The English singer-songwriter performs his pop originals.

The Breath is Stuart McCallum (ex-guitarist of The Cinematic Orchestra), Irish singer Rioghnach Connolly and McCallum's fellow Cinematic alumnus pianist John Ellis, along with drummer Elliot Bennett. Born out of Manchester's fertile music scene they mix Irish folk influences with mesmerising guitar riffs, anthemic themes and powerful hooks. Connolly's soulful vocals are interwoven into the electronic fabric of McCallum's distinctive sound-world. In turns hypnotic, lush, powerfully raw and raucously punchy, their songs entrance, uplift and break your heart as The Breath conjure a kaleidoscope of sound that perfectly frames Connolly's raw songs and soul cleansing vocals. Drawing on the influences of traditional Irish folk song, Connolly's original lyrics pour forth from her own life in a torrent of meaning. She sings songs of birth and death, woman's rights, first love, the call of motherhood, the death of men at sea and post-colonial wrongs. All delivered with compelling emotional honesty and a raw urgency as McCallum, Ellis and Bennett delve deeply into the spaces between rock, ambient, folk and jazz to deliver a powerfully hypnotic accompaniment that moves from chilled soundscapes to rocking anthems.

Emerging onto the UK folk scene with her debut album Dwelling by the Weir (2022), Ellie explored folklore and stories of her hometown, Warwick, through ecological, sociological, and personal themes. It connected with wider audiences and secured her a place on the UK touring circuit. Following the release of her latest single, ‘The Stars Are Ours’, BBC Radio 2 beckoned for a ‘really impressive’ (Mark Radcliffe) live session which was widely lauded, before heading out on a successful Autumn 2023 tour. Ellie has also composed music for BBC Radio 3’s Middlemarch production and toured as a support act for several artists including Blair Dunlop and Elephant Sessions. Ellie marks her return this summer with long-awaited new music. After the release of her celebrated album, Ellie has continued to root herself in the songwriting scene firmly. However this time, her new music amplifies her writing; referencing the more contemporary sounds of MIPSO, Gemma Hayes, and Jeff Buckley. After a heavy year of touring away from home, themes of absence, push/pull, and longing emerge from this new and exciting direction.

Dub-flecked lullabies don’t come much more political than this. London’s Gemma Rogers has serious concerns about the road this country of ours is being steered down and on ‘New World Order’ she has a go at casually sussing out who’s really calling the shots, name checking “faceless clowns – you leave us choiceless” and feeling for the “voiceless people screaming out”. This is a 14+ event.

London singer-songwriter and producer Jewelia creates her own quirky flavour of alternative pop. Mixing 80s and 90s influences with a contemporary edge, Jewelia's latest album "Little Wins" celebrates self-acceptance and the small victories in life, via relatable lyrics and catchy melodies infused with bittersweet nostalgia.

Todd Day Wait is one of the last real American Workhorse, pedal to the metal, Troubadours by way of Missouri, to California, to New Orleans and now Nashville. The original material of Todd Day Wait, is highly influenced by early American folk, country and blues music from the 1920's through the 1960's, embodying the spirit and authenticity of traditional American music. Todd Day Wait, whomst you may have heard of from his millions of spins on GemsOnVHS or WesternAF writes and performs his own style of timeless country music. Harking back to Jimmie Rodgers, Willie Nelson, Wynn Stewart and Kris Kristofferson he keeps the spirit of country music alive. In 2009 he put all his earthly belongings on the curb and hit the road, in his diesel shuttle bus fueled by vegetable oil, for a never ending tour. From busking the streets of New Orleans, to playing in the shadow of European castles, to lighting up the honky-tonk dancefloors in Nashville, Todd keeps it 60/50

Steve Pilgrim is an artist and musician with over 15 years global touring experience. Starting out as a drummer with Liverpool 'Bandwagon' band The Stands (alongside bands like The Coral and The Zutons), Steve went on to play with John Power and Cast, and over the last 12 years has been a central part of Paul Weller's touring band, sharing the stage with the likes of Noel Gallagher, Corrine Bailey-Rae and Tom Jones (to name a few). As a solo artist and singer-songwriter he's produced five studio albums, receiving the praise of fellow musicians and critics alike. The material sits proudly in the song-writing idiom of the acoustic folk/pop artists of the 60s while exploring the challenges of living and loving in the 21st century. Steve's songs are simultaneously celebratory and melancholy, intimate and honest, bringing into focus the struggles we all face and the humility that unites us.

