Black Deer announces next wave of artists

February 23, 2023

Today Black Deer Festival reveals the next wave of artists joining the bill for the fourth edition, taking place at Eridge Park, Kent on June 16-18 2023 – a carefully-curated collection of some of the most exciting, in-demand and acclaimed musicians in Americana, country & beyond. Tickets are selling fast at https://blackdeerfestival.com/tickets/.

In a line-up that already includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lucinda Williams, The Teskey Brothers, Calexico, Allison Russell, and Bonnie Raitt – fresh from claiming the prestigious ‘Song of the Year’ at the 65th Grammy Awards with “Just Like That” – this year’s Black Deer is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend. Now, Europe’s premier, award-winning Americana festival is thrilled to announce additional names added to this stunning array of songwriting artisans.

The Pretenders remain one of the most enduring acts of the rock era, a band whose immeasurable influence and impact on guitar music continues to be felt today. Led by the charismatic, unflinching Chrissie Hynde, recently described as “still the epitome of an iconic rock star” by The Guardian, their 2020 album Hate For Sale further demonstrated the band’s natural swagger and ability to create rock’n’roll that rips up the rulebook. Expect a similar unmissable spectacle from their performance at Eridge Park.

Formed in London, Bear’s Den, consisting of Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones, have amassed a dedicated and international fan base with their anthemic songs that touch the soul. Recent album Blue Hours was the duo’s most personal record to date, and also one of the best-selling Americana releases of 2022 – handling topics of intimacy and mental health in a beautiful, melancholic manner.

Americana pioneers Midlake returned in 2022 after a decade away, releasing For the Sake of Bethel Woods, an emotive, luscious, and powerful album that received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Blending a kaleidoscopic mix of styles and influences, Midlake are refreshed and revitalised, releasing some of their best output in their 20-year history.

One of the most celebrated artists of his generation, Steve Earle first won an audience as a country musician, though it didn’t take long for him to demonstrate that designation was too narrow for him. This versatility and consistent critical acclaim helped him attract a loyal following throughout his stylistic evolution, right up to his most recent album, Jerry Jeff, which is incredibly his 22nd LP. He’ll be performing an intimate solo set at Black Deer 2023 that is sure to be an ‘I was there’ highlight.

Kurt Vile & The Violators are also set to perform at Eridge Park. Acclaimed for his inventiveness, distinctive guitar style, and laid-back affability, Vile has continued to grow in both skill and popularity over a career arc that grew from self-released CD-Rs to major-label releases. Taking to the stage with his regular backing-band The Violators, expect a transfixing psychedelic indie rock performance.

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real have garnered plenty of plaudits since their early days when Neil Young hired the quintet as his backing band. Since then, Nelson, son of Country legend Willie Nelson, has gone from strength to strength, winning a BAFTA and Grammy for his work as a co-producer of the music for A Star Is Born, releasing seven studio albums, and playing over 400 live shows across the world.

Another group attracting plenty of attention is Far From Saints, made up of Kelly Jones of Stereophonics and Austin’s Patty Lynn of The Wind and The Wave. Releasing their debut track “Let’s Turn This Back Around” only last month, straight onto the BBC Radio 2 A list, their set at Black Deer will be their first ever festival performance – showcasing their forthcoming album that evokes a cross-genre sound spanning all routes of Americana.

This stunning second wave of artists also announced for Black Deer Festival 2023 include: Bonnie Light Horseman, This Is The Kit, Joanne Shaw Taylor, CMAT, Drake White, Katherine Priddy, Tami Neilson, Angeline Morrison, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Willi Carlisle, Melissa Carper, Sleep Walking Animals, Dylan LeBlanc, Bonnie Montgomery and Luke Elliot.

Black Deer favourites Young Folk, The Roadhouse and Arkansas Porch Sessions are also confirmed to be returning, with news on the festival’s much-loved artisan streetfood & drink offering (including the hugely popular ‘Live Fire’ chefs , brought to you by Grillstock founders and popular authors Jon Finch and Ben Merrington), The Great Americana Songbook, The Songwriter Sessions, Gospel Brunch and Ozark Holler Hootenanny coming soon.

Final Tier 1 day & weekend tickets are available now here, with day splits coming soon. Fancy camping, pre-pitched camping upgrades and other VIP upgrades are also available here.