Holly Carter with Joe Wilkins

Event information

Holly Carter is an award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bristol. Two-time recipient of ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the Americana UK awards she is widely recognised as an exceptional fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players.

Drawing deeply from the well of the folk tradition, she harnesses an approach to song as a powerful tool for education and the preservation of legacy. Along with a showstopping approach to guitar that follows hot on the heels of the likes of Chet Atkins and John Fahey, her music weaves joyously catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that pay homage to a diverse collection of musical and personal heroes.

Growing up around a diverse array of influences allowed for a depth of musical appreciation and curiosity that is evident within Holly’s music; however, it was the socially conscious approach of bands like The Clash and the Manic Street Preachers that had the biggest impact, and led to a deeper exploration of the role music can play in education and social change. The influence of artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger is evident within Holly’s song writing, and her passion for the history and humanity behind her songs is infectious.

"Buckets of tone and timeless style" Martin Harley
"Holly brings masterful skills as a musician and composer, along with an engaging commitment to music’s rich tradition of accompanying social change. Go see her" Martyn Joseph
​​​"A prodigious talent" Americana UK