Samantha Whates: International Showcase Fund (Folk Alliance International)
Samantha Whates has been bewitching audiences with her crystalline voice and unique take on folk music since her debut album ‘Dark nights make for brighter days’ in 2012. The emotionally tangled but toe-tapping prog-folky ‘Trees and Gold’ EP followed in 2015 and as this tumultuous year draws to a close she’s kept the doors and windows closed tight to finish writing and demoing a wonderful second album. PRS funding to support her official appearance at Folk Alliance 2017 means she’s prepped and ready to take the next musical leap.
“In the world of folk (and probably most things!) I’m a non-traditionalist. What I do is rooted in traditional folk song but I play around with structures and lyrics in somewhat different ways, I kind of follow my own path each time. So I like that Folk Alliance has the bravery to programme people like me who hail from the wider music scene. It’s exciting to represent non-traditional folk music for PRSF & Folk Alliance International.”
“Being funded to attend Folk Alliance is precisely the career support I need. The event is the most important stage I could use to bring my music to a wider and attuned audience. It’s also an opportunity to meet international bookers and promoters and make connections. I am looking to start touring extensively and promote my second album in 2017 and Folk Alliance with allow me to take the music further. I’m incredibly grateful to the PRSF for making this musical pilgrimage possible.”