Emily Portman is an award-winning singer and songwriter with a passion for traditional songs, hailed as ‘one of the new British folk scene’s most beguiling presences’ (Uncut). She has toured widely for over 15 years as a band leader, with The Furrow Collective, the folk chart-topping Sea Song Sessions, and in a duo with Leveret’s Rob Harbron. Emily was awarded a BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song and has released three critically acclaimed albums of original songs that recast old ballads and fairytales into new shapes.

In 2026, Emily returns to the road with an inspired new live show previewing songs from her forthcoming solo album Dominion of Spells, due for release in May 2026, alongside selected material from across her acclaimed catalogue.

Dominion of Spells marks a bold new chapter in Emily’s songwriting. Drawing on ballads and folktales, the album weaves lived experience with rich mythic imagery, charting a heroine’s midlife journey through dark woods in search of transformation and wonder. Shape-shifting selkies, fairy queens, foxes, and owl goddesses are woven through contemporary story-songs exploring parenthood, home, burnout, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.

Emily’s new songs are brought vividly to life in performance with a new live line-up featuring sought-after guitarist Louis Campbell and acclaimed cellist Lucy Revis (Before Breakfast). Together they create a richly layered yet understated sound world, with Emily’s luminous vocals, banjo, and piano at the centre, woven through crystalline harmonies, lush strings, and interweaving electric and acoustic guitars.

Audiences can expect an intimate, spellbinding performance as traditional influences meet contemporary stories in the room. This preview tour offers an early glimpse into Dominion of Spells: an evening of vivid songs where mythic imagination meets contemporary song.

Support comes from Elm, a Leeds-based folk duo captivating their audiences with layers of rich cello harmonies and floating voices. They inspire meaningful connection in a rapidly changing world through their delicate songwriting and arranged material. As classically-trained cellists with backgrounds in various disciplines of singing, Elm write original music and arrange traditional and contemporary songs for voices, two cellos, and other accompanying instruments. Elm’s songs focus on their shared love for the natural world and seasonal change, and they enjoy experimenting with rhythm and harmonic interest.

Praise for Coracle:

‘Entrancing and unsettling. A marvellous, original work’ Observer

‘A tribute to her powerful imagination’ Living Tradition

‘Spooky and surreal’ Guardian

‘Together with her previous two albums The Glamoury and Hatchlings, Emily has created an immaculate triptych of darkly brilliant songs. Make sure to be a completist and get this in your life.’ English Dance and Song Magazine

“An intensely luminous collection of songs whose articulate lyrics, virtuoso performances and intricate arrangements never overshadow the very real humanity which is at the heart of it all.” Folk Radio UK

“Intense and alluring” Fatea