NEVER BE WITHOUT FOLK MUSIC – A RADIO REVOLUTION FROM FOLK FRIDAY

For those of us who like to be able to find about new releases in the folk world, as well as a smattering of established favourites, dedicated broadcasters - going outside the dreaded ‘playlist’ system - are a phenomenal resource. You can find some of them by looking at the Radio page on the FNW website. But now there is a new name in the airwaves – bringing together an ever-increasing team of quality presenters (and still looking for more – if YOU are interested.

Folk Friday has already gone beyond its name – bringing you the finest roots music every hour of the week and every day of the month. Here, Neil King, one of the founders of the network (and also busily occupied with FATEA magazine) tells us how Folk Friday came about, what it offers and where it is going!! Take it away Neil!

At the start of February, Folk Friday Radio turned one. It’s a radio station that no one, not even its founders expected to exist let alone be running. Like everything else at the time, it got its name in a bit of a hurry.

Folk Friday Radio came about due to the unexpected demise of a Canadian based online radio station called Blues & Roots in January 2024. The first a lot of people knew about it was an announcement on Facebook that Blues And Roots Radio was going to stop running at the end of the month. The list of people that didn’t know included a lot of the show hosts on the station, many of whom were based in the UK.

Three of the hosts, Ian Freedman (Readifolk), David Dee Moore(David Dee Moore Radio Show) and myself, Neil King (Along The Tracks) were already had back-to-back shows running on the Friday and were soon joined by another show runner, David Chamberlain (Acoustic Routes).

Plan A, the simplest, was simply to ask to take over the running of the station, if the owners weren’t going to run it anymore, handing it to the show hosts that built its reputation seemed to be a logical ask and would allow for continuity. Unfortunately, this was rebuffed so very quickly Plan B came into existence.

All of the four hosts have some radio experience, both prior to and often alongside the shows, some with broadcasting, others only with online platforms, with a quickly ticking clock, time was of the essence. A name for the station, Folk Friday Radio came into existence pretty quickly, I think it was acquired during the first planning meeting. Tasks were handed out, licences were acquired, logos designed, other show hosts were invited to come onboard. Some came onboard straightaway, others migrated during the year.

From the start it was decided that if Folk Friday Radio was to work, it needed to be twenty-four by seven, if you logged onto the site there needed to be music waiting there for you. As the name suggests that music should be predominantly folk, but other, related genres can also be found on the station.

When there aren’t shows running there’s a regularly updated pool of tracks that are put into rotation, including, a quick plug here, the current tracks on the Fatea Showcase Session. With all the current show hosts based in the UK or Republic of Ireland we are pleased to say this is predominantly a combination of new and established local acts, with regular appearances from artists around the globe.

Another advantage, particularly for the artists is that Folk Friday Radio is a community and that means they share. I won’t deny that there is still the desire to be first to air with a new artist, to have an exclusive first play of a track or album or an artist recorded intro for a track, but as soon as the cat’s out of the bag other hosts will often request material.

Similarly it’s not unusual for hosts top send tracks to each other with a cheer, “Here’s one I think you’ll like “or “Have you heard or got this yet? That way tracks and artists get introduced as well as having tracks added to the rotation.

Folk Friday Radio is always on the lookout for new shows, always good to hear another perspective and the introduction of new music. You can find us at www.folkfridayradio.com and get in touch via www.facebook.com/folkfridayradiostation

Thanks Neil. Now go and have a listen!

Also happening soon in our lovely part of the world!! From our friend Pete Rimmer – normally to be found at The Bothy and beyond!!

For those of you wanting a grand Lancashire day out, mark May 18th in your calendars as there is free music to accompany the official opening of the golden crown amphitheatre at Haigh Hall Country Park, just outside Wigan. Kicking off at 11.10am with an hour of folk frivolity and memories from The Legends of Lancashire Folk (featuring ex members of The Houghton Weavers, Fivepenny Piece and The Mather Robinson Band). They will be followed by a brass band. Set your satnavs for the heart of School Lane, Wigan WN2 1PE · Plenty of other things to do – some nice walking, great kids play area and a small model railway – that you can ride!!

Remember, check out the diary dates on the FNW pages – there’s folk music happening every night of the week somewhere in our region – and club organisers, make sure you keep your dates coming in – here’s the latest from Sue and Ged at Swinton FC

Club organisers – please check out the Hiring Fair on the FNW pages, either for guest appearances, supports of Big Spots – and there are more reviews appearing all the time – you might not always recognise the names but there are some great undiscovered artists out there!!

MONDAY SINGAROUNDS:
28th April to 19th May OPEN
26th May CLOSED for Bank Holiday
2nd June to 18th August OPEN
25th August CLOSED for Bank Holiday
1st September to Christmas OPEN

Don't forget the Guest Nights in May & June before summer break.

9th May - NICK DOW
Has been on the folk scene for a great many years. Nick and his wife Mally have collected over 300 traditional West Country songs and many more from their tours around the UK. With his beautiful mellow voice and wonderful guitar style he worth a visit to the club.

13th June - Marian Bradfield
Singer/songwriter and performer Marian has been a stalwart of the Irish music scene for over 30 years. Based in Donegal, she has to date, penned four studio albums and one live album. It is wonderful to welcome her back to Swinton. and you will to be enthralled by her skillful guitar playing and beautiful voice.

After our wonderful night with Scolds Bridle we are looking forward to seeing you all again.

X Sue & Ged

Finally, our editor Dave Jones, continues to make progress after his serious accident, although he remains in hospital. He appreciates all of those of us who have contacted him. More updates to follow as and when!

Folk On!!

FNW