O’HOOLEY and Tidow have really shaken up the world of folk music.

The pair, Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow, who are in a civil partnership, are like a breath of fresh air in the traditional male bastion of folk.

Their star has risen so high that they were finalists in the Best Duo category of last year’s Radio 2 Folk awards are appearing at the Swanage Folk Festival next week.

Their recent album The Hum has received rave reviews, was named MOJO folk album of the month. Unusually, their sound incorporates a heady mix of piano and political commentary including a song about the jailing of Russian punk rock protest group Pussy Riot.

One half of the Yorkshire duo, Heidi Tidow told the Daily Echo: “It’s probably our least personal album and it’s our most political album.

“We felt that we had to write an album about the times we’re living in.

“I’d like to see more artists being true to themselves, playing and singing from the heart – that’s the sort of music I want to listen to.

“I like listening to something that’s heartfelt. I’d like to see a few more singers writing about these things like protest musicians used to do.”

Heidi says a lot of work has gone into getting to where O’Hooley and Tidow is today, having recorded their first album in 2010.

“It has been difficult for us to get off the ground.

“Until people have heard us they may have had some pre-judgement. Some people think we’re going to be militant feminists. I hope that we’ve won people over in the music scene. As women we have to work twice as hard.

“It’s a very friendly scene and we all know each other.”

O’Hooley and Tidow recently played at the Cambridge Folk Festival, where they enjoyed watching Sinead O’Connor.

“She was amazing and we love how enigmatic she is,” Heidi said.

They are now writing more material and promoting The Hum ahead of a break in Portugal next month.

Proof that folk artists mix in the same circles, Heidi and Belinda have got a busy weekend ahead when they play at the Swanage Folk Festival.

They’ll be playing on the Friday night and on Sunday evening in St Mary’s Church, Swanage. In between, they’ll be off to Oxford for fellow folkie Jackie Oates’ wedding.

The duo should be at home performing in a church, having recorded The Hum in a church.

Heidi said: “Churches really suit our music. Belinda plays piano and we both sing, I think singing in the church helps to bring out our harmonies.

“The church seems to create a special atmosphere.”