Before The Gold Rush

Before The Gold Rush is a brand new night at The Wilmington Arms music venue in central London. It showcases the best in emerging and unsigned artists within, but not strictly confined to, the genres of folk, americana, and alt. country.

Confirmed acts: Joe Wilkes, Patch And The Giant, Long Dead Kings, Tommy Hinkley & Wandering Horse

Joe Wilkes

Joe Wilkes is an exceptional singer-songwriter from South London. A firm favourite on the London folk circuit, Joe’s guitar playing displays a rare talent that is as awe-inspiring to watch as it is to hear.

Joe has long been associated with the Spitz venue in East London where he played with Bert Jansch, Beth Orton and Joan as a Policewoman. More recently he has shared a stage with Davy Graham, Dick Gaughan, Leon Rosselson as well as the poet and playwright Harold Pinter.

2011 saw the release of ‘Looking for the Grave of Garcia Lorca’, Joe’s much-anticipated third album – and his first on Spitz Records. The album, a combination of historic and modern parables named after the Spanish dramatist, was eagerly received by critics.

Following stints living and working in France and Spain, Joe returned to the capital and quickly established himself as a regular at the highly esteemed Lantern Society folk club at The Betsy Trotwood, and at the ‘Folk Roots New Routes’ night at The Amersham Arms in New Cross.

Joe’s storytelling songwriting and his technical fingerpicking immediately draw comparisons to Dylan and Jansch. However, Joe’s voice has a unique timbre that also sets him apart from his influences. He is simply an artist that you must see up close in an intimate setting while you still have the opportunity!

“Joe Wilkes is one of those all-too-rare musicians who, when they play, make you believe in them instantly.” - AMERICANA UK

“Wilkes’s music has many aspects – part blues, a dash of Dylan, part country/folk – and in its instrumental mix has free jazz and chamber music qualities, but his unmistakable personal stamp remains.” - The Morning Star

“Wilkes is a major talent. His songs are robustly crafted and he likes to defy convention and take risks with song structures.” - ROCK ‘N’ REEL Magazine


Patch And The Giant

Formed in 2011, Patch and The Giant are a 7-piece alternative folk band based in north London. Their sound comprises rough-edged folk with an occasional pop-esque lilt, air of jazz and a healthy hint of sea shanty. Seductive, offbeat lyrics and unique instrumentation married with an alluring sense of energy never fail to get a room full of boots stomping.

Since hitting the London gig scene in autumn 2011, the diary has filled almost overnight. Recent and upcoming highlights include headline shows at some of the capital’s most iconic live music venues such as Camden Barfly, Ronnie Scott’s, Water Rats and Notting Hill Arts Club.

Patch and The Giant are currently band in residence at The Boogaloo in Highgate (dubbed by GQ as ‘the sweetest little juke-joint in the world’) – hosting and curating The Sunday Fete - an afternoon/evening of finest folk and acoustic sounds set against the backdrop of the quintessential village fete, bunting and all.


Tommy Hinkley & Wandering Horse

The Wandering Horse combine classic sounding songs in the tradition of Dylan’s late seventies period and Laurel Canyon era Neil Young with shades of Jason Pierce’s mellower soulful Spiritualized explorations to create a perfectly balanced mix.

A heavy dual guitar, keys, and rhythm section underpins the finely crafted songwriting.

Hinkley is also singer/guitarist with folk-rock festival favourites The Moon Music Orchestra, born from the Bankside music mecca that is the Gladstone Arms. He released his debut solo record, Rays Of Pale Light, on the pub’s very own indie Super Glad records in 2011.

“Tommy Hinkley’s songs are exercises in exquisite detail, sung straight from the heart..” – Rory Carlisle, The Glad

“Hinkley’s voice has echoes of a gentler Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams, while his music recalls Adams at his less shit-kicking, softer, lovesick moments and Beatles tunes like “Blackbird.” – CHART ATTACK


Long Dead Kings

Formed in late 2010, Long Dead Kings are one third rootsy lullabies, one third dark country noir and er… another third valve pushing folk rock.

Occupying a large 19th century church in Crouch End, North London, the band comprises three multi-instrumentalist (they swap around sometimes) songwriters, a campaigning rhythm section and no one single questionably principled front man.

As you read this from the comfort of your home or office or school or prison cell, the band is most likely out there somewhere like Kilburn, slogging away, entertaining the whiskey-sodden masses with music and songs and words.

The band released their first full album in 2011, and previously worked with producers at London based artist development outfit The Animal Farm.

Main influences include The Band, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, CSNY, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, REM, Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, The Low Anthem, Midlake, AA Bondy, The Decemberists, Mumford & Sons and many more.


The Music

Between acts you can expect to hear music from the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Band, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, Bert Jansch, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, CSNY, Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Fairport Convention, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, The Low Anthem, Midlake, AA Bondy, Bright Eyes, Bon Iver, The Decemberists, Mumford & Sons and many many more.