The Magpies

It has only been a short space of time since The Magpies burst onto the UK folk scene, but they have already made a huge impression with their fresh brand of transatlantic neo-folk and have been ‘making waves wherever they play’ (Phil Beer, Show of Hands).

Three accomplished musicians in their own right, The Magpies is a combination far greater than the sum of its parts. Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winning guitarist, banjo-player and singer Bella Gaffney, clawhammer banjo player and singer Kate Griffin and acclaimed fiddle-player and tunesmith Holly Brandon draw on their wide-ranging influences to create a unique blend of transatlantic folk.

In their live performances The Magpies have been exceptionally well-received. 2018 saw them perform at festivals such as the Cambridge Folk Festival and on main stages at Wickham Festival, Towersey Festival and Deer Shed Festival. 2019 saw their first international shows, with performances at the Folk Alliance International in Montreal, a successful tour in Ireland and performances at Costa del Folk in Portugal. And the summer saw many more festival performances including Glastonbury, Larmer Tree, Warwick and Shambala.

Their debut album – Tidings – was released in June 2020 to critical acclaim: “effervescent” (The Sunday Times), “folk with finesse” (The Daily Mail), “check that album out” (BBC Radio 2). A rich and varied showcase of the live show, the album draws on a range of influences and delivers a sound that can only be described as contemporary. The album is full of songs which explore uniquely female experiences in unpredictable and surprising ways, bringing a fresh voice to the current milieu.

“One of those effervescent albums you’d be happy to recommend to people who might not consider themselves folk fans.” – The Sunday Times

“Check that album out! Really good mix of songs and instrumentals – they’re great players.” – Mark Radcliffe – R2 Folk Show

“’Literate storytellers with a knack for high drama and engaging hoedowns” – Uncut Magazine

“For their debut, The Magpies have produced an album that intrigues and delights, packed with variety and first-class musicianship” – Folk Radio UK

This show is part of our Two for One offer for Friends & Patrons – to become a Friend or Patron please follow this LINK

Support: Brodie Milner

‘Brodie’s got his own edge that makes it really inspiring. Can’t wait to here some more’ Emily Pilbeam (BBC Introducing)

‘Vital music with an important message’ Charlie Ashcroft (Amazing Radio)

Brodie Milner wears his songs like an ill fitted suit. Combining intelligent lyricism with intricate melodies, his music feels nuanced, evocative, and a bit too sad for a summer’s party. Listeners can expect to hear influences from the likes of Ben Howard, Fionn Regan, and some old novelists you might not have heard of.

Following the release of his first three singles, Brodie’s music has been championed by the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6), and has been featured on Tom Robinson’s (BBC Radio 6) ‘Fresh Faves’