Emily Portman

biog

Emily Portman is a singer, writer and concertina player based in the North East of England although originally hailing from Glastonbury, where, raised on a diet of fairytales and Somerset folklore she began songwriting at the age of six, starting out with a keyboard, a tape recorder and a thirst for blood-curdling stories. After years immersed in traditional songs, Emily's return to songwriting has already grabbed attention across the BBC, with a live session for radio 6, high praise on radio 2 and with Radio 3’s ‘Words and Music’ broadcasting live performances of songs from the album at their 'Free Thinking' Festival'.

Inspired by folktales and ballads, Emily weaves harmony-rich narratives relaying female experience. These visceral visions of a darker Albion conjure landscapes where mythical sirens collide in urban backstreets. Emily’s 2010 debut album ‘The Glamoury’ has been received with overwhelming critical acclaim, with The Observer hailing it ‘A remarkable and original debut.’