Bemis

Bemis is an English folk and roots act that begins in April 2006 as a duo formed by Gareth Howells and Ritchie Leo. Both play guitar, with Leo also using a twelve-string acoustic to fill out the sound. The pair have many years of playing behind them, and their long friendship and shared commitment shape the close vocal harmonies that become a key part of the group’s sound.

Songwriting and style

Howells is the main songwriter. Bemis mostly performs songs written by the group itself, focusing on subjects that matter to the band, including personal experience and wider social themes. Their live performances emphasise vocal harmony, the dynamic range of the arrangements and a strong acoustic approach.

Line-up changes

In August 2009, Jeff Radford joins as a permanent member, playing bass and vocals. Radford uses the bass both melodically and rhythmically, and the addition of a third singer expands the band’s harmonies. For live shows, the group also adds drummers, first Gavin Jones and later Del Seymour, to give the performances a fuller sound.

Recognition and performances

Bemis wins Best Folk/Roots Act at the 2008 Portsmouth Guide Awards and the Forest FM Breakthrough Award in July 2009 for its growing profile in Dorset. Howells reaches the final of the All About The Song songwriters competition in 2009. The band appears at festivals and venues including Stokes Bay Festival, Longest Day festival, Bearded Theory, Secret Garden festival, the Hampshire Green Fair, the Halfmoon in Putney, the 100 Club, The Brook in Southampton, the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, the Cyder House Inn near Guildford, No.10 Cafe in Bridport and Centre Stage in Bournemouth.

Support slots and touring

The group supports artists including Midge Ure, Phil Beer, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Megson, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Richard Digance, Ella Edmondson, Kirsty McGee and Kaki King. It is also supported by Paul Simmonds, Naomi Bedford, Derren Nauendorff, David Rovics, Pete Christie, New Rising, True Deceivers, Ian Scarbro, Wood Wire and Words, and Elijah Wolf. Earlier live activity includes a five-week residency in Thailand in 2007.

Later competition entry

Bemis reaches the regional finals of the No Sleep Till Hammersmith unsigned band competition in 2010.