The Candlelit Sessions at Patchwork Studios are a unique and intimate way to experience a curated selection of homegrown talent from across the Southwest. Attracting emerging artists and established names alike to our humble home on the Cornish hillside, this monthly musical offering is curated by Alex Hart.
Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull, Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. Industry still shapes the city here. The people, as with the land, are moulded by tides and stark horizons. Stand in the same place for long enough and you can watch the sun rise over the North Sea and then sink into crop fields, glowing auburn in late-summer sun. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.
Katie Spencer’s highly anticipated new album, The Edge of the Land (2022), follows her debut release, Weather Beaten (2019) which was praised for its unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity, as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Delicate and un-rushed, the ten songs on The Edge of the Land drift by like ships on the horizon, yet intimacy and introspection still remain.
The inclusivity found in her recorded works is most apparent when on stage, with a personal connection and humour that allows the listener time to appreciate the emotion of the music. Her historical gig list is extensive, taking in the world-renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, whilst performances with Danny Thompson and Alan Thomson have left audiences in awe of her confidence and craftsmanship.
As live music returns to our world, we can expect to see Katie Spencer where she belongs once more, eyes closed, in the moment, performing.
Camping is available separately via Maker Camp website. Our Tavern within the venue is open until late, dishing out all the finest local tipples to keep you hydrated, plus if we’re lucky, Garrison Gallery will be serving up a storm of cocktails within their magical art-adorned walls next door. Oscallys Food Wagon will be cooking up top homemade scran to keep your bellies full until 9pm over by the campsite entrance, and The Canteen opens at 9:30am for coffee and breakfast.
See you up the hill 🌞