Presented by Middlesbrough Gigs.

Withered Hand is the pseudonym of Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson.

Since the release of his debut album ‘Good News’ in 2009, Dan has become a celebrated figure in the Scottish music scene and further afield. A well-travelled touring singer-songwriter, he has quietly amassed a devoted fanbase while staying true to a singular artistic vision.

A strident second album ‘New Gods’ in 2014 propelled Withered Hand into the charts, featuring appearances by friends, luminaries and supporters from the Scottish music scene, from Belle & Sebastian to Frightened Rabbit to The Vaselines and beyond, resulting in nomination for a UK AIM Award. A long-awaited third Withered Hand album, ‘How To Love’, was released in 2023, again to widespread critical acclaim.

Dan’s subsequent collaboration with Mercury Prize nominated English singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams resulted in last year’s album ‘Willson Williams’ - shortlisted for both Scottish Album of the Year and UK Americana Album of the Year 2024.

A fourth Withered Hand LP titled ‘Beauty for Ashes’ (Produced by king creosote And Derek O’Neill), is due for release in Autumn 2026 on Fence Records.

"Beautifully constructed lyrical frameworks … Caledonian gospel” - MOJO

“Endlessly lovable stuff” NME