Telling the Bees are an innovative acoustic band making a unique and original music they call darkly crafted folk. They met in 2007 at Oxford's legendary Catweazle Club, and have released two acclaimed albums, Untie the Wind and An English Arcanum. In 2011 they expanded to the current five-piece line-up and are currently working towards a new release.
'There really isn’t any other band that sounds like them…when they usher you into their verdant world you won’t want to leave…a mesmeric journey'
Spiral Earth
Taking their inspiration from folklore, landscape, psychedelia, paganism, and the politics of protest, Telling the Bees mix driving songs and tune-sets with haunting ballads. Intelligent lyrics, exotic rhythms and modes, and instruments as varied as fiddle, mandolin, cello, double bass, concertina, stomp box and English bagpipes are brought together in skilful arrangements, wild at times, gentle at others. With a powerful sound, Telling the Bees conjure vivid images, as crafted, rugged and graceful as a woodcut.
'A satisfying blend of the folkloric and the political…strange and beautiful'
R2
Live, they mix effortless musicianship with a rare emotional honesty to create an intimate and intense audience experience. With skills honed as much from busking on the streets of Britain and Europe as from playing on the big stage, Telling the Bees are seasoned performers. Their shows have been described as 'properly bardic'.
Select appearances:
Lunar Festival, Moseley Folk Festival, Folk East, Sidmouth 2012
Headlined Friday night Wood Festival 2011
Featured on Radio 4, 'Open Mic Night - No Electrickery Required' broadcast June 15th 2010
Opened Main Stage, Oxford Folk Festival 2010, supporting Bellowhead.
Nominated for Best Album in the 2010 Spiral Earth Awards.