Known for her raw honesty, poetic lyricism and unforgettable live performances, Hannah White picked up two Americana Music Association UK Awards in January 2025 for UK Artist and UK Album of the Year, just weeks after returning from a tour with Jools Holland.
The award-winning album ‘Sweet Revolution’ was released on indie roots label The Last Music Company (Jimmie Vaughan, Loudon Wainwright III, Paul Brady, Dan Penn) and hit the UK Official Album Charts at #14.
Defiantly working-class and in full council-estate swagger, the artist described by Holler Magazine as “americana’s answer to Mike Skinner, more Patsy Palmer than Cline” has spent the year baring all in a tour that crossed the UK & Ireland, Norway and Germany.
Her typically British, self-depricating humour does nothing to diminish the emotion which Acoustic Magazine described as “arresting and wholly believable”. Hannah White is an artist who has “a wittiness to her grittiness and a sparkling in her poetry”. One who personifies authenticity and shows how London does classic, cosmic country.
Uncut Magazine called her’s “an expressive voice and songcraft” , whist Krentenuitdepop (Netherlands) described it as “roots music on par with the best currently being made in the US”. Fatea Magazine said “songwriting from the top drawer” and Three Chords and The Truth agree “we are in the midst of a seriously fine songwriter”.
“If soul is a feeling, a fire that burns inside you, then Hannah White is without a doubt a soul singer” (Holler)
Findlay Napier is Scottish singer-songwriter. He’s also a veteran songwriting tutor, having founded the Glasgow songwriting festival and taught at all the Folkestone events.
If you want to learn to write songs which aren’t about “lurv” and “inner feelings” ; if you want to write songs which have a sense of place or which tell a story, then Findlay is your man.
His breakthrough solo album VIP is packed full of biographical songs about quiet heroes, whose praises have hitherto remained unsung: Heddy Lemarr, George C Parker and a character called Eddie Banjo.
Findlay followed this up with an album full of love songs to a city – Glasgow – peopled with goths and wire-burning vagrants, hanging out at the Blue Lagoon fish bar at Central Station or the Locarno Ballroom.
He’s also made some excellent albums with the Bar Room Mountaineers. Oh, and despite his moody, hirsute photos, he’s a blast to be with!
Chris Corcoran is recognised as one of the UK’s finest blues guitarists, with two nominations in the UK Blues Awards 2024. Known for his distinctive mix of jazz and blues, he has been performing across the UK and Europe for over 20 years.
His instrumental shows feature both his six-piece band and trio, who hold popular monthly residencies at London’s legendary blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But, alongside regular appearances at festivals and venues nationwide.
Alongside performing, Chris is a dedicated educator. He teaches masterclasses and one-to-one lessons, sharing his expertise in early swing, jump blues and R&B guitar styles. He is also the author of Chromatic Blues Guitar Soloing, which outlines his unique approach and style. Praised by Blues in Britain as a refreshing antidote to the blues-rock scene, he continues to inspire both audiences and students alike.
Josie Matcham is a professional musician and vocal coach based in Folkestone. She is also the co-owner of The Music Workshop, a live music venue and creative space.
She studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music, achieving a First-Class Honours degree in Professional Music Performance, before completing a Master of Music with Distinction at Canterbury Christ Church University. She also holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Her performance highlights include recording at BBC Maida Vale Studios, airplay on BBC Radio 1, and appearances at major UK festivals such as T in the Park, Sundown and Lounge on the Farm.
Alongside performing, Josie works as a vocal arranger and producer, and is the director of Folkestone A Cappella, a contemporary vocal group known for its engaging performances.
Chris Corcoran is recognised as one of the UK’s finest blues guitarists, with two nominations in the UK Blues Awards 2024. Known for his distinctive mix of jazz and blues, he has been performing across the UK and Europe for over 20 years.
His instrumental shows feature both his six-piece band and trio, who hold popular monthly residencies at London’s legendary blues bar Ain’t Nothin’ But, alongside regular appearances at festivals and venues nationwide.
Alongside performing, Chris is a dedicated educator. He teaches masterclasses and one-to-one lessons, sharing his expertise in early swing, jump blues and R&B guitar styles. He is also the author of Chromatic Blues Guitar Soloing, which outlines his unique approach and style. Praised by Blues in Britain as a refreshing antidote to the blues-rock scene, he continues to inspire both audiences and students alike.
