Dream-folk songwriter Chris Cleverley is among a new wave of pioneering artists carving an uncharted path through the UK acoustic landscape, with endorsements from The Times, The Telegraph and BBC 6 Music.
With a visceral lyrical style, inspired by the Lo-FI American greats Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens & Conor Oberst, his ambient Dream-Folk songwriting pushes the boundaries of 21st Century acoustic-led music. As a student of Nic Jones and Joni Mitchell records, his blistering guitar technique is infused with the hazy, dreamlike essence of the 60s Folk Revival, while ambient synth-laden production fuels his reputation as a true innovator of the UK songwriting scene. With songs covering diverse contemporary themes from displaced people to pervasive artificial intelligence, his music sits unashamedly on the cutting edge, while always remaining highly relatable.
His 2022 career-defining album ‘Broadcast The Secret Verse’ released to an avalanche of praise with RnR calling it “A masterpiece – ★★★★” and Americana UK describing it as “One of the best albums of 2022 – 9/10”. As the songs have evolved further, 2023 sees Cleverley take this new body of work back out on the road, from the vast urban sprawl of London to the serene quiet of the inner Hebrides. From pindrop silence to rapturous applause his dynamic live performance is renowned for commanding the full spectrum of emotions. With dexterous musicianship, challenging insight, meditative calm and warm humour, Chris Cleverley brings his solo acoustic set to Manchester Folk Festival for 2023.
“Frighteningly brilliant works” – The Daily Star
Bar open: 11.00amArtists on stage: 7.00pm
Curfew: 7.30pm
Stage: The Bar