“The last thing I wanted to make was a beautiful but soulless DADGAD album… I wanted bits of spit and sawdust, scuff notes here and there”: Jamie Dickson on the tragedy and joy of his acoustic folk debut – and a Martin deal that felt too good to be true

A black-and-white image of Jamie Dickson playing a resonator in the studio.

If you’re a fan of vintage folk heroes like John Martyn, Nick Drake and Bert Jansch, Withershins by Jamie Dickson may very well end up being one of your favorite releases of 2024.

The debut solo full-length from the editor-in-chief of Guitarist magazine is a love letter to earthy acoustic guitar sounds of the past, transporting the listener to a private serenade in a dark, fire-lit room. Evocative and intimate in feel, with real-life noises and guest musicians adding color, its natural warmth is rooted in a time when more emphasis was placed on musical honesty than anything too forced or contrived.