Rachel Unthank and her sister Becky have been performing successfully as The Unthanks since 2009 (from 2004 until then as Rachel Unthank and the Winterset). Their 2005 debut album Cruel Sister was Mojo's Folk Album of the Year, and since then they have released a slew of critically-acclaimed records.
Their catalogue includes two albums featuring the songs and poems of Molly Drake, mother of Nick Drake and a trilogy of albums about the Hull triple trawler tragedy (1968), the First World War and the poems of Emily Brontë. Their latest album, Sorrows Away, was released this month to rave reviews.
On Sunday 30th October, The Unthanks and their 11-piece band will perform in the National Concert Hall as part of the Tradition Now series.
We asked Rachel for her choice cultural picks...
FILM
I recently saw a preview of the stop motion animation Shackle by Ainslie Henderson which is screening at London International Film Festival on November 25th. It explores the dark side of a performer’s ego with warmth and feeling and is beautifully brought to life by his captivating creatures.
MUSIC
Like everybody else I have been rediscovering my Kate Bush back catalogue, inspired by the Stranger Things use of Running Up That Hill this season. I have also been listening to my back catalogue of Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill and also The Voice Squad, honouring the sad loss of two such warm, wonderful and masterful musicians in Dennis Cahill and Phil Callery, both whom I was lucky enough to work with and are such a sad loss.
BOOK
I have recently read Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro with my book club. It's a futuristic exploration of robotic friendship and AI which has stayed with me and left me reflecting on the world we already live in.
THEATRE
If I wasn't away on tour then I would definitely be going to see Ballet Lorent's retelling of the brothers Grimm's fairytale Rapunzel, written by Carol Ann Duffy and co-produced by Northern Stage. I went to see their version of Rumpelstiltskin a few years ago and was totally drawn into the magical world that they created.
TV
Strictly!!! I am unashamed to say that it brings me great joy.
GIG
My two boys and me have just been to the Allen Valley Folk Festival, where Talisk had a village hall full of folks bouncing on their feet on a Sunday afternoon. We were also hoping to go and see the Penguin Cafe Orchestra at The Sage Gateshead, but couldn't get tickets. We'll have to be quicker next time...
ART
I love the work of Jonny Hannah, and how he takes people’s stories and turns them into vibrant pieces of work that feel deeply connected to the place they are from. He is currently working on a project in Hartlepool and you can see some of that journey on Instagram.
TECH
My kids love the app Incredibox where they can piece together prerecorded riffs to create their own pieces of music. One of my sons even DJ-ed at his 4 year-old nephew’s birthday party using it!
THE NEXT BIG THING...
For me, it's being able to be with people again. Singing, dancing, hearing live music, being with people and sharing a moment together. It's not going to get old, that, is it!!
On Sunday 30th October, The Unthanks and their 11-piece band will perform in the National Concert Hall as part of the Tradition Now series, with support from Louise Mulcahy. The series also includes performances by Luka Bloom, Soïg Sibéril, Paddy Keenan and Ceara Conway - find out more here.
