Chris Cleverley

ENGLAND | 2021 PARTICIPANT

Chris Cleverley was born under a solstice moon, in an aura of honeysuckle mysticism. With a visceral lyrical style, inspired by the American greats Elliott Smith & Sufjan Stevens, his songwriting explores the place of folk music within the 21st Century emotional landscape. Shining an honest light on diverse, arresting themes from deteriorating anxious minds to damaging gender constructs, it is no wonder Folk Radio UK have called him “One of the most vital voices of his folk generation.” As a student of Nic Jones and Joni Mitchell records, his blistering yet delicate guitar technique is infused with the hazy, dreamlike essence of the 60s Folk Revival.

Chris’ critically acclaimed 2019 album ‘We Sat Back and Watched it Unfold’ released to rave reviews, with RnR Magazine describing it as “One of those rare albums that can genuinely be called important”. August 2021 sees Chris release ‘Live from The Glass Isle’. This live album for an imprisoned age was recorded moments after taking a spiral path up Glastonbury Tor’s labyrinthine slopes, at dawn on Lughnasadh 2020.

“Utterly compelling” – Northern Sky ★★★★★
“Male Artist of 2019” Award – FATEA
“Haunting” – The Sunday Times