Noted as ‘One to watch’ by Newsoundwales, Siobhan McCrudden has been described as ‘a singer who is gifted with one of the finest voices in contemporary UK folk music’. Raised in London to parents with Scottish and Irish roots, Cardiff-based singer songwriter McCrudden, crafts songs of intensity and sweetness, recounting personal stories whilst reflecting a vivid fascination with dark folk tales and superstitions.
Siobhan’s early performances found her on the coffee house circuit of New York. From these beginnings she went on to play larger gigs both in America and at home, performing at festivals and folk clubs.
Performing as a duo or with a full band, Siobhan has showcased her music at numerous events this year, both large and intimate, including Wales’ largest platform for musicians; Focus Wales in Wrexham, Hubfestival Cardiff, Roath Folk Festival, How The Light Gets In Festival in Hay and at Acapela Studios. She launched her debut album to a sell out audience and has been steadily gaining acclaim with reviewers and fans alike.
‘Siobhan McCrudden really does have a voice of great intensity and beauty’ – NewSoundWales
‘Music from the morning mist at the edge of a wood’ – From the Margins
‘Absolutely beautiful, just stunning, the voice is something else’ – BBC Radio Wales
‘Her voice, rich and evocative, is ably accompanied and produced by art-rocker GRICE’ – Freshonthenet – Fresh Faves, BBC6 Music
Siobhan’s voice is “a glowing lamp on a string that loops back to Shelagh McDonald and Joni Mitchell” – R’n’R Magazine (5 stars)
“Keep an eye on her journey, this singer songwriter has real potential” – Folk Radio UK
‘There’s both a misty mountain chill, so evocative of the open landscapes of Scotland, in tandem with sweet Irish melodicism too. Stir this up with the assuredness that can only come from the sharp-edged New York streets and you
have yourself an artist to watch – ‘Folk Radio’
Not afraid of embracing matters personal in her songwriting, Siobhan describes the title track from her debut album Icarus Girl, with its infectious shuffling rhythm and a nod to Americana, as a song about “the experience of falling in love having the power to resurrect old hope you thought long gone”.
‘Icarus Girl’ is carefully arranged and produced by acclaimed artrock musician GRICE who has infused the songs with his subtle yet distinctive instrumentation.
The album features musical contributions by a few select musicians including Steve Bingham (No-Man, Judy Dyble) on violin, who complete the blend bringing an understated warmth and intricacy to the album.
Siobhan McCrudden performing live ‘Following You’ and ‘Iron Goddess’ from the album ICARUS GIRL.
Live in-session from The Sub at Sound Gallery studios.
Siobhan is accompanied by GRICE on guitar and vocals.
“Her voice is rich and evocative” – BBC Radio 6 Music
“Full of the seductive sense of otherness and mystery first found in early seventies English folk. Favorite track: Following You” – Distant Planer