Famed for their hits ‘The Combine Harvester’ and ‘I Am A Cider Drinker’, The Wurzels turned to AI to help craft their latest track – a bold move that merges tradition with technology. The result is a song that’s both a nod to their rural roots and a tongue-in-cheek take on modern innovation.

Since their formation in 1966, The Wurzels have had three UK top 40 albums and eight UK hit singles, carving out a unique niche with their humorous portrayals of country life and West Country culture. Their charm lies in the playful way the comedy folk band embody regional stereotypes, famously singing lines such as: “I’ve got a brand-new combine harvester and I’ll give you the key.”

Today, the band is a lively mix of founding members – frontman Pete Budd and accordionist/keyboard player Tommy Banner – alongside a younger generation of musicians: Sedge Moore, Louie Griddle, and Leigh Delamere. Together, they blend classic folk sensibilities with youthful energy.

‘Wurzel Me Up’ explores the band’s own story, celebrating their Somerset roots with lyrics about “Somerset fields” and a signature “West Country twang”. The AI-written track introduces the band members by name and offers a satirical explanation of their decision to collaborate with artificial intelligence.

 True to form, the band brings their signature humour to AI itself, dubbing it “cuttin-hedge technology” and cheekily referring to it as “Agricultural Intelligence.” Despite the technological tools used, the chorus – a raucous chant of “Wurzel me up! Ooh-aar” – is unmistakably Wurzel.

The release of ‘Wurzel Me Up’ has prompted mixed reactions among the public. While some fans applaud The Wurzels’ inventive spirit, others raise questions about authenticity and the role of AI in the creative process.

Still, the band is clear about their stance. In a statement, they joked: “as the oldest band in the land, decided to have a dabble with AI”. Following this, Pete Budd shared that they “don’t agree with plagiarism in any form without some form of remuneration and so, in this case, we have strived to only plagiarise ourselves.”

With ‘Wurzel Me Up’, The Wurzels tread the line between novelty and nostalgia, raising serious questions through creating a unique and comic track. Can AI truly capture the heart of folk music – or outdo the poetic genius of “I am a cider drinker / I drinks it all of the day”?

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A post shared by Laura Marling (@lauramarling)

These concerts will also mark Marling’s return to Manchester for the first time since her last tour in 2021. To make the performances even more special, she will be accompanied by a string ensemble, adding a rich and orchestral depth to her arrangements. This unique setup is expected to bring new life to both her latest songs and past favourites, making these shows an unmissable experience for long-time listeners and new fans alike. 

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished folk singer-songwriters, Marling first emerged in the late 2000s as part of the nu-folk movement. Drawing inspiration from classic artists like Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, her music is known for its intricate acoustic melodies, poetic lyricism, and forward-thinking themes. Over the years, she has released eight studio albums, each showcasing her evolution as a musician. From the raw, narrative-driven sound of ‘Once I Was an Eagle’ to the important feminist themes of ‘Semper Femina’, Marling has continued to push boundaries within the folk genre, earning world-wide success and a dedicated fanbase along the way. 

The decision to limit her 2025 live appearances to these two Manchester dates is largely influenced by her personal life. In 2023, Marling became a mother, a shift that has deeply impacted her creative direction and work-life balance. Her latest album, ‘Patterns in Repeat’, released in 2024 which these two shows are in aid of, reflects this new chapter in her life, exploring themes of family, change, and self-reflection. Written and recorded in her home studio, the album takes a stripped-back, minimalist approach, allowing Marling’s delicate yet powerful vocals to take centre stage. These upcoming performances will give fans the first chance to hear ‘Patterns in Repeat’ live, alongside selections from her extensive catalogue. 

Marling has never been one to follow industry trends or fall under the pressures of relentless touring. Instead, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to creating music on her own terms. The choice to perform exclusively in Manchester highlights her selective approach to live performances, ensuring that each show is meaningful and carefully curated making her a completely unique artist.   

 

 

 

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A post shared by Laura Marling (@lauramarling)

With her unmistakable voice, poetic storytelling, and deeply personal songwriting, Laura Marling’s return to the stage in 2025 is set to be a standout moment in the music calendar. These two performances will not only celebrate her latest work but also reaffirm her status as one of the most compelling and authentic voices in contemporary folk music. 

 Ticket information can be found here.

Meloy’s musical career has been defined by a unique blend of indie-folk and alternative country, marked by a voice reminiscent of a throaty Johnny Flynn. His artistic journey began in Montana with the indie outfit Tarkio, before he moved to Portland, Oregon, and co-founded The Decemberists in 2000. Over the past two decades, the band has released nine albums, blending historical and literary references with rich instrumentation. Their most recent work, ‘As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again,‘ showcases a culmination of their sonic evolution—an ambitious double album that weaves intricate narratives with progressive folk-rock influences.

Despite his success with The Decemberists, Meloy’s solo endeavours have always provided a more intimate glimpse into his artistry. His solo tours, dating back to 2005, have seen him reinterpreting the works of musical legends such as Morrissey and Shirley Collins. With a penchant for storytelling, Meloy’s solo performances strip down the grand theatrics of The Decemberists, offering audiences a raw and heartfelt experience.

Meloy’s songwriting, often deadly serious yet laced with humour, has a rare ability to touch the soul. Whether delving into historical tragedies or whimsical fables, his music strikes a chord with listeners who appreciate a deft blend of melancholy and wit. His recent post on Instagram—where he jokingly emerged from his “Instagram slumber” to announce his first-ever UK and Ireland solo dates—reflects his characteristic blend of self-deprecating charm and earnest enthusiasm.

