New Americana music festival goes on sale in Bath

The 7 Hills is a new music festival inspired by the sounds and culture of Americana, taking place on 4 September in Lyncombe Court in Bath, and tickets are now on sale. This year’s lineup includes well-known names from the world of folk, country, blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and gospel, as well as local emerging talent.

The 7 Hills is the brainchild of singer-songwriter and musician, Matt Owens. Matt first came to prominence as a founder member of indie-folk band, Noah and the Whale. Releasing four albums, Noah and the Whale achieved huge success in the UK and overseas, selling over one million albums in the UK alone. 2020 saw the release of Matt's second album Scorched Earth, to a fanfare of acclaim from the music press. The 7 Hills is Matt’s latest project, drawing on Bath’s deep musical heritage, and hoping to provide a pathway for younger artists in the years to come, whilst filling a gap in Bath’s current music scene.

Matt says “The posters on the walls of the Pavilion in Bath hint at a long lost past when Bath was a major musical destination, venues like Moles had legendary bands playing pre-Glastonbury shows, massive names like Peter Gabriel moved here. So, where’s it all gone? There are a few disparate voices and great venues - but it’s lost its weight. Artists often gravitate towards Bristol but there’s talent queuing up here! The 7 Hills, I hope, is one part of the solution.”

The 7 Hills Festival will bring together a roster of critically acclaimed musicians from Bath and the surrounding areas, and the occasional special guest from further afield.

This year’s headliner is Somerset local Beth Rowley, who’s acclaimed last album, Gota Fría, was championed by the critics and fans alike. Beth perfectly encapsulates the integrity that The 7 Hills aspires to achieve, drawing in other incredible artists. The festival team is ecstatic to have ensnared a headline act of such gravitas. London-based, Louis Brennan is known as a master storyteller, with songs that tell tales of half-drunk commutes and interpersonal claustrophobia delivered in Brennan’s cracked baritone. With a stunning new record due this year, all is set to cement the displaced-Dubliner’s reputation as a phenomenal talent.

Bristol’s Lady Nade is one of the current darlings of the UK Americana scene with a slew of hit singles garnering her a fast-growing cult following. Michele Stodart’s output in her solo career is of such a calibre, it rivals the quality of the work she achieves with her partners-in-crime The Magic Numbers, providing the perfect Sunday morning to the latter’s rawer Saturday night. Blue Violet are born out of the ashes of Bath institution Broken Bones Matilda and The 7 Hills will be one of their first festival slots on home soil. For the full lineup, go to www.the7hills.com.

Chris Rogers, festival co-founder and owner of the garden venue for this year’s festival, shares Matt’s vision for The 7 Hills. The idea took root in a conversation after Matt performed at the boutique Pleasure Garden Festival organised annually by Chris and his wife Denise, who are also trustees of The Bath Festival. Chris says “We already bring some of the best performers in the country to Bath, but a festival city should do more to celebrate its successful local musicians, and offer a platform for young emerging talent. The 7 Hills Festival is an exciting step towards filling this gap in Bath’s festival offering and we are delighted to give it our wholehearted support.”.

Festival co-founder and ex-music industry exec, Jack Horner, says “The 7 Hills isn't niche - Americana is an incredibly broad church of folk, roots, rock and roll and country. Whether acoustic or electric, it’s great live music. In the future, we plan to run The 7 Hills over several days and locations, with talks, showcases, acoustic and electric and a combination of established headliners and the opportunity to discover exciting new music curated by Matt. We are very open to discuss partnerships and collaborations.”

Tickets are now on sale, priced at £35.00, with a limited number of VIP tickets available. They can be purchased here: www.the7hills.com.