Chris Brain has shared Big Hill, the second single from his forthcoming album Red Sun Rising, out May 1st via Big Sun Records, alongside a live performance video.
The track arrives with a characteristically unassuming backstory. Brain describes it as “a simple, gently undulating song inspired by a long-held longing to climb one of the hills in the Yorkshire Dales, a view I’d admired through the window on countless journeys, always promising myself I’d walk it one day.” When he finally made the ascent, the experience was just as quietly revelatory as anticipated: “a steady breeze seemed to carry me up the slope, and a cool river below offered relief after the descent.” The song features guest vocals from Natalie Wildgoose, who Brain notes “shares a deep connection to the Yorkshire Dales and spends much of her time there.” Chris also guests on her recently announced forthcoming EP, Rural Hours (read more here).
It’s a fitting further taster to the world of Red Sun Rising, an album that, in Brain’s own words, leans into “the repetitive rituals of life — such as watching the sun rise or looking out onto the horizon.” Built on intimate acoustic textures and melodic warmth held in careful restraint, the album navigates yearning, restlessness, and the desire for change across landscapes both literal and emotional.
Previously announced on KLOF, Red Sun Rising follows Brain’s 2025 album, New Light, which KLOF Mag’s Glenn Kimpton described as his “best work so far” — the new album appears to carry that momentum, rooted firmly in the British pastoral tradition.
A familiar voice on BBC Radio 6 Music and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, Brain has toured extensively across the UK and internationally, including a sold-out run in Japan. Further dates have now been added to his 2026 UK & Ireland tour in support of Red Sun Rising.
Red Sun Rising is released May 1st via Big Sun Records.
Pre-Order: https://linktr.ee/chrisbrainmusic
TOUR DATES
23 April — Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
06 May — Manchester, Gullivers
07 May — Hebden Bridge, The Trades
09 May — Glasgow, Glad Café
10 May — Edinburgh, Voodoo Room
12 May — Newcastle, Cumberland Arms
13 May — York, The Crescent
16 May — Nottingham, The Grove
17 May — Oxford, Common Ground
18 May — Sheffield, The Greystones
21 May — Brighton, Prince Albert
22 May — London, Moth Club
23 May — Bristol, Folk House
24 May — Birmingham, Kitchen Garden Cafe
27 May — Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom
30 May – Fire In The Mountain Festival
04 June – Belfast, The Duncairn
06 June – Galway Folk Festival
07 June — Dublin, Whelans
22 July – Cornish Bank