The Weeping Willows

As The Weeping Willows, decorated storytellers Andrew Wrigglesworth (guitar, banjo, lead vocals) and Laura Coates (lead vocals) have long turned their attention to the dim-lighted byways of a fallen world: places haunted by ghosts and jilted lovers alike; by the lost and the lonely, the heartsick and the harried—by the dying, the desolate and the doomed. It’s a fascination scored to singular perfection by the pair’s unmistakable vocal harmonies and timeless country-folk instrumentation. With hotly-anticipated third studio outing You Reap What You Sow, The Weeping Willows weave their singular tapestry with career-defining mastery.

Since sweeping onto the stage with the celebrated Till The North Wind Blows (2012), The Weeping Willows have firmly established themselves as songwriters of captivating power and poise. Following in the footsteps of the luminous likes of Gillian Welch and The Secret Sisters, The Weeping Willows continue to lead the way in Australia’s bustling Alt-Country/Americana scene.

The Weeping Willows have performed everywhere from AmericanaFest (USA) to Folk Alliance International (USA), Maverick Festival (UK), Port Fairy Folk Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival. They’ve supported Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real (USA), Iris DeMent (USA), Hayes Carll (USA), Eilen Jewell (USA), Kevin Welch (USA), Shane Nicholson, Bill Chambers and Lachlan Bryan.

‘…a mature, courageous and beguiling experience.’ – No Depression (USA)

‘…stunning acoustic guitar work, heavenly harmonies...’ – Pop Matters (USA)

‘This is the best of acoustic music, whether it be Folk or Country, Indie-Roots or Blues. Their simple instrumentation, heavy harmonies, and overall gothic vibe is a full and welcome Roots-music package.’– The Alternate Root (USA)

‘Australia's The Weeping Willows are doing Americana as good as any American band out these days……a rich, deep feel that's unlike anything else out there as of late.’ – If It’s Too Loud (USA)

Mark Radcliffe & Dave Boardman

Mark and David are singing, songwriting, strumming and swigging buddies from the badlands of the Cheshire Plain.

Radcliffe has been on BBC national radio since the early nineties and currently hosts the Radio 2 Folk Show and weekend breakfast on 6Music. He is also the author of five bestselling books, the latest being ‘Crossroads – In Search Of The Moments That Changed Music’. Previously a member of folk rock bands The Family Mahone and Galleon Blast, he is currently one half of electronic duo UNE and drummer and lyricist for Americana band Fine Lines whose lead singer and guitarist is….

David Boardman. A consummate guitarist and guitar teacher, David cut his teeth on the rock circuit with Darktown Jubilee touring not only the UK but also North America and Canada. A gifted visual artist, Boardman met Radcliffe in their hometown of Knutsford where their writing partnership soon paid dividends.

Their act is one of classic simplicity: two voices, two guitars, some great original songs, the odd carefully chosen cover and the occasional rambling anecdote. It might not sound like much but they seem to be getting away with it….so far.