Mercury Prize nominated folk singer, conservationist, song collector, award winning promoter, broadcaster and activist
Sam Lee plays a unique role in the British music scene. A highly inventive and original singer, folk song interpreter, passionate conservationist, song collector and successful creator of live events. Alongside his organisation, The Nest Collective, Sam has shaken up the music scene breaking boundaries between folk and contemporary music and the assumed places and ways folksong is appreciated. Sam's helped develop its ecosystem inviting in a new listenership interrogating what the messages in these old songs hold for us today. With his latest critically acclaimed album, Old Wow, he’s summonsed up a truly compelling and emotional album that takes his work to yet another level. Likewise in 2021, Sam releases his debut novel 'The Nightingale, notes on a songbird' telling the epic tale of this highly endangered bird and their place in culture folklore, folksong, music and literature throughout the millennia.
Live & Upcoming
Latest gigs, appearances, radio & TV
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Latest Projects
Delve into the many strands of my work as a performer, producer, curator & broadcaster.
Albums & Books
My discography so far...Here are my first 3 album offerings alongside my first published book.
Singing with Nightingales
Late night concert in April & May with a small audience, a guest musician and a nightingale
Nature Activism & Awareness
Projects I'm involved with bringing the stories, songs and power of nature into public awareness
My Band and Other Animals
I’m beyond lucky that I get to work with some of the most talented and inventive musicians.
Pilgrimages & Nature Guiding
The nature pilgrimages I lead in the UK and beyond - profound natural spaces.
Radio Hosting
All my documentaries for BBC Radio 4 & Radio 3 & other channels. My full catalogue of work here.
TV & Film
Here is the full repertoire of my inclusions on the silver screen & behind the scenes.
Song Collecting
For 15 years I travelled the UK & Ireland collecting songs from the Gypsy Traveller community.
The Nest Collective
Award winning folk club and concert promoter, hosting live events across the UK.
Podcasts
Both as a presenter and as an interviewee I've spent many hours contributing to the podcast medium.
Stanley Robertson | My Apprenticeship
The most life changing and defining years of my musical journey with Stanley Robertson.
Reportage: Newspaper Articles, Media Appearances & Reviews
“A compliment from the critics is like the hangman saying you have a pretty neck”
Music Industry
Aside from being a creative and artist I actually rather like to get involved behind the scenes.
Music Performances & Projects
Some of my other collaborations as a singer, working on some extraordinary projects.
Literature
Over the years the work I have done has had the honour of being featured in several books.
Awards, Accolades & Nominations
The list is not endless but of these few acknowledgements I am very proud.
Lecturing & Teaching
My occasional forays into lecturing in universities and beyond, UK and abroad.
Featured Video
John Barleycorn | Official Video
Taken from 'Old Wow+', a reissue with 6 bonus tracks, out now. Including two songs recorded in Stonehenge. https://SLee.lnk.to/oldwowplus
The Moon Shines Bright feat. Elizabeth Fraser
The Moon Shines Bright feat. Elizabeth Fraser by Sam Lee, produced by Bernard Butler. From the new album 'Old Wow', available to listen here: https://slee.lnk.to/OldWow