The Lake Poets - Artist Focus

The Lake Poets new EP shows a big progression in the scope of Martin Longstaff’s ideas and sound from a solitary man with his guitar to a developed band that has travelled the length of the country with their ‘sincere, intelligent and assured’ folk-pop.

The Lake Poets played a solo set at Evolution Emerging 2011 (second on the bill at Cluny 2) and in three years has graduated to a headline slot on the main stage, with the new EP and recent Radio 1 plays it is easy to see why and it’s set to be a celebratory affair for the first full band set of the year.

The Lake Poets début EP ‘Honest Hearts’ is due for release on June 16 and follows recent single ‘April’, which was added to Radio 1’s daytime play-list, receiving support and plaudits from all prime-time presenters and as well as BBC 6 Music and XFM.

Co-produced with long-time collaborator Mick Ross (Frankie & the Heartstrings, Ajimal, Bridie Jackson and The Arbour), the ‘Honest Hearts’ EP shows a keen new depth and range to Martin’s songwriting. Each of the four tracks are a mature progression from previous acoustic singles whilst maintaining the haunting qualities that make The Lake Poets’ music so alluring and memorable.

Raised in Sunderland, in the North East of England, Martin spent most of his childhood listening to his Mother’s record collection and developing an interest for writing lyrics and composing music. Taking influence from artists such as Feist, Warren Zevon, Arcade Fire, Tom Waits, Villagers and Neil Young, Martin sets out to write the most devastatingly beautiful songs he can in an effort to deal with the complexities of adulthood, life, death and relationships.

Whether solo or full-band, The Lake Poets has stunned audiences across the UK in support of Willy Mason, Ben Howard, Daughter, Lucy Rose and Jake Bugg, as well as at major festivals such as Glastonbury and T in the Park. Catch the Lake Poets headline Evolution Emerging this Saturday followed by a string of UK dates this summer.

Stage: The Cluny, 10.30pm, Saturday 24th May

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