This weekend Gloucester pubs and bars play host to a gaggle of local folk bands from around the county. ParkLife got to speak with up-and-coming folk artists including Reuben Lovett, The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs, and Way Out West. Folk bands old and new are invited to the fest this weekend, with young Reuben Lovett having only played folk music for the last few years and some members of Way Out West been playing on folk instruments for 25 years.
Reuben has been a folk musician for the last three years, but dabbled in bands for years before. Originally he was a member of a hard-core alternative metal band, a big leap away from folk music.
Reuben explains that his long love of alternative music has influenced what he writes and performs today. “I’ve always listened to music that’s quite angsty and politically driven – I like music that has a meaning.” He explains that he especially likes politics expressed through music, making an emotional connection with the effects of politics and voicing that emotion through his music. “To be a folk, punk musician in my eyes is to write a story that proclaims some of these political injustices. Which then hopefully strikes a chord with other listeners.”
When speaking to the different folk bands due to perform this weekend we were struck by their unusual names. The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs are gang of fun-loving, dog-loving guys who get together to make music. The Shaggy Dogs explained their origins, “a raconteur is a story teller – we sing story based songs and ballads. A classic story that leads to an unexpected end is known as a ‘shaggy dog story’. Hence our name: The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs.”
So what is folk music? Think banjos, guitars, story-filled vocals, all very Simon and Garfunkel. How did these bands get into such a niche musical market such as folk? The band members of Way Out West told us how they originally met while in a blues band. “Within 10 minutes of meeting we had already sussed out we both played accordion and the very next day we were playing a random collection of folk tunes together.” Way Out West find inspiration for their eclectic music everywhere.”Our music is a paintbox of musical styles from everything from Victorian music hall, to Eastern European, to Cajun, to English folk, everything. We thoroughly, indulgently revisit 80s pop too, and take inspiration from anything that grabs our attention, on the car radio, in shops, on the TV. Everywhere.”
The first Gloucester Folk Trail has many local acts excited. The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs told us: “we are really looking forward to a great night out and the opportunity to play to the folksy people of Gloucester”. Reuben says that he’s really looking forward to it. “I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Folk Trail, because I am a folk musician at heart. I am just a story-teller like every other singer, songwriter. I’m really looking forward to this year’s folk trail in Gloucester. I think the city has a lot going for it.”
Many popular Gloucester venues are hosting a multitude of folk bands this weekend and the majority of these events are free! Make the most of this unique, cultural event on your door step.
Check out all three artists on social media.
Reuben Lovett: https://twitter.com/Reuben_Lovett?lang=en-gb
The Shaggy Dog Raconteurs: https://www.facebook.com/theshaggydograconteurs/
Way Out West: https://www.facebook.com/wayoutwestfestival/
