Sean Holden has been a drummer since the age of nine. That might not sound entirely relevant here, but stick with the story...
Having learning a little guitar at an even earlier age, the nearest thing he's ever had to a religious experience was the first time he sat behind a drum kit. Having had parents who loved music he was lucky in having a supportive environment in which to pursue this, and consequently he's played for quite a few rock bands, the best of which was Underground Zero, and also did quite a bit of big band and small group jazz in London before having a second life-changing experience at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2001. On this occasion, hearing the sound of a mandocello in Show of Hands' set led to an "I have to learn to play one of those" moment, and then to a re-discovery of the joys of the guitar, and the bouzouki and mandolin, and then singing. The singing bit also involved an unhealthy quantity of beer.
He now plays acoustic music of varying styles with Cruel Folk and as a solo artist. He also built and runs the studio where Cruel Folk record, and maintains the web site. This is in addition to the day job.
Paul Holden began playing guitar at the age of about twelve, because his brother did, then stopped at the age of about twelve and three days, because he could only play My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, and that was only recognisable if he told people in advance what it was.
He then started again at the age of seventeen, and apart form a slight lull when he was married, hasn't stopped since.
Influences
Show of Hands, Kate Bush, Martin Carthy, Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby, Martin Simpson, Eliza Carthy, Nic Jones.
Sounds Like
A dark, sword-wielding horseman loitering outside the door of your farmhouse.
Cruel Folk write, record and perform original acoustic music in the modern English singer-songwriter tradition. A duo consisting of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sean Holden and guitarist Paul Holden, their songs are rooted in the English folk tradition, telling stories of love, betrayal and death with passion and an open acknowledgement of the darker side of life. At the same time, Cruel Folk are unashamedly devoted to the ongoing renewal of this tradition by aiming themselves firmly at the acoustic music scene of the present, incorporating modern writing and playing techniques and influences ranging from Kate Bush to Jennifer Batten via Show of Hands.
Cruel Folk's debut album Love, Loyalty and Other Lies is available now, for £8-50 including postage and packaging.
Both of our CDs can be purchased by credit card or through your PayPal account: just click on "Buy Now" and follow the instructions.
The track listing is: Foreign Lands, Cold Blood, Before I Walk Away, Worst Nightmare, For the Cause, Magic's Almost Gone, What's Done is Done, Merry England, Greenwood Tree.
Our three track EP Three New Songs is also still available for £3-00 including postage and packaging.
The track listing is: Magic's Almost Gone, Worst Nightmare (short version), For the Cause.
Or you might just like to watch us live at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2006.
Brace yourselves lads ..... the Holden Sisters are on their way :-p See you Saturday ..we'll be there early enough to catch your set at 1 if not before. Hope you stay around for ours at 4pm
Hi fellow Fatea Showcase buddies, great to come back and listen to you. Hoping to get to the Burnham Folk Festival in a couple of weeks, mebbe see you there. Best from Carolyn and Mark
Hi guys - see you;re on at 3pm at Burnham. We're on at 4 so we should be able to dash across town and see you. Looking forward to it ! 4 Holdens, one town ...... can they handle it lol
Hey. Just thought I'd hang around on your page for a little. Just listening to the tunes idly. Wonderful vibes. Especially like the last track The Magic's Almost Gone. Beautiful tones. Beautiful sound. Ah.. Think I'll just hang around a little longer. . .
Saw you guys at Glasto. Thought your set was very funny. Slightly regretting not buying the EP. Any chance of a mail order? Do you sell on ebay or something?
The main song I wanted was the one about the Ex wife. That really brightened up my veggie curry.
Thanks for accepting my friendship. Great Traditional Tunes You Got Here - I love them!!! Also, thanks for checking my tunes out and leaving such a nice comment. Keep up the great work and have a great weekend my new friend!!!
Hello Cruel Folk, I like your traditional folk music! I really like your profile pictures as well. Beautiful house with leaves and flowers behind you! You guys are awesome. :-D
Sorry I missed your set at the Avalon Cafe but I had to play at the Rabbit Hole and NOBODY wants to turn down the Great White Rabbit!! Hope you had a good Glasto'......... I know I did(!) Best wishes
Hi Cruel Folk ~ You're not that cruel really now, are you? :) Your songs sound wonderful btw! Thanks so much for checking out NEW songs from 'Big Hit In India'! ~ Best to you!
Hey guys, thanks for your comment. Just to let you know we've got 2 gigs set up at glastonbury now - 6pm Friday (Rabbit Hole- Alice in Wonderland experience) and 6pm Saturday - Shangri-la. So if it's 6pm and you haven't seen oystar yet...(and you're at glastonbury!)
