The Beautiful South founder member launches debut album

TopicUK group editor Gill Laidler recently caught up with former founding member of The Beautiful South, Dave Hemingway in his hometown of Hull, ahead of the launch of his debut album 'Cool to be Kind' by his new band Sunbirds.

Having retired from the live scene at the end of 2016 Dave has been busy with guitarist, songwriter and collaborator Phil Barton with Cool to be Kind signalling the arrival of the new band and a new sound.

The new album blends musical instruments of rural America with a twist of Grungy guitars and sets them against the lyrics that remain very much at home town in the cities of England. "The songs are quite different to those of The Beautiful South and indeed my band before that, The Housemartins. They are about life in England but with an American twist," Dave told us.

"We are also delighted to have new discover Laura Wilcockson joining us on vocals and violin," he added "Laura is from a classical background as well as some folk so she sits perfectly with us. If you're lucky you might spot her busking around Mansfield too!"

The new album is available on 27 November, slightly delayed from its original launch date of 30 October. The group are also planning a 2021 tour, watch this space!
https://open.spotify.com/album/1no5CZME3fFHx4pWdYjiuO