Edd Donovan is a highly distinctive singer and songwriter with a rare, original talent.

“A natural storyteller and reflective lyricist” Maverick Magazine. 

"Edd Donovan isn't famous, but with songs like this, he should be'" Reg Meuross on Radio 2 Folk Show playlist.
 
Like many within the contemporary and indie folk tradition, he has been inspired, and influenced, by Bob Dylan.

Edd has penned an homage to Dylan entitled 'Robert Zimmerman' in celebration of his 80th birthday on 24th May 2021. Part tribute, part song of personal gratitude, it has playful poetic twists and lyrical references. It will be released on 17th May 2021 for digital download and streaming. 

Edd says, "Dyan has been a hugely influential songwriter and performer on me and has profoundly affected my growth as a recording artist. I remember listening to the Bootleg Series in my early 20's and there were moments where I had a self realisation that that making music was something I needed to do with my life. 

The song is part tribute, trying to emulate his sound, chord formulation and lyrical delivery, and also uses phrases in 'Dylan code' to conjure up how profoundly he has affect me. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, well this is purely a song of personal gratitude, and reading out to the man himself, behind the artist, Robert Zimmerman."


Lyrics: 
Oh, Robert Zimmerman, 
You were a friend of mine
I heard you in a bar room
That very first time
You were crying like a fire, in the sun 
You were laughing like a joker, with a gun 
You walked home that evening
On the dark side of the road
Oh, Robert Zimmerman
That night, the seed was sown 

Oh, Robert Zimmerman
You were a teacher of mine
Those lyrical equations
Kept me up all night
There were gods, there were demons
You sought to symbolise
In search of life's meaning
You, who, philosophised
Your words, they streamed, they ebbed, they flowed
Oh, Robert Zimmerman
And I, duly, followed
 
Oh, Robert Zimmerman
You were a lover of mine
You broken my heart, babe
A thousand times
You twisted my thoughts, babe
Tangled up my mind
You told me some truths, babe
And you sold me some lies
But you go your way and I'll go mine
Oh, Robert Zimmerman
Don't think twice now, it's alright

Oh, Robert Zimmerman
You were a father of mine
Your love was unconditional
Your love was alive
Your love was a metaphor
Was love was a sign
Your love was unequivocal
You love was divine
Strike another match, let's go start anew
Oh, something's happening here
But we still don't know what it is

Oh, Robert Zimmerman
You were a friend of mine
A shoulder to cry on
When I fell upon hard times

Robert Zimmerman

10 Last Song

09 God Be With You

08 Get It Out

07 Aphrodite

06 Unspoken Heroes

05 Be The One

04 What You Know

03 St Ives

02 Anchovy

01 Echoes Of The Sea

Bowerbird is one of twelve tracks from the second studio album, Making Mountains (Vol. 1), by Edd Donovan and The Wandering Moles which will be released in late Spring 2016, on Paper Label Records.

Its sound is original, uplifting, with subtle layers and intricacies. Interweaving guitar, lush, soaring harmonies are underpinned with rhythmic shifts and exquisite instrumentation.

Like many of Edd's songs, Bowerbird’s lyrical theme is about seizing the day, cherishing each experience that life has to offer; about the spirit of awakening and, ultimately, the power of hope.

 ‘Make the most of what is sweet and soon to turn sour…be true to what you believe in, the seed you sow will soon to flower’.

The title, Bowerbird, is a nod to the inspiration Edd gained from the band, Bowerbirds. The sound will also appeal to fans of contemporary acts such Fleet Foxes, James Yorkston and Iron and Wine whilst also having a sound reminiscent of classic folk rock albums of the late 60's and early 70's.

----------------------------------------------------
Management, booking agent and PR: Emma Parker
Phone: 07508 031603
Email: emma.calmer@gmail.com
Twitter: @emmalparker

Label: Paper Label Records
Managing Director: Paul Arthurs
Phone: 07968 512455
Email: paul@paperlabelrecords.co.uk
Twitter: @pdarthurs

Credits
Produced and mixed by Paul Arthurs
Engineered by Chads Bradbury
Recorded at Dragonfly Studios
Additional recording at Duke Street Studio and The Grosvenor

Edd Donovan - Lead vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica
Jane Bartholomew - Backing vocals
Emma Parker - Backing vocals
Chris Collins - Acoustic guitar
Chads Bradbury - Keyboards and backing vocals
Matt King - Fretless bass
Paul Arthurs - Drums

Bowerbird

Fell Like Snow is one of Edd’s earliest songs. It’s been a favourite in his live shows but never formally released. Edd has re-arranged it for Winter 2020; a short, 1 minute 42 track recorded at Edd’s home during lockdown. 

