Septembersong Line-Up 2025
Check back soon to find out who will be performing in 2026!
Septembersong Music Line-Up 2025
Hayden Thorpe's 'Ness"
Hayden Thorpe came to prominence as the lead singer and chief songwriter for the much-celebrated band Wild Beasts who released five acclaimed albums on Domino Records before disbanding. Hayden has since released three solo albums on Domino; Diviner, a critically adored work of solitude and fragility. Sophomore album Moondust For My Diamond, a work that is galvanising, reassuring, elegant, seductive and oozing in Big Cosmic Energy. September 2024 saw the release of Ness, an album of rare ambition and singular beauty made in collaboration with best-selling nature writer Robert Macfarlane. Known for his distinctive voice and sultry compositions, Thorpe’s return to Cumbria marks a new era for his craft reflective of the natural environment he lives surrounded by
Steve Knightley
Steve Knightley, a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and founding member of 'Show of Hands,' is a prominent figure in English Folk/Acoustic music. Celebrated for his deep connection to the West Country, his extensive body of work, uniquely blends historical narratives with contemporary themes. In 1994 with multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer he formed 'Show of Hands,' praised by Peter Gabriel as one of the 'Great English Bands.' As a songwriter, Knightley earned the title of Tom Robinson's Songwriter of the 90s and he has won three BBC Folk Awards. His influence extends to the visual arts, serving as the artistic director of the 'Shrouds of the Somme' installation in 2016. He also collaborated with actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton on an Album of Great War Poetry and music. Knightley's commitment to addressing social issues is evident in songs like 'Country Life' and 'Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed,' earning recognition at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His impact extends beyond accolades, with compositions like 'The Galway Farmer' recognised as a 'traditional' Irish folk song, and 'Cousin Jack' now taught in Cornish schools. In 2014 he began the ground-breaking 'Grow your Own Gig' tour empowering local communities to host concerts without financial risk. Plymouth University made Steve an Honorary Doctor of Music and he was also made an Honorary Rifleman by the local 6th Rifles Regiment. Despite pandemic challenges, his creative output remained robust, generating over 100 hours of content. With more than 4,000 performances and over fifty appearances at Glastonbury, Knightley leaves an enduring impact on audiences worldwide. Described by Tony Hall as 'A Showman and Craftsman at the peak of his powers,' praised by Mark Radcliffe for writing 'some of the best songs in the last twenty years,' and acknowledged by former head of Sony publishing Fran Malyan as ‘One of my favourite frontmen,' Knightley's essence is best encapsulated by Robin Denselow of The Guardian as 'The Gravel-voiced Spokesman of the rural poor.'
Rachael Dadd
Rachael Dadd is a spirited independent songwriter and performer based in Bristol. With songs that disarm and inspire, she has headlined tours around the UK, Europe and Japan and regularly performs with long time friends and collaborators This Is The Kit and Rozi Plain. Her most recent album ‘Kaleidoscope’ included a limited edition DINKED vinyl with a bonus EP of non-album tracks featuring This is the Kit and Rozi Plain, which followed Rachael's critically acclaimed ‘Flux’ album, which gained a coveted 6 Music's Album of the Day. Co-produced "intuitively, boldly, and playfully" by Rachael and Rob Pemberton (The Staves, Emily Barker, Maja Lena), ‘Kaleidoscope’ includes musical collaborators such as Maja Lena (Low Chimes), long-time collaborator Emma Gatrill (Billy Marten, Willy Mason), Alex Heane (bass), Charlotte West (synths), Alex Garden (strings) and ‘Flux’ producer Marcus Hamblett (Villagers, James Holden, The Staves), giving the record "just the right colour combination, just the right pattern of shapes, plenty of space where needed and finally landing in a sound world that feels fresh and open and true” reflects Rachael. With a background in fine art, Rachael puts great attention into the conceptual and visual through her music videos, album artwork, hand-made merchandise and exhibitions. Alongside recording and performing with her band, Rachael writes songs for her Bristol based community choirs BYOB Choir (bring your own baby) and OAK Choir (Of All Kin) a new inclusive choir celebrating diversity and the coming together in the unity of song. Lately Rachael has become an integral part of a new network of Mothers in Music discussing the barriers in the music industry for mothers and how to challenge them and pave the way for change.
