Description:
Emily Portman is a singer, writer and concertina player, commended by Shirley Collins, with a BBC folk award nomination for her work with harmony trio The Devil’s Interval and frequent airplay on BBC radio. As well as annually touring with Waterson:Carthy, Emily performs with her band Rubus and recently appeared at Saddlers Wells and The South Bank Centre with Lauren McCormick.
Emily is fast making waves beyond the folk scene, being featured as a soloist on the BBC's adaptation of 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' as well as appearing on Alasdair Roberts’ forthcoming album. Less well known are her original compositions: these visceral visions of a darker Albion conjure landscapes where mythical sirens collide in urban backstreets. Inspired by folktales and Ballads, Emily weaves harmony-rich narratives relaying female experience, accompanied by Viola player Lucy Farrell (fresh from touring with The Unthanks) and Harpist Rachel Newton of BBC folk Award Nominees The Shee.
BBC Radio 3’s ‘Late Junction’, and ‘Words & Music’ have already caught wind of Emily’s new songs, airing her compositions even before their official release. Emily is currently performing to sell-out crowds in the North East and her debut album ‘The Glamoury’ will be released Spring 2010.
