The Collector

This month: Seth Lakeman

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West Country folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman has been making his mark on music since being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 with his breakthrough album, Kitty Jay.

Seth’s thrilling solo performance of the eponymous title track on live television won him widespread praise and started him on an incredible solo journey which has included 11 album releases (six of which have charted in the Top 40), BBC Radio 2 playlisted singles, a clutch of awards and touring all over the world. He celebrated Kitty Jay with a 20th-anniversary tour in 2024.

Seth has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including recording on Van Morrison’s 2021 album, Moving On Skiffle, and touring extensively with Robert Plant as part of his band the Sensational Space Shifters. He has also played multiple times with Wildwood Kin, Public Service Broadcasting, Tori Amos, Billy Bragg and Jools Holland.

What do you collect, and why?

I have been collecting vinyl for a number of years now. The interest was kicked off by a collection of records passed on to me from my grandfather. He loved swing jazz and big band albums and there were some fabulous gems in the catalogue he gave me; Fats Waller, Chris Barber, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman to name a few. This was the start of my collection. Then I realised that being on the road and in different towns and cities as a touring musician was a perfect chance to peruse the vinyl shops of Britain. I started picking up rarities and the unfamiliar records that I couldn't find on CD. I loved coming back from tour and being able to sit back and enjoy those chance discoveries. It grew from there.

How big is your collection?