‘Abundant with meaning and feeling’ The Guardian

‘Morrison’s courage in reconstructing folk repertoire is truly revolutionary’ New Internationalist

Angeline Morrison is a folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose 2022 album ‘The Sorrow Songs : Folk Songs of Black British Experience’ (Topic Records) was voted No 1 Folk Album of the year in The Guardian. Angeline explores traditional song with a deep reverence, love and curiosity, a handmade sonic aesthetic and a feeling for the stories of ordinary human lives.

Magic, miracles, ghosts, world leaders; these days it seems there is little left to believe in. Lies outweigh truth and even truth can be dangerous. Raising everyone’s spirits Already Dead – the fourth album from Willy Mason – explores honesty and deception, anonymity in the digital age, good intentions with unexpected consequences, freedom, colonialism, love, god, and purpose because, its storyteller says, now is the time to restore some much-needed faith.

Voyaging across the cracks of a bleak and crumbling landscape, beauty begins to blossom as Already Dead casts new shades of meaning when applied to a society and culture teetering on the edge between reinvention and dissolution. Hope, without promise, develops into its own suspended resolution with ripping album closer ‘Worth It’ and looks towards reaching a definitive destination after the soldiering on of early LPs Carry On (2012) and If the Ocean Gets Rough (2007); “The seed and the sowing/the need and the growing/the hope and the hatred/the faith and the sacred/the thief and the servant/the fazed and the fervent/I Know It’s Worth It”.

After seeing the world on countless tours and supporting independent music communities, Willy’s next move looks to be even greater. “Already Dead captures the feeling of these times and I’m trying to give people encouragement, whatever that may be or look like,” he says. Here lies unquestionable truth; life might be uncertain, but to be Already Dead is just the beginning.

Born and bred in the heart of NYC, Annie’s musical journey started at an unexpected crossroads. The night of her high school graduation, she picked up the family guitar for the very first time and discovered a hidden passion that would change her life. Inspired by icons like Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Ben Kweller, she began crafting her own melodies, often humming her thoughts like a secret soundtrack to city life.

Annie’s artistic odyssey led her to countless open mic nights in the bustling streets of New York, where she learned the art of performance and songwriting. It wasn’t just about singing; it was about baring her soul through her own creations. These experiences ignited a fire within her, setting the stage for her debut solo show at legendary NYC venue ‘The Bitter End’ in 2008.

An avid collaborator, she’s since shared her talent with the likes of David Ford, Polly Paulusma, and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), yet Annie’s voice stands out as a singular force. Her music serves as a reminder that even in life’s chaos, there’s beauty to be found in its soundtrack.

She didn’t choose the conventional path, pivoting from her first love of theatre to later embarking on a musical journey that would define her. Those Open mics became her training ground, cultivating not only her craft but also a vibrant community of fellow songwriters and musicians.

Though Annie now calls Cambridge home, her music still resonates with a unique NYC flair, showcasing her knack for rich storytelling, mesmerizing melodies, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Often with double-tracked vocals adding depth to her sound, Annie’s music strikes a balance between familiarity and contemporary freshness.

Her muse is her own life, a canvas where she paints the vibrant hues of her experiences. Through music, she navigates the world and her place within it, sometimes discovering her true emotions in the process. Some of her songs are personal, while others are inspired by the stories of those around her.

A regular on the UK touring and festival circuit, her accolades most recently include a nomination for Female Artist of the Year at FATEA Magazine.

She has been likened to an ‘uptempo Mazzy Star’, Phoebe Bridgers and First Aid Kit.

In the words of others:

‘Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song.’ American Songwriter

‘…This album is low key one of the best pop releases of 2020.’ Paste Magazine

Eädyth is fast becoming a household name to listeners of BBC Wales and BBC Radio Cymru due to her unique electro soul sound and bilingual lyricism.

A Wrexham native who lives in Brighton these days, has reignited her singing career as a solo artist. Expect to feel her music in your bones.

´Stodart´s solo career..sits in a rich tradition that encompasses such touchstone female performers as Karen Dalton and Judee Sill…Etta James..Alison Moorer & Gillian Welch. Pieces may well be the most impressive record she´s ever made, with or without brother Romeo and band´ MOJO Magazine

Michele Stodart is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, and Singer-songwriter. Bassist with The Magic Numbers, Michele joins us following the release of her acclaimed solo release ‘Invitation’, and we’re delighted to have Michele with us at FOCUS Wales 2024.

Mother Sky are an alt folk collective, South Wales, Manchester, and London.

Musician and Songwriter, Gareth Bonello A.K.A the award winning The Gentle Good

‘Hafana explores resonances from the past that connect with the modern day in a contemporary, creative way… she uses her harp as a percussive, jagged-toothed tool… sings movingly, her high voice like an indie-pop soprano shorn of its sweetness.’ The Guardian

Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. She explores the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and is also interested in found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing. She comes from Machynlleth, Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea.

Cerys has won over audiences from Green Man to the Eisteddfod and from BBC 6 Music Festival to Celtic Connections with her magical, progressive sound.

Her second album Edyf was selected as one of The Guardian’s Top Ten albums of 2022, as well as receiving wide-spread media attention and critical acclaim.

‘…she’s an adept shapeshifter, entwining tradition with direct and personal interpretations to create music that’s both progressive, profound and inspiring.’ Alex Gallagher, Folk Radio UK