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Fishing 4 Compliments are a Yorkshire based independent band with a focus on bringing singer-songwriter Eileen's intriguing, quirky songs to life and sharing their resulting uplifting, hook-laden folk-pop sounds with an array of audiences along the way.
‘F4C specialise in catchy, hook-laden folk/pop songs written by Eileen, which features her clear, natural voice, sometimes with vibrato, which gives the band’s music a distinctive unique sound. Eileen is also a fine songwriter who is able to combine intriguing, personal lyrics with a shiny pop sensibility’ (Peter Cowley, FATEA Magazine). |
From the beginning to 'Off The Isle Of Somewhere' & 'Lost In Good Intentions'
Yorkshire-based Indie folk band Fishing 4 Compliments evolved organically over 14 years ago around lead singer-songwriter Eileen's songs, which have been described as enigmatic, intriguing and quirky. The band share a passion for developing and creating their own unique and quirky sound constantly evolving and emerging through the eclectic mix of influences on which they draw including; The Sundays, The Cure, The Cranberries, The Smiths, The Beatles, XTC, Mark Knopfler & Tom Petty.
Their 2020 debut album 'Off The Isle Of Somewhere' produced by and with the encouragement of J & D Dunwell of Leeds Indie Folk Band The Dunwells, recorded to mark their journey together with the songs, was enthusiastically received by audiences and reviewers alike and led to a nomination for Best Folk/Acoustic Act as part of world-famous Radio Wigwam awards.
2025 saw the release of their second album 'Lost In Good Intentions' also produced by The Dunwells and noted for; showcasing the band's versatility, a move beyond their debut's folk-pop sound touching on a variety of genres and the evocation of an array of feelings and emotions. Reviews of this new record of their work reveal a warm enthusiasm for the band and pick up on their community-based live performance roots.
Over the years Fishing 4 Compliments have enjoyed bringing their songs to a wide array of live music venues, pubs and festivals along the way. Notably the band, thanks to the the support of the owner of award winning Loafers Vinyl & Coffee Shop, opened a Loafer's presents folk night event headlined by Chris Helme of The Seahorses located in the unique and spectacular surroundings of Yorkshire’s architectural and cultural landmark that is The Piece Hall, Halifax.
Views on Fishing 4 Compliments
“Beautiful folk music, with sounds of Fleetwood Mac, The Cranberries and The Cardigans. Dreamy Melodies and harmonies, weaved together with great musicianship and songs that take you away from everyday life. Great band who love playing live and the audience can’t do anything but enjoy it and want to hear more”
(Mark Richardson-Owner of Loafers Vinyl & Coffee, The Piece Hall, Halifax)
'Their music revolves around the impassioned, soulful and emotional songs of lead singer–songwriter Eileen Wattam... Their music is a fabulous lively mix of blend of folk and pop, with occasional happy tinged jangly indie style guitar sounds. The tunes have excellent melodies and hooks that will catch plenty of compliments (apologies for that terrible pun on the name!). The songs, the music and particularly Eileen’s voice conveys every emotion from introspective and sad, to anger and passion, via ecstatic happiness.'
(Bill Adamson,withjustahintogmayhem)
‘Ultimately, Fishing 4 Compliments are about togetherness. Despite the often-introspective nature of the lyrics, their sound is, you feel, best enjoyed in company, not in isolation. They are very much a band’s band, a band for the multiple senses, a band to be seen as well as heard’
(Stephen Desmond-Dirty Sunbeams)
What Next?
Fresh from their New Album Release celebratory local mini-tour of highly regarded local independent music venues including: The Grayston Unity (Halifax); The Puzzle Hall Inn (Sowerby Bridge); Northern Guitars (Leeds) and their local independent vinyl record store, The Turntable Vinyl Cafe (Huddersfield), the band are looking forward to releasing their first vinyl record in 2026 which will include a selection of songs from both their albums to date. They already have several return gigs booked in for next year and hope to continue to record more new music and reach new audiences as they continue on their merry way.
Fishing4Compliments band members
Fishing 4 Compliments are: Eileen Alanna /Wattam (Singer-Songwriter); Ashley Wattam (Rhythm Guitarist); James Alexander (Lead Guitarist & Backing Vocalist); Steve Dyson (Bass Guitarist & Backing Vocalist); Dave Simpson (Drums). All recorded music to date also features David Sharp (our former Drummer /Percussionist)
Eileen Wattam - Singer-Songwriter
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Ashley Wattam - Rhythm Guitar
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Steve Dyson -Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals
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James Alexander - Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
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