I’m excited to announce my first live performance of 2022, at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey on Sunday 6th February. This is an afternoon concert starting at 12:15pm and hosted by the good people of Walton Folk Festival. CLICK HERE for tickets. 
“Rather Lovely Electro-Folk” – Mark Radcliffe & Stuart Maconie – BBC 6 Music
“The feel of Elliott Smith & Sufjan Stevens” – Scottish Daily Express ★★★★
“Haunting” – The Sunday Times
Chris Cleverley was born under a solstice moon, in the honeysuckle mysticism of a late 80s Midsummer.
Cleverley’s boundary-shattering ‘Dream-Folk’ songwriting sits on the cutting edge of modern folk. A true guitar-man, his elaborate alternate tunings, percussive rhythms and ambient sound design flow beneath a visceral lyrical style inspired by the Lo-fi American Greats, Elliott Smith & Sufjan Stevens; a curious tapestry weaved from the hazy psychedelia of the 60s folk revival and the soulful oblivion of 90s Pacific Northwest.
FATEA Male Artist Of The Year 2019 & 2022
Latest News
Happy New Year
Thanks so much for joining me on my artistic journey in 2021. It was another stifling year all round hey? I’m wishing you all the best for this coming one and hope it brings you much happiness. This is going to be a massive year with two large solo UK tours and the release of my new album in November. Stay tuned for more news soon. In the meantime here’s another chance to catch my seasonal video; a cover of Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Sister Winter’, featuring Graham Coe (The Jellyman’s Daughter) on strings and backing vocals and Kathy Pilkinton (Said The Maiden) on backing vocals:
FortyFive Vinyl Cafe – York
ONLINE ALBUM LAUNCH
To celebrate the release of my new album ‘Live From The Glass Isle’ I will be launching the record through an exclusive live stream concert.
I am aware some people were not able to make the tour dates at venues so I wanted to provide this extra date to make sure everyone has the chance.
I am very lucky to be joined by the incredible songwriter and musician Lucy Farrell who will be performing some of her music too.
And if that isn’t enough the event will be compered by Reveal Records artist Dan Whitehouse.
The concert is a ‘Pay What You Can’ event. We are all feeling the pinch, so whatever you are able to spare, if you send it through to https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chriscleverleymusic you will receive a ticket invite email.
‘Live From The Glass Isle’ OUT NOW
I’m so happy to share with you that my new record ‘Live From The Glass Isle‘ is now available on Ltd Edition CD and Digital Download, exclusively from my Bandcamp page.
CLICK HERE to pick up your copy today.
I’ve been really grateful for all the support you have given, as well as the kind words in the press. You can read what people have been saying here:
Folk Radio UK review
A Statement on Live Music
A STATEMENT ON LIVE MUSICIn just over a week I embark on the tour to promote my forthcoming record ‘Live From The Glass Isle’.
I wanted to check in with you my friends, in an open and honest way, to explain my state of ambivalence as I navigate mixed feelings of eagerness and apprehension.
I am working on this tour with venues that are very conscious of the role they can play to safeguard people at their events; audience, performers and staff alike.
I would be really interested to hear from you and understand how you’re feeling about live music currently. I want to connect with the diverse range of opinions and am particularly interested to hear from those who wanna get back out there but are feeling unsure. Perhaps we can talk through some of the safety measures in place, liaising with venues where necessary, and try to overcome any barriers. Please feel free to message me through the contact form if that’s helpful.
While the narrative revolves around our ‘freedom’ and inexorable progress towards a better world, my mind races with the simmering unease of rising COVID 19 cases, the large numbers of vulnerable, unvaccinated people and the duty of care we all have to move forward mindfully and compassionately.
I have a desire to connect and to progress beyond the deep malaise of the spirit that afflicts us all. I have an urgent financial need to work. But these are just components of a bigger picture for me.
To those who are feeling ready to join me it will be so wonderful to see you. I invite you cordially to join me in taking lateral flow tests on the day of each performance, wearing a mask when moving around, sanitising and offering people the space they may need.
To those who are not there yet, I am behind you every step of the way and will continue to provide opportunities to access my music in other ways until the time is right.
Album Release Tour
I’m really happy to be back on the road for a series of gigs supporting the release of my new album ‘Live From The Glass Isle’. It will be wonderful to be back in venues, seeing everyone again, catching up and sharing stories about our experience of this strange new world. Would be great to catch you at one of these dates:
30.07: The B-Bar – Plymouth, Devon
31.07: Abbostbury Church – Newton Abbot, Devon (with Dan Whitehouse)*
01.08: Schtumm – Box, Wiltshire
05.08: The Dark Horse – Moseley, Birmingham (ALBUM LAUNCH GIG)
08.08: Green Note – Camden, London (with Tobias Ben Jacob)
Are tickets are available HERE
*please note the venue change – this event is no longer taking place at Kingskerswell.
Album Release News
I’m very pleased to say I will be releasing a new record called ‘Live From The Glass Isle’ on Friday 6th August 2021.
It is an album of reimagined versions of a number of my older songs, arranged for solo acoustic guitar and voice and recorded with a live feel.
It will be available as a very limited run of special edition CDs as well as digital download. I’m really pleased to share the cover with you, designed by the tremendous artist Elly Lucas.
Make sure you are following my Bandcamp page for updates on the release.
Global Music Match 2021
I’m really pleased to announce I have been selected to participate in the 2021 round of the Global Music Match programme.
This is a worldwide collaborative event uniting 78 artists from 17 countries over the next 3 months.
I’m repping English Folk Expo’s ‘Team England’ with 5 amazing artists; Eliza Marshall, Dan Whitehouse, Lucy Farrell, Jack Rutter and Lunatraktors.
But most importantly, starting next week I’ll be introducing you to music of my very own ‘Team 13’ teammates, as we engage, collaborate and dive head first into each other’s art:
The Arrows and the Armour – Official Music Video
I’m really pleased to share the official music video for my new single ‘The Arrows and the Armour’. It was filmed in September 2020, between lockdowns in my hometown of Birmingham. Huge thanks to Redwood Music Photography for another triumphant production. Please give it a look and leave a comment if you enjoyed it:
Official Music Video – Watch here
