Bella Gaffney

Event Information

2016 Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner Bella Gaffney writes folk inspired songs which she performs along with her own original arrangements of traditional pieces. 2023 saw the release of Bella’s new album ‘Reflections’ which is inspired by connections made over the lockdown period. Her single, ‘Blood in the Earth’, a duet with Leesa Gentz (Hussy Hicks) was released in this year to great acclaim along with airplay on BBC radio 2. Bella is also part of sought after folk band The Magpies ('effervescent' The Sunday Times).

'Great singer, great guitarist, really interesting songwriter' Mike Harding

‘A fine blend of original and traditional songs from Bella Gaffney of The Magpies… showcasing her exceptional guitar, banjo, and vocals.’

‘A compelling collection, whose charms grow with each listen.’ Americana UK (8/10)

‘...an absolutely impressive album. Hit repeat and get lost in this one.’ Fatea

Hailing from West Yorkshire, HerOrangeCoat is a definitive example of the sum being greater than the parts. Her music - original, soulful and heartfelt - is a beguiling mixture of her life experiences to date, woven into a rich tapestry of sound. Armed with her ukulele, she crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn melancholy into an enticing musical journey that demands to be heard.

She attributes her unique take on indie-folk to having listened to an eclectic variety of music whilst growing up. Ever evolving, it is bold yet subtle, truthful, and uses the ukulele in ways that reveal even small instruments can be powerful and have huge heart. Her lyrics are often hard-hitting, topical and eloquent, showing off her richly powerful voice which is reminiscent of artists such as Joni Mitchell.

Her single Another Day to Hide received particular acclaim, with radio play on BBC Introducing, Future Hits Radio, and BCB Radio, and a five-star review on Make It Loud blog.

A strong advocate of her local music scene, she was named one of the Bradford Top 9 in its third edition by Bradford Music Scene. HerOrangeCoat supported the Mariachis at the Old Woollen and headlined the Chemic Stage at Goodfest. She also played alongside artists such as the Dunwells at the launch of Busk In Stations at Leeds Train Station. Beyond West Yorkshire, HerOrangeCoat has seen increasing recognition, including supporting Jamie Lawson at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh. She was picked up by Big Condo Records to support the Hull leg of their 2024 tour and is now billed to play the Big Condo Records Weekender in early June.

The much-anticipated EP Ballads for this Age simultaneously outlines the difficulties of her early twenties whilst providing a micro-study of some of the most pressing societal issues of the present day. In this way, it is at once introspectively individualistic and universal.



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