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”
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.”
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.