Artist of the Month


Cycle is without doubt, an album stuffed full of formidable singing and excellent musicianship. But more than this, it is an album that has something to say about today’s world and is aware of its place in history. Lady Maisery are unafraid to challenge preconceptions about folk music but are aware of its cultural significance and its historical imperative. This album proves that they are worthy custodians and spirited agitators.

Read our in-depth interview with Jim Moray as he talks about his past challenges and new album ‘Upcetera’… “Throughout our conversation, he repeatedly makes it clear that in his own mind, his previous career as a solo artist is now closed. ‘Upcetera’ is something different; a fresh start…a ‘New Chapter.’”

Moray is a performer of consummate talent, a musician who plays a whole range of instruments on this album, and a singer of rare emotional depth. That he manages to do all this while forging a bright new path for folk music is admirable. That he has done so over six albums and still seems to be hitting his peak while never doing the same thing twice is remarkable.

Read our Artist of the Month interview with Jon Boden whose debut solo album ‘Painted Lady’ get’s a special 10th Anniversary re-issue this month via Navigator Records. Plus watch his new video for ‘Get A Little Something’.

Jon Boden is our Artist of the Month for September. The 10th Anniversary Edition of Painted Lady is released on 30th September by Navigator Records, read our album review and watch the new animated video for his latest single ‘All Hang Down’.

We talk in-depth to Belinda of O’Hooley & Tidow, our Artists of the Month, about the making of ‘Shadows’. Belinda reveals the inspiration behind the album, personal highlights, challenges, as well as exciting plans for the future.

Shadows succeeds through the striking humanity of its songs, and by their originality. It’s an album that will hopefully see its creators heralded as one of the most vital – and indeed one of the most experimental – acts on the folk circuit and beyond.

We catch up with those northern folk experimentalist Harp and a Monkey to talk about their latest War Stories project. They also share some of their personal highlights from a tour which saw them perform in some very unusual locations, including bomb craters on moors.

The stories contained here might well refer to a well-known period of history, but the angles at which they come at that familiar narrative, the microcosms they create, are truly individual and at times unprecedented. War Stories is a courageous, often demanding and ultimately satisfying project.

As Toronto-based Sultans of String prepare for their first extensive tour of Ireland and the UK this month, we catch up with founding band member, Chris McKhool who tells us about the ethos behind the uplifting music presented on Subcontinental Drift and his own musical background.

Subcontinental Drift is an enthralling, adventurous celebration of the power music has to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, and Sultans of String wield that power with grace, eloquence and spirit.

Adam Holmes & the Embers are about to embark on a short Scottish tour before a summer of festival shows. So this seemed the perfect time to ask him a few questions about the new album ‘Brighter Still’.

Adam has gained confidence in his own ability and taken his music forward on Brighter Still. Not in a new direction, but off on a gentle tangent that explores what else can be achieved when the quality of the song writing leaves ample space for adventure.

We talk to Dallahan’s Jack Badcock about the band’s new album ‘Matter of Time’, how their sound has developed and their international touring experience.

The assured performances on this album rival those of any professional trad musician, songwriter or tunesmith with far more experience to draw on. Dallahan are a remarkable creative unit that offer something new, distinct and infinitely appealing.

Rob caught up with Ross Wilson (AKA Blue Rose Code, our Artist of the Month) on his return from Celtic Connections for a very personal and in-depth interview about his new album …And Lo! The Bird Is On The Wing

This is a much stronger step forward from Blue Rose Code than might be initially apparent. It’s an album that rewards return visits with new discoveries and one on which his Scottish roots are far more in evidence. Ultimately, it’s all about those songs…his best yet.

We talk to Fay Hield, our Artist of the Month, about her new album plus we have a special behind the scenes video feature about the making of the ‘Old Adam’. Don’t miss her upcoming tour dates in March.