Diane Cluck, Pennsylvanian ‘intuitive folk’ singer-songwriter, makes a rare visit to Brighton to play at the Rose Hill venue this month.
Cluck began performing almost two decades ago, part of a New York anti-folk scene encompassing the likes of Kimya Dawson and Jeffrey Lewis (who is also coming to Brighton in a few weeks time). Latterly based in Virginia, her ethereal ecstatic vocalisation seems to have as much in common with the old hillbilly singers of the Virginia hill country as it does with the urban anti-folk scene. She has been cited as an influence by the likes of Sharon Van Etten, Florence Welch, CocoRosie and Laura Marling; and Devendra Banhart once called her “my favorite singer-songwriter in all of New York City”.
A Diane Cluck performance should be both challenging and inspiring. Experimental and enchanting, Cluck’s self-produced albums such as ‘Oh Vanille / Ova Nil’ or ‘Boneset’ (her last, which many view as her best album yet) tend to feature her own musicianship utilising guitar, keyboard, harmonium, zither and even a toy accordian. It will be fascinating to see her in this cozy intimate space.
Diane is also a believer in using the voice for healing, and is leading a multi-level singing workshop at the same venue the day after her performance (places at the workshop have already sold out).
Diane Cluck, The Rose Hill, Friday 16th March 2018 – tickets
Words and Photograph by Jon Southcoasting