Hannah Rickard & Kieran Szifris

Hannah Rickard & Kieran Szifris

Hannah Rickard and Kieran Szifris are a dynamic duo blending the rich traditions of folk, country, and contemporary acoustic music. With Rickard’s soulful vocals and fiddling prowess alongside Szifris’s bombastic octave mandolin playing, they create a sound that is both timeless and innovative. Hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, Hannah Rickard first gained recognition with her band Hannah Rickard & The Relatives, infusing rockabilly and soul influences into the folk scene. Her collaboration with Status Quo’s Francis Rossi on their 2019 album We Talk Too Much showcased her ability to merge country and western styles with modern songwriting. Kieran Szifris, also based in the North East, is a virtuoso of the octave mandolin, known for his work with Monster Ceilidh Band and Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening. His background in traditional folk, combined with an experimental approach, has made him a standout figure in the British folk music revival. Together, they craft evocative, intricate arrangements that push the boundaries of folk and roots music while staying deeply connected to its storytelling traditions. Their performances weave together melody, harmony, and rhythm in a way that resonates with audiences across genres.

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