The Young’uns have shared their new single, Tiny Notes, which is also the title track of their upcoming new album (3 March via Hudson Records). Like many of their songs, which have found hope and humanity in grief and despair, Tiny Notes was also inspired by a real-life story.
In 2018 Paige Hunter began tying handwritten messages onto the railings of the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, urging people not to take their own lives. Her notes have been responsible for saving the lives of at least 30 people and have inspired others to leave similar messages on bridges around the world.
From the opening simple piano arrangement, The Young’uns take us on a beautiful yet heart-wrenching journey. I don’t know how anyone can keep a dry eye listening to those tiny little notes being read…Paige Hunter’s story is filled with compassion and a stark reminder of the struggle that many face in society today. It’s also our Song of the Day.
…with warm harmony and beautifully crafted lyrics, these are folk songs for our times.
Pre-Order Tiny Notes via Hudson Records here (out 3 March 2023).
Tiny Notes Tour Dates
The Young’uns are on tour from April 2023.
08/04 LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall
09/04 EDINBURGH Summerhall
10/04 SHREWSBURY St Mary’s Church
11/04 NORWICH Arts Centre
12/04 SHOREHAM Ropetackle
13/04 SANDWICH St Mary’s Arts Centre
14/04 LONDON Union Chapel
15/04 ALDEBURGH Jubilee Hall
21/04 SHEFFIELD Firth Hall
20/05 DUBLIN Pavilion Dun Laoghaire
26/05 GATESHEAD The Sage
27/05 CLECKHEATON Town Hall
28/05 BRISTOL The Redgrave Theatre
30/05 OXFORD North Wall
31/05 CARDIFF Acapela
01/06 LINCOLN Drill Hall
02/06 MANCHESTER The Stoller Hall
Tickets and more details can be found here: https://www.theyounguns.co.uk/live
21st Century Folk Project
You may have also caught The Young ‘Uns this week on BBC Radio 2 as part of the 21st Century Folk project, which we shared details about here. Inspired by the legendary BBC Radio Ballads, the lives of 5 extraordinary people from the North East of England have been turned into song. Sean’s job was to write a song for 75-year-old Middlesbrough GP (and football fanatic) Dr Ifti Lone, who has been a doctor on Teesside for 50 years (and counting). The 5 twenty minute episodes are all available to listen to on BBC Sounds now.
Tune in to the Jeremy Vine show today (Wednesday 11th January) at 1.30 pm and the Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe at 9 pm to hear all about it! All 5 episodes of 21st Century Folk will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday 15th January from 8 pm.