Tealeaf arose as a project out of session culture and a community of people living on, restoring and sailing traditional boats in Penryn. It began by discovering and interpreting traditional ballads that tied into the way communities and culture in Cornwall - where they are based - are changing. This led to writing new songs collaboratively that are a combination of original ideas and experiences and re-contextualising themes from the folk tradition that have weaved their way back into our day-to-day lives such as the housing crisis and the de-industrialisation of Cornwall. Ollie, Phylly and Tom experiment with Cello, Bouzouki, Harmonium, Banjo and guitar, alongside their voices to build music full of rich harmony, warmth and dread.
Elm are a Leeds-based folk duo. As classically-trained cellists with backgrounds in various disciplines of singing, they use their broad combined experiences to create the music that they love. Elm write original music and arrange traditional and contemporary songs for voices, two cellos, and other accompanying instruments. They are influenced by the likes of Karine Polwart, Leyla McCalla, and This Is The Kit. Elm's songs focus on their shared love for the natural world and seasonal change, and they enjoy experimenting with rhythm and harmonic interest.
