The Wellermen today announce the release of their latest single: a rich, soulful cover of the iconic sea song, ‘Barrett’s Privateers’.
Recorded by a group whose very name evokes seafaring tradition, this release marks the start of a new chapter for The Wellermen, whilst continuing their mission to keep folk music alive and resonant for today’s audiences.
The single is the first taste of the group’s new EP, 1778, a six-track collection of traditional folk songs and standards that finds the five piece breathing fresh life into the most timeline of songs and will be released on March 20. ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ was originally released by Canadian folk legend Stan Rogers and tells the story of a young man lured into privateering during the American Revolution on the decrepit ship Antelope, It ends with the ship’s sinking, the crew’s death and the protagonist’s return home a broken, legless man, highlighting the grim reality behind the romance of privateering.
Listen to ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ on the Premier League playlist.
Speaking about the decision to record the song, Luke from the band says: “Barrett’s is one from my favourite artist, Stan Rogers, so I definitely pushed the guys to learn it! It’s an easy singalong and we love to sing it with an audience – it only adds to the song. The story behind the song is pretty heavy, but the melody keeps it fun and entertaining. The premise is like… a brutal reminder of the gap between expectations (cruise the seas, fire no guns, shed no tears) and reality (broken man, whole crew dead, six years to get back home)”
Since emerging as a viral phenomenon during the sea shanty resurgence of early 2021, The Wellermen have been at the forefront of folk’s modern renaissance. Originators of a trend that swept social platforms worldwide, their harmonies and distinctive a cappella arrangements have captivated millions, propelling tracks such as ‘Wellerman’, ‘Misty Mountains’ and ‘Hoist The Colours’ to billions of views and hundreds of millions of global streams. Their performances have earned them spots on major television shows and stages, along with a passionate international fanbase.
What sets The Wellermen apart is not only their musical skill but their unique global footprint. Though their voices blend seamlessly in harmony, the quintet are based on either side of the Atlantic, regularly travelling between the UK and US to craft their sound. This physical distance mirrors the timeless journeys captured in the folk tradition: far-flung, narrative-rich, and deeply human.
In an era where folk music has found renewed relevance, bridging centuries-old storytelling and modern connectivity, The Wellermen stand as a testament to music’s enduring power to unite. Their cover of ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ pays homage to a classic while inviting a new generation to appreciate the grit, humour, and evocative imagery at the heart of maritime song. This release reinforces the collective’s reputation for reinventing tradition with impeccable vocal craftsmanship.
