Seth performs Henry Clark

Who is Seth Lakeman?

Seth Lakeman is a folk singer from Devon, England, known for his storytelling through music.
Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for Kitty Jay, with gold-selling Freedom Fields following.
Released The Granite Way on February 14, 2025, featuring Westcountry folklore and a collaboration with Ward Thomas and Ian Anderson on "One More Before You Go."
Currently touring the UK, with tickets available on his official website.

Background

Seth Lakeman, born in 1977 in Buckland Monachorum, Devon, grew up in a musical family with brothers Sam and Sean, also musicians. He started with The Lakeman Brothers, releasing their debut album Three Piece Suite in 1994, but gained fame as a solo artist.

Career Highlights

His 2005 album Kitty Jay earned a Mercury Music Prize nomination, marking his rise in folk music. Freedom Fields (2006) became a gold-selling hit, charting in the UK Top 40. Over the years, albums like Poor Man’s Heaven (2008) and A Pilgrim’s Tale (2020) showcased his storytelling, often rooted in Westcountry folklore.

Latest Release and Tour

On February 14, 2025, Seth released The Granite Way, recorded at Momentum Studios in Devon, featuring songs inspired by local folklore. A notable track, "One More Before You Go," includes a collaboration with Ward Thomas and Ian Anderson, adding a modern twist. He's currently on a UK tour, performing tracks from this album and classics, with tickets available at his official website.

Surprising Collaboration

It's interesting to note the collaboration with Ward Thomas and Ian Anderson on "One More Before You Go," blending traditional folk with contemporary artists, enhancing the album's appeal.

A Comprehensive Overview of Seth Lakeman: Folk Singer and Multi-Instrumentalist

Seth Lakeman stands as a prominent figure in the contemporary folk music scene, hailing from Buckland Monachorum, Devon, England. Born on March 26, 1977, he has carved a niche for himself through his evocative storytelling and masterful musicianship, blending traditional and modern elements in his work. This note delves into his background, career milestones, recent releases, and current activities, providing a detailed examination for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Seth Lakeman grew up in a musically rich environment, with his brothers Sam and Sean Lakeman, both accomplished folk musicians. Their early collaboration as The Lakeman Brothers resulted in the release of their debut album, Three Piece Suite, in 1994. This family band laid the groundwork for Seth's future solo career, showcasing his early talent on instruments like the fiddle, tenor guitar, banjo, and viola. His roots in Devon, particularly the Westcountry, have significantly influenced his lyrical themes, often drawing from local folklore and history.

Rise to Prominence

Seth's solo career gained momentum with the release of Kitty Jay in 2005, which earned him a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding albums in the UK. This nomination marked a turning point, catapulting him into the forefront of the British folk movement. Following this, Freedom Fields (2006), produced by his brother Sean Lakeman, achieved gold status and became his first of six UK Top 40 albums. The album's success, including singles like "Lady of the Sea" and "The White Hare," highlighted his ability to blend traditional folk with broader appeal, reaching new audiences.

His discography expanded with notable releases such as Poor Man’s Heaven (2008), which charted at number 8 and incorporated rock influences, and Hearts & Minds (2010), maintaining his presence in the Top 20. In 2020, A Pilgrim’s Tale commemorated the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage, telling the epic tale of the Pilgrim Fathers with contributions from family and collaborators, recorded live and released on double CD.

Instrumentation and Style

Seth is renowned for his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, most associated with the fiddle and tenor guitar, but also proficient on the viola and banjo. His music often features a narrative style, reflecting the history and culture of his native Westcountry. This approach has earned him accolades, including multiple BBC Folk Awards, recognizing him as both an interpreter and for his albums, reinforcing his status as a seminal figure in English folk music.

Recent Release: The Granite Way

On February 14, 2025, Seth released his thirteenth solo album, The Granite Way, through his own label, Honour Oak Records. Recorded at Momentum Studios in Devon with longtime collaborators including Benji Kirkpatrick (guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica), Ben Nicholls (double bass, electric bass), Cormac Byrne (percussion, bodhrán), and Alex Hart (vocals), the album features additional contributions from Archie Churchill Moss on accordion and Dany Crimp on whistles. The album comprises ten tracks, each rooted in Westcountry folklore, continuing his tradition of storytelling.

A standout feature is the single "One More Before You Go," released prior to the album on November 22, 2024, featuring a collaboration with Ward Thomas and Ian Anderson. This track, described as a mandolin-led, pub-swayer with a traditional Celtic tune, adds a contemporary flair, enhancing the album's appeal with its singalong chorus about friends, family, and social gatherings. Reviews, such as those from KLOF Mag and At The Barrier, praise the album for its crystalline production, dynamic orchestration, and Seth's fiery fiddle, noting tracks like "Louisa" and "Charlotte Dymond" for their storytelling depth.

Current Tour and Live Performances

Following the release, Seth embarked on a UK headline tour in February 2025, performing with the same musicians who recorded The Granite Way. His live shows are known for their energy and emotional depth, often featuring most of the new album in the first half, followed by familiar, upbeat songs. Tour dates and ticket information are available at his official website, with performances scheduled across various venues, offering fans a chance to experience his music live.

Discography and Achievements

To provide a comprehensive view, here is a table of Seth Lakeman's key albums, highlighting their release years and notable achievements:

Conclusion

Seth Lakeman's career exemplifies the enduring appeal of folk music, bridging historical narratives with contemporary sounds. His latest album, The Granite Way, and ongoing tour in 2025 offer fresh insights into his artistry, particularly through collaborations like "One More Before You Go." For fans and newcomers, his music provides a rich, immersive experience, rooted in the traditions of his Westcountry heritage yet accessible to a global audience. For further details, visit his official website or follow him on social media for updates.