PROJECTS
HELIAN
Helian are a Folk Quartet consisting of, Rhiannon (Vocals & Flute), Che (Guitar), Ben (Cello), and Niamh (Harp & Vocals), they met at Leeds Conservatoire, where they all graduated in music performance.
Helian weave together the rich traditions of British folk music with modern, innovative sounds. Their music is a celebration of heritage and storytelling, blending haunting melodies with evocative lyrics that speak to the soul. Helian’s unique style draws on a diverse range of influences, from ancient ballads to contemporary folk, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
They have performed at festivals such as Sidmouth Folk Festival, Gate to Southwell, Purbeck Valley Folk, and Dart Music Festival. They have also had the privilege of supporting artists such as Martin Carthy, Show of Hands and John Smith. Helian's Debut EP was released in July 2025, and has had a very warm welcome from lots of folk audiences.
"Helian are a fabulously accomplished, relaxed and interesting group to listen to, very much keeping the tradition alive and injecting it with real energy, too."
- Phil Taylor, LeftLion
To find out more about Helian, head to their website.
NIAMH FLYNN & CHARLIE BIRKETT
Niamh Flynn and Charlie Birkett, are a harp and fiddle folk duo based in Leeds and Scotland. They met during their music studies at Leeds Conservatoire, where they both graduated in music performance.
Their tunes combines the sounds of traditional Scottish and English music, with a contemporary, modern feel. Playing a range of tune styles from emotional slow airs, to foot stopping, fast reels, they weave melodic fiddle lines, with rhythmic yet atmospheric harp parts. Exploring themes such a love, loss and nature, they take massive influence from their respective homes. Charlie looks deeply into the techniques and tradition of Scotland, more specifically the boarders, where she grew up. Niamh delves into the stories and folklore of Devon and Cornwall, having grown up in Exeter.
Telling stories through tunes is a really important part of the duo, they make every performance as personal and as expressive as possible. Tailoring their sets for where they play and who they're playing for.
Niamh and Charlie have performed at festivals and venues across the UK, such as Hyde park folk club, The Hirsel, Great North Folk Festial, Celtic Connections and many more.
Niamh and Charlie are in the process of recording a studio album, but a live EP from their current set at Celtic Connections is soon to be released.
NIAMH FLYNN - SOLO
Niamh Flynn, an innovative electro-acoustic harpist and composer, blending the timeless sounds of the harp with modern technology to create a unique and captivating musical experience.
She crafts original compositions using loops and FX pedals to manipulate and transform the harp’s natural tones. Her music merges ethereal harp melodies with layers of electronic textures, creating intricate soundscapes that evoke both tranquility and energy. Through the use of real-time looping and dynamic effects, Niamh creates immersive performances that blur the lines between acoustic and electronic music. Each performance is a live exploration of sound, where ambient, classical, and experimental elements come together, allowing herself to push the boundaries of what the harp can express. Whether performing in intimate settings or larger venues, her music invites listeners to experience the harp in a new and exciting way.
Niamh has released two singles, ‘Constellations’ and ‘Luna’s Launch’, and since then, deepened her focus on composing, resulting in the creation of a five-track EP inspired by the Elements—Water, Air, Fire, Earth, and Metal. This EP has been a true labor of love and is a reflection of her growth as a writer and the artist she is today. Three of the tracks feature the incredible vocalist Issey Chivers and the talented drummer Senan McCullough. The first single from this EP is set to drop in the next couple of months, with the final touches currently being completed.
