John Drakes

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John has been playing guitar and writing songs since he was 19, inspired by folk musicians such as Ralph McTell, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon.

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He weaves his melodies through songs of love and loss, political and social commentary, and environmental issues, with a honeyed voice and some fine fingerpicking on his beloved 1954 Gibson J50 acoustic guitar.

    

John plays regularly in folk clubs and festivals in North Yorkshire and is well known and respected for his engaging performances and stage presence.

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2016    Finalist in the UK Open Mic Competition at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House,                             Newcastle, and winner of the Best Original Song.
   

2016    Winner of the Graeme Miles song writing contest at the Saltburn International                       Festival of Song and Dance.
   

2016    Finalist and Runner Up in the UK Song Writing Contest Acoustic and Folk category.
   

2016    Nominated for UK Lyricist of the Year for “The Leaving of the Land.”
   

2018    Joint winner of the Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Festival song competition.
   

2023    Finalist in the UK Song Writing Contest (Folk, Protest & Love songs).
 

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