Ollie King is a melodeon player and singer whose music is steeped in the customs and traditions of England. Based in Sheffield, he is starting to make a name for himself as one of the most exciting and interesting up-and-coming melodeon players in the country, and has already developed into a mature, well-rounded musician with a unique style and approach to traditional music. A defining feature of his sound is his sole use of vintage Hohner instruments (maintained and modified by Mike Rowbotham), setting him apart from other players of his age. Since becoming a New Roots finalist in 2011, Ollie has played up and down the country, and appeared on releases by Megson and The Young’uns. In 2013, he was selected by the English Folk Dance and Song Society to be on their Aspire Programme for artistic development. This has led to collaborations with BBC Young Folk Award winner James Findlay, both as a duo and as a vocal trio with traditional singer Rosie Hood. His first solo album, Gambit, was recorded and produced by Andy Bell (Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden, Fay Hield), with artwork by the wonderful Elly Lucas and features BBC Folk Award nominated musicians Fay Hield and Sam Sweeney, as well as James Findlay and Rosie Hood.
