The Cottage Bluegrass Boys

True to Bluegrass tradition, some of 'The Boys' hail from the Deep South. The deep south of North West Derbyshire, that is. Not that you'd tell, judging by the authentic Bluegrass/Country noises emanating from this sh*t kicking five piece. With tight, check shirted harmonies, free styling harp plus driving acoustics and bass, you'll be chewing straw before you know it.

Mancuso

Born from the roots of Studio 54, this Derby based four piece have more funk than you can shake a hickory drumstick at. Their collective 60 years of playing in successful bands across the UK mean they are no stranger to getting the party started and keeping it alive. David Mancuso reinvented the private party. This one welcomes all.

Fire in the Meadow

Comprising of a core of three musicians, Boyd Giacomo (banjo, guitar, vocals) Michael Lee (Guitar, harmonica, whistle, vocals) and Liedewei Lootens (Cello), and sometimes including a host of affiliated folk musicians, Fire in the Meadow continue the long tradition from the Appalachian mountains, gospel Christian pieces and their own songs. Their blend of gritty blues-infused guitar and drop-thumb clawhammer banjo is drawn firmly from two of the most influential branches of American roots music.

Bonfire Radicals

​Birmingham based Bonfire Radicals have emerged from the folk/world scene with a fresh approach to traditional tunes and a host of creative original material. They weave together raucous woodwind, delicate vocals, progressive violin, hard hitting bass, psychedelic electric guitar and percussive beats. Drawing on their eclectic backgrounds, the band chart many divergent influences upon their sound – medieval polyphony, jazz tinged swing, Canterbury Sound, you name it. Known for their highly-spirited stage presence, the Bonfire Radicals' own enthusiasm for their music is undeniable.

Swing Gitan

Swing Gitan are a scintillating quartet who play the infectious gypsy jazz style founded by the guitar legend Django Reinhardt. With influences ranging from Louis Armstrong through Cole Porter to Quincy Jones we are in for a foot tapping treat to start off our Saturday afternoon stage.

'Buskin' John

Some of you will have come across 'Buskin John' as his alter ego John Gill. His sensitive musical guru activities are responsible for nurturing some well known faces in the music world. Well this incarnation is different – a blitzkrieg of sing-a-longs you cannot ignore, shackled to stories you'll either believe or you won't. Experience it!

Jazz Lingard

Jazz writes and produces her own songs, blends them together with covers of influential artistes like Wolf Alice, Radiohead, Jake Bugg, Nina Nesbitt then slowly draws you in to her delicately poised world. Winner of last year's 'Exile Introduces' event, we are well pleased to have her back at Exile again.

Mark Gwynne Jones

​What can be said about this man?
How about this; “mesmerizing and thought-provoking… deconstructs the everyday, examining our suppressed urges, materialistic tendencies and packaged lives.

"Mark's theatrical delivery and poetic word-play occasionally hints at Dylan Thomas, Roger McGough and at times Edgar Allen Poe, but in the end, is all his own.” (Sarah Jones, Director, Oxford Fringe Festival) 

Don't Feed the Peacocks

DFTP are a six piece band from around West Yorkshire and Lancashire with a passion for traditional music from predominantly the British Isles. However, it can't be said they fit in with the usual stereotype of an English folk band, with their unusual arrangements of age-old and modern day pieces they inspire a new energy into folk music.

Granny's Attic

Granny's Attic are a folk trio who play the tradition with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. These three young men are all exceptional musicians, fine singers and play traditional songs and tunes from the British Isles alongside self-penned material. Playing clubs and festivals up and down the country they have been heralded for their lively performances and maturity beyond their years in their delivery and selection of traditional songs. 

Joshua Burnell & Band

Having released a folk song every week for a year, 5 star reviews, Radio 2 spins and a roaringly successful festival run, Joshua Burnell & his 6-piece band are taking the show on the road. They’ve set feet stomping and heads banging with riotous fiddle tunes, electric guitars and a healthy dose of distorted Hammond organ thrown in for good measure. 

Carousel

Carousel spread their stories and passion through their their eclectic blend of Indie-Americana music. Influences such as the lyrical power of Bob Dylan and the energy and delivery of The Lone Bellow inhabit their brand of heartfelt, engaging sounds. A productive 2018 saw the band land themselves the reputable vote of ‘EP of the Year’ and ‘Favourite New Artist of the Year’ on Laurel Canyon Music. We agree with BBC Introducing, they are powerful - with harmonies worthy of bluegrass, lyrics of the most bittersweet nature, tunes of intricacy and panache. When they put their voices together something magical happens. Enjoy - and we hope you have a great festival!