marthasandarthurs

"a pastoral Abba or Belle & Sebastian backing Mamas & Papas"
 -The Guardian

Marthas & Arthurs started life round a campfire in a wood in Herefordshire in the UK, and began their performing career playing to a passing dogwalker. After playing at care homes in North London (the advantage being that audiences couldn't run away) they made a name for themselves with their Dinner Downloads, playing unplugged in people's houses in exchange for a meal and a drink or two.

Since turning to more conventional gigs, they've supported Laura Marling and The Magic Numbers and appeared regularly at various festivals like Green Man, Standon Calling and Lounge on the Farm, as well as running their own residency - Marthas & Arthurs Presents - at the Scolt Head pub in Dalston, London, in collaboration with Britain's most famous spoon-carver Barn the Spoon (who sometimes carves onstage with the band, like a spoon-carving Bez). 

Each of the Marthas (Mary and Esther) and Arthurs (Esther's brother Tom, and Matt) take it in turn to sing lead. Their fans include Cerys Matthews, Jarvis Cocker, Rob Da Bank, Radcliffe & Maconie, Frank Skinner, Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne.

Here endeth the lesson.