News

Seth Lakeman November Tour

• 20th Jul 2010

Seth Lakeman, widely regarded as the UK’s foremost folk singer songwriter, who makes his eagerly awaited return with new studio album ‘Hearts & Minds’ (out July 19th) announces a UK tour in November. The follow up to 2008’s Top 10, critically acclaimed ‘Poor Man’s Heaven’, ‘Hearts & Minds’ encompasses traditional and modern themes of love, loss and human struggle and represents a further leap forward in both songwriting and sonics.

Seth has taken his story telling to a new level on his fourth album, tackling contemporary issues such as the financial crash and the greed of politicians and the banking system, as on the title track of the album Hearts and Minds. Other lyrical themes both personal and universal are covered elsewhere, including the struggles of the working-man (‘Hard Working Man’) and soldiers losing their lives in battle (‘Spinning Days’).

‘Hearts & Minds’ (19th July Relentless/ Virgin) also moves into new sonic territory with the studio work of Tchad Blake, the producer and engineer internationally known for his work with the likes of Tom Wait, Crowded House, Black Keys and Elvis Costello. On tracks such as future single ‘Tiny World’ (out 12th July), Blake has developed Seth’s traditional, percussive stomp into something more expansive, warm and intimate –echoing the more personal lyric. Lead single ‘Hearts & Minds’ sees Seth’s unique, compelling brand of ‘indie-folk’ move further into the kind of harder edged sound sign posted on the Poor Man’s Heaven album. A rabble rousing call for people to stand together to face the battles of everyday life in an ever more challenging world, the single is already a favourite in Seth’s rhythmic and captivating live shows that continue to garner an ever growing army of followers.

Having come to wider public attention following his Mercury nominated Kitty Jay album in 2005, when Seth brought folk music to a new, younger audience, he has been widely credited with breaking down perceptions and barriers often associated with folk music and its acceptance (or lack of it) in the mainstream. Here he returns into a musical landscape he arguably helped to shape, that now encompasses a whole new breed of folk inspired / acoustic artists.

Hearts & Minds, where contemporary themed tracks rub shoulders with more traditional tales and furious fiddle playing and stomping rhythms combine with intricate acoustic numbers, form an album which undoubtedly represents Lakeman’s most mature and compelling work to date.

NOVEMBER
Tues 9 YORK The Duchess 01904 641413 link
Wed 10 NORWICH Waterfront 01603 508050 link
Thur 11 HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome 0871 230 1101 link
Fri 12 EDINBURGH Liquid Rooms 0870 264 3333 link
Sat 13 NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms 08713 100 000 link
Sun 14 MANCHESTER Academy 2 0161 832 1111 link
Wed 17 BRIGHTON Concorde 2 01273 673311 link
Thur 18 LEAMINGTON SPA Assembly 01926 523001 link
Fri 19 FOLKESTONE Quarterhouse 01303 858500 link
Sat 20 PORTSMOUTH Pyramids 0870 264 3333 link
Sun 21 BRIDPORT Electric Palace 01308 424901 link