Missed our live Q&A with Josienne Clarke? Catch up now on Folkscape.Live!

We talked about her music, creative process, and upcoming show.

Josienne Clarke sings Sandy Denny, Live from The Live Room, Saltaire

📅 Recorded on Friday 7th March 2025
🕗 Now available OnDemand
📍 Tickets from £15 or included in your subscription

Josienne Clarke breathes new life into Sandy Denny's timeless songs, honouring the emotional depth and lyrical brilliance of the British folk pioneer who died at the age of 31 in 1978.

With a voice that blends strength and vulnerability, Josienne captures the essence of tracks like “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?” Her modern take on Denny's classics bridges past and present by blending traditional folk with contemporary elements. Through her authentic performances, Clarke keeps Denny's legacy vibrant for new audiences, ensuring that her music remains relevant and impactful.

Now, through a special live-streamed event on Folkscape.Live, Josienne Clarke not only pays tribute to a legendary figure in folk history but also redefines these songs for today’s audience, proving that great music is truly timeless. With each note, she reminds us of the power of storytelling through song.

Join us live for the performance or use OnDemand to catch-up later.

Catch Josienne on tour - HERE ARE HER DATES

Included as part of a Folkscape Live subscription.

Who is Josienne Clarke?

Let’s talk about Josienne Clarke, a folk singer who’s been quietly carving out her own space in the music world—and trust me, it’s worth paying attention to. If you’re into artists who blend raw talent with a knack for doing things their own way, she’s someone you’ll want to have on your radar. Based out of the Isle of Bute in Scotland, Josienne’s voice has this crystalline quality that pulls you in, and her songwriting? It’s sharp, introspective, and doesn’t mess around. She’s not here to churn out predictable folk tunes, she’s pushing boundaries while keeping things real.

Her journey’s been anything but straightforward, which is part of what makes her so compelling. For years, she was one-half of a duo picking up a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo in 2017 and signing with Rough Trade Records. That’s no small feat., Rough Trade’s roster isn’t exactly known for playing it safe. Crafting albums that mixed traditional folk vibes with a modern edge and earning her a reputation as a rising star in the British folk scene. The Financial Times even called her out as one to watch back in 2019, and they weren’t wrong. 

But here’s where it gets interesting: Josienne didn’t stick to the script. After leaving that duo in 2018, could’ve coasted on her past success. Instead, she went solo, took the reins of her own career, and hasn’t looked back. Her 2021 album A Small Unknowable Thing was a total DIY affair. She wrote, arranged, and produced it herself, no label, no compromises. Tracks like “Super Recogniser” show off her Joni Mitchell-esque vocals paired with minimalist guitar, while “The Collector” throws in unexpected industrial noise. It’s folk, sure, but it’s folk that’s been dragged into the 21st century and given a good shake.

She’s not just about her own songs, either. Josienne’s got a knack for reworking covers that feel fresh—like her 2022 EP *Now & Then*, where she tackles everything from Sandy Denny classics to Radiohead. It’s a bold mix, and it works because she’s not afraid to let her personality shine through. Plus, her live shows? They’re something else. She’s toured with heavyweights like Richard Thompson and Robert Plant, and her upcoming 2025 gigs, like the Sandy Denny tribute at Celtic Connections in Glasgow, are already generating buzz.

What’s really cool about Josienne is how she’s built this career on her terms. She’s got the chops, years of classical training, a voice that’s been compared to Sandy Denny (high praise in folk circles), but she’s not chasing trends. Her latest album, Parenthesis, I, dropped in 2024, and it’s another step forward, blending melancholy with sharp storytelling. It’s the kind of record that sticks with you, perfect for anyone searching for music that’s honest and doesn’t pull punches.

If you’re looking for an artist who’s all about authenticity, Josienne Clarke’s your pick. She’s out there making indie-folk that’s smart, soulful, and totally her own; proof that the genre’s got plenty of life left in it. Check her out on Bandcamp or catch one of her live dates. You won’t be disappointed.