Julu and Heg are folk duo Suthering. A couple in life and music, the pair met in a choir whilst living in Bristol. They moved from Bristol to Devon in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, in a bid to create a life more connected to community and nature. These themes can be found woven their music and in their band name (which means “the sound of the wind through the trees”) which was inspired by the Robert Macfarlane book Landmarks.
Suthering have taken the folk scene by storm with their unusual and fresh approach to folk. 2022 & 2023 saw them travel the UK extensively; from Penzance to the Scottish Hebrides and everywhere in between. Julu and Heg are true storytellers who champion female characters, creating new narratives for women and unearthing the female heroines of folk. What sets them apart is their wonderful chemistry and charisma on stage, natural humour and two beautifully matched voices. With an unusual mix of cascading, dramatic piano; intricate, fingerstyle guitar; flute, whistles and harmonium, Julu and Heg bring an exciting take on folk storytelling with their evocative and distinctive sound. Their arresting a cappella arrangements have been memorable favourites with audiences.
Their debut album If We Turn Away, which was recorded and co-produced by Lukas Drinkwater, was released in February 2022. The album has received glowing press reviews and critical acclaim with radio play across the country. Folk Wales described the album as having “hard hitting, beautiful songs”. They are currently working on their second studio album with producer Sean Lakeman.
During the first half of the gig, Julu and Heg will be joined on stage by some of the participants from their weekend course, showcasing music they have worked on together.