For the best part of the last decade, Texan native Shaky Graves (AKA Alejandro Rose-Garcia) has been not-so-quietly making a name for himself as one of the most compelling performers playing anywhere.

Starting out with a one-man band set-up that inspired countless doomed DIY suit-case drum projects (or just me?), his intense live sets have helped him build a devoted fan base, mostly through word of mouth. Despite a lack of radio play, his European Tours have all been sellouts, and he’s so beloved in his hometown of Austin that Mayor Lee Leffingwell declared the 9th of Feb ‘Shakey Graves Day’.

his lyrics update rather than rehash the genre

Though Shakey owes plenty to Americana legends such as Townes Van Zandt and Roscoe Holcomb he isn’t your run of the mill folk-throwback. His style is layered and dynamic, while his lyrics update rather than rehash the genre (‘they’re running the jail for profit these days’ ‘The Donor Blues’).

Since 2011’s haunting debut Roll the Bones, he’s released three albums and had a hit with ‘Dearly Departed’ (written with ex-Paper Bird member Esme Pattinson). He’s also picked up an Americana Award and a full band.

a dreamier, slightly psychedelic direction

For a guy that could make more noise than most folk outfits on his lonesome, it’s no surprise his sound has expanded with every addition. His latest release The Sleep EP is a departure from his early, bare-bones songwriting, and hint at a dreamier, slightly psychedelic direction for his next album Wake Up, out in May.

He’s back for a sold Berlin show at Privatclub next week, supported by velvet-voiced Canadian upstart Cat Clyde. It will mark his first time playing here with a full band, treating lucky fans to a sneak preview of new material, and a fresh take on old favourites.