FRANKIE ARCHER: “Have you ever been there at the start of something new? Something exciting? Something that crackles with possibilities?” Gavin McNamara (Bristol 24/7) witnessed the power of Frankie Archer’s music. She is fresh on the scene and shaking up genres and traditions, sharing the lesser told sides of stories, championing women, challenging perspectives and calling for a fairer future, all to a unique mix of synths, manipulated samples, drum tracks and earthy fiddle and voice.
Frankie Archer’s imaginative and bold mash of electro alt-trad shows her Northumbrian fiddle roots, her deep love of electronic music and her immersion in soulful folk songs from the North East of England and around the world. Mark Radcliffe (BBC Radio 2) described her music as “fascinating and intoxicating”.
Over the Border, Frankie’s debut single, was accompanied by “a kind of awe”, Jon Wilks of Tradfolk wrote. The song gained plays on local and national radio including the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Show.
This was followed up by a powerful and original version of Alex Glasgow’s Close the Coalhouse Door, bare, stark and demanding attention. Frankie’s second single gained a lot of praise and airplay, described as “stunning”, thanks to its “darker, more ominous feel” – Rick Stuart (Roots and Fusion). It was chosen for the BBC Introducing mixtape and hailed as “extraordinary” by Tom Robinson.
Frankie’s third and latest single, Lucy Wan, is a re-telling of a tragic traditional ballad, where Lucy is given a voice and power to tell the story from her perspective. Folk legend Mike Harding after hearing it said “I love this song… I can’t wait for her to make an album.”
Frankie’s unique, fresh sound has pricked up the ears of fans and press, earning wonderful reviews from Tradfolk and Fresh on the Net, and being chosen by Fatea for their Showcase Session.
As well as her exciting solo venture, Frankie also plays with Kenyan musician Rapasa Otieno and with folk-infused prog bandleader Joshua Burnell.
Doors open 7pm. Music starts 8.20pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!