Ian Prowse and the Fiddle of FIre
Merseyside hero Ian Prowse is a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and frontman of Amsterdam and previously the frontman of indie cult band Pele. Raised on protest songs, influenced by the Celtic sounds that make Liverpool so unique, and inspired by the song writing craftsmanship of Paul Weller, Mike Scott, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello, Ian’s 30-year song writing career and 100% committed live shows have gathered him a reputation as the ‘Scouse Springsteen’ amongst his devoted fans. Amsterdam saw success with their first single ‘The Journey’ hitting the UK top 40, but it’s their song ‘Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?’ which reduced John Peel to tears live on Radio 1 because of its connection with Liverpool, the city he loved, as well as being the centrepiece of Irish legends Christy Moore’s No.1 album ‘Listen’. Pele’s first 3 singles stormed the Radio 1 A-List with Megalomania reaching No.1 in the South Africa charts. Ian is fresh off his successful Fireworks 30 Tour with his band Amsterdam and is enjoying success as the support of choice for Elvis Costello, The Wonder Stuff and The Blow Monkeys. We're pleased to welcome Ian to the Barn at Braziers as a duo with the Fiddle of Fire.
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Katy Rose Bennett
Katy Rose Bennett is a Birmingham-based singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and arranger. She has been creating her earthy, intimate folk music for over 20 years, telling stories of love, despair, connection and community. She has released 7 albums to critical acclaim with plays on BBC Radio 2, 3 & 6 and RTE 1, and she has toured the UK and beyond. In recent years, Katy has collaborated across art forms, creating music for dance, spoken word and theatre. She loves bringing people together through song, whether that’s through performing her songs or getting 100 people singing in sweet acapella harmony - or sometimes both at the same time! "Fascinating stuff... a sort of folk-meets-Laurie Anderson" Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 "Lingering spell-craft of multi-layered acappella vocals" Songlines
Chris T-T
In a 20 year career, Brighton psych/folk singer Chris T-T released 10 acclaimed solo albums (“genius, a modern-day Blake, songs so unfettered they never had moorings to slip” — The Sunday Times, “brilliant” — Clive James, “a man we can trust with our lives” — Steve Lamacq) and played more than 2,000 shows around the world. In 2017 Chris abruptly retired from making his own music, and he's now a writer, record producer and counsellor. He does still play occasionally as a piano accompanist for other artists, notably Jim Bob (Carter USM). This summer, Chris T-T is “reforming" — for a few months only — to share new vinyl editions of his beloved albums, '9 Red Songs' (20th Anniversary Edition) and also 'London Is Sinking' (2003). His set at SeptemberSong will be one of just FOUR live appearances (alongside Glastonbury 2025, Lost Evenings 2025 in Edinburgh, and a one-off London headline show at the 100 Club). After that, Chris T-T will vanish again, for the foreseeable future.
Gabriel Minnikin
Critically acclaimed artist Gabriel Minnikin is a mainstay in the international music scene. Over his career Minnikin’s albums have been nominated in the Best Americana, Best Country and Best Bluegrass categories. Originally from Nova Scotia Canada, Gabriel did his time as an honorary Mancunian for nearly a decade. At a young age the multi-instrumentalist became a sought-after session musician and songwriter internationally. He has toured Canada, America, UK, and the EU extensively. Minnikin’s latest album “Anne Lorraine” is out now and is already turning heads as he continues to intrigue listeners with his unique brand of Canadiana. He is no stranger to the Truck Festivals, Wood Festival, Harvest, and eagerly awaiting his performance at this year’s Septembersong Festival. If you’re not familiar already, have a listen. His music is available on all platforms. Minnikin can be found on Instagram as well
Ellie Wilson
Ellie Wilson is a composer and violinist whose work 'braids together so many musical worlds’ (Tom Service, BBC Radio 3). Her output ranges from live performances to immersive sound installations and draws on themes of psychogeography, nature, memories, history and folklore. Her music has been described as 'reflective, playful and mesmerizing' (Songlines Magazine) and ‘beautifully poised’ (Errollyn Wallen, BBC Radio 3). Her new piece Moth x Human highlights declining UK biodiversity. Commissioned by Oxford Contemporary Music it captures the ebb and flow of moth activity throughout the night by sonifying data provided by scientists at UKCEH. It has been selected for PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial with performances in Bradford and London and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and released on NMC Recordings. Recent highlights include: a sound installation for Epping Forest as part of an artist residency, the score for Shakespeare’s Globe productions of Henry VI and Richard III and a solo album Memory Islands of works for violin, hardanger fiddle and electronics. Ellie’s live set at Eavesdropping Festival, Café Oto (2024) was recorded for BBC Radio 3’s New Music Show and hailed by The Wire Magazine as one of ‘the weekend’s best moments. Mix[ing] humility and adventure’. Photo credit Michelle Foulser.