Niamh Regan first caught the attention of listeners with her 2020 debut Hemet, a strikingly collection that showcased her gift for penning folk-tinged songs with emotional depth and reflective sincerity. That album paved the way for a whirlwind of performances across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and beyond. Opening for artists such as CMAT, Villagers, John Grant, SOAK, Patrick Watson, James Vincent McMorror, and Sam Amidon, Regan honed her live performance chops and began to embrace the joy and catharsis of sharing her music with a wider audience.

Leo Middea was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1995 and currently resides in Barcelona, Spain. He is a singer, composer, and instrumentalist. Over his 10-year career, Leo has studio albums, each reflecting different phases of his life and career: Dois (2014), A Dança do Mundo (2016), Vicentina (2020), Beleza Isolar (2020), and Gente (2023). Leo is reinventing Brazilian music by blending traditional genres with influences from diverse cultures. His music has garnered over 10 million plays on Spotify, and his captivating performances have sold out concert halls across Europe and Brazil.

Pete Astor, in his newest guise as The Attendant, makes his first return to Brighton since the eagerly anticipated UK tour by The Loft. Pete Astor, leader of seminal Creation Records guitar combos The Loft and The Weather Prophets, brings you The Attendant, mixing electronics and live instruments, spoken word, and pop choruses. Aptly described by International Times as 'suburban surrealism and psychedelic Keiron Phelan & Peace Signs: return to TFR following the release of their critically acclaimed fourth album (★★★★★ RnR, ★★★★ Shindig!) presenting an elegant fusion of 70s tinged baroque art-pop. From Bacharach to Bolan and back again, with a touch of Abbey Road fabs, a sigh of Scott Walker, and superbly inventive musicianship. Imagine a more upfront Neil Hannon fronting Cockney Rebel Mk.1 and you're on the right peace march. Robert Rotifer: A fingerpicking Canterbury songsmith of Viennese extraction who has been justly compared to the unlikes of Robyn Hitchcock and Jake Thackray, made records with Louis Philippe and John Howard, and played with The Go-Betweens's Robert Forster and alongside Wreckless Eric. His latest album Holding Hands in Petrópolis is all about sticking together in grim times.

The five-piece group from Leeds, now based in London, performs soulful folk-style indie-rock.

Indie pop 4-piece. Baroque-pop with expansive arrangements and the tongue-in-cheek, self-aware bombasticity of bands like Foxygen and The Divine Comedy, through to the poetically introspective Wave Pictures and Os Mutantes’ groovy, psyche-Tropicalia. This is an 18+ event. (Photo ID Required) .

Berlin born and raised artist Albertine Sarges brings together a new band for her debut LP which approaches her take on feminist theory, musings on bisexuality, gender stereotypes and mental health. These topics fall under the ever-shifting veneer of Albertine’s chameleonic pop motifs: from Viv Albertine-inspired post-punk and kaleidoscopic dream-pop to quiet-loud guitar squall and Tune-Yards reminiscent vocal acrobatics. While Albertine Sarges maintains a sense of comedy in her approach, her music is also a platform to explore the self and contribute to broader societal discourse.

Shotgun Jimmie is a musician, educator, and interdisciplinary artist based in Brandon, Manitoba. Jimmie Kilpatrick cut his rock & roll teeth in the early 2000’s, as part of the seminal east coast indie outfit Shotgun and Jaybird. He has appeared on recordings by John K. Samson, Christine Fellows, Joel Plaskett and By Divine Right.

