Event Description

Suthering

Suthering meaning “the sound of the wind through the trees or wind under a bird’s wing”, combines the musical talents of Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall. A couple in life and in music, the duo have taken the folk scene by storm with their unusual and fresh approach to folk. Julu and Heg are true storytellers who champion female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the heroines of folk.

What sets them apart is their wonderful chemistry and charisma on stage, natural humour and two beautifully matched voices. With an unusual mix of cascading, dramatic piano; intricate, fingerstyle guitar; flute, whistles and harmonium, Julu and Heg bring an exciting take on folk storytelling with their evocative and distinctive sound. Their arresting a cappella arrangements have been memorable favourites with audiences.

Their debut album, If We Turn Away, explores themes of community, connection, environment, and conscience and is very much a reflection of the times we are living in and has been influenced by the duo’s experiences during the pandemic. Each song is carefully crafted and arranged, telling tales of struggle and triumph against all odds, from both their own lives and from stories they have found.

What drew them together as songwriters were their shared love of collecting stories and turning them into songs; both have written about their grandparents and stories their family members have shared. Julu and Heg combine their powerful songwriting, weaving stories and crisp vocal harmonies to create a beautiful, pure sound.