Biography
U.K. singer/songwriter Alfie Firmin pairs his reflective words and affable vocal presence with understated yet wistful indie compositions. His songwriting approach and ensemble format took shape across the first two solo outings, Setting Sun in 2018 and Waiting On in 2020, both of which highlighted inviting California-tinged folk-rock textures built from electric guitars, lap steel, vintage organs, and a rhythm section. Once pandemic conditions halted his intended relocation abroad and left plans in disarray, the more agitated follow-up Absentee arrived in 2023 on Bobo Integral, still wrapped in a deceptively bright sonic palette that nodded to McCartney and Laurel Canyon traditions.
Before striking out alone, Firmin captured an album in his late teens under the band name Vestiges. The project, centered on Firmin and drummer Jakub Rokosz with additional input from engineer/instrumentalist Mark Jasper, was tracked inside a shared house in Wimbledon, England, and titled Evelyn after the street outside. Issued independently in December 2017, the release emphasized the sweeter end of its bittersweet melodies while drawing on the same California folk-rock leanings that would later mark his solo work, thereby serving as an unofficial debut statement.
His first proper solo album, Setting Sun, followed in November 2018 via Idle Hands Recording Co. Firmin handled nearly all writing, recording, and performance duties, save for extra guitar from Marcus Lennartsson and additional electric piano by David Placht. The same label issued the subsequent release, Waiting On, in February 2020; that effort was shaped through closer collaboration with multi-instrumentalist/engineer Jonny Coddington, while Lennartsson co-wrote one track and oversaw mixing and mastering.
Intended relocation to Sweden collapsed amid COVID-19 restrictions, prompting Firmin to establish himself instead in the Essex coastal town of Southend-on-Sea. A four-song EP, Familiar Ways, surfaced independently in October 2021 ahead of his signing with Bobo Integral for the third LP. Absentee, which addressed the preceding years through its characteristically luminous arrangements, was tracked at Soapworks Recording Studio in South London with Coddington, after which overdubs were completed at SS2 Studios alongside Rees Broomfield. Guest contributors included Ted Groves on piano, guitar, drums, and backing vocals, M.G. Boulter on steel guitar, and Dave Huntriss on brass.
Before striking out alone, Firmin captured an album in his late teens under the band name Vestiges. The project, centered on Firmin and drummer Jakub Rokosz with additional input from engineer/instrumentalist Mark Jasper, was tracked inside a shared house in Wimbledon, England, and titled Evelyn after the street outside. Issued independently in December 2017, the release emphasized the sweeter end of its bittersweet melodies while drawing on the same California folk-rock leanings that would later mark his solo work, thereby serving as an unofficial debut statement.
His first proper solo album, Setting Sun, followed in November 2018 via Idle Hands Recording Co. Firmin handled nearly all writing, recording, and performance duties, save for extra guitar from Marcus Lennartsson and additional electric piano by David Placht. The same label issued the subsequent release, Waiting On, in February 2020; that effort was shaped through closer collaboration with multi-instrumentalist/engineer Jonny Coddington, while Lennartsson co-wrote one track and oversaw mixing and mastering.
Intended relocation to Sweden collapsed amid COVID-19 restrictions, prompting Firmin to establish himself instead in the Essex coastal town of Southend-on-Sea. A four-song EP, Familiar Ways, surfaced independently in October 2021 ahead of his signing with Bobo Integral for the third LP. Absentee, which addressed the preceding years through its characteristically luminous arrangements, was tracked at Soapworks Recording Studio in South London with Coddington, after which overdubs were completed at SS2 Studios alongside Rees Broomfield. Guest contributors included Ted Groves on piano, guitar, drums, and backing vocals, M.G. Boulter on steel guitar, and Dave Huntriss on brass.
Albums
Singles
