Isobel Jane Kimberley

Isobel Jane Kimberley is a songwriter, guitarist, and compelling performer whose career spans alt-folk rock, traditional folk, and now her own solo work. Known for her striking voice and fearless originality, she has become a distinctive presence on the UK music scene.

As the frontwoman of Bruise, Isobel carved out a reputation for bold, genre-defying music and emotionally resonant performance. With five critically acclaimed albums, nine appearances at Glastonbury Festival, and a loyal underground following, Bruise established her as both a prolific writer and a captivating live act, touring heavily with more than a hundred shows a year.

In recent years, Isobel turned toward the traditions of British folk, forming The Kimberleys with Jim Kimberley. Their debut album Turn the Glass (2015) featured guest appearances from Gordon Giltrap, Andy Cutting, and Dave Swarbrick, and was named one of The Daily Telegraph’s Top Folk Albums of the Year. Their inventive version of Tam Lin won the Sky Arts People’s Choice Award in 2018, and their most recent album, The Shape of a Year (2024), further cemented their reputation as artists who respect tradition while pushing it forward. The Kimberleys have toured widely across the UK, Europe, and the US, and host the Roving Folk Club in London.

Now, for the first time, Isobel steps into the spotlight under her own name. Her debut solo release, Broken Bowl EP (2025), is a deeply personal and beautifully crafted collection of songs, written and produced entirely by her. The EP reveals an artist drawing on the full breadth of her experience—from the fierce energy of alt-folk rock to the storytelling depth of traditional song—while charting a bold new creative direction.

Whether with Bruise, The Kimberleys, or as a solo artist, Isobel Jane Kimberley is a musician who refuses to be easily categorised. Her work is united by a commitment to honesty, invention, and connection, and her performances remain as compelling and original as ever.

Source: The Harrison website