Sweeney Astray is an indie folk trio based in Preston, London and Manchester (Mike, Hannah and Anna).
It is also a vehicle for Mike’s songwriting and the line up can vary depending on the availability of musicians. His songs are a unique mix of poetic balladry, catchy melody, acoustic songwriter and alt indie folk. Every song tells a story, whether it’s about love and the ocean, backpacking, drinking or fighting in a war. It’s about good music, togetherness and holding onto that inner strength. Sweeney Astray released their fist single, the Rooks of Kathmandu, in Dec 2014 (available for a free listen below).
Previously Sweeney Astray/Mike Kneafsey have been lucky enough to support many national acts such as Midge Ure, John Bramwell (Iamkloot); Miles Hunt (The Wonderstuff), Martin Simpson, George Borowski and the Fabulous Wonderfuls, Dodgy, Admiral Fallow, The Smoke Fairies, Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets). Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker (Radio 2 Folk Duo of the Year 2015) and The Travelling Band.
Sweeney Astray: Mike Kneafsey (lead vocals/guitar, songwriter), Hannah Dacey (double bass/vocals/piano/violin), Anna Ashworth (drums/percussion).
Guest musicians:
Katie Ritson(vocals/guitar/piano), Elliott Dryden (bass) and Marta Canellas (cello)
Sweeney Astray music is available to download from their site on band camp https://sweeneyastray.bandcamp.com/
Information about their latest gigs can be found on their reverbnation site
http://www.reverbnation.com/sweeneyastray
The Rooks of Kathmandu, Sweeney’s first single released in December 2014, is available for a free listen below.
Mike Kneafsey Guitar 