LOCAL duo Ethemia are set to headline the Brewery Blues show at the Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester on Friday, February 12 where they will premier a very special song.

Cirencester's Berny Poulton and Michaela Mott are fully fledged international stars having completed a European tour last year and performed at The Edinburgh Festival.

But they have chosen their home town to play tracks from their forthcoming second album Pure Intention, with one particular song certain to attract attention, as it takes inspiration from the connection between Berny's forefather, George R Poulton and Elvis Presley.

Ethemia's track points out the controversy that surrounds Elvis's billion selling release 'Love Me Tender'.

The haunting melody used was written by Cricklade born George R Poulton, entitled 'Aura Lea', written in 1861.

However, when Elvis released his 'Love Me Tender' there was no credit ever given to George Poulton the original melody’s composer.

Born in Cricklade in 1828, George emigrated to New York at the age of seven with his parents.

He later became a celebrated musician and penned 'Aura Lea', which was one of the most iconic tunes of the 19th century and soon became synonymous with the American Civil War.

Now 150 years on, Ethemia plan a sentimental return to New York with a tour later this year to promote this evocative single.

Their intention is to highlight George R Poulton's legacy and to encourage all creators to give and receive the credit they are due.

Berny said: "The gig in Cirencester will be the first time that it is played. We have written it to redress the balance and to give credit to my forefather."

Ethemia will be supported on the night by Emma McGrath, a 15-year-old singer songwriter who has just won the acclaimed ‘Lynsey de Paul Prize’ and fulfilled dates at London's famous '100 Club'.

She is currently working on her second EP after the first 'The Judgement' received BBC Radio 2 play on the Dermot O'Leary show and had one of her songs chose for BBC Introducing 'Track of the Week' on BBC 3 Counties.

Supporting also will be George Wilding, a young singer songwriter (think Marc Bolan mixed with Donovan with a splash of David Bowie).

George has supported acts like The Levellers and recently had his song, 'My Backwards Head' played on the Janice Long and Graham Norton show on BBC Radio 2.

His EP 'Being Ragdollian' features 'Mikey' Noel Gallagher’s touring keyboards player.

  • Tickets in advance from reception at The Kings Head Hotel, or call 01285 700900. £10, (£8 concessions/students).
  • Alternatively £11 on the night. (£9 concessions/ students). Limited seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. Integral bar.