Mike Wilson

Joy Dunlop joins forces with innovative Scottish folk duo ‘Twelfth Day’ for her latest release ‘Fiere’, a distinctive project that celebrates the artistic endeavours of fellow female Scots.

Fran Smith writes like she means it: refreshingly uncompromising, with an honesty that is both brutal and beautiful. Intrigued by her background Mike Wilson managed to interview Fran and uncover some history and influences.

‘Orfeo’, the new release from Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party embodies a substance and breadth that is likely to garner much acclaim, and must surely confirm Hield as the Maddy Prior or June Tabor for a new generation of folk connoisseurs.

Proving to be increasingly versatile and innovative, Rachel Hair returns with her third recording ‘No More Wings’, this time placing the harp in the midst of a dynamic trio, featuring the double bass of Euan Burton, alongside the guitar and vocals of Jenn Butterworth.

Mike Wilson talks to Indiana-based singer-songwriter, Krista Detor who returns to Europe this April, playing throughout the month in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Krista also shares some exclusive demo tracks with Folk Radio UK

You’re unlikely to be familiar with the name T. G. Elias. At present, Elias seems to spend his time travelling between small, select venues who provide valuable opportunities for underground musicians to take their first tentative steps, and reveal their wares to an audience full of expectation and preconception.

In describing her culture, Joy Dunlop also manages to describe the very personal qualities that she herself brings with Dùsgadh: a vibrant collection of material that showcases the spirit of a thriving, young generation who embrace their Gaelic culture with big hearts and open minds.

Kris Drever is doubtlessly one of the most appealing singers of his generation working the current folk scene. He approaches each song in such a laid-back manner, without sacrificing a scrap of intensity or subtlety. With a distinct talent for interpretation of song that manges to be both robust and sympathetic, Drever’s delivery is unassumingly stirring. He could well be the Christy Moore of his generation: he certainly brings a …

Krista Detor is one of those slow-burning artists, who quietly turns out albums brimming with classy and engaging songs, portraying a view of life that is sometimes wry, and always thoughtful. Listeners fall at her feet following their first encounter, and whole audiences find themselves quickly under Krista’s spell, eating out of the palm of her hand.

The artwork for Salamander greets you with a vibrant warmth: a glowing and alluring amalgam of reds and oranges that is both classy and intense. It is therefore the perfect visual embodiment of the aural splendour that awaits the listener, for the music presented on Salamander is all of these things… and so much more.

Shipwrecks & Static is the début solo album from Inge Thomson, who is likely to be familiar to many as part of the creative force behind Scottish four-piece Harem Scarem, and familiar to many more as part of Karine Polwart’s band, where her musical resourcefulness and incomparably beautiful