Longstanding folk musician Seth Lakeman is set to release his self-produced new album The Granite Way on 14th February via his own label, Honour Oak Records, before embarking on a UK headline tour with the same group of musicians who helped bring the record to life.
Since his Mercury Prize-nominated Kitty Jay (2004), Lakeman has carved out a distinct space in folk music, blending history, mythology, and deeply rooted storytelling into his craft. The Granite Way follows in that tradition, drawing inspiration from West Country folklore and recorded within a week to preserve the raw energy of its narrative-driven songs.
We caught up with Seth Lakeman to discuss the stories behind The Granite Way, his approach to folk storytelling, and what audiences can expect from his upcoming tour.
The Granite Way is deeply rooted in West Country folklore. What was it about these stories that inspired you to shape the album around them?
I was inspired to write the album Granite Way after embarking on a 20th anniversary tour celebrating the music of Kitty Jay, which also had strong themes of Dartmoor and the surrounding area.
You’ve mentioned that you aimed to keep a strong narrative throughout the album. Was there a particular tale or song that sparked the concept for The Granite Way?
The first song I wrote for The Granite Way was Black Fox, about a supernatural figure that lures every huntsman. This was inspired by walking around Wistman’s Wood and Crockern Tor over the last summer.
Recording the album in just a week with longtime collaborators must have been intense. How did that process shape the final sound of the record?
I’ve written 15 songs for Granite Way, some songs actually didn’t make the cut. The musicians came down and hadn’t heard the songs before. I always feel very strongly that those initial musical reactions are really special, and that’s mostly how Granite Way evolved.
Songs like Charlotte Dymond and The Gallows explore the fragility of mortality. What drew you to these darker themes, and how do they fit within the folk tradition?
I’ve always been drawn to the darkest themes and stories of folk music. I was certainly drawn to the story of Charlotte Dymond from Bodmin Moor as it seemed to echo the story from Dartmoor of Kitty Jay.
Huntsman and the Moon and Black Fox delve into Dartmoor legends. Were there any myths or historical stories you discovered during the writing process that didn’t make it onto the album?
There’s a song called You Won’t Get Me Down Underground in the Mines that explores the tin mining tradition from Dartmoor that didn’t make the album.
Folk music has always been a way of preserving history and passing down stories. Do you see yourself as a musical storyteller, and how important is it to keep these narratives alive?
I certainly feel The Granite Way is a story-led album celebrating the folklore and legends of Dartmoor. I really think it’s important to preserve and create songs that are deep-rooted within and around the tradition.
You’ve worked with a range of artists, from Robert Plant to Van Morrison. How have these collaborations influenced your own songwriting and approach to music?
One thing both of these artists showed me is the importance of moving forward and constantly evolving as an artist.
One More Before You Go has a more universal, uplifting message about sharing good times with loved ones. How important was it to balance the album’s folklore themes with more personal, timeless sentiments?
One More Before You Go still feels very much rooted to this area but more in the local pubs. It’s written about friends and family and their social gatherings.
With The Granite Way being released on your own label, Honour Oak Records, do you feel more creative freedom as an independent artist compared to earlier in your career?
This is my third album on my own label, and it certainly gives me freedom to experiment as an artist.
You’ll be taking this album on a UK headline tour with the same musicians you recorded it with. What can audiences expect from these live shows, and how will you bring The Granite Way to life on stage?
We’re planning to perform most of the songs from Granite Way in the first half of the show so people have an idea of what this new album has to offer. Within the second show, there will be more familiar songs that are upbeat.
Seth Lakeman’s The Granite Way is out 14th February via Honour Oak Records. His UK headline tour begins in early 2025, featuring longtime collaborators Benji Kirkpatrick (electric/acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica), Ben Nicholls (double/electric bass), Cormac Byrne (percussion, bodhrán), and Alex Hart (vocals), with additional contributions from Archie Churchill Moss (accordion) and Dany Crimp (whistles).
