'Full contact folk music'

 

Rodney Branigan - Biography

Texas-born and London-based, Rodney Branigan is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter celebrated for his exceptional musicianship and innovative performances. Renowned for his unique ability to play two guitars simultaneously, Branigan’s blend of organic progressive folk, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful vocals has captivated audiences across the globe.

His distinctive style, known as Solitary Ensemble, sets him apart from traditional solo singer-songwriter performances. This concept involves Branigan performing alone while creating the impression of a small ensemble. Through his refined and elegant approach, he skillfully manipulates multiple instruments simultaneously, crafting intricate harmonies and dynamic textures that offer an immersive and layered listening experience. The Solitary Ensemble is a testament to his musical versatility, allowing for deep exploration of ideas while maintaining an intimate connection with the audience.

With a career that spans continents, Branigan has performed alongside renowned artists. Outside of his live performances, he is also dedicated to music education, sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians through workshops and lectures, inspiring a new generation of artists.

 

Quotes

“Rodney Branigan is one of the most amazing artists you will ever see. Not simply because he is unique, but rather because he is impossibly talented” Music Connection Magazine

“Leave to cross France from end to end, because this is what we call a real discovery. A contemporary musician as innovative as the Boulez was in his time” Paris Moves
 
"Every year there will be one or two artists that take the audience completely by surprise. This year Rodney Branigan was undoubtedly that artist, his name being mentioned in our feedback over and over again as peoples stand out act" John Marshall-Potter, FolkEast

Toured
His reputation as an outstanding live performer has led to turns supporting or collaborating with the likes of Jack Johnson, Billy Sheehan, G.Love & Special Sauce, Cross Canadian Rag Weed, Kelly Willis, Dick Dale, Gangsta Grass, Slim Jim Phantom, BoDidley, Bad Finger, Alabama 3, Stereo Phonics, Billy Bragg, Albert Lee, Andy McKee, Preston Reed, Tommy Emmanuel, Tom Robinson, Seth Lakeman, Show of Hands, Nick Harper, Frances Cabrel, Temper Trap, (India) Pentogram, Shaiir 'n' func,  Angelique Kidja, Talvin Singh, Nibs Van Der Spuy (SA)

Co-written with: Dave Loggins (Nashville)  - Nick Reynolds AKA Harpo Strangelove (Alabama 3) - Jon Allen (UK) - Nibs van der Spuy (South Africa) - John Pointer (The House Jacks - Austen, Texas) - Tim Snider (Nahko & Medicine for the People -Reno, Nevada) - Randolph Correia - Pentagram/Shaiir 'n'Func (India's award-winning songwriter/producer/musician)

 

Festival Appearances

UK -              Glastonbury Festival - Acoustic Stage 2019         Glasto Extravaganza - Main Stage double headliner w/Tom Odell 2018  

WOMAD, Folk East, Acoustic Festival of Britain, Broadstairs Folk Week, Chagstock, Blues on the Farm, ANewDay, Weyfest, Strawberry Fair, Strummerville, Trowbridge Village Pump, The Big Green Gathering, Kendal Calling, Croissant Neuf Summer Party, Farmer Phil's, Small World, Cambridge Rocks,  Bestival, Secret Garden Party, Big Wheel Blues, Beautiful Days, Gate to Southwell, Bimble Bandada, Maui Waui, LemonFest, SEend Festival, Folkestone Triennial, Kingston Green Fair, Bearded Theory, Behind the Castle, Somerset CiderMooz Fest, Abbotsbury, The Ely Folk Festival, Frome Festival, Bradford Roots, Dart Fest, Curzon Festival, Songs from the Shed, Kingsbridge Music Festival, Armchair Adventure, StokeFest, Manifest, Bristol Folk Festival, North Dorset Folk Festival, The Northern Green Gathering,  SouthWest Outdoor Festival, Cheltenham Guitar Festival, The Great British Guitar Show, London Acoustic Guitar Show, Birmingham Guitar Show, London Guitar & Bass Show, Bute Guitar Festival, Green Man, GlasDenbury, Green Valley Fest, Out of the Ordinary Festival, Salcombe Live, BaaFest, Old Bush Blues, Gloucester Blues Fest, European Fingerstyle Guitar Festival, Alford Rock & Blues, Lollapalooza. Little Orchard Festival, Behind the Castle.

WALES - Cnwy Castle, Sonic Rocks, Celtic Blue Rock, Beach Break Live, Focus Wales, Snowdon Fest, Rudry Fest, Festival of the Celts

SCOTLAND - Celtic Connections, Merchant City Festival, Edinburgh Guitar Festival

NORTHERN IRELAND - Ards International Guitar Festival

IRELAND - Clonakilty International Guitar Festival 

INDIA - The Ladakh Confluence, Sula Fest, India Bike Week, Bandre Festival, Festival Alibaug, Global ISAI Festival

SRI LANKA - Moving Out Festival

SOUTH AFRICA - Splashy Fen Festival

HONG KONG - Clockenflapp Festival  

CORSICA - 'Les Nuit de CORSICA - 'Les Nuit de las Guitare de Patrimonio GuitarFestival

ITALY - 'ArtistsiinPiazza' Pennabilli, Albenga Festival

IBIZA - Costa del Folk

SPAIN - ProWeekend

USA - 24hr Film Festival Alberqueruee,  New Mexico Film Festival, NAMM Show California, TOCO Illinois

SWITZERLAND - Buskers Bern.  

DENMARK - Copenhagen Guitar Festival 

SWEDEN - Fuzz Guitar Show,  Live at Heart, LillaBy Festivalen

GERMANY - Music Messe (Acoustic Stage for Yamaha Guitars & D'Addario Strings)

BULGARIA  - Plovdiv Guitar Festival

ROMANIA - MMB, Danube Rocks Festival

GREECE - Athens Music Week

ESTONIA - International Guitar Festival - Judge and performer -  Vilnius, Lithuania

POLAND -Songwriter LODZ Festiwal, Goyki 3 Art Inkubator