Smoke Fairies

Smoke Fairies are a British duo formed by Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies. The group originates from Chichester, United Kingdom, and has been active since 2006. Their music is generally associated with alternative rock, folk rock and indie rock, and they are also linked with folk, blues, singer-songwriter and alternative indie influences.

Background

Blamire and Davies meet at school in Sussex in the late 1990s. In 2002 they spend time in New Orleans, where they absorb American blues music. After returning to England, they discover British folk music at Sidmouth Folk Week while working as car park attendants. They later live in Vancouver for a year before returning to London in 2006 to begin performing.

Recording and releases

The duo develop a reputation for harmonies and intricate guitar playing. They release critically noted albums, including Blood Speaks and their self-titled album Smoke Fairies. The self-titled record is made in 2013 in a remote studio in Kent with producer Kristofer Harris. It includes a more direct songwriting approach, with the pair using synths for the first time and stripping back lyrics that they feel are too flowery.

The album features tracks such as “Your Own Silent Movie”, “Drinks and Dancing”, “Want It Forever” and “Hope Is Religion”. “Hope Is Religion” is described by the duo as reflecting their shared commitment to writing and continuing with music.

Collaborations and touring

Smoke Fairies support acts on tour including Bryan Ferry, Richard Hawley and Laura Marling. They also have a single released on Jack White’s Third Man Records. For the self-titled album, they work with drummer Andy Newmark, who has played with Sly and the Family Stone, Roxy Music and John Lennon.

Before the self-titled album, the pair are living in Peckham and working temp jobs while continuing to make music. Their songs often draw on the contrast between their close vocal partnership and the idea of distinct voices speaking to each other, rather than blending completely into one.