one night i was in a pub in Matlock and this bloke from one of the big three folk agencies in the uk came in with a cardbord box full of cds and dvds - all of them still in their cellophane. none had been listened to and/or watched. he said to the assembled company - help yourself these are just taking up office space.

there was product from many of the major names on the folkscene - headliners you'd seen advertised on all the festivals and you assumed were making a good living.

the folkscene is in a hell of a mess. mainly because...who knows. just make sure you're not on the deck of the sinking ship. you can't predicate your artistic life onthe vision of a gang of middle aged myopics and semi pro dilletantes.

you have to find your own arena one where the crowd at least pays for your rent and food. how can it be folk music - if the folk don't value it that much.