Brighton-based singer-songwriter Seany Clarke celebrates the release of his new album, Think Ive Said Too Much, with a warm, inviting sound that blends elements of folk, soul, jazz, and pop. His laid-back swagger, individual flair, and retro aesthetic reflect his artistic roots. Inspired by music legends like Curtis Mayfield and Elvis Costello, his earthy style - featuring rhythmic finger-style acoustic guitar and intimate vocals with a unique depth - explores the rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences. Setting the tone is the vivid single, Dont You Care Anymore that releases on March 21st 2025. Outstanding soul vocals The Telegraph Magazine His exploration of the human condition echoes Scott Walker, with his unique, delicate vocals and intricate playing forged in a contemporary intimate setting Keith Ames, The Musician Magazine Sweet, evocative, soulful The Argus Classy 21st Century pop with a soulful undertow soulandjazzandfunk.com Sly, Curtis and even Prince are all present in spirit as the vocal lilts above notes were personally capable of reaching this side of puberty Brighton Source He delivers an intriguing take on 21st-century life Keith Ames, The Musician Magazine

Contemporary folk by the singer-songwriter from Leamington Spa and former member of Nizlopi, Luke Concannon was born to an Anglo-Irish home, full of folk and soul music. In his teens he got in to hip-hop, and today, his songs tell stories about social justice, spirituality, and intimacy.

Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Award-winning and Gold Record certified singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since his ground-breaking self-produced indie debut For Him and The Girls (1999) through to chart-topping singles of the 2020’s, Hawksley has careened between major label international smash hits to Canadiana soaked indie releases. Boasting a catalogue of 17 solo records, Hawksley’s genre defying style strings together folk, chart pop and irrepressible cabaret. His show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times have garnered him a league of devoted fans. Performing over a thousand shows worldwide, Hawksley has headlined prestigious venues like Massey Hall and The Olympia in Paris. For a uniquely Canadian artist Hawksley has built loyal fan bases in the UK, France, Norway and Australia launching many successful tours, demystifying and delighting fans while drawing on an enviable catalogue of mischievous favourites, glammy stompers and heartfelt hymns to small town Canada. Presented by DMP. This is an 18+ event

Eight Miles High presents a night of live music at the Folklore Rooms, with liquid visuals spinning, a diverse mix of folk acts, plus psychedelic sounds in-between! Green Diesel the Kent-based 5 piece have roots in traditional folk music, with an added dash of prog-rock and a sprinkling of psychedelia, evocative of Trees, Fairport Convention and early Genesis. - A cornucopia of sounds that blends classic folk-rock, prog and elements of stately Early Music into their own distinctive style - R2 Magazine - 4/5 stars - '(Green Diesel bring..) a psychedelic, progressive edge to their interpretations of both traditional and original material - Shindig! - evocative of early Steeleye Span and veined with prog-rock and influences drawn from early Genesis and the 70s Canterbury scene' - Folk Radio Their new album, Onward the Sun, is available on CD and digital on 25th April 2025. https://greendiesel.bandcamp.com/ The Witchcraft & Vagrancy Act TWAVA combines experimental arrangements with traditional songs and tunes to unearth the uncanniness in folk music. Expect tales of witchcraft, murder, and the supernatural, as they create their uniquely spooky interpretation of the folk canon utilising a variety of instrumentation. https://www.facebook.com/witchcraftandvagrancy Bity Booker Pastoral alt-folk musician; Bity creates compositions which are pleasingly sparse combining melodic vocals and guitar to create songs with a mystic charm. https://bitybooker.bandcamp.com/album/the-cuckoo The Folklore Rooms 12-13 North Street. Doors Open: 7.30pm Opening act on at 8:00pm £12otd, / £10 adv (with booking fee)

Stone Jets perform the latest singles and music from a growing Blues Soul Pop catalgoue. Tickets limited so get yours today! This is an 18+ event

It's business time, baby. Bring an extra pair of socks, cos it's time to get freaaaaakkkky! A special live performance from our FOTC tribute act 'Lasagne For One', playing all the huge hits. Rap, Folk, Synth-Pop - these guys can do THE LOT. Then DEEJAVE will be playing FOTC (and all of Bret and Jemaine's offshoot projects - Moana / The Muppets / Rio) as well as all of New Zealand's greatest hits, Simon and Garfunkel, all your favourite rappers, Bowie, Femident Toothpaste, nothing Australian, Doggy bounce and possibly a fundraiser for epileptic dogs AND all the sexy, futuristic FOTC hits, maybe some of The Lonely Island, Spinal Tap and their homages ( Prince, R.Kelly, Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk etc). Did Steve tell you that, perchance? There also be FOTC dress up/photo opportunities. Bring your camera phone. Presented by Massive Arms. This is an 18+ event

With the likes of Guy Garvey (BBC 6 Music) and John Kennedy (Radio X) championing him, Tom Bright is gearing up for his highly anticipated sophomore album 'Legacy' - produced again by the brilliant Ed Harcourt. This is an 18+ event .

