Singer-songwriter Marsha Swanson returns with “Something Real,“ a heartfelt new single released on July 24, 2026, introducing listeners to TroubleChutes, an imaginative creative universe that extends far beyond music. Blending songwriting, storytelling, illustration, education, and emotional wellbeing, the project reflects Swanson’s long-standing passion for helping children understand and express their emotions through creativity.
More than twenty years in the making, TroubleChutes is the culmination of Swanson’s experience as a songwriter alongside her work in psychology and education. Rather than teaching children what to feel, the project encourages them to explore their emotions through relatable characters, engaging stories, and meaningful songs that inspire curiosity, empathy, and open conversation.
At the heart of this vision is “Something Real,” a beautifully crafted song that explores the delicate balance between imagination and reality. Its message gently suggests that stories and music can offer children a safe space to recognise their own emotions, making difficult feelings easier to understand and discuss. The result is both thoughtful and uplifting, capturing the emotional honesty that defines the wider TroubleChutes project.
The single benefits from the expertise of renowned British producer Stuart Epps, whose distinguished career includes work with Elton John, Led Zeppelin, and Chris Rea. Musician and broadcaster Henry Thomas, widely recognised for BBC Rockschool, also contributes to the recording and appears in the accompanying TroubleChutes television pilot, while Paul Hirsch adds expressive keyboard and string arrangements. Swanson is also reunited with several musicians from her Near Life Experience project, alongside new collaborator Clifford Slapper, creating a rich and cohesive musical backdrop.
TroubleChutes has steadily evolved into a comprehensive educational resource designed to support emotional literacy in schools. Published by Karnac Books, the programme combines music with practical learning tools and has already shown encouraging results through classroom pilot initiatives. Its impact has continued to grow through television, animation, and publishing, with new creative projects currently in development.
Despite the project’s remarkable expansion across multiple creative disciplines, songwriting remains the foundation of everything Swanson creates. “Something Real” is more than the beginning of a new musical chapter—it is the opening invitation into a world where music, imagination, and emotional understanding come together to inspire children, families, and educators alike.
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