Granny’s Attic, the vibrant trio hailing from Worcester, England, has firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the UK folk scene. Comprising Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon, concertina, vocals), George Sansome (guitar, vocals), and Lewis Wood (violin, vocals), their music is a fresh yet respectful nod to the rich tapestry of traditional British folk music. With their exceptional musicianship, compelling arrangements, and powerful storytelling, Granny’s Attic has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following across the globe. Their dynamic performances are a testament to their deep understanding and passion for the genre, effortlessly blending spirited jigs and reels with poignant ballads and tales. As the proud patrons of the Bromyard Folk Festival, Granny’s Attic is not just performing; they are nurturing and celebrating the festival’s legacy and the broader folk community. Their appearance at the festival is highly anticipated, promising an unforgettable experience filled with the heart and soul of folk music.
Category: Future of Young Folk Award Winner
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Granny’s Attic
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Rosie Hood Band
Rosie Hood, a former BBC Performing Arts Fellow, Horizon Folk Award nominee, and past recipient of the festival’s Future of Young Folk Award, is renowned for her powerful, clear vocals and captivating performances. Her artistry blends poetic songwriting with dynamic, heartfelt interpretations of traditional songs.
Joining Rosie in The Rosie Hood Band are her long-time collaborators: fiddle-player Nicola Beazley, melodeon-player and percussionist Robyn Wallace, and fiddle-player Rosie Butler-Hall. Together, they bring a vibrant energy and drive, enriching Rosie’s vision of reimagining traditional English songs and crafting original pieces that explore themes of nature, human resilience, women’s voices, and untold stories.
Nicola, Rosie, and Robyn’s exceptional musicianship and deep respect for tradition perfectly complement Rosie’s voice, creating a sensitive and powerful connection that elevates each song.
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Janice Burns & Jon Doran
Janice Burns & Jon Doran, the acclaimed Anglo-Scottish duo, have united over their mutual passion for traditional tunes and narratives that deeply explore life’s essence and our role within it. Their music, celebrated for its “clever and uncluttered musical storytelling” as noted by Songlines, flourishes through their harmonious vocals and the delicate weaving of mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar. This duo captivates audiences with arrangements that bring an enchanting simplicity and a dynamic energy, transforming ancient tales into vivid experiences for listeners.Their first album, “No More the Green Hills,” has received extensive acclaim, securing a spot in the Official UK Folk Chart and enjoying airplay across the UK and internationally, including on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland. R&R hailed it as “superb,” praising its “Great singing, fantastic harmonies, and very sympathetic backing.”
Known for their engaging and down-to-earth stage presence, Janice & Jon are quickly establishing themselves as leading figures in the UK touring scene. They’ve performed at prestigious events and venues, including the Cambridge Folk Festival, Edinburgh Tradfest, Sidmouth Folk Festival, Cecil Sharp House, and Sage Gateshead.
Their repertoire celebrates the journey of folk songs, which have historically migrated, taken root in new lands, and evolved through borrowing and adaptation. Janice & Jon delve into themes of nature, love, and loss, presenting songs that have maintained their relevance over generations.
Adding to their accomplishments, Jon Doran was a previous winner of the Bromyard Folk Festival’s talent nurturing competition, the Future of Young Folk Award, underlining his promising future in the genre.
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Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne stands as a beacon in the realm of folk music, having carved a distinguished path that weaves through the rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary sounds. A celebrated solo artist and a vital component of the acclaimed folk band Granny’s Attic, Cohen’s profound connection with folk music has not only garnered him the prestigious Future of Young Folk Award but also established him as a patron of the Bromyard Folk Festival. This dual role underscores his commitment to nurturing the genre’s growth and ensuring its vibrant legacy for future generations.
Cohen’s solo endeavors showcase his exceptional talents as a vocalist, melodeon, and concertina player, offering audiences a deeply immersive experience into the heart of folk music. His performances are characterized by a meticulous selection of material, ranging from obscure traditional gems to his own compelling compositions. Cohen’s ability to bridge the gap between past and present, coupled with his dynamic stage presence, makes his shows a captivating journey through time.
At the 2024 Bromyard Folk Festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness the full spectrum of Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne’s artistry. Not only will he enchant festival-goers with his solo performance, but he will also take the stage with Granny’s Attic, further highlighting his versatility and passion for collaboration. Through both performances, Cohen promises to deliver a celebration of folk music’s enduring spirit, showcasing the depth, humor, and humanity that define the genre. As a performer deeply rooted in the traditions of folk while pushing its boundaries, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne exemplifies the evolving nature of folk music and its continuing relevance in the modern musical landscape.
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Seb Stone
Seb Stone is an emerging folk singer who has quickly made a name for himself in the folk music scene, earning recognition as the 2022 winner of Bromyard Folk Festival’s Future of Young Folk Award. Hailing from Sheffield, Seb brings a fresh yet deeply rooted perspective to traditional music, combining his vocal talents with expert self-accompaniment on the uilleann pipes and whistle. His unique blend of instruments and voice creates a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and richly textured, resonating with audiences who appreciate the depth and emotion of folk music.
As a vocalist, Seb has a distinctive voice that captures the essence of the traditional songs he performs, imbuing them with a sense of history and authenticity. His ability to convey the stories and emotions behind these songs is enhanced by his skill on the uilleann pipes and whistle, instruments that add a layer of complexity and nuance to his performances. The combination of Seb’s voice with these traditional Irish instruments creates a powerful and evocative listening experience that sets him apart from other young artists in the genre.
Seb’s talent has not gone unnoticed in the folk community. His award from the Bromyard Folk Festival highlights his potential as a rising star in the folk world, and his performances continue to draw attention for their emotional depth and technical skill. As he continues to develop his craft, Seb Stone is poised to become a significant voice in contemporary folk music, bringing a fresh yet respectful approach to the traditions he so clearly cherishes.
With a promising future ahead, Seb Stone represents the next generation of folk artists who are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive while also making it relevant to modern audiences. His work is a testament to the enduring power of folk music and its ability to connect people across generations.
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Rowan Woodhouse
Rowan Woodhouse is a rising star in the folk music scene, recognized for his exceptional talent and deep connection to the tradition. Hailing from Worcestershire, Rowan’s musical journey began in the world of choral music, where he developed a strong foundation in classical singing. His early experiences in choral ensembles provided him with the technical skill and vocal discipline that now underpin his unique approach to folk singing.
Rowan’s passion for folk music was ignited during a transformative year in the Outer Hebrides, where he studied for an HNC at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Immersed in the rich cultural landscape of South Uist, he learned to sing traditional Gaelic songs under the guidance of Paul McCallum. This experience not only deepened his appreciation for the folk tradition but also helped him develop a distinct style that blends the precision of classical singing with the emotive storytelling of folk music.
Currently, Rowan is furthering his studies in Folk and Traditional Music at Newcastle University, where he continues to refine his craft and explore the vast repertoire of traditional songs. His classical roots and ongoing participation in various folk choirs, including Stream of Sound in the West Midlands, have shaped his approach to folk singing, allowing him to bring a fresh and nuanced perspective to the genre. His performances are characterized by a blend of technical excellence and heartfelt expression, making his interpretations of traditional songs both powerful and memorable.
Rowan’s dedication to his craft was recognised last year when he won the prestigious Future of Young Folk Award at the festival, an accolade that highlights his potential to become a leading voice in the folk community. With his deep respect for tradition and his innovative approach to singing, Rowan Woodhouse is poised to make a significant impact on the future of folk music.