Composed of the striking arrangements of centuries old traditional folk songs that have earned Sam Kelly critical acclaim over his career alongside deeply personal and introspective originals by Kelly and Francis, new album Dreamers Dawn charts an exciting new path for the Norfolk-based artist. Written, produced and recorded between Kelly’s and Francis’ home studios, the upcoming release is one of their most bombastic, joyful, poignant and accessible collaborations to date, weaving trad folk elements into songs with pop sensibility, and resulting in music that is deeply personal and sonically massive.

Since his debut EP in 2013, Sam Kelly has become a hugely respected player in the UK folk scene, releasing multiple albums to critical acclaim including Pretty Peggy (Navigator Records, 2017) and 2021’s The Wishing Tree released on Kate Rusby’s Pure Records, and earning praise from many of folk’s luminaries. The Lost Boys, nominated for Best Group at 2018’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, have been lauded for their artful playing and synchronicity that is heard throughout Dreamers Dawn.

First single and title track Dreamers Dawn is described by Sam Kelly as a ‘song capturing the euphoric and unadulterated joy of being at a music festival, and the unique magic that live music creates’, ‘Dreamers Dawn’ is an ode to the musical experience, featuring soaring, folk-influenced production, and a touching entreat, “if I hold a little piece of your heart tonight / Would you stay with me / In this place that forever holds mine.” Written and recorded with longtime collaborator Jamie Francis and including the talents of his celebrated live band The Lost Boys, the jubilant ‘Dreamers Dawn’ sounds ready for festival speakers and is an exciting hint of what the album holds.