Author: Graham Smith

Introducing Joshua BurnellJoshua Burnell is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and storyteller whose roots are grounded in folk, yet who is not afraid to push back boundaries to create a sound that is somehow both retro and artfully contemporary. His latest album, Glass Knight, has been described by The Guardian as like ‘The War On Drugs…

Introducing The HunchThe Hunch, from Wakefield, perform expertly crafted classic folk, blues, soul, and popular songs with five-part harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. As a collective, there is a ready wit and an easy rapport with their audience, ensuring that any concert goes with a swing and a smile. Deep Roots, Broad RepertoireMichael Doonan, founding member…

Introducing The HaarThe Haar has its origins in a chance meeting between fiddler Adam Summerhayes, bodhrán player Cormac Byrne, and traditional Irish singer Molly Donnery at a trad session at the Craiceann Bodhrán Festival on Inis Oírr, resulting in an improvised live performance recorded beside a shipwreck on the wild Atlantic coast. What began as…

Introducing Ben TyzackBorn in London but raised in the deep south of the United States, Ben Tyzack’s musical style reflects those formative experiences, with guitar playing that is an intoxicating blend ranging from the raw delta blues of Robert Johnson to the powerful soundscapes of Jimmy Page. Combined with a soulful voice and commanding stage…

Introducing the Mark Harrison BandDescribed at BBC Radio 2 as an artist who ‘makes you think afresh’, and by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’, Mark Harrison’s highly individual music takes him to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes. Alongside Mark on guitar…

Introducing The Sam Kelly TrioSam Kelly is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, described by legendary folk broadcaster Mike Harding as ‘one of my favourite singers ever’ and by Cara Dillon as ‘an amazing singer with so much soul.’ His trio brings together Sam Kelly on guitar and vocals,…

Introducing The ChurchfittersThe Churchfitters are a truly one-of-a-kind folk ensemble, blending creativity, humour, and superb musicianship into every performance. With members from England, Ireland, and France, they bring together an eclectic instrumental mix — think fiddles and flutes, but also a musical saw, a saucepan double-bass, and even a “bing-bong” machine made of hacksaw blades.…

Introducing Merry HellMerry Hell is an uplifting, eight-piece folk-rock band from the North-West of England, rooted in community, passion, and original songwriting. Formed in 2010, they grew out of the embers of the much-loved folk-punk group The Tansads, reimagining their sound into something fresh, hopeful, and full of energy. A Band That Means SomethingAt the…

Introducing RanagriRanagri is an award-winning indie folk band uniting the best of Irish and English traditions with a cinematic, prog-infused edge. Founded by songwriter and producer Dónal Rogers, they bring together a rich palette of instruments — from guitar and bouzouki to harp, flutes, whistles, hammered dulcimer, and bodhrán — all underpinned by soaring vocals…

Introducing Hiroshima TwinkieGet ready for an evening of lively music and good humour with Hiroshima Twinkie, a group known for their relaxed style, eclectic repertoire, and ability to get a room smiling within the first few songs. With a mix of strong musicianship and an easygoing stage presence, they bring the spirit of a great…