Music / new releases
Queer folk duo’s new release tackles the tradition
The folk tradition is facing a reckoning, and artists like Suthering are leading the charge.
The duo’s latest single, Maggie is a rallying cry for women’s rights and features footage of protests as well as the first Tavistock Pride, which the pair organised.
Heg Brignall and Julu Irvine believe the time is ripe for a new approach to folk. “The English folk scene is grappling with deep-seated misogyny, and we’ve faced sexism, invasions of privacy, and even sexual assaults while gigging ourselves,” said Brignall.
is needed now More than ever
“We feel it is important for women and LGBTQ+ people to speak out. The timing could not be more critical.”
The single was a precursor to Suthering’s second album, Leave A Light On, which was released on Friday.
It has been produced by folk luminary Sean Lakeman – the brother of Seth, for whom he produced the Mercury-nominated Kitty Jay, and known for production credits on Levellers, Billy Bragg, Bellowhead and Frank Turner records – and features notable figures Lukas Drinkwater on double bass and Olivia Dunn on violin, backing the duo’s stunning vocal harmonies.
The album touches on topical social and political issues, inspired by personal experiences and vocalising modern-day protest themes.
“These songs have a rawness and an honesty about them. There is vulnerability in the songwriting and it’s also an album full of strength and catharsis,” said Brignall. “Sean’s influence has helped push our sound in a new and exciting direction.”
The outfit grabbed attention with their debut in 2022, and this latest release has already received positive reviews, with Americana UK pronouncing it “spellbinding”.
Brignall and Irvine lived in Bristol for ten years and will return to play a show at the Folk House on November 16.
They promise a live show full of “chemistry and humour, championing female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk.”
Listen to the album at suthering.bandcamp.com/album/leave-a-light-on
Buy tickets for the Folk House show at bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/live-music/event/suthering-16-11-2024
Main image: Neil King
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
