About

Adam Kirkup is probably the only folk singer to tour with a WWE wrestling champion. 

Raised on the Northumberland coast to the music of Paul Simon, Don McLean and Bob Dylan, he started writing and recording songs aged six, and never thought to stop.

In 2025 he released his debut EP, It's Only Love That Makes it Feel Like Losing. A tender collection of guitar-and-voice recordings on themes of family, parenthood, conspiracy theories and life in the digital age. The project was called ‘masterfully crafted’ (Pulitzer-winning writer David Hanners), ‘stirring and spellbinding’ (YouTube music star Mary Spender) and ‘pure poetry’ (BBC Introducing). The track A Heart of Stone Can Only Break was a BBC Introducing track of the year, and Kirkup’s songs have drawn praise from comedian Ed Gamble, poet Malcolm Guite and The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle.

In early 2026 he released a duet with anti-folk legend Kimya Dawson. The track, Hell Is In Pittsburgh Tonight, the tale of a 1998 wrestling match, was an unexpected viral success, with 1M views on social media. It led to shows at Liverpool's Cavern Club, as well as Dublin, Birmingham and Cardiff with former WWE champion Mick Foley.

In summer 2026 he was challenged live on air by Naga Munchetty to write a song for her BBC Radio 5 Live show. He dutifully obliged, crafting a song in half an hour about Naga’s career and hobbies, and performing it live on national radio.

You can order your own 100% handmade custom song at humansong.club.