“Stirring, sensitive and spellbinding.”
Mary SpenderAbout Adam Kirkup
Adam Kirkup is a folk singer-songwriter based in Chester, UK.As heard on BBC Introducing, and BBC Radio 5 Live (where he wrote and performed a song about Naga Munchetty live on air.)
Adam was raised on the Northumberland coast to the music of Paul Simon, Don McLean and Shania Twain. He started writing songs at six years old and never thought to stop.
His released his debut EP, It’s only love that makes it feel like losing, in 2025. It was described as ‘masterfully crafted’ (David Hanners), ‘pure poetry’ (BBC Introducing), and ‘spellbinding’ (Mary Spender).
He has released a collaborative single with Kimya Dawson, toured with former WWE champion Mick Foley, and received a BBC Introducing ‘song of the year’ for A heart of stone can only break.
He’s also a frequent co-writer, with collaborators including Roxanne de Bastion, Olivia Rafftery, Mallory Chipman and Hein Cooper.
Releases
Hell Is In Pittsburgh Tonight
with Kimya Dawson, 2026
He Here Tomorrow
with Luna Keller, 2026
It’s only love that makes it feel like losing
EP, 2025
Land of the Living
2024
Notable shows:
With Mick Foley — The Cavern Club, Liverpool plus shows in Birmingham, Cardiff and Dublin (2025 & 2026)
With Andy Squyres — The Eagle Inn, Salford (2026)
Junkbox Festival — Chester (2026)
With Mallory Chipman — Paper Dress, Hackney (2026)
With Withered Hand — Thornton Hough Village Club (2025)
With Saint Catherine’s Child — Night and Day, Manchester (2025)
Loud and Local Festival — Chester (2025)
With Joe Martin — The Castle Hotel, Manchester (2024)
Tech (solo shows):
One vocal mic
One DI for acoustic guitar
Access to power supply
Live
“Masterfully crafted.”
David Hanners
Reviews
“I have fallen completely in love with the sensitive and tender sound of Adam Kirkup, the sentiment in “The Same Sun Going Down” is something we could all take to the bank, so let this one sink in.” — Folk My Life
“Very well written, both music and lyric.” — Malcolm Guite on Old Saint George
“A gentle comfort of a song that sees its subject tenderly.” — Nat Closner (Joseph) on A Heart of Stone Can Only Break
“This is a special piece of folk songwriting well worth further attention.” — Ear To The Ground Music on A Heart of Stone Can Only Break
“A tender and intimate offering with delicate, fingerpicked guitar and pensive, melodious vocals reminiscent of Paul Simon.” — Narc Magazine on A Heart of Stone Can Only Break
“The clever lyrics here are absolutely delightful. The amount of charm in this song is absolutely immeasurable.” — Ear To The Ground Music on Land of the Living
Socials
Instagram: ~6k followers
Viral song Hell is in Pittsburgh Tonight gained 1M total views
TikTok: ~1.7k followers
YouTube: ~300 subscribers
