The Ashen Keys are a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation. The Ashen Keys's have performed at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Rochester Cathedral, Black Deer Festival, and at Shrewsbury Folk Festival as one of the winners of the 2023 Launchpad competition. The Ashen Keys released their debut album, The Name on Your Compass, in September 2024. One of their most popular songs from the album, Gathering, was featured in the Fatea Showcase Sessions Spring 2025.
Instruments: Vocals, oboe, ukulele, violin
Hannah has performed across the country in folk bands for over 15 years, and also performs with the University of Kent Concert band.
Instruments: Vocals, clarinet, guitar, ukulele
Rachel previously performed as a singer songwriting in Medway, taking part in various collaborations with other musicians. She has worked for Live Music Now, and has run community choirs and Sing for Parkinsons.
Instruments: Vocals, accordion, French horn, percussion
Vicky is the voice of the 'One Red Mitten' project, in collaboration with Stuart Turner and the late Chris Broderick. As well as performing in folk bands alongside Hannah for many years, she plays in the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra.
The Ashen Keys offer workshops on several themes, including a vocal harmony workshop, Exploring the voice and harmony, which sold out at Broadstairs Folk Week 2024. They also run songwriting worshops, particularly focussing on writing inspired by nature and observation of the world around us.
These workshops are suited to folk festivals and other events. Vicky is an experienced educator in the arts and cultural heritage sector, and Rachel has many years' of experience as an NHS voice therapist. She has also worked for Live Music Now, and has run Sing to beat Parkinson's as well as a local community choir.
Join Rachel, Vicky and Hannah to hear about The Ashen Keys' unique approach to writing songs and vocal harmonies, learn arrangements of The Ashen Keys' songs, and discover the importance of vocal hygiene including how the voice works, and how to take good care of it.
We'd love to hear from you! Sign up to our mailing list to keep informed about our gigs and upcoming album release, and show your support by following us on our socials! For gig or workshop bookings, please email us at keysashen@gmail.com.
