James Stephen is a blues-infused-Americana artist with an unashamed passion for his northern hometown of Stockport. James’ music proves he isn’t afraid to incorporate other genres into his work, making his take on Americana a refreshingly liberal one.

After seeping into the open mic scene at the age of 15, James has steadily asserted himself amongst the stalwarts of unsigned Manchester. Captivating audiences with his powerful, gritty vocals and effortless delivery, James has also become a Sofar Sounds regular, playing shows across Europe and becoming a favourite on their global playlists.

Following the successful release of his debut effort, Patchwork EP, James released the eagerly anticipated follow-up EP 'Til It Comes Around Again..., released in December 2020. Smashing through the expectations set by his debut effort, ‘Til It Comes Around Again… has achieved a collective 100,000 streams through completely DIY promotion, including airplay on award-winning radio shows. Americana Music Radio Show and Roots Collective on Wycombe Sound amongst others.

Folk/Indie group The Folk Remedy, comprising of band members Matt Whoriskey, Maria Bonner and Rob Ryle, formed in Manchester, England in 2012. A guitar and violin three-piece, the group quickly established a reputation for stunning live shows, gathering a loyal following and playing sold-out concerts in Manchester and beyond. The Folk Remedy released their debut EP, ‘Sirens’, in 2013, with five critically-acclaimed original songs, gaining air time on radio stations across the UK, including live sessions on BBC Radio Manchester and national airplay too with their song ‘Jack And Mac’. The band’s sound owes much to Manchester’s rich musical history with added influences from Ireland and the U.S. Think Elbow meets Ryan Adams and Damien Rice with Neil Young or Dylan penning the words. Whoriskey’s deep and rich vocal style is reminiscent of folk balladeers from yesteryear with musical stories of love and loss that could have first been sung one hundred years ago or more. Ryle’s guitar exists happily in a sublime sonic space between Johnny Marr and Willie Nelson while Bonner’s backing vocals and violin sweep over the band, like a haunting summer wind. Matt Whoriskey – Vocals, guitar Originally from Derry, Ireland, Whoriskey has been writing and playing music for more than a decade. As a singer, songwriter, Whoriskey has been heavily influenced by Irish musicians like Fionn Regan and Damien Rice as well as Americans, Ryan Adams, Conor Oberst and Bob Dylan. Rob Ryle – Lead Guitar The only English-born member of The Folk Remedy, Ryle, from Bolton, is a veteran on the vibrant Manchester music scene, playing in a number of bands over the years after starting out with the psychedelic ‘Jesus Franco’. A talented guitarist with a flare for melodic riffs, Ryle has four main influences, John Squire, Pete Townshend, Graham Coxon and Johnny Marr. Maria Bonner – Violin, backing vocals Like the lead singer, Bonner also hails from Derry, Ireland though she has lived in Manchester for more than a decade. A classically trained violinist, she is also an accomplished piano and bass player. Listing ‘Elbow’ among her most influential musical groups, Bonner, an expert at harmonising, also sings backing vocals for The Folk Remedy.
Their new album is available on all the major stores/streaming outlets from 5/3/18.
Enjoy

Frank Sims is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer based in Manchester, UK. To book him for your night/gig/festival please email: frankstephensims@gmail.com

Thomas Seddon is a British singer-songwriter, musician and composer.

This is a page for covers and new ideas.  I've got another page over at soundcloud.com/thefolkremedy for band stuff.  Hope you like this,

Matt

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