Ian Roland

Bio

Ian Roland & The Subtown Set’s debut album, ‘Double Rainbow’, is out now and includes the following singles from the album, ‘Songbirds’ , ‘In The Darkness’ , ‘Butterfly’ and the eponymous ‘Double Rainbow’. The trio comprises of songwriter and guitarist, Ian Roland, joined by Simon Yapp, on violin and Jade Woodhouse, on cello. Unique #Roots #Contemporary #Folk #Songwriting, with a nod to the classical and an embrace of three-part harmonies. They are based in Brighton, UK. Since 2015, when Ian and Simon started performing live as a duo and now a trio, with Jade on cello, they have supported acts such as Martin Simpson, The Black Feathers, Stick In The Wheel, TV Smith, Boo Hewerdine. Reviews of the ‘Double Rainbow’ album “Beautifully sung and beautifully played…Intimate. Quality musicianship and song-writing…” https://americana-uk.com/tag/ian-roland-the-subtown-set Andrew Frolish, Americana UK (Jan – March 2020) ” ‘Double Rainbow’ is steeped in folk and warming orchestration. At times traditional roots and at others, it spreads it wings to a more pop friendly realm…this is an album of charm to replenish the soul with.” Travellers Tunes (17th March 2020) “…a great album full of charming folk style melodies, which when combined with the haunting vocal style create beautiful tracks that stick with you long after the album ends.” Wall Of Sound Magazine (09th March 2020) “Double Rainbow is an eminently listenable and enjoyable release…Brighten up a miserable winter by treating yourself to a listen.” http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/IanRoland/ David Pratt, FATEA (2nd March 2020) “It’s an old myth that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but seek out this one and you’ll be well-rewarded.” https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2020/02/ian-roland-the-subtown-set-double-rainbow/ Mike Davies, Folk Radio (26th Feb 2020) “ Charming and Heavenly Contemporary British Folk.” https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/ian-roland-and- the-subtown-set-double-rainbow/…The Rocking Magpie (24th Feb 2020) “Harmonious, creative and seductive, Double Rainbow is the aural signal of transformation we have been dying to hear.” https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2020/02/23/ian-roland-the-subtown-set-double-rainbow-album-review/ Liverpool Sound & Vision (23rd Feb 2020)

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

At the risk of sounding a little over the top ..."Life"

What is your music dream?

To keep playing.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

"The man in the mirror" : )

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Imagine by John Lennon

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker; Jason Isbell; Sturgill Simpson; The Waterboys; The Kinks;

What inspires you to make music?

A need to escape and find somewhere to breathe.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Breathe

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Full of adrenalin...

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

We should buy more music not just stream it. We should go to more live gigs.

What do you think of Drooble?

It's cool...

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Changing 12 strings on a 12 string guitar

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I go to see live music at local venues...

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

I am still trying to work that one out... : )

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

I just saw Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker at the Komedia in Brighton. They were excellent...Check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVyOmZfvKu8