British Underground spotlights a dynamic range of contemporary folk music
emerging from the UK and Ireland at Folk Alliance International 2026.

From January 21 to 25, 2026, Folk Alliance International gathers the global folk community to exchange ideas, discover new sounds and build lasting connections. At the heart of the four day gathering are the official showcases: curated 20-minute performances that place showcase-ready artists in front of industry audiences.

British Underground’s Amplified and Unplugged rooms at the conference reflect an evolving scene that is traditionally rooted yet alive with bold new perspectives shaped by shared history and culture.

Explore British Underground’s 2026 line up at Folk Alliance International below.

AK Patterson

Amy Rigby

Annie Dressner

Aysanabee

Bruce Molsky

Cera Impala

Clever Hopes

Crys Matthews

Dallahan

Danni Nicholls

DUG

Fiona Bevan

Genevieve Racette

Georgia Mooney

Goblin Band

Grainne Hunt

Great Lake Swimmers

Janie 'Bird' Price

John Smith

Maya de Vitry

Merrick Winter

Morganway

Polly Paulusma

Ranagri

Roswell Road

Ruth Theodore

Ryan Young

Seanie Vaughan

Sina Thiel

Sweet Petunia

Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel

AK PATTERSON

AK Patterson is a London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends gritty honesty with haunting beauty. Known for her unflinching exploration of dark and complex themes, Patterson crafts songs that find hope in the bleakest corners of human experience.

“I grew up playing Irish Traditional music on the fiddle, playing and singing in pubs which is where I cut my teeth. The older people I would watch, such as the people who would come drinking in the pub would just come for social connection. It has shaped my desire to make music that tells the stories of ordinary people, ones that focus on the human experience of joy, pain, suffering and above all hope”

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Amy Rigby

Amy Rigby has established herself as an enduring indie artist, combining the insight and humor of country and folk songwriting with classic rock craftsmanship and punk DIY spirit. She started bands Last Roundup and the Shams in NYC’s East Village before launching a solo career with 1996 classic album Diary Of A Mod Housewife.

“I grew up listening to 60s pop radio in Pittsburgh, classic rock and punk in 70s NYC and London, then fell in love with songwriting through the real life stories of country music — I carry all these influences through my writing and onstage with me.”

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Annie Dressner

Annie Dressner is a singer-songwriter, originally from New York City but now living in Cambridge, UK. Brimming with razor sharp wit, emotional poignancy and glorious melodies, Annie’s straightforward lyrical style, smart wordplay and lilting vocals offer listeners a front row seat to her captivating stories.

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