WHETHER it is after playing with a band, an ensemble or just being part of a group there is something Seth Lakeman will always return to - his solo music.

Having been on the road playing with Robert Plant, Lakeman took some time at the start of 2019 to record his ninth studio solo record.

Recorded in his garden studio on Dartmoor, the songwriter has said the final piece is a return to his classic folk-rock approach to music.

“Even though it is easier at times being part of a band,” Lakemen tells the Gazette.

“I prefer when I am being challenged and working on a whole project and putting the pieces together.

“When you are writing and singing it can be quite a task to see the bigger picture, but I like to have a feel for what I am doing and what the output will sound like.”

For the 41-year-old folk singer, music has been embedded in his life, from his parents running a folk club to writing and performing with his brothers, Sam and Sean, it has always been a bit of a family affair.

But for Lakemen, stepping out on his own was a natural decision that in his opinion needed to happen for him to explore different avenues in music.

He added: “Rather than following the university route, we were encouraged to explore music. With my parents running the folk club we were always surrounded by these incredible acts and that obviously sparked an interest in all of us.

“Playing with Sam and Sean was great as we all brought something different to the table, but I was always more drawn to the writing side of things, so it was a natural role for me to take.

“We all found a place where we wanted to be and play within our own space, so it was a natural progression for me to go on my own. I still work closely with them on occasions, but it was strange in those early days not being surrounded by my brothers.”

For his latest record, The Well-Worn Path, Lakeman said he is pulling from a whole range of influences, but it is still rooted deeply in the traditions of folk music.

“I am really interested in local history and just talking to people,” added the multi-instrumentalist.

“Whether I am having some downtime, or I am out on the road I am always researching and chatting to people, by nature it is something that you do.

“It is these conversations that have fed into the new record and I have tried to capture that feeling as best as I can.”

He added: “This ninth record is quite different from my previous album, with more of a prog-rock approach.

“My last record was a deliberately understated Americana set, but this one is more rocking.

“People seem to be really connecting with it and for me this feels a lot more like a band's record.”

Seth Lakeman will be performing tracks from his new record as well as his extensive back catalogue at the Anvil tonight.

For more information or to buy tickets, go to anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/seth-lakeman.