KLOF

Song of the Day comes from the Commoners Choir who are dedicated to singing about the world around us, its inequalities and injustices, and their (4-part vocal harmony) opposition to such injustice. This is dedicated to the mass trespass of 1932.

Sam Brookes has unveiled a new live video which offers the first glimpse of his forthcoming single Always Will. The session was recorded in an abandoned canal tunnel in Gloucestershire which is over 2 miles in length – meaning for some incredible spine tingling reverb!

We celebrate the Fleadh with Pólca 4, a high energy group specialising in music from the West Kerry region, guaranteed to get the foot tapping and the blood flowing a great night is always on the card when these boys are in town.

For our Song of the Day we head to The Royal in Dungworth, Sheffield where Jack Rutter performs the folk song Young Susan on Board of a Man-of-War which features on his forthcoming solo debut album Hills.

Fresh from their sell out performances of The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’, the Breaking Tradition Dance Company return to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks for a comical new version of their critically acclaimed folk and hip hop dance show ‘The Lock In’! We have two pairs of tickets to give away.

On September 8th, Tom Russell will release his brand-new studio album, “Folk Hotel” (Proper Records). To celebrate Tom has put together a special playlist of songs he’d play at his imaginary Folk Hotel. Songs from Bob Dylan to Finbar Furey, it’s a great playlist. Listen and read about why he chose each song.

Seven projects will create new music rooted in the English folk music tradition following the latest round of funding awards by England’s national development agency for the folk arts. Including Spiro’s Alex Vann, Emily Mae Winters and more.

This Thursday (Aug 17) Teesside trio The Young’uns will finally get to meet face-to-face Teesside grandfather Ghafoor Hussain who inspired their heart-warming song Ghafoor’s Bus. The song features on their forthcoming studio album Strangers, due for release on 29th September

On September 29, 2017, Chicago-based Big Sadie will release their debut album (UK release) on Spindle Tree Records. Watch their live video for “Need Your Love” which captures Big Sadie on a sunny day in mid-May in Chicago’s Humboldt Park.

Our Song of the Day comes from Cardiff-based band NoGood Boyo. Whilst at Lorient Interceltic Festival they recorded this at the reservoir where the acoustics lend atmosphere to the traditional Welsh love song Ym Mhontypridd Mae ‘Nghariad.

Steve Roud’s ‘Folk Song in England’ is a much-needed book, less about the song and more about the cultural life of those who sang them. He tackles the murky waters well as he investigates the wider social history of traditional song in England and he succeeds at furthering our understanding rather than hindering it. An essential and inspiring read.

One Nation Underground, the 1967 release from American psychedelic folk band Pearls Before Swine is to be reissued by Drag City Records using the original mono mix that made such an impact on its initial release.