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A post shared by Colin Meloy (@dullandwitlessboy)

London’s Union Chapel, an architectural marvel steeped in history, provides the perfect setting for Meloy’s lyrical introspection. With its soaring acoustics and intimate atmosphere, the venue is no stranger to hosting folk luminaries, and Meloy’s performance is poised to be a highlight of the spring music calendar.

For those who have followed Meloy’s career—from the early days of open mic nights in Portland pizza parlours to sold-out festival stages—his solo shows promise an evening of storytelling, humour, and the timeless allure of folk music. Tickets for the London and Dublin performances are expected to sell quickly, as fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Meloy’s solo artistry in such an intimate setting.

Meloy’s return to the UK comes off the back of a successful performance with The Decemberists at All Points East in Victoria Park during the summer of 2024. That show reaffirmed his place as one of indie-folk’s most compelling voices, and his solo appearances will undoubtedly serve as an extension of his rich musical legacy.

For more details and ticket information, visit Meloy’s website where tickets are available for £37.50.

Attention was drawn to the topic of musicians’ touring methods during the summer, with Beyoncé supposedly opting for a private jet to reach her concert in Cardiff, while Coldplay’s Chris Martin chose a more environmentally friendly approach by taking the train to the same city a few weeks later.

Chris Roberts, from Cardiff, said, “We’re not at all suggesting that everyone should give up driving and walk to all their gigs because it has completely taken over our lives, but things like choosing more sustainable routes (should be considered).”

The guitar player said the 27-year-olds had discovered “how little stuff” they need to gig, each carrying a 15kg (33lb) bag. Seth, from Gloucestershire, said, “I’ve got kind of a medium-sized backpack and using an elaborate system of carabiners, my fiddle is strapped to the back of a bag, and I’ve also got the mic. Chris has got his sort of massive guitar, which has got various bag straps on the outside of it and clothes stuffed in with the guitar.”

In the diverse city of Birmingham, Seth and Chris convene to create harmonious melodies inspired by the rich folklore of their respective origins, Wales and Gloucestershire. Operating under the name Filkin’s Drift, this musical duo seamlessly merges traditional and modern elements, skillfully intertwining the sounds of the fiddle and guitar with their captivating vocal harmonies.

Their intricate interplay on the fretted instruments evokes a sense of ornate beauty reminiscent of the Baroque era, while their lively fiddle and guitar tunes ignite the passion of audiences throughout the United Kingdom.

In addition to performing alongside Filkin’s Drift, Chris Roberts embarks on tours alongside pop singer Tanita Tikaram, collaborates on composing lullabies with new parents, and conducts workshops in SEND schools.

Seth Bye, an accomplished violinist, composer, and educator, has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cecil Sharpe House. He has also been a part of renowned festivals like Boomtown, Greenman, and Shambala. In addition to his solo performances, Seth is a member of the highly acclaimed Balkan band, The Destroyers, who were recently featured on BBC 1 for their performance at the Commonwealth Games. He has also toured with Giffords Circus, showcasing his skills on the fiddle, banjo, and accordion.

NOW ON SALE!!
Extra UK dates…https://t.co/f4c8lw20aI
Our entire spring tour sold out very fast so book now to avoid disappointment.
See you all soon x
pic.twitter.com/AOgHFsN830

— LANKUM (@LankumDublin) June 7, 2023

The Dublin based group will return to the UK following their last visit last month in Manchester, which in turn followed the release of the band’s most recent album, False Lankum, an LP that was released on March 24th via Rough Trade Records.

Our new album FALSE LANKUM is out today.
Massive love and thanks to all of you for the support over the last few years, and to everyone involved in the making of this album.
We're immensely proud of it.
See you along the road somewhere!
❤️x pic.twitter.com/GWT9Oxupqj

— LANKUM (@LankumDublin) March 24, 2023

The group originated as a duo, consisting of brothers Ian and Darragh Lynch, and from their shared surname came the group’s original name, Lynched. The duo released their first album, Where Did We Go Wrong?!, in 2003, before being joined by Radie Peat and Cormac MacDiarmada, forming the quartet that have since released four albums and will tour the UK this winter.

The group, still known as Lynched but now a quartet, released their second album, Cold Old Fire, in 2014 to positive acclaim. By 2016 the group had decided to change their name in a bid to rid associations with the practice of lynching, landing on Lankum, from John Reilly’s folk ballad “False Lankum”, instead.

Lankum then joined Rough Trade Records, and subsequently released their third album, Between the Earth and Sky, in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim. The album was nominated for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Album of the Year, but the group had to wait until 2019 to claim the prize, as their fourth album, The Livelong Day, stole the show.

Listen to “Willow Garden“, a track off of Lankum’s third album, Between the Earth and Sky, below:

False Lankum is therefore the group’s fifth studio album, and fourth as a quartet, and will no doubt be doing most of the heavy lifting when the Dublin group visit the UK later this year.

Watch the music video for “Go Dig My Grave“, the lead single off of False Lankum, below:

The dates for the string of shows are as follows:

07/12/2023 – Rescue Rooms – Nottingham
09/12 – Hangar 34 – Liverpool
10/12 – Irish Centre – Leeds
12/12 – Chalk – Brighton
13/12 – Roundhouse – London
26/01/2024 – Albert Hall – Manchester
27/01 – Boiler Shop – Newcastle
01/02 – Beacon – Bristol
03/02 – Barrowlands – Glasgow

Order Lankum’s latest album, False Lankum, here.