The Treacherous Orchestra!

Now, I know I have some folkies out there, but not all of my friends see themselves as folkies, they call folk festivals a "gathering of farmers" (yes that's you Nathan) and just generally mock me for what I listen to, buuuutt you guys are probably just not listening to the right folk for you! Folk music is soooo diverse, it can cover pretty much anything, and isn't just for old people/farmers/whatever you think!

Take the Treacherous Orchestra, when I saw them back in July at Cambridge Folk, there was the most mental gathering of youngsters at the front at the stage, having a fabulously wild time. That's because they fuse traditional instruments and modern which is nearly impossible not to like (cmon admit you like it, just a little bit). The instruments include guitar, pipes, fiddles, a bass, a banjo, drums and a few other traditional instruments. The band has both Scottish and Irish members, and their influences all shine through in the music.

You probably won't believe me, but this music has a drop, it's like folk's answer to dubstep! Rhythms are simple and repeated, with new phrases added in, and when it kicks off, you hear it! (and that is the moment my feet were trodden on soo many times, lots of jumping teenagers and little old me).

Here, don't just assume you won't like it, give it a little listen,

(someone else at cambridge loved them, here's their vid off youtube, i was at the front completely unable to film anything! and then a vid of the Treacherous Orchestra jamming as they do best)

Seth Lakeman

If Seth Lakeman is a name you haven't heard, then you have been seriously missing out. Seth has an amazing ability to play about a million instruments, and all of his songs provide the rough storyline required of a folk song. Every one of his songs tells a story, each one displaying Seth's range of abilities. Every performance is energetic, and Seth brings an exciting show whenever he performs, bringing energy to the stage, providing a quick beat in some pieces, which makes it almost impossible to stand still while seeing him live! Once again, a very friendly guy, which is nice to see, and prevents that horrible star stuck problem which often occurs!

Possibly one of the best uses of a string instrument I have ever seen



The wonderful and loverly Cara Dillon and some Lakeman

Cara Dillon. Having been introduced to her stuff at school one day, and borrowing a CD I soon fell in love with Cara's music, so as a keen fan I went to see her at the local theatre.

The support act Sam Brookes surprised me with his voice, producing a lovely sound and singing about things most of us can relate too. Having met him after the gig, I can also say that he is a very sound person, willing to chat to anyone who wanted to ask him anything.

Here is one of his songs,

 

And of course, a picture of me with him (can never resist a cheesey snap)

 

 

Cara Dillon:
Many of you have probably heard her stuff, a selection of traditional folk tunes with her own twist. Cara is irish, and has an extremely bubbly personality even after her performance, although in the style of a true musician was not able to tell me the whistle she played on, and has possibly one of the prettiest voices I have ever come across. A pretty voice that can relax you and sort of melt your insides, you probably won't understand what I mean unless you listen haha!




 
And of course another fan snap;)

Jake Bugg!

I thought I'd share my first vid with you all! One of my favs, highly advise that you check him out, his stuff is lush, and his voice is so unique! Enjoy:

Cambridge Folk '2012

If I could suggest one place to go, if you are planning on going to a festival, it would 100% be Cambridge Folk Festival. This years Cambridge Folk fest was my first, and I will never NOT go back ever again! Once you've been once there is NO WAY you can stay away, everyone is so lovely, the music is great, you make loads of new friends, get involved in crafts and dancing (wouldn't be a folk fest without a ceilidh). I cannot wait to get my 2013 tickets, see you there!

 

(two of the awesome new buds I made this year) 

Welcome!

Hello my loverly people,

Here you are on my blog, probably wondering what you're doing here. My name is Rachel and I am a 16 year old girl with an unashamed love of all things folk. My aim? To discover the most wonderful music and to share it with everyone. Whenever I get money it ALWAYS goes straight to music, instruments, concert tickets and festival tickets, the works, so I thought I would bring back my experiences and share them with everyone else:)

Welcome to my wonderful world of folk,
lets begin our journey.