Rag Foundation was founded by husband and wife songwriting team Neil Ronconi-Woollard, voice; and multi-instrumentalist Kate Ronconi-Woollard on fiddle in the late 90s. After guitarist Richard Cowell joined they recorded their critically acclaimed debut album Minka on Fflach:Tradd, reinterpreting many of the songs of Neil’s ancestor ‘The Gower Nightingale’ Phil Tanner. Drummer and percussionist Huw Rees soon followed on the South by South West EP and it’s pioneering follow up album Uplands. Daniel KilBride completes the line up on bass.
Rag Foundation are based in South Wales, UK and have toured their electrifying brand of edgy, harmony soaked, alt-folk internationally. They have built a formidable live reputation on the circuit and at festivals. Rag Foundation have also supported Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant, Billy Bragg, and the Levellers over the years.
Rag Foundation, along with peers, Fernhill, Boys From the Hill, the KilBrides, Careg Lafur, Pigyn Clyst & harpist Llio Rhydderch transformed folk music coming out of Wales through the pioneering Fflach:Tradd label. After collaborating with the award winning Andy Cutting and Nigel Eaton of Blowzabella and Page & Plant, Rag Foundation have taken their folk influences and evolved an innovative new sound full of energy and harmony recognisable in the sound of the nu folk revival.
The band hit the headlines in the summer of 2013 when their music was heard during the Premier League Swansea City vs Manchester United game, broadcast to 647m homes around the world, a global TV audience of 4.7bn.
Rag Foundation return to the studio in January 2014 to work with super producer Gavin Monaghan who’s credits include Robert Plant, Scott Matthews, Ryan Adams & The Editors.