Broadcast Partner
Thursday 22 August 2024
The Deep Blue, winner of the Christian Raphael Prize 2024 in association with the Cambridge Folk Festival, have already attracted the attention of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show since their success at this summer’s festival, with Mark Radcliffe playing their new single, ‘Cynical’ on this week’s flagship music show.
An indie-folk, all-female band from Manchester and beyond, they came together in 2021. Praised for being quietly outspoken, with an air of rebelliousness and punk attitude fused with hypnotically beautiful harmonies and intertwined instrumentations, their lyrics are always deeply personal; ranging from small, detailed vignettes and musings to anthemic calls to arms, with strong elements of storytelling.
Winner of the Cambridge Folk Festival I Christian Raphael Prize 2024, The Deep Blue are now the sixth recipient of one of the most significant competitions throughout the country for key emerging talent in this genre of music – Tricia Collins is this year’s runner-up.
Announced following the four-day Festival in Cambridge, this unique prize, launched at 2018’s Festival, contributes £300 per month over the following year to help the winner with their career. The winner is guaranteed a slot on the Festival bill the following year, plus is able to benefit from PR advice from roots publicist Richard Wootton. The runner-up receives £250.
Rebecca Stewart, Cambridge Folk Festival Manager said: ‘The winners this year have yet again blown us away. We are thrilled that The Deep Blue have won and can’t wait to see what’s next for them as well as welcoming them back next year. The Christian Raphael Prize really is a highlight of the Festival.’
Previous winners are Mishra, Katherine Priddy, Nick Hart, Angeline Morrison, and in 2023 Frankie Archer.
Christian’s mother, Vicki Raphael said: ‘When we established this prize six years ago with Cambridge Folk Festival, it was the beginning of something very special. To be able to offer such practical support to young artists at the start of their musical journey has been a privilege. By contributing to the artistic progress of these young music-makers, Christian continues to effect a positive change at the heart of a world that he loves.
‘We’re delighted to see previous winners’ careers flourishing and wish every success to The Deep Blue, clearly stars in the making! Also, to 2024’s runner-up Tricia Collins.’
Delighted at winning the prize, The Deep Blue said: ‘We are absolutely over the moon to have been awarded the Christian Raphael prize! It means so much to us to have the support of Christian and his family, and the wonderful Cambridge Folk Festival. Their help for new artists navigating their way through a difficult industry is essential and amazingly generous. We can’t wait to get cracking! We’ll be using the support to tackle our new release, enhance our live performance and get our music to new ears!’
The Deep Blue are Georgia, Niamh, Katie and Sophie. Hailing from Scotland, Republic of Ireland, England and Wales respectively.
The shortlist for this year’s prize was drawn from a list put forward by bookers at the Festival’s renowned emerging talent stage, The Den and the judging panel were: Festival Manager, Rebecca Stewart; Festival supporters Christian Raphael and Vicki Raphael, Richard Wootton, Roots Music Publicist and Sponsorship Officer, Amie Hoyland.
