Amy Thatcher is a professional accordionist. She is based in the North East of England. Her reputation is that of one of the UK’s leading folk accordionists. Firstly as a performer. Secondly as a composer.

Amy is garnered from working with luminaries such as.

 “[Amy has become] my right hand woman”. This is how Tickell describes their working relationship. Moreover, this has spanned over fifteen years.

Amy’s musical upbringing owes a lot to Stockport’s famous “Fosbrook’s Folk Education Trust”. She trained from the age of eight on.

Her education here concluded at age 18. But most importantly not before being taught by and recording with accordion virtuoso Murray Grainger.

That first now-infamous album, entitled “Paper Bird”, was recorded when she was just 16 years old.

From 18 onwards she continued her musical education in Newcastle. That is to say that this was on the prestigious Folk and Traditional Music degree course at Newcastle University.

Her exceptional accordion playing has taken her across the world. For example from The Royal Albert Hall to the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia. In addition performing with small instrumental groups to full orchestras.

Furthermore Amy  has a diverse range of musical influences and experiences. These include contemporary avant-guard composer Terry Riley’s compositions. In addition it includes the hugely successful Leonard Cohen Tribute tour.

In 2009 Amy had the pleasure of collaborating with Sting. She performed on his Winter Song book and DVD. In addition she contributed to his musical Broadway show “The Last Ship”.

2019 saw the release of her debut album “Solo”. Solo is a dynamic and expressive instrumental album. Exploring new textures and arrangements for solo accordion.

Amy’s following EP ‘Let What’s In, Out’ was released in November 2021. This EP was released to raise awareness of Premature Birth in support of Bliss .

In addition there’s more planned for 2022 with a brand new duo with drummer Fran Knowles.

Amy also appears on Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening’s first album. This exciting new ‘world music’ sextet brings ancient Northumberland into the 21st Century.

In addition to this, Amy works with electro-folk pioneers Monster Ceilidh Band. Furthermore she performs with renowned Scottish Traditional Music Award winners The Shee.

Both bands have regularly appeared on national TV and radio in the UK. Moreover they enjoy sustained success on the UK and European folk and festival scenes.

Amy continues to live and work in Newcastle. Most importantly she continues to build her career as a professional world travelling musician after graduating from the course.

For further information please do get in touch