For one special night this winter, Dream-Folk songwriter Chris Cleverley teams up with Folk & Roots promotions, to bring his brand new Christmas E.P launch party to London’s iconic Water Rats, with a band of renowned guest musicians.

Chris Cleverley was born under a solstice moon, in the honeysuckle mysticism of a late 80s Midsummer. As his fledgling days unfurled, the symbolic sounds of ‘Hunky Dory’, ‘Graceland’ and ‘Ladies of The Canyon’ echoed from the woodchip walls of the South Birmingham terrace where he was raised; quiet and curious, saturnine and shy. 

Here, the soul of a young artist was shaped.

This winter, Cleverley tours his brand new collection of festive songs, the follow up to 2024’s critically acclaimed ‘In the Shadow of John the Divine’ (“Holiday Music that doesn’t suck” – No Depression). In his characteristic style, Cleverley promises part 2 of a Christmas compendium for the head-spinning modern age. A brand new selection of songs for the misfits, for those who have a complex relationship with the self, on their own journeys towards finding a place in this perplexing modern age. Songs to celebrate a curious, magical season, in all its joyful and sad contradictions.

Cleverley is honoured to be joined on this special night by an exciting band of guest musicians including Sam Kelly, Kathy Pilkinton & Minnie Birch, with a special opening set from Americana harmony duo ‘Awake Mother’. 

Come bask in an exciting body of new work, showcasing the intricate fingerstyle and ambient sound design of this true guitar-man, inspired by the Lo-fi American Greats, Elliott Smith & Sufjan Stevens; a curious tapestry weaved from the hazy psychedelia of the 60s folk revival and the soulful oblivion of the 90s Pacific Northwest. 

“Rather Lovely Electro-Folk” – Radcliffe & Maconie – BBC 6 MUSIC

“The feel of Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens” ★★★★ – Scottish Daily Express

“Frighteningly brilliant works” – The Daily Star

Awake Mother

Awake Mother is the brand new collaboration of award-winning Hertfordshire Alt-Folk songwriters Minnie Birch and multi-instrumentalist Kathy Pilkinton. Combining intricate guitar, banjo and ukulele arrangements with complex dual vocal harmonies, the duo present a vibrant new take on traditional music from America and the British Isles, as well as Minnie’s own unique songwriting as heard on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music.