News

We’ve a lovely video premiere and Song of the Day from Lewis & Clarke, the nom-de-plume of Lou Roga. The track ‘Two Trees’ is taken from his third and latest album ‘Trumvirate’. The video features his son Julian who also reads during the track. Lou also shares with us the story behind the song

Our Song of the Day is a track premiere from Swedish songwriter Jenny Lysander. Northern Folk is the title track of her highly anticipated debut album which was produced and arranged by Piers Faccini. Jenny is both a confident and unique voice and her debut album will hopefully giver her the spotlight she so richly deserves, we are all the richer for her music.

We have a video premiere today from Dan Walsh for ‘Whiplash Reel’, a track that features on his latest album ‘Incidents & Accidents’, one of our featured albums of the month. Dan also shares with us the story behind this tune which is rooted in his obsession with Indian classical music which culminated in an amazing trip to India in February 2013.

This is a short film featuring Blair Somerville, a New Zealand based inventor, artist and self-confessed tinkerer. His inventions are made from recycled parts, his mortgage free and he relies on solar power. He has a very simple philosophy that has been driving his creative juices for years, as testified by his Lost Gypsy Gallery, a wonderland of homegrown wizardry and a playground for kids and adults alike.

Here’s a nice exclusive and Song of the Day, with a video for Scott Matthews’ 86 Floors From Heaven created by his good friend Adam Bulley. The intimate solo performance captures the comparatively rare sight of Matthews at the piano and was shot in the shed that is the creative epicentre of Scott’s music making.

Our Song of the Day is a Child ballad (210) from Anglo-American folk music duo Cath and Phil Tyler. Bonnie George Campbell is from their new 6-track CD The Song​-​Crowned King which is available now and was recorded with Phil Begg in Newcastle upon Tyne. You’ll be hearing more from in the Folk Radio UK playlist.

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…

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.

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.