Bringing International Artists from UK and Beyond to Montréal for Folk Alliance International 2025
Known for bringing some of the best new and established roots musicians in the UK to North American showcases and conferences, British Underground present a lineup of 30 artists from the UK and beyond in Montréal at the upcoming Folk Alliance International Conference (February 19 - 23).
Words: Devon Leger
A key part of Folk Alliance’s international coterie, British Underground present two different showcase rooms at the conference, one unplugged and acoustic, and the other amplified, over four days at Le Centre Sheraton Montréal Hotel.
Since 2000, British Underground has been introducing artists from the UK to North American audiences, including breakout stars like Amy Winehouse, Stormzy, and Yola. “We’re excited to be returning to Folk Alliance with a fantastic new selection of UK artists,” says Crispin Parry, British Underground CEO. “It is also wonderful to be sharing our music in the great city of Montreal.”
British Underground’s showcases introduce Montréal audiences to a rich roster of artists with fascinating stories like roots rocker Blair Dunlop, the son of pioneering British folk artist Ashley Hutchings of Fairport Convention. Katie Spencer channels the psych folk of that era as well, tapping into inspirations like Michael Chapman but filtered through the industrial flatlands of East Yorkshire where she grew up. Eclectic Americana folk singer Lady Nade, hailing from Bristol, just might be the next Nina Simone, and progressive folk band Ranagri recall the glory days of British folk song with virtuosic harp and flute accompaniment. Boundary pushing singer Ruth Theodore was recently signed to Ani DiFranco’s label, and folk polymath Ellie Gowers will explore the folklore and stories of her home in Warwick.
In partnership with Wales Arts International, two artists from the Welsh Nation will be showcasing as well. Cardiff “Blŵgras” band Taff Rapids features a roots-forward take on bluegrass for a transatlantic collaboration between Welsh musicians and Canadian songwriter Darren Eedens. Bilingual Welsh singer and songwriter Eve Goodman from the North of Wales will be bringing her lyrical musings and mesmerising songs. “Showcasing at Folk Alliance International is an opportunity for Taff Rapids to reach audiences in North America with their transatlantic Celtic bluegrass joining Wales and Canada through music and to meet festivals and bookers,” says Eluned Hâf, from Wales Arts International. “Eve Goodman’s hauntingly soft voice and melodic Welsh folk songs in our Indigenous language Cymraeg is not to be missed.”
This will be the twelfth year of British Underground events at the Folk Alliance International Conference following their debut in 2013. The organization will also feature a panel on “Mastering the UK Market,” industry meet-ups, networking, and an artist-led industry booth. British Underground’s work at Folk Alliance has led to artist tours, festival booking, record deals, and many international connections between artists. Some of the 30 artists British Underground is bringing over include indie songwriters Annie Dressner, Ella Spencer, and Mariska Martina, folk rocker Daniel Kemish, new wave Scottish trad band Gnoss, Manchester singer-songwriter Robbie Cavanagh, roots pop duo Roswell, Anglo-English poetic lyricist St. Catherine’s Child, Celtic bluegrass fusion trio The Magpies, beguiling folk siren Toria Wooff, and Sussex folk fiddler and singer Will Page. “The UK has an incredibly active, diverse, and creative folk scene, which we are proud to see represented at Folk Alliance International through our partnership with British Underground,” says Folk Alliance International Executive Director Jennifer Roe. “We are proud to witness incredible success stories from UK artists and industry professionals who are able to launch and maintain careers in the folk world.”
This will be the twelfth year of British Underground events at the Folk Alliance International Conference following their debut in 2013. The organization will also feature a panel on “Mastering the UK Market,” industry meet-ups, networking, and an artist-led industry booth. British Underground’s work at Folk Alliance has led to artist tours, festival booking, record deals, and many international connections between artists. Some of the 30 artists British Underground is bringing over include indie songwriters Annie Dressner, Ella Spencer, and Mariska Martina, folk rocker Daniel Kemish, new wave Scottish trad band Gnoss, Manchester singer-songwriter Robbie Cavanagh, roots pop duo Roswell, Anglo-English poetic lyricist St. Catherine’s Child, Celtic bluegrass fusion trio The Magpies, beguiling folk siren Toria Wooff, and Sussex folk fiddler and singer Will Page. “The UK has an incredibly active, diverse, and creative folk scene, which we are proud to see represented at Folk Alliance International through our partnership with British Underground,” says Folk Alliance International Executive Director Jennifer Roe. “We are proud to witness incredible success stories from UK artists and industry professionals who are able to launch and maintain careers in the folk world.”
British Underground also present artists from around the world, focusing on well known Canadian roots musicians like Kaia Kater, Cara Luft (The Wailin’ Jennys), Canadian Celtic-Scandinavian chamber quartet Skye Consort & Emma Björling, Québécois trio Cécilia, as well as Northern Irish songwriter Bernadette Morris and Irish uilleann piper Conor Mallon, Australian folk-rock duo Minor Gold, fellow Australian now living in Canada Mikhail Laxton, Nest of Singing Birds, a collection of Appalachian ballad singers led by master Appalachian singer Sheila Kay Adams, and a key singer from the Lankum world of Irish trad, Niamh Bury.
It’s a whirlwind tour of Montréal’s Folk Alliance International Conference and a dizzying array of artists, and we look forward to seeing you next week!
