Tarren

Event Information

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Morning Star Songlines RnR
Music can exist Outside Time. The new and the old are melded expertly by Tarren with their trademark sound that is progressing the Folk genre.

This is New-Folk, and this trio’s unique sound is captivating audiences across the UK, blending modular hooks and minimalist forms with traditional rhythms. Tarren is gaining a reputation for tight musicianship and intricate arrangements, all played through a playful prism that reflects the character of the artists and takes the listener to emotional heights.

Original and traditional material is expertly arranged by this trio of musicians who are creating music that moves and excites people. Tarren is leading folk music to a new place, while keeping the pulse of traditional dance at its heart.

Tarren is made up of Bristol-based artists Sid Goldsmith (Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith, Awake Arise), Alex Garden (The Drystones, Harriet Riley & Alex Garden) and Danny Pedler (Pedler // Russell). They combine cittern and concertina, fiddle, and accordion to create their music, which they call New-Folk.

Tarren began with a sharing of compositions over the internet during the lockdowns of 2021. Fast forwards a few months and they were able to meet in person with a set of songs and tunes that they’d each explored separately but never heard with their collective instrumental voices. Fun was had, plans were made.

Tarren’s debut album REVEL was released in 2022 to high acclaim and was compared with the work of Faustus and Lau’s legendary debut album Lightweights and Gentlemen. They toured this material nationally in April 2023 and are on tour in 2024.

Tarren’s second studio album Outside Time was released in September 2024 and presents a developed sound and gained high praise from across the Folk scene.

“Simply an excellent Folk trio” “Thrilling” - **** Songlines

“This new album (Outside Time)… further establishes them as a new and exciting act of the Folk scene with their own unique sound” - **** The Morning Star

“The sounds of fiddle and viola, cittern and English concertina, and accordion and hurdy gurdy have rarely sounded better, nor as much fun, as they do here – a testament to the talents of the trio and a confident and welcome signifier that English folk music is in very safe hands”. Folk Radio UK

'A mini folk supergroup!’...there’s foot-stompery at play here, the likes of which I’ve not heard since the mighty three-piece, Faustus, took a trip to Grimsby. TradFolk

“Tarren’s music feels traditional, but also fresh and original. It’s joyful, but with deep sensitivity. A freshness that deserves to have wider appeal”. Folking.com

James Dixon:
James Dixon is an emerging UK folk & roots songwriter. Born and raised in Suffolk he moved to
the southwest 20 years ago. He is a mainstay on the Cornish circuit. Seasick Steve invited James on the
road for two extensive UK & European tours in 2022 and again in 2024. Support invites also include Chris
Wood, Nick Hart, The Cetlic Social Club, Maddog McCrae, Toby Lee, Ye Vagabonds, Steve Knightley and
more.
His latest album 'Good Ground' is the product of a year of live recording sessions in his home in “Hawker Country” in North Cornwall, the land between Hartland and Boscastle. The tracks were recorded at home (1-6), in St Swithin’s Church, Launcells (7 & 8) and in his local pub in Bude (9). Alongside 6 original tracks including the title track a grungy love song (Good Ground); a dedication to Nye Bevan and the NHS (Regardless of Ability); two reflections on the state of the human soul in the modern world (Afterlow, Every Saint). There are 3 folk songs including the haunting Irish Ballad “Lough Erne Shore” via Paul Brady and Andy Irvine; the tragic Scottish Ballad “Clyde’s Water”via Nic Jones. The final track is a cover of Harry Glasson’s stirring Cornish anthem “Cornwall My Home, captured at the end of a busy and drunken open mic, run monthly for 10 years by Dixon in Bude. A recording of the birds in James’ rural Cornish garden garnish the whole record, reminding the listener of who the real musicians of creation are.
In 2025 James joined artists such as Jon Wilks and King Gizzard and took his music off Spotify.
“I refuse to allow the use of my music to directly fund the purchase of weapons of war and the recruitment of fascist foot soldiers in the U.S. You can find my music everywhere else, or simply ask and i will send a physical copy free of charge for you to listen to as intended, in one go and through good speakers.