Blair Dunlop announces Gateshead gig

FOLK singer Blair Dunlop has announced a new tour, ReGuilded, taking in The Sage, Gateshead, on February 23. Gilded, released in May last year, was Dunlop’s third studio album and described as “an album that might just be destined to become a classic” in BB Radio 2’s five-star review. The release's critical success was further emphasised with BBC Radio play listings of the two singles, produced by Ed Harcourt, The Egoist and 356. Dunlop will be performing these hits and other favourites in a simple, stripped-back fashion. Once again accompanied by his regular musicians JJ Stoney (keys and vocals) and Fred Claridge (drums and vocals) the band are on a mission to let the songs speak for themselves.

Dunlop, a writer, guitarist and vocalist, says: “I think I would describe my sound as a lyric driven and folk influenced singer-songwriter. Having the creative freedom to make the album you want to make is a real joy. There’s also the financial benefits... I think it’s a route that a lot of artists are going down now, especially in this digital age. Generally, I think there’s less need for a label in the traditional sense.”

His latest project was recorded in Elbow’s Blueprint studio, an "amazing" experience, Dunlop says. “I know it sounds cliché but the main room has a real energy, and I think you can hear it on the record. We were locked in the studio for just two weeks so it was quite intense, but I think it was a great way of working.”

Dunlop will be performing live on Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Show on January 4.

Viv Hardwick