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Jali Fily Cissokho
“I play for peace in these uncertain times” Jali Fily (a GRIOT) is a traditional storyteller/musician who can trace his roots back to 12th century Mali where they entertained and advised the Kings of the empire. Born into the great lineage of Cissokho Griots from Southern Senegal, he began his training at the age of 6 with tuition from his Griot father and songs learnt from his Griot mother. His music and compositions are deeply rooted in his Mande tradition and his performances show the virtuosity of his kora playing as he is able to pick three parts at once: bass line, melody and improvisations above them, mixing fearsome technique with an ability to improvise scintillating runs out of thin air. He creates a unique musical blend that spans centuries and continents, ranging from solo traditional Mande music to rocking electro-kora with his Coute Diomboulou Band. Since moving to the UK in 2002 he has performed at many major festivals and worked with many renowned musicians including his nephew Seckou Keita, Toumani Diabate, Baba Maal, AR Rahman and Will Gregory (of Goldfrapp fame).
Mountaintop Junkshop
With Misadventureland, Mountaintop Junkshop take listeners on a journey through the winding roads of alternative folk-country, blending haunting melodies and evocative storytelling into a rich sonic landscape. Featuring lush arrangements of guitar, strings, lap steel, and piano, this album pulses with the warmth of vintage vinyl, yet carries a distinctly modern edge. The album’s lyrics, deeply influenced by literary traditions, read like short stories—each track unfolding with a new chapter of longing, loss, and hope. At the heart of it all is the interplay between the male and female vocals, which complement each other perfectly, creating a dialogue of emotional depth. Misadventureland is a record for those who appreciate music that lingers, a sound that is both timeless and fresh, and an album that sounds right at home on a turntable.
Thomas Truax
Thomas Truax is an inventive American songwriter who makes music that takes you on a whimsical and unpredictable sonic journey. His live performances captivate audiences with a delightful blend of homemade instruments, live guitar looping, and enchanting storytelling. His unique self-made ‘band mates’ include a motorized drum machine made of bike wheels, spoons and other found items called 'Mother Superior' and a souped up Gramophone called 'The Hornicator’ Armed with these and a guitar named Hank, he writes poetically evocative songs about insects, trees, technology, love, and a lifelong fascination with the Moon. His music evades easy pigeonholing, dancing between art rock, post-punk, touches of 50s rockabilly and a distinct brand of surreal Americana. Ten studio LPs include a highly-rated covers album 'Songs From The Films Of David Lynch’. Though he usually performs solo, other notable past supporters and collaborators have included Jarvis Cocker, Duke Special, James Smith of Yard Act, Richard Hawley, Bob Log III, Brian Viglione (Dresden Dolls/Violent Femmes) drummer Budgie (Siouxsie & the Banshees, the Slits, The Creatures), and the late author Terry Pratchett. "Endlessly inventive and creative…A show not to be missed!” -Oxford Times “The spectacle of Truax’s live set is unlike anything that you’ll see elsewhere, but if it was all about the mechanical stagecraft it wouldn’t keep bringing us back. Thankfully the songs sparkle with the same sense of invention, imbued with humour and heart” -Joyzine "Truax is shaping up nicely as one of the great rock eccentrics.” -UNCUT
Robin Bennett and Danny George Wilson's Greatest Hits
Robin Bennett and Danny George Wilson’s musical paths have crossed many times over the years, whether in the earliest days of Danny & the Champs or in their Bennett Wilson Poole collaboration, for which they co-wrote numerous songs. Robin’s band Goldrush even opened a show for Danny’s band Grand Drive way back in 2001! Although neither songwriter has (yet) hit the Top 40, their extensive catalogues contain plenty of Greatest Hits in our alternate universe, and this set, also featuring Joe Bennett (bass) and Fin Kenny (drums), will feature songs from across their respective careers. They’ve even threatened to write some new greatest hits specially for the occasion!
