The Often Herd

Event information

Bluegrass band The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of the genre. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is coloured by their surroundings - the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. 

Since the release of their acclaimed debut album ‘Where the Big Lamp Shines’ in 2022, they’ve graced the stages of major festivals including Cambridge Folk, Underneath the Stars, Wickham, Moseley Folk, Folk By The Oak, The Long Road, and many more, with international appearances from Portugal to the USA. 

Their latest single, “Cool Summer Rain” (released May 30, 2025), showcases an evolution in their sound – blending their trademark bluegrass precision with lush West Coast harmonies, folk-pop hooks, and the addition of drums and keyboards. Penned by guitarist Rupert Hughes and inspired by their journey to La Roche, the track has been described as “Billy Strings meets Crosby, Stills and Nash – with a healthy dose of Lindisfarne.” It’s a heartfelt nod to the Tyneside roots scene where the band cut their teeth.

“The band’s sound is influenced by a range of styles, from bluegrass and folk to pop melodies and psychedelia, and the result is fresh, musically layered and absorbing” – Americana UK