Frances Waitt (fiddle), Dane Curran (guitar), Helen Ainsley (fiddle + vocals), Stuart Shevlin (piano + accordion + backing vocals).
People who's photos/films we've used.
John Lampitt - Adey - Stocksfield Photos, Poster Photos.
William Lloyd - BAA Club Photos + Film, Practise Photos, Promo film photos.
Gary Cole - BAA Club Photos.
Paul Joiner - Rothbury Folk Festival Film.
Martin Hoile - Private Concert Photos.
Damien Barber - Promotional film editor.
Amanda Galbraith - Pebbles Gig Photos
Influences
Stuart: Well, the music I listen to ranges pretty dramatically, but my folk influences are bands like Beoga, Bellowhead, Mawkin:Causley,Demon Barbers, Seth Lakeman, Megson, LAU, Spiers and Boden, Show of Hands, Tyde and Last Orders. People that have influenced me in the way I play, hmm, there's quite a few. Graham Robertson who taught me the godawful basics of piano and chord shapes, Will Chamberlain who's imparted all his wisdom on weird ways to play folk piano as loudly and with as much vigour as possible, Paul Davies who's had his first experiences at folk and has offered his advice! Also, John Jones from Oysterband has always had good advice to give, Ian Stephenson from a particularly energetic band practise with Down in the Attic.
Dane: The majority of my time as a guitarist has been spent riffing away with solos to match but this is folk we're talking about here! Big thanks to Stu from Clockwork himself for actually introducing me to folk music in the first place and then Seth Tinsley for giving me that all important hour showing me the basics of folk guitar which helped me an incredible amount. There are some guitarists that have influenced my acoustic playing, for example Tommy Emmanuel and Andy McKee for their finger-picking and whacking-the-strings-with-your-thumb styles, Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls for his open tunings and Jimmy Page for his folk style numbers. I mix blues styles with a some of my own songs (just one of my favourite types of music) which might appear in the years to come, there's a time and place for that though. Not to forget, I owe thanks to every musician I have seen live as that's when I am influenced the most - whether they're playing in a pub or on a stage in front of thousands.
Helen:
Fran: Well i'm bound to forget a few but some of the most influencial people so far music wise are, well my grandad who encouraged me to learn in the first place, Charlotte Howes who put up with me when i first learnt to play and Sophie Ball of 422 fame. Ellen Armstrong and Heather Gessy are two people that i really aspire to. As for bands and artist who i admire: Bellowhead, Rosie Doonan, Catriona MacDonald, Kerry Fletcher, Nancy Kerr, Landermason, the previously mentioned 422 and Emma Reid.
Sounds Like
It’s comforting to know the future of folk music is in safe hands! Keep up the good work Clockwork! – Friends Of Folk
Great Sounds – Clare Daly
Authentic, straight -from-the-heart folk. Thanks for carrying on a noble tradition! – Joni Bishop
Canny! - Rod Clements
It’s totally Hexhamite! Nice tunes you got there – Ben Blance
Clockwork was founded in 2009.
We consist of four members.
Fran plays in youth band Toble based in Hexham, led by Sophie Ball of 422. Stuart and Helen both play in a new youth folk band (Now called Down in The Attic) also based in Hexham and led by Sophie.
Stuart heard of an idea by Chip Chamberlain to form a sort of mini group taking two musicians from each band so Stuart had a quick think about who to chose. Fran and Stu had been playing together in the ceilidh band Hydroholics for three years and had thought about a similar idea a year or so back so that was pretty much sorted! Then, straight away, Helen was asked along as another fiddler and singer.
The guitarist, not so simple.
After trying out with one guitarist, there was a short hunt for folk guitarists in the area before Stu pulled in Dane, much to Dane's surprise, considering his lack of folk experience!! (Dane plays in heavy rock band Big Leg). But he is quickly adjusting to this new stlye of playing and really adds to the bands new sound.
The name Clockwork spurned from the original idea of Wind Up Folk Band, which Dane then decided would be better to be called Clockwork.
Already in their first few months they've been busy. From gigs in pubs, supporting Lindisfarne,playing in an abandoned auction mart turned venue, three dates in the Hexham Gathering, opening the main stage of Rothbury Folk Festival and numerous private concerts to name just a few. Already they're having to turn down gigs across the UK and across Europe due to travel and studying constraints, most notably a large interest in Germany. Aready in 2010 they're booked to play at Clennell Hall Folk Festival and Greenhead Summer Fair and have much more coming their way.
We have all sorts of projects and gigs lined up and stuff is flowing in, so keep your peepers peeled :)
Yeah the festival is set to be a good one, there's a great line up already - really looking forward to it. Will be great to see you guys too and catch up. Take care and see you soon.
Hi I missed the fairies as I was entranced by Barbara Dickson. I didnt get any photo's as I have given up on my phone, sorry. I hope to see you guys play sometime. Stew
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