Hector Gannet

Aaron Duff is a singer-songwriter from North Shields working under the artist moniker Hector Gannet. He and his band have previously been described as “masters of a kind of new, modernist folk and rock” with songs ranging from quiet contemplative gentility, to full-on rock soundscapes. The name (Hector Gannet) is taken from an ill-fated fishing trawler which Aaron’s grandfather sailed upon, and which sank in the North Sea under heroic circumstances in 1968 ...but that’s another story!

The band have two albums under their belt, the first ‘Big Harcar’ being long sold out and the critically acclaimed second album ‘The Land Belongs to Us’ garnered ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in MOJO plus 7/10 UNCUT magazines