£12 (+ booking fees) in advance, £14 on the door Filkin's Drift reimagine traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar tunes, and boundless improvisation. Their 870 mile foot-powered-tour, described as 'committed and fascinating' by BBC 6 Music's Cerys Matthews, has recently propelled them into the spotlight. This radical approach to sustainable touring has earned the duo global attention from major news outlets including BBC News, Billboard, The i, Radio New Zealand, Canadian Broadcasting Company, and The Times. The debut album from Filkin's Drift captures the essence of their 870 mile walk, weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences (Songlines). Their compositions are sophisticated, yet rooted in tradition. From delicate Welsh folk-songs to traditional English dance tunes, the pair blend fiddle and guitar with their gorgeous close vocal harmonies (Folk Radio UK). Seth Bye and Chris Roberts have earned widespread acclaim with extensive national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service. Renowned for their live performances, characterised as 'utterly mesmerizing' (Bristol 24/7) and 'hugely entertaining' (RnR), the duo have enchanted audiences across the UK including FolkEast, Warwick Folk Festival, St George's Bristol, and Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Filkin's Drift are dedicated to exploring innovative avenues in music creation. In tandem with their groundbreaking commitment to sustainable touring, the duo's latest endeavor involves the formation of Filkin's Ensemble, a 14-piece orchestral-folk band. Filkin's Drift reimagine traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar tunes, and boundless improvisation. Their music captures the essence of their recent 870-mile walk of Wales coast, weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences (Songlines). Their compositions are sophisticated yet rooted in tradition, blending fiddle, guitar and gorgeous vocal harmonies. "Committed and fascinating BBC 6 Music's Cerys Matthews "Weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences Songlines "Gorgeous close vocal harmonies Folk Radio UK "Utterly mesmerizing Bristol 24/7 "Hugely entertaining RnR filkinsmusic.com facebook.com/filkinsmusic instagram.com/filkinsmusic youtube.com/@filkinsmusic

Singer/songwriter Kirsten Adamson summons the same heart-stopping purity as Sandy Denny, by way of Emmylou Harris and Kate Bush. Transcendence runs in the family. Her father was Stuart Adamson (Skids, Big Country) and her mother Alexandra, a champion Highland dancer. With summers spent soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville with her dad and a string of leading roles in musical theatre back in the UK, the teenage Adamson’s course was set. She sang backing vocals on Big Country’s last album Driving to Damascus at age 13. By 2010, she was forging her own career as a vocalist and keyboard player for indie-folkers Aberfeldy. She fronted country rockers The Gillyflowers and more recently shone as half of alt-country duo The Marriage, and then on a self-titled solo debut. The austere beauty of her voice has been a constant motif.

The Lost Trades are a Folk/Americana trio, based in the West Country, with a cool Laurel Canyon vibe. With a sound that is reminiscent of the California folk scene of the late 60s/early 70s, their three-part harmonies have been described as "flawless", "spine tingling" and "magical". A live performance involves easy interchanging of instruments, with each of the three playing guitar, bass and percussion at different points. There's always a fun intimacy to the show, with the three engaging in comfortable repartee with each other and the audience like a group of old friends.

An unmissable night of alternative rock featuring three distinct voices in the scene. Headliners Lana Death Ray bring their signature blend of brooding intensity and cinematic sound, with support from SLOUCH and Distress Call for some hazy riffs and melancholic charm. For fans of alt-rock everywhere, this is one for you!

Devon based Alternative-Folk artist Ollie Dixon will be performing live at The Folklore Rooms, Brighton with support from Rifka and Orche.

Eliza Delf & The Wilderness will be showcasing their new album, Feast. Strictly over 18s only.

Armed with only an old telecaster that's seen better days and her voice, Midlands songwriter Katie Malco has toured the UK and mainland Europe extensively with the likes of Julien Baker, Jenny Lewis, Bob Mould, Fenne Lily, Laura Stevenson, Dawes and The Joy Formidable.