The lyrics are particularly poignant and appropriate to the challenges we’ve all faced in of 2020. A celebration of community spirit in the face of adversity; an acknowledgement of the huge impact on mental health this year has had but a gratitude for kindness of friends and strangers.


Lyrics: 

A year ago I think has passed
Oh how the time moved slowly
The shadow this tragedy did cast
Is still very much upon me

But you came through and changed the world around me
The words you spoke they fell like snow and gathered all around me

There were faces in the clouds
There were faces on the street
They were laughing and talking so loudly
I was living a lie, I was breathing too fast
I was sad, lost and I was lonely

But you came through and changed the world around me
The words you spoke they fell like snow and gathered all around me

Fell Like Snow

EDD DONOVAN is a highly distinctive, indie folk singer and songwriter. “A natural storyteller and reflective lyricist” (Maverick Magazine); he has a rare, original talent. Originally from the North of England, he has made his home in Cheltenham. He has a collective of remarkable musicians around him called The Wandering Moles. 
Their début album, Something To Take The Edge Off, was released in April 2014 and was immediately ranked under Great Debut Albums in iTunes. It received glowing attention including Folk Radio UK’s album of the month, a fantastic 4* review in Maverick Magazine and extensive national and international radio play. It is “a wonderful example of what modern folk music can be…gloriously different”. Folk All. 

 “Edd’s unique song craft proves to be witty, thoughtful...and blessed with a melodic touch” (Folk Radio UK) and although comparisons to Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff (even Johnny Cash) have been made in the press, he creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

The Guardian’s article on the “singing social worker” has gained Edd’s songwriting international attention. “Powerful…. poignant” said Americana UK and Edd’s work in mental health has inspired a number of his songs.

After a UK album release tour in April 2014, a summer filled with festival dates, 2015 saw Edd on the road as a solo artist, performing select dates with the full band whilst also going back to the studio to work on their second album.  Live performances with the band bring incredible energy, textures and groove to Edd's wonderful songs. 

2016 brings the release of his second album, Making Mountains (Vol. 1). Whilst the songs on his debut album were based around his voice and guitar, the songs on this new recording uses the band to define a rich sound with thoughtful, expansive arrangements and instrumentation.
 
 “Formidable…This band blew me away” UK Festival Guides, 2014
‘One of the best releases of 2014’ Severn FM
‘Formidable…this band blew me away’ UK Festivals Guide, Wychwood 2014
"Poignant… powerful… reminds me of I Am Kloot’s John Bramwell" Americana UK
“**** - A hugely enjoyable album” Maverick 
“Witty, thoughtful, thought provoking and blessed with a melodic touch” Folk Radio UK
“A wonderful example of what modern folk music can be” Folk All

2019 sees the release of his third studio album, Guardians Of Our Time, Edd’s new album, Guardians Of Our Time, was recorded at Edd’s home throughout 2018 and 2019 and is a marked contrast to the full band sound and production of his last album ‘Making Mountains Vol 1’ (2016). Edd has self produced using mostly what he can create with his voice, guitar and keyboards (even iPhone recordings).
 

What other artists say
​
​“‘Edd Donovan isn’t famous. But with songs like this, he should be” Reg Meuross (on BBC Radio 2 Folk Playlist)
"Beautiful"– Bowerbirds
"Immensely inspiring...the more people who can hear his voice and words, the better" Dr Andrea Ashworth, author of 'Once In A House On Fire'.
​"I love Edd’s music - he’s terrific" - Charlie Dore
 
What the audience say
 
​"A lyrical alchemist, his songs weave happiness and sadness together into something new and very vital. 
I haven’t recognised anyone as a voice for ‘my generation ‘ since Pulp in the 90s."
​​
Jennifer Beeston, audience member from 'Live at Postlip Hall'

Edd Donovan

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