Urusen
Band Story
Urusen: Quietly Carving Out a Corner of British Indie-Folk Brilliance
Urusen began not with an image, not with a label, but with two cousins—Peter Beatty and Ben Please—writing songs together in the South West of England back in 2002. At the time, the idea of launching a band that could weave literary lyricism into the bones of folk-pop melodies felt like a long shot. But by choosing storytelling and craft over trend-chasing, they built something authentic—one song, one gig, one slow-burning milestone at a time.
Their first album, Life Under Seat, was a quiet entry into the world, self-produced and raw, but unmistakably heartfelt. It marked them not just as musicians, but as craftsmen of atmosphere and emotion. With the release of One Day in June in 2007, everything shifted. This second album didn’t just expand their musical reach—it opened the door to collaboration. In London, they found their missing pieces: cellist Nick Ullmann, bassist Jay Darwish, and drummer Kieran Houston. The duo became a full band, and Urusen became more than a project. It became a sound.
That sound—built on delicate cello lines, warm bass tones, intricate percussion, and harmony-rich vocals—landed them a publishing deal with Peter Gabriel’s Real World. Their music, now backed by one of the most respected names in the British music world, found new ears. The UK press started paying attention. And so did the festivals. From Glastonbury to Womad, from Larmer Tree to independent circuits across the country, Urusen earned a reputation not for flash or volume, but for connection and storytelling.
In 2012, they stepped into the hallowed halls of Real World Studios to record This Is Where We Meet, a project that fully crystallized their style—gentle but never weak, ambitious yet grounded. Produced by Steve Osborne, known for his work with some of the UK's most enduring acts, the album refined Urusen’s blend of British folk tradition with a modern cinematic scope. Each track felt like a chapter, rich with imagery and performed with restraint and passion in equal measure.
Their live shows became known for subtlety and texture rather than bombast. They didn’t need big lights or dramatic stunts. They brought the hush. They brought the hush—and they held it. In a time where noise often wins, Urusen thrived on the quiet intensity of their music.
They’ve never played the game the traditional way. No flash-in-the-pan singles, no forced reinventions. Instead, Urusen has built their legacy slowly, like waves carving stone. They’re not a band that shouts for attention—they’re the ones you discover and keep with you.
For those who know, Urusen isn’t just a band. They’re a refuge. And their music—layered, literate, emotionally resonant—continues to be a shelter in the noise.
Their journey proves that sometimes, the bands who take their time end up making the deepest impact.
Urusen began not with an image, not with a label, but with two cousins—Peter Beatty and Ben Please—writing songs together in the South West of England back in 2002. At the time, the idea of launching a band that could weave literary lyricism into the bones of folk-pop melodies felt like a long shot. But by choosing storytelling and craft over trend-chasing, they built something authentic—one song, one gig, one slow-burning milestone at a time.
Their first album, Life Under Seat, was a quiet entry into the world, self-produced and raw, but unmistakably heartfelt. It marked them not just as musicians, but as craftsmen of atmosphere and emotion. With the release of One Day in June in 2007, everything shifted. This second album didn’t just expand their musical reach—it opened the door to collaboration. In London, they found their missing pieces: cellist Nick Ullmann, bassist Jay Darwish, and drummer Kieran Houston. The duo became a full band, and Urusen became more than a project. It became a sound.
That sound—built on delicate cello lines, warm bass tones, intricate percussion, and harmony-rich vocals—landed them a publishing deal with Peter Gabriel’s Real World. Their music, now backed by one of the most respected names in the British music world, found new ears. The UK press started paying attention. And so did the festivals. From Glastonbury to Womad, from Larmer Tree to independent circuits across the country, Urusen earned a reputation not for flash or volume, but for connection and storytelling.
In 2012, they stepped into the hallowed halls of Real World Studios to record This Is Where We Meet, a project that fully crystallized their style—gentle but never weak, ambitious yet grounded. Produced by Steve Osborne, known for his work with some of the UK's most enduring acts, the album refined Urusen’s blend of British folk tradition with a modern cinematic scope. Each track felt like a chapter, rich with imagery and performed with restraint and passion in equal measure.
Their live shows became known for subtlety and texture rather than bombast. They didn’t need big lights or dramatic stunts. They brought the hush. They brought the hush—and they held it. In a time where noise often wins, Urusen thrived on the quiet intensity of their music.
They’ve never played the game the traditional way. No flash-in-the-pan singles, no forced reinventions. Instead, Urusen has built their legacy slowly, like waves carving stone. They’re not a band that shouts for attention—they’re the ones you discover and keep with you.
For those who know, Urusen isn’t just a band. They’re a refuge. And their music—layered, literate, emotionally resonant—continues to be a shelter in the noise.
Their journey proves that sometimes, the bands who take their time end up making the deepest impact.
Band Members
Ben Please, Peter Beatty, Nick Ullmann, Kieran Houston, Jay Darwish
Ben Please, Peter Beatty, Nick Ullmann, Kieran Houston, Jay Darwish
Location: EUROPE: United Kingdom: England
Genre: Acoustic