Michael Kilbey

Michael Kilbey started out as co-writer with hotly tipped Glastonbury New Talent finalists: The Franks. But feeling the strong urge to work alone, he departed and his solo career was born. In 2016, he began uploading a series of raw demos, which captured the imagination of listeners, notably on Twitter where his fan-base quickly grew into the thousands.

A classically trained oboist and choir singer in his youth, Kilbey resented the formal approach to music education. It was in a dusty store cupboard next to his classroom that he picked up his first nylon-string guitar and began teaching himself. Self-teachings in piano, bass guitar, and string arrangement followed, culminating in his debut pro record: 'I Was Waiting', which was crowdfunded by his die-hard support base. Shortly after, Kilbey won an online vote propelling him to the main stage at London's Blackheath festival.

These are emotive, often expansive songs about the struggle to exist, imbued with a romance and sense of defiance that promises there is something worth fighting for. Alienation, fantasy & intimacy are among the key themes explored; arrangements often of a filmic style with weaving strings, poetic lyrics and heart-rending melodies.

Set to return to the stage in 2024 with a handful of exciting new and unheard songs, Kilbey re-appears suitably poised to embody the yearning voice of the so frequently dubbed ‘lost generation’.

'Focused writing and distinctive vocals...' - Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music