The Ashen Keys are a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation. The Ashen Keys's have recently performed at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Rochester Cathedral, Black Deer Festival, and at Shrewsbury Folk Festival as one of the winners of the 2023 Launchpad competition. 2024 will see The Ashen Keys release their debut album, headline folk clubs and perform at folk festivals across the UK.
Instruments: Vocals, oboe, ukulele, violin
Hannah has performed across the country in folk bands for over 15 years, and also performs with the University of Kent Concert band.
Instruments: Vocals, clarinet, guitar, ukulele
Rachel previously performed as a singer songwriting in Medway, taking part in various collaborations with other musicians. She has worked for Live Music Now, and has run community choirs and Sing for Parkinsons.
Instruments: Vocals, accordion, French horn, percussion
Vicky is the voice of the 'One Red Mitten' project, in collaboration with Stuart Turner and the late Chris Broderick. As well as performing in folk bands alongside Hannah for many years, she plays in the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra.
The Ashen Keys offer a vocal harmony workshop, Exploring the voice and harmony, which they deliver at folk festivals and other events alongside their performance. Vicky is an experienced educator in the arts and cultural heritage sector, and Rachel has many years' of experience as an NHS voice therapist. She has also worked for Live Music Now, runs Sing to beat Parkinson's as well as a local community choir. Join Rachel, Vicky and Hannah to hear about The Ashen Keys' unique approach to writing vocal harmonies, learn arrangements of The Ashen Keys' songs, and discover the importance of vocal hygiene including how the voice works, and how to take good care of it.
We'd love to hear from you! Sign up to our mailing list to keep informed about our gigs and upcoming album release, and show your support by following us on our socials! For gig or workshop bookings, please email us at keysashen@gmail.com.
