So who are False Lights, how were they formed? We have the answers in an exclusive video feature today in which Sam Carter and Jim Moray talk about the formation of False Lights, the other musicians in the band, and how they could have been called “Sam and Jim’s Special Relationship”. How can you possibly not want to find out…

Ryley Walker writes songs that reach deep, and sings them from the depth of his own soul. On Primrose Green he plays guitar like he was born clutching a fret board and has never let go. Driven to perform and hungry for an outlet, he delivers bursts of nostalgia, strongly spiced with passages (not moments) of true genius, through contemporary media and with utter sincerity.

We have a great video premiere from Simi Stone who describes her soulful sound as Mountain Motown. Good Friend is taken from her forthcoming self-titled debut album on Reveal Records. You may well recognise the name as Simi was part of The Duke and The King, the quartet, for whom she sang and also played violin, in a line-up which also featured Simone Felice.

Watch the new video from Steve Gunn and the Black Twig Pickers for Trailways Ramble, a glorious concoction of old time music, drone with an eastern undertone that reels you in. Matt Peyton’s video collage forms the perfect companion to the track as you leave the main roads and head to the country.

Paul heads out on a Monday evening in North London to visit The Islington to catch Vikesh Kapoor and John Blek who have been touring Ireland and the UK together recently. Their British and American themes blending well over the course of a tour that provides cultural counterpoint for the listener to discuss in the bar afterwards.

Latter Day Sinner is the latest offering from Co.Down singer-songwriter Matt McGinn who has enlisted an impressive line-up of Northern Ireland musicians for this release. He also shares his name with one of Scotland’s greatest songwriters and a leading figure in the British folk music revival of the late fifties. With albums like this, he could easily achieve the same reverence.

Our Song of the Day comes from Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies who are fast becoming a FRUK favourite. They have a new album on the way and a 100 date tour of Britain and Ireland so you’ve absolutely no excuse whatsoever to get out and see them play.

We have a track premiere today from the wonderful Kelly Oliver. Jericho is Kelly’s first single off her second album due out this summer and features a number of guest musicians including Ciaran Algar. The single is out on 11th May 2015 via Folkstock Records.

The lineup for this year’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival just keeps getting better but they have pulled out all stops this year with their latest announcement that Richard Thompson will headline their Friday night solo. A rare opportunity and a great start to this brilliant family friendly festival.

We catch up with The Dovetail Trio who aim to present ‘England’s traditional songs with a bold and fresh approach.’ Featuring Jamie Roberts, Rosie Hood and Matt Quinn. They are preparing for the release of their debut album. In the run up to the release, the band will be performing across the UK, including Towersey Festival.

Last year we featured a ground-breaking album by Daire Ó Breacáin and Lorcán Mac Mathúna. The seed for that project came about during a anthropology/song-collectors excursion in Asturias. Read more about that journey of discovery in this special feature by Lorcán.

Whilst many of his contemporaries have been content to just drop something into the contribution box from time to time Cameron Blake hasn’t hesitated in taking up the banner of 60s protest folk, giving voice to the victims through personal and intimate storylines. This one man show deserves a standing ovation.