Top of the world: Agent Starling win Best World Music Album for ‘Clandestine’
TOP ACT: Agent Starling, featuring Quentin Budworth and Lou Duffy-Howard. Picture by Richard DuffyHoward
By Simon Bristow
East Yorkshire music duo Agent Starling have won a Best World Music Album award for their latest album, Clandestine.
The album, by the dynamic pairing of Quentin Budworth and Lou Duffy-Howard, received the esteemed One World Music Radio award at the station’s tenth annual awards ceremony.
The winners of the Best World Music Album category were determined through a highly competitive selection process. Clandestine emerged as the top choice, showcasing Agent Starling’s extraordinary talent and captivating fusion of folk tunes.
The album comprises a collection of melodies inspired by Quentin’s immersive year-long quest across Europe, where he learned from renowned hurdy-gurdy players and folk musicians from diverse traditions. Hs travels took him through France, Spain, Crete, Germany, Holland, and even Preston, Lancashire.
The success of Clandestine builds on Agent Starling’s previous critically acclaimed releases, solidifying their position as a leading act in the music industry. In 2021, the band reached Number One in the EthnoCloud Mediterranean music chart, further establishing their international recognition.
The duo’s unique sound features Quentin on hurdy-gurdy and vocals, and Lou on vocals, bass guitar, and other instruments and programming. Notably, the album features a special guest appearance by Lou’s son Dexter Duffy-Howard, contributing violin, cello, and harmonium to enhance the musical tapestry. The EP was recorded in Yorkshire by Agent Starling and mastered in Oregon by Kevin Carafa.
Both Quentin and Lou possess impressive musical pedigrees. Lou, an original member of the recently reformed prophetic UK Indie band Red Guitars, has remained an active performer and recording artist, currently leading the psychedelic rock band Loudhailer Electric Company.
Quentin, formerly part of Suns of Arqa, has gained recognition as a hurdy-gurdy specialist and serves as the driving force behind the world fusion medieval rave band Celtarabia.
Agent Starling's triumph at the One World Music Radio awards solidifies their status as innovators in the world music genre. Clandestine exemplifies their dedication to pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their distinct sound.
Info and links
Clandestine by Agent Starling was released on Friday, November 18, 2022, on the DHM record label, catalogue number DHM034. It is available from all the usual digital platforms, full digital distribution by Label Worx, and limited edition CD from Bandcamp and selected stores.