The Unthanks

"The Unthanks" (until 2009, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset) are an English folk group known for their eclectic approach in combining traditional English folk, particularly Northumbrian folk music, with other musical genres. Rachel and Becky Unthank are sisters, born seven and a half years apart, who grew up in Ryton, Tyne and Wear. Rachel graduated from Glasgow University and Becky went to Manchester Metropolitan University. Their father, George Unthank, is a well-known local Northumberland folk singer in a group called the Keelers, named after the boatmen who sailed the Tyne. Originally an all-female band, In 2009 the band became The Unthanks, and their manager Adrian McNally and his childhood friend Chris Price joined the group. Their first album as The Unthanks , Here's the Tender Coming, released on 14 September 2009, was Folk Album of the Year for The Guardian and also for MOJO magazine. Rachel and Becky Unthank are featured on Sting’s 2013 album, The Last Ship.