Buy on Bandcamp
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Stream on Apple MusicReleased: January 17, 2025
Ben Atkinson’s second album, Country Folk, is a deeply personal project that has been in the works since late 2021. The journey began with a photoshoot at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, evolving into an album that captures the turbulence and transformation of the past five years.
Reflecting on the record, Ben shared, “So much has changed in the world and in our lives. I’ve spent time traveling between the UK and Nashville for my PhD, meeting new friends and gaining a deeper understanding of the music industry. At home, I’ve watched my son grow and faced new challenges, while many of us have experienced loss. Meanwhile, the world seems to be in a constant state of flux—politically, socially, and environmentally.”
He continued, “These days, life feels like it never slows down. Our anxiety is fueled by every notification and the relentless 24/7 news cycle. This album is about all of that—but more importantly, it’s about returning to what truly matters. It’s a reflection on the last five years and a look ahead, highlighting music’s power to bring us together.”
Full Track List:
1. Country Folk
2. Heading Back To Nashville
3. The Way I Tend To Be
4. Magpie
5. Choices
6. Wannabe American
7. Why Shouldn’t We
8. Ten Years Ago
9. All About You
10. Changes
11. My Baby Boy
12. Country Folk – Reprise
Ben Atkinson: Vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, mandolin, keys/hammond organ, accordion, dulcimer.
Jamie Nowell: Electric Guitar
Chris Haigh: Fiddle
Lottie Morris, Daniella Bridge, Millie Sheppard: Backing vocals
Produced by Ben Atkinson
Recorded and Mixed by Ben Atkinson
Recorded at The Burrow Studios, Lincoln, UK
Mixed at The Burrow Studios, Lincoln, UK
All songs written by Ben Atkinson (© 2024 Tall Lime Limited) except The Way I Tend To Be written by Frank Turner, Why Shouldn’t We written by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Changes written by Alan Price.
Album photography by Rachel Dodds at REMD Photography.