Best of June by Newton Faulkner

Jess Morgan is a songwriter’s songwriter. Constantly touring, constantly writing, constantly striving to do better, to be better. Over the past few years Jess has been making a noise in the UK and further afield with a string of albums comprised of acutely observed, beautifully delivered country-folk ballads. The songs are intimate, but not in that earnest, quiet way. There’s fire in Jess’ voice, the way it soars between notes like a bird in flight. It’s intimate, but it’s end of the night, lock-in at the bar, let’s get the nice whiskey out, intimate. Jess Morgan releases a new full length LP this Autumn. Expect a tumbler of unfancified roots music – with heart, with passion, with gusto. Find out more

Amy Gillespie is a London based singer-songwriter and producer. Originally from Devon, Gillespie moved to the Capital only eighteen months ago to pursue music and immerse herself in the thriving live scene. In this time she has become established on the London gig circuit,  whilst also learning the production skills that have resulted in her recent EP “Seventh Wave”.   The EP has gained much interest and comparisons have been drawn to the likes of Bon Iver, Tom Waits and Dylan himself – who Amy names as by far her biggest influence. With a plethora of quality new material ready for recording and numerous London live dates ahead of her, it is looking like this is just the beginning for the talented singer-songwriter. Find out more

Lauran Hibberd strikes a poetic balance between Pop and Folk by combining her ethereal vocal with a simple, delicate guitar style. Her debut single ‘The House I Built When I Was Small’ released December 2015 was picked up for airplay by Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6 Music, Shell Zenner and Kathryn Tickle on ‘Amazing Radio’ and ‘Best of British Unsigned’. The single can now be heard on the in-store playlists of both Harrods and Costa. It will also feature on her soon to be released EP.  Drawing influence from artists such as Laura Marling and Lucy Rose, Lauran, at just 18 spins her achingly moving lyrics into quirky tales of growing up (and often wishing she hadn’t). In every song, Lauran is the narrator of her own story, she has a compelling way of describing life as she sees it and this, matched with her beautifully gripping vocal is enough to silence any room. Find out more

Hailing from the Northern, Southern and Western parts of Norway, the now Liverpool-based trio I SEE RIVERS creates an organic musical landscape they’ve dubbed ”Float Folk”. With memorable melodies and untraditional harmonies their soundscape can be associated with artists such as Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens and Feist. After releasing their single “Loved Ones” and touring the rural parts of Norway, the girls have just done their biggest tour to date supporting Newton Faulkner all around the UK  and are now recording their debut EP. Find out more

Brought up in a creative family, his love of music was encouraged from a very early age. He attributes influences such as Joni Mitchell, Bert Jansch and Davy Graham to his father as well as more recent influences: ‘Travis’ and ‘The La’s’ to his own musical journey of discovery. His upbringing in a sleepy Wiltshire Town couldn’t have been more different to the frenetic pace of life in London, where he has spent the last 4 years of his life. Both have impacted greatly on his career and contributed to his musical style. Sam has become part of the burgeoning folk scene gigging in and around London to an ever increasing audience of enthusiasts. Find out more

Victoria recently released their debut EP Distant Nights which received support from BBC Introducing London, XFM  who made ‘Distant Nights’ their Shock of the New, Q who championed the title track as Record of the Week and Record of the Day who couldn’t speak more highly of the band. With a Daytrotter Session in their future and a summer full of festivals inc Glastonbury, the only way is up for these boys. Find out more

Polly Money is twenty years of age and Cornish through and through. Her voice (melodious, sun-kissed) presides over pop songs that offer a cheeky wink on the way out of your ear. She’s been writing songs, playing guitar and piano since childhood. Polly’s debut 2013 release ‘The “That Guy” EP’ was recorded at Sony ATV studios and its release saw her perform in Paris to 80,000 people supporting Muse at the Stade de France. Find out more

Hailing from the unsung Northern City of Bradford, Singer­-songwriter Andy Ruddy is the product of a rich, unearthed music scene in his hometown. His debut album ‘Everything Is In Order’ reached a high of number 6 in the Itunes Singer-­Songwriter charts in late 2015 and is a strikingly ambitious, coming-of-age indie folk album. Find out more

Blackpool-born singer-songwriter Karima Francis is back fresher than ever, with her third and so far strongest studio album, ‘Black’, produced by Dan Austin (Kid Wave | club kuru | Jimi Goodwin) and it’s clear to see Francis has not wasted a second of her two-year break since her second album, ‘The Remedy’.  Karima’s singing – a sound that hits you with that unlikely combination of vulnerability and ferocity – has never sounded so confident, and her lyrics are unambiguous: rhapsodising about life, love and romantic longing. Find out more

Spending his childhood immersed in music, playing as the cello player in his local orchestra – Samuel was destined to eventually break out on his own. At the age of 15 years old he picked up a guitar and has not looked back since.  Samuel took himself off to Austria shortly after leaving college and eventually spent six months there – honing his craft and performing to whatever audiences he could find.  .  Find out more