Common Culture are a rousing, fiddle-driven alternative folk band from Barnsley, England. Fusing traditional and contemporary influences with three-part harmonies into an upbeat, foot stomping and energetic sound. With their uplifting anthems of empowerment and motivation, the gang’s songs are full of catchy hooks, infectious rhythms and a party spirit.

Formed by Dan Watson (vocals, guitar) and Lizzie Watson (fiddle, vocals), the band evolved from their acoustic duo roots into a dynamic four-piece with Chris Reed (drums) and Evie Smith (bass, vocals). Their sound draws inspiration from the likes of The Levellers, Frank Turner and The Wonderstuff, blending poignant storytelling with feel-good anthems.

Since releasing their debut single The Travelling Life in January 2024, Common Culture has amassed thousands of organic views and gained a reputation as an explosive live band, captivating audiences at standout shows, including their festival debut at Bearded Theory.

Recently, the band were personally invited to perform alongside Kate Rusby for a major Cancer Research fundraiser and are fast becoming a formidable force in alternative folk.

May 2025 sees the release of the Common Ground EP. The six songs showcase Common Culture’s authentic songwriting and ethos, which resonate with fans by celebrating shared experiences and encouraging people to be themselves, let loose and embrace the good times. The songs weave empowering anthems of motivation and resilience, melodically exploring the universal challenges of following your heart and forging one’s own path.

The EP is supported by the Common Ground Tour across 15 UK festivals, including performances at Boomtown (w/ Sex Pistols), a return to Bearded Theory (w/ Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers), Brasenose Cropredy (w/ 3 Daft Monkeys), Chickenstock (w/ Molotov Jukebox) and Gate to Southwell (w/ Richard Thompson).

Common Culture released their rousing debut single The Travelling Life, on January 1st, 2024. The video amassed nearly 4,000 organic views on Facebook on the first day of release. It’s a stomping anthem that captures the ethos of the band; taking a stand, following your heart, choosing a path and ambitiously travelling forwards. It was swiftly followed up in February by What the World Could Be and a huge home town debut show in Barnsley. Feeding their growing fan base, their uplifting anthem of empowerment and motivation, Taking Hold was released in May and the band triumphantly played to a packed out crowd at Bearded Theory Festival, along with performances at other notable summer festivals, such as Holmfirth Festival of Folk. Released in August, Wash Away the Day smashed over 10,000 organic Facebook views on day one! 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.

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.”

“An exciting up and coming band to watch!” – Kate Rusby

“A formidable force in the realm of alternative folk music” – Pure M Zine

“More red-alert songs like this one are always welcome. Enchanting” – Turn Up The Volume

Listen to Common Culture Here  / Watch Common Culture Here