Dave Hemingway of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South is back and sounding better than ever.
Sunbirds Biography
The man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, The Beautiful South’s Dave Hemingway is back and sounding better than ever.
Together with former South colleague, guitarist/songwriter Phil Barton, new discovery singer/violinist Laura Wilcockson and top UK session drummer Marc Parnell, Dave has returned with Sunbirds.
Although born and bred in England the band’s sound predominantly features the instrumentation of traditional American roots music combined with the occasional injection of guitar heavy melody more associated with Seattle in the late 80’s.
However, you can only sing about what you know. “Although a lot of the songs have an Americana feel” says Dave “they’re still about life in England. You’re going to feel a bit daft singing about pick-up trucks and low down honky-tonks when you live in Yorkshire.”
Having previously served up seven songs on The South’s 2012 offering Sweet Refrains, Dave and Phil decided that subsequent material would be better served free of the ‘golden millstone’ that the name provided. “Now we’re Sunbirds we’re free to dig a little deeper into ourselves”, says Phil “while still also free to write about everything & anything else we want as long as it’s something worth singing about. Music is a powerful vehicle and can challenge a person’s thinking. To just sing “I want to do this or that to you” seems a wasted opportunity”.
Latest Release
Sunbirds Spotify Playlist
Sunbirds Links
Demi Marriner & Band
Whether they’re captivating the crowd with heartfelt ballads or bringing the house down with electrifying performances, Demi Marriner and her band know exactly how to leave a lasting impression!”
Dom Glynn And His Sunday Best
Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best bring their vintage Americana sound to Blackpool! Discover their unique blend of British honky-tonk and the story behind their hit single, “Jimmy’s Queen,” before they take the stage.
Neeve Zahra
Manchester-born Neeve Zahra is a rising UK country music artist known for her unique voice, emotionally rich songwriting, and acclaimed performances that blend contemporary country with a distinct British perspective.
Virginia Dirt
Virginia Dirt is an outlaw Country/Americana duo featuring lead singer Virgie Lynne and multi-instrumentalist Corrado Cecere. Their unique blend of honky-tonk, rock, and traditional country music positions them as an emerging force in the UK country music scene.
Irish Mythen
Roots and Contemporary Folk singer-songwriter Irish Mythen will be performing at The British Country Music Festival 2025
The Livergirls
Siobhan Maher Kennedy, St. Catherine’s Child, Eleanor Nelly, and Neeve Zahra will showcase Liverpool’s exceptional female musical talent in a Nashville-style songwriter’s round, promising captivating performances blending country, folk, and Americana.
Foreign Affairs
Brothers Adam and Lawrence create southern-inspired music that blends blues, rock, and Americana.
Gina Larner
Brighton-based singer-songwriter blending country and pop-rock influences has garnered acclaim for her captivating live performances and songwriting.
St. Catherine’s Child
St. Catherine’s Child, led by singer-songwriter Ilana Zsigmond, offers a transatlantic musical journey blending Americana influences with British wit and poignant songwriting.
Girls’ Night In The Round
Experience the camaraderie of Girls Night In The Round at The British Country Music Festival, the quartet’s only festival outing in 2024!