Dear Reader

Dear Reader is the primary musical vehicle for South African singer-songwriter Cherilyn MacNeil. Originally formed as a duo with producer Darryl Torr under the name Harris Tweed, the project rebranded in 2008 following a trademark dispute.

Their early work, notably 'Replace Why with Funny', established a sound rooted in sophisticated indie pop with a strong emphasis on piano and literate songwriting. After Torr's departure in 2010, MacNeil relocated to Berlin, transforming Dear Reader into a solo project that leaned further into chamber folk and art-pop territories. The 2011 album 'Idealistic Animals' marked a critical peak, utilizing animal metaphors to explore human morality through dense, orchestral arrangements. MacNeil's evolution continued with 'Rivonia', a concept album recorded in her Berlin apartment that explored South African history, demonstrating her ability to blend intimate 'bedroom' production with grand narrative ambitions. Her work is characterized by a high degree of sonic clarity, staccato piano motifs, and a vocal style that balances vulnerability with theatrical precision.