CRUEL FOLK

Sean Holden has been a drummer since the age of nine. That might not sound entirely relevant here, but stick with the story...

 

Having learning a little guitar at an even earlier age, the nearest thing he's ever had to a religious experience was the first time he sat behind a drum kit. Having had parents who loved music he was lucky in having a supportive environment in which to pursue this, and consequently he's played for quite a few rock bands, the best of which was Underground Zero - of which more below - and also did quite a bit of big band and small group jazz in London before having a second life-changing experience at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2001. On this occasion, hearing the sound of a mandocello in Show of Hands' set led to an "I have to learn to play one of those" moment, and then to a re-discovery of the joys of the guitar, and the bouzouki and mandolin, and then singing. The singing bit also involved an unhealthy quantity of beer.

 

He now plays acoustic music of varying styles with Cruel Folk, Dodman, and as a solo artist. He also built and runs the studio where Cruel Folk record, and maintains the web site. This is in addition to the day job.

Paul Holden began playing guitar at the age of about twelve, because his brother did, then stopped at the age of about twelve and three days, because he could only play My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, and that was only recognisable if he told people in advance what it was.

 

He then started again at the age of seventeen, and apart form a slight lull when he was married, hasn't stopped since. He's played in one or two pub bands, doing the usual covers, but the best time was had as one of the guitarists in Underground Zero, a spacerock band from the eighties.