Seth Lakeman was catapulted into the music mainstream when he was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for his album Kitty Jay.

Inspired by the legends and stories of Dartmoor where Seth grew up, it was produced by his elder brother Sean Lakeman and cost just £300 to record in his kitchen in a Dartmoor village. Seth’s thrilling solo performance of the eponymous title track, on live television, won him unanimous praise and started him on an incredible solo journey which has included record deals, 11 album releases (including 6 Top 40), BBC Radio 2 playlisted singles, a clutch of awards and touring all over the world.

The Guardian noted his inclusion in the Mercury Prize shortlist at the time as “the biggest surprise” as he was up against a raft of well-known pop artists. Through Kitty Jay Seth brought folk music to a new, younger audience and he has been widely credited with breaking down perceptions and barriers often associated with folk music.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the album’s release and Seth will be touring in February with a band including long-time collaborators Benji Kirkpatrick, Ben Nicholls, Cormac Byrne and Alex Hart playing the album and other favourites.