Lily Seabird’s life has been in perpetual motion, spending nearly half of that time on the road performing her own music and as a touring bassist. While she thrives in transit, back home she is anchored by ‘Trash Mountain’, a pink house surrounded by other artists situated on a decommissioned landfill site at the back of Burlington’s Old North End.

Brighton's newest live music night launches at the Folklore Rooms - expect a rowdy ensemble of danceable oddball rock! Nil by Habit - https://www.instagram.com/nil_by_habit "Known for their gritty disco-punk sound, the band has become a staple of the Brighton and London gig scene, earning praise from BBC Introducing South for their raw energy and infectious style." Be Kind Cadaver - https://www.instagram.com/bekindcadaver/ "A post-punk band, if post-punk means drawing on contemporary Ugandan rhythms as much as Duster-inspired slow-core, Jesus Lizard era noise rock and experimental modular electronics." Wrong Côtes - https://www.instagram.com/wrong.cotes/ "WC manage to reconcile garage punk's traditional tendencies w/ first-wave post-punk's more avant-garde experimentalist agenda."

With her stunning 2024 release Come As You Are, Niamh Regan has cemented herself as one of Ireland’s most distinctive songwriters. Nominated for the RTÉ Choice Prize for Irish Album of the Year, Come As You Are is a masterwork of intimate storytelling, rich arrangements, and unflinching emotional honesty. The album marks a bold evolution from her debut Hemet (2020), which garnered nominations for the RTÉ Folk Awards and the Choice Music Prize. Come As You Are, produced by Tommy McLaughlin/Attica Studios, is an album full of vulnerability and unflinching introspection. As the title suggests, it invites listeners to embrace their true selves, confronting personal doubts, complicated relationships, and questions about life's direction. Each track is a delicate balance of delicate folk instrumentation and expansive soundscapes. Niamh Regan first caught the attention of listeners with her 2020 debut Hemet, a strikingly collection that showcased her gift for penning folk-tinged songs with emotional depth and reflective sincerity. That album paved the way for a whirlwind of performances across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and beyond. Opening for artists such as CMAT, Villagers, John Grant, SOAK, Patrick Watson, James Vincent McMorror, and Sam Amidon, Regan honed her live performance chops and began to embrace the joy and catharsis of sharing her music with a wider audience. Presented by Love Thy Neighbour. This is an 18+ event

Brighton! Join us for an intimate, joyful, and emotionally charged night of live music at one of the city's most beloved venuesThe Folklore Rooms. Sophie & The Sticksreturn to hometown soil for a special headline show. With heartfelt, sharp songwriting and dynamic musicianship, Sophie & The Sticks are all about connection: acknowledging flaws, celebrating independence, and singing the hell out of heartbreak. Theyll be joined by two of Brightons finest rising artists: Tash Breeze Brighton-born, London-based artist crafting raw, honest songs full of soul and warmth. (If you know, you know.) TABI Catchy, charismatic, and a voice thatll stop you in your tracks. A gorgeously original Brighton-based singer-songwriter. Expect three stunning sets, beautiful storytelling, and a whole lot of feeling. Limited capacity, so grab your ticket early and dont miss this very special night. Advance Ticket: £10 +bf // £12 On The Door

London based singer/songwriter Tom Speight is a driven talent with a string of EPs and a full-length album under his belt, gaining strong radio support from BBC Radio 2 with seven playlisted records in a row, and over 160 million streams across DSPs. Since 2014, he has gained international recognition from the UK, to Germany to Brazil, headlining shows and supporting some of the biggest acts, from Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, to Ben Howard and Travis.

Join songwriters Poppy Prescott and Meg Bird for a special seaside to city co-headline tour. Meg Bird and Poppy Prescott met through a love and respect for each others’ music. Surrounded by all their mutual friends, they first performed together in October 2024. They loved it so much, they decided to do it all again, travelling through their local towns and cities, in a bid to introduce their songs to each others’ communities. Expect a gentle evening of soaring melodies and soulful vocals from two of the most exciting, emerging songwriters in the South East. Presented by Margate Sounds. This is an 18+ event