kings of the south seas

Yes, it’s a bleak album – that’s it’s intent. But the compulsion to listen echoes the determination of those Victorian adventurers. There is something mystical and otherworldly about these three musicians and the alchemy they produce together. It’s well worth the treacherous journey to reach the other side.

Taken from their forthcoming album ‘Franklin’ on Hudson Records, Kings of the South Seas have shared their new video for ‘Death of a Gull’ which opens to some gorgeous banjo and highly intuitive freestyle drumming.

Following their acclaimed 2014 debut, Kings of The South Seas return in February 2018 with Franklin – featuring Canadian Voyageur paddling songs, English folk ballads and songs composed on-board ice-bound wintering ships – all delivered in powerful, foreboding and affecting style by this unique band.

We talk to producer and engineer Andy Bell about his new label Hudson Records which has some great releases lined up from the likes of The Furrow Collective, Neil McSweeney and Richard Warren. This is a label you music lovers should all get behind. Great vision and a potentially great future!

Kings of the South Seas launch new ‘Free Folk’ series featuring an array of musical friends spontaneously creating music….Vol. 1 features squeeze box virtuoso Andy Cutting like you’ve never heard before…no boundary is sacred!

Chasing the Whale brings six distinctive and hugely talented artists together for a journey into the bawdy and thrilling world of the early whalers. Featuring Kings of the South Seas with Tim Eriksen & Philip Hoare.

Our Song of the Day comes from Kings of the South Seas who join Bellowhead on tour next month. Weary Whaling Grounds is their first single from their debut album. Far from glorifying those days the song brings a harsh reality to them. The brutal sound of the music and the repenting lyrics speak loudly.

Bellowhead continue to go from strength to strength having picked up their 3rd Best Group nomination from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. They also embark on a major tour with support from Kings of the South Seas, they have a new single due for ‘Roll Alabama’ for which they also have a new video.

Kings of the South Seas is a mesmerising album of interesting contemporary interpretations that provides a worthwhile recounting of the lure of the sea and the lore of the whales and the sailors who pursued them to their ends. As a whole, it provides a powerful reminder of the extremes that were tolerated in the search for oils before the discovery of mineral fuels.

Another new mix from FRUK featuring some great tracks from: Jason Molina, Stick in the Wheel, Hot Feet, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Conor Oberst and lots more.

Kings of the South Seas is a new boundary-crossing trad folk album produced by John Parish. Watch an exclusive video premiere of an interview with John and Ben Nicholls.