Changing Horses

Changing Horses are a quirky British, pop, folk, indie, rock male and female duo who formed in Preston. Comprised of Richard Birtill (vocals and guitar) and Francesca Cullen (vocals, violin, mandolin and melodeon) the band have a sound of their own, mixing the psychedelic folk of The Incredible String Band with the experimental art-punk of The Fall finished off with a coating of the kind of pop sensibility found in an Abba classic.

Their stripped-down raw instrumental live act, alongside their hard-hitting and often satirical lyrics have found them positioned easily alongside act such as Ade Edmondson, Jeffrey Lewis, Adam Green (The mouldy Peaches) and Pat Sansone (Wilco) with whom they have shared the bill. Their unique sound has also found them being received, with equally high-regard, by audiences ranging from Crawley Folk festival to Kendal Calling. Changing Horses also completed a successful tour in Spain in March 2010.

Their achievement, to date, have also included flying across the pond to Nashville to record 6 tracks with top session musician and producer Chris Donohue (who has played for such heavy weights as Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris and Ben Folds.) Their song ‘Cut All Strings’, has featured on an HBO documentary and has gained the accolade of ‘myspace track of the week’ on both Mars Planet’s Radio and NME radio. The song was also featured as ‘Best of British new talent’ on the ‘Festival Harvest’ compilation (released nationwide summer 2010) subsequently receiving airplay on Bob Harris’s and Steve Lamaqc’s radio 2 shows respectively. Additionally, ‘Cut All Strings’ was voted ‘listener’s choice’ on Lamacq’s show and it was also showcased on his ’6 extra’ show.

They will be launching their debut Ep, “The Nashville sessions“, in Lincoln in the new year.

“5/5? Review- The Kaje.

“10/10? Review- The Ark.

“A fresh sound for fans of bands like The White Stripes, David Byrne, Talking Heads and Kate Bush”- T-Schnieders, Associated Contents.

“This UK based duo, made up of Richard Birtill and Francesca Cullen, have mastered the art of quirky Americana, displaying a knack for folksy acoustic pop ditties that stick in your ears like glue.”- Mish Mash Music.

“While some artists are content to just dip their toes in the pool of creativity, England’s Changing Horses choose to disregard the ‘no horseplay’ sign and go straight for the running cannonball approach.”- Will Hodge – My So Called Sound Track

“Truly original and delightful”- Robin Williamson, The Incredible String Band.

“Changing Horses sound fantastic. I’ve had them on in the car non-stop for weeks and the more I listen the better they sound! I can’t wait to see them live.”- Barney Jeavons, The West End Arts Centre Aldershot.

“They smashed seven shades of faeces out of the assembled masses.”- Olly the Octopus, eARmusic.