Made in York
Ned Swarbrick is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from York, UK. Over the last couple of years he has been quietly establishing himself on the local music scene, initially with his indie 3-piece The Corsairs and now with his new solo material.
His more recent work has taken his writing in a different direction, penning a selection of acoustic based songs that reflect his love of both literature and pop culture.
Music is all about discovery...and Ned is the first to admit that he's still finding his feet. He refuses to be tied down to a single genre. This is reflected in his live performances, switching seamlessly between Belle & Sebastian-esque pop numbers and intimate folk tunes more reminiscent of Nick Drake. He describes his music as melancholy, upbeat, sad, happy, tongue in cheek and serious.
He recently joined Bernard Butler in Leeds at the Howard Assembly Room as part of his UK tour and Edgar Jones when he last played in York. With 40+ shows under his belt, he's had the pleasure of playing alongside some great artists and bands, including The Deep Blue, Andrew Cushin, Tom.A.Smith, Jody and the Jerms, Trampolene and York's very own Bull.
He's just released his debut 4 track EP - Michelangelo which features a live track Emperor's New Clothes that includes friends and musicians from the National Youth Folk Ensemble (NYFE).
Over the summer, with the help from some of York's up-and-coming musical talent, he's been recording a collection of his songs, and has just done a live session with BBC Introducing York & Humberside. He's hoping to have some more new music to share soon. You're sure to catch him busking on the streets of York or playing in and around the city.
Latest...

Black Swan Folk Club
City of York Folk Weekend
Saturday 7 June 2025
Really looking forward to getting the band together to play at this year's City of York (Roland Walls) Folk Weekend. Come and see us all on the Main Stage!

Bamber Bridge F.C.
Autocamper, The Amber List & Ned Swarbrick
Saturday 19 April 2025
Crossing the Pennines again to play a charity gig at Bamber Bridge F.C., Preston, with friends Autocamper and The Amber List. This is a very special fundraiser show for Bamber Bridge FC's SAVE BRIG appeal.

No Instrument presents
Tugboat Captain, Victory Samosa & Ned Swarbrick
Wednesday 23 April 2025
Can't wait for this one! Going to be supporting London's Tugboat Captain along side old friends Victory Samosa at the Fulford Arms.

Debut EP - Michelangelo
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Will Farr - Eclectic Picks
I'd like to give a big thank you to Will Farr for featuring me on his new website and including Skomer in his Eclectic Picks this week on Fresh on the Net...and for the lovely review :)
You can go and listen all of Will's picks and read the reviews here....
He’s a young fella from York who has already done more than a great number of artists twice his age
Mondo Bizarre Magazine
Many thanks to the lovely Raquel at Mondo Bizarre Magazine for featuring Michelangelo in the Middle of the Week Song feature.
They first got in touch following their Ecosystems post...Amazing Songs & Other Delights #72 – The Ecosystem edition...finding connections between songs and artists. Bernard Butler had just played in Portugal and I had the great privilege of supporting Bernard when he played in Leeds... hence my connection to the story.
I've since got another mention out in the Best of 2024 write-up. Sending much love to Portugal, go check them out!
I became aware of Ned Swarbrick when Bernard made a shout-out for support acts, and I liked Ned’s music. His EP has been a constant since.



BBC Introducing
Live session - BBC Introducing York and Humberside with Jericho Keys





Supporting Bernard Butler
Howard Assembly Room, Leeds

Howard Assembly Room (Photo by Simon Godley)






The teenager from York displayed a maturity in his songwriting and the charming confidence of his delivery that belied his tender years.
God is in the TV
Live at York 2024
Central Hall, University of York

Live at York 2024 (Photo by Alex Holland, UoY)






Live recording session at Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, York University
Live at the Fulford Arms
Instagram