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The Old Songs Podcast

Exploring traditional folk music one song at a time.

Customs uncovered

Dig in to our selection of articles covering traditional British customs and the manner in which they survive and thrive today.

Painting of King Charles II hiding in an oak tree, aided by a companion, after the Battle of Worcester. The dense foliage and dark forest setting emphasize the secrecy and danger of his escape.

Customs Uncovered: Shit-Sack Day

Happy Shit-Sack Day to one and all! Join us as we dive nose-first into what is perhaps the best-named of all English traditions.

Customs Uncovered: The Tichborne Dole

Discover the enduring tradition of the Tichborne Dole, a charitable act dating back to the 12th century, offering blessed flour (and curses) to Hampshire locals.

A woman leaps between rocks on Dartmoor. She is wearing a cardigan and knee-high boots.

Customs uncovered: Leap Year

It’s not every year you get to write about leap years, for rather obvious reasons. So we thought we ought to jump on the chance in 2024.

Folk music reviews

Reviewing the latest releases on the traditional folk music scene. We focus on traditional music, or music that has been directly inspired by it.

Isn’t it lovely when you find a new favourite artist by accident? I stumbled on Pictureframers Duo at the Lassington Oak Morris weekend in July. I was instantly taken in by their vocal harmonies and poignant lyrics, so when their debut album launch tour came around this autumn I quickly snagged a ticket for their very-almost-sold-out gig at the Folk of Gloucester. Having now seen Grounded performed live in its entirety, and then listened to it on repeat for a […]...
The way that Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, squeezebox player with Granny’s Attic, tells it, his interest in the crossover between English folk music and the musical tradition of the Caribbean was piqued on a holiday to Barbados to visit family. That holiday has led to a fascination with the moment of intersection, the gentle passing back and forth of musical moments. It has led to Braithwaite-Kilcoyne’s third solo album, Play Up the Music! There is no doubt that this record is infused […]...
It’s been four years since Anna and Rowan Rheingans last released an album, 2020’s brilliant Receiver, and in that time they’ve both been mighty busy. Rowan with Lady Maisery and her debut theatre show Dispatches on the Red Dress, Anna with teaching and studying Occitan music, making documentaries, and the Town is by the Sea podcast. It is, therefore, with a tremendous sense of anticipation that Start Close In is welcomed.   It’s hard to escape the idea that folk music […]...