of lyric writing, melody-building, and sharing personal stories in music. What emerged was not only a set of songs, but a strong sense of camaraderie and encouragement.

The songs themselves explored a wide range of experiences and emotions. Themes of love and loss sat alongside reflections on friendship and hope, with lyrics reaching out to reassure others in difficult times. Mental health and solidarity were woven throughout, reminding us that no one is alone in their struggles. At the same time, there were songs about reflection and growth, and moving beyond a sentence to become better partners, fathers, and men. What unites them all is a sense of honesty and care for the people they were written for, and with.