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Common Culture are a rousing, fiddle driven alternative folk band, fusing traditional and contemporary elements into an upbeat and energetic sound. The gang’s songs are full of catchy hooks, infectious rhythms and a party spirit.

The Travelling life

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Common Culture’s rousing debut single The Travelling Life is a stomping anthem that captures the ethos of the band; taking a stand, following your heart, choosing a path and ambitiously travelling forwards.

WASH AWAY THE DAY

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Rising stars of the alternative folk scene, Common Culture released their uplifting anthemic single ‘Wash Away The Day’.

It’s a heartfelt exploration of their lives as grassroots musicians and looks at the daily anxieties and insecurities faced by anyone navigating the challenges that come with pursuing one’s dreams.
With its infectious melody and inspiring lyrics, the song serves as a reminder that it’s okay to take a moment to breathe, wash away your worries of the day, and find solace in the company of loved ones.

TAKING HOLD

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On their introspective single Taking Hold, Common Culture hit the ground running in an infectious indie-rock-folk frenzy. The song’s theme grapples with anxiety and thoughts of self doubt; stopping at nothing to break free from destructive cycles.

“‘Taking Hold’ is a raw and honest look at the fear that can hold us back,” says Dan Watson (vocals and guitar). “It’s about the struggle to confront your demons and take control of your life, even when it feels like it’s too late.”

Ultimately, Taking Hold is an uplifting anthem of empowerment and motivation, which will resonate with people facing their own challenges and seeking a sense of self-belief to get them through.

what the world could be

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What The World Could Be serves as a poignant lament for the Earth’s dwindling natural beauty and a stirring call to action in the face of greed and injustice destroying the planet.

What The World Could Be shows another side to Common Culture’s upbeat folk sound. This time, the band takes a different approach, weaving a huge fiddle hook with pounding drum loops and evocative lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a planet under siege.

Singer and Guitarist Dan Watson said “I wrote this song while thinking about the kind of world we’re going to leave behind us. I imagine a weary traveller who has somehow been transported into a future desolate planet, destroyed by greed. It’s a cynical look at big corporations who will no doubt apologise, when it’s too late and they’re very rich.”

WE ARE COMMON CULTURE

“Where do you go when you’re onto a good thing, but it’s no longer part of who you are?” That’s what Dan Watson (vocals, guitar) found himself pondering after finding success early in his teens with The Barsteward Sons of Val Doonican. Over the years, having racked up sold out shows across the country, playing major festival slots at Glastonbury, Beautiful Days and Bearded Theory plus supporting his heroes The Levellers, something felt like it needed to shift. “I loved my time and what we did together, but I was getting a burning sensation to get out of my comfort zone, change course and find a new path. Even if from the outside it might seem crazy, given what we’d achieved.”

Dan turned to Lizzie Morris (fiddle and vocals) whom he’d regularly performed with as a duo at folk clubs around Yorkshire and garnered a plan to flip their energetic acoustic songs on the head. Armed with a set of crowd-pleasers (and a hard drive full of demos), they set out to push forwards and create a new sound with a full band. The style, loosely taking inspiration from folk and alternative musicians through the ages, from Frank Turner to Richard Thompson.

Reaching out to their circle of friends on the independent festival circuit, they searched for people who shared a common inspiration and outlook on life, but would also bring their own independent vibe and flair to the music. Asking Chris Reed (drums) and Evie Smith (bass, vocals) felt like getting the perfect people to complete the line up, comfortably melting into the dynamic of a newly formed band.

Of their inspiration flowing into the music, the band said “With the world seemingly coming at you from all angles and the state of the social contract, things can sometimes feel pretty bleak. We know that many people feel the same way and we tackle a lot of these issues in the songs. Yet we also see that a brighter future is possible. So we wrap these contrasts up into feel-good sing-along anthems. Making others feel positive and bringing all kinds of people together with a common culture, to party and have a good time.”