Out on 1st May, Yorkshire alt Folksters, Common Culture’s new single heads for the spotlight.
Common Culture come heralded as “a rousing alternative folk band from Barnsley, England.” A place we know well and with a mention in dispatches from Barnsley Nightingale, Kate Rusby, Thunderbirds would seem to be go! for the quartet who’ve joined forces, inspired by Dan Watson’s need to “get out of my comfort zone, change course and find a new path.”
The band released their rousing debut single The Travelling Life, on 1st January, 2024. A song that paved the way by means of a declaration of the CC ethos – taking a stand, following your heart and being bold enough to choose a new path. Despite many personal highpoints and earning the accolade of ‘second best banjo player in Cawthorne’ (third when Ron Block is in town), Dan is ambitiously travelling forwards.
Their latest release is a song that he calls “the struggle to confront your demons and take control of your life, even when it feels like it’s too late.” On one side there’s the anxiety, self-doubt and fear that holds us back yet on the other hand it recognises empowerment and motivation and how people facing their own challenges use their self-belief to get them through.
Making up the CC gang on this feelgood singalong jaunt that gives a purpose to the common culture cause, are Lizzie Morris (fiddle and vocals), Chris Reed (drums) and Evie Smith (bass, vocals). It’s a shot in the arm that can’t help but recall the infectious attitudes of The Levellers (even to the extent of a Chadwick-esue titfer and acoustic guitar) and Ferocious Dogs of this world.
Check out the video for Taking Hold:
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