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Miniseries
Space rock from the outer reaches of Farringdon, London. Having played a well-received set at Wood a couple of years back, Miniseries join us for Septembersong in the run up to the release of their debut album due this winter. Described by Guy Garvey as ‘a lovely slice of modern psychedelia’.
Elaine Palmer
HALF MOON RISING Elaine returned from California recently where she worked with producer and engineer Mike Butler whose credits include, Norah Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Phoebe Bridgers and The Pretenders. She recorded a mostly live album at Half Moon Lodge up in the San Diego hills over 8 days with a bunch of incredible musicians.…Matt Lynott (The White Buffalo drummer), Bobby Furgo (Leonard Cohen’s violinist) Patrick McClory and Dave Berzansky (Hacienda Brothers pedal steel), Mike Butler (guitars). The outcome of these San Diego Sessions is her latest record HALF MOON RISING, with big country guitars, warm, rich and classic textures, Elaine’s vocals and songcraft shine, something very magical happened with this record. This is the album she was always meant to make! ‘Palmer’s powerful expressive voice stands comparison with Emmylou’ RnR Magazine ‘Carefully constructed, strong on melody, her best work yet’***** AmericanaUK
Holly Carter
Holly Carter - accompanied at this show by Joe Wilkins - is an award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bristol, UK. Two-time recipient of ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the Americana UK awards (2023 & 2024) she is widely recognised as an exceptional fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players. Drawing deeply from the well of the folk tradition, she harnesses an approach to song as a powerful tool for education and the preservation of legacy. Along with a showstopping approach to guitar that follows hot on the heels of the likes of Chet Atkins and John Fahey, her music weaves joyously catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that pay homage to a diverse collection of musical and personal heroes. ‘Buckets of tone and timeless style’ – Martin Harley ‘Holly brings masterful skills as a musician and composer, along with an engaging commitment to music’s rich tradition of accompanying social change. Go see her!’ Martyn Joseph AMAUK Instrumentalist of the Year 2023 & 2024.
Only the Brave
Only the Brave are a band from south Oxfordshire that play self-penned americana songs that dwell in your soul as old friends. Haunting riffs and lyrics that reveal stories of longing and dog-legged lives — bitter-sweet vignettes offering moments of reverie. They’ll play some upbeat slide and a little 70's funk too – all sounded out on guitars, mandolin, soulful keys with a dash of harmonica and harmony
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Dan Whitehouse
Pushing creative boundaries, inviting audiences into transformative, heartfelt musical experiences. Renowned for his reflective artistry, Dan Whitehouse’s music dances with genres from ambient, indie, electro to folk - and embraces the living poetry of spoken word. The result is deeply emotive and intellectually rich. His acclaimed albums, The Glass Age and Voices From The Cones, delved into the tensions between human connection and modern technology, as well as the rich heritage of glassmaking communities. His immersive live show, A Night Of Glass, blends song and storytelling reflecting on human connection and resilience. “…both extraordinary and beautiful”- KLOF MAG “Subtle and delicate melodies” - The Sunday Times “Gorgeous… and intriguing” - The Guardian
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Keychange
We are proud signatories of the Keychange Pledge and are committed to achieving intersectional gender diversity through our work. Click the button below to find out more about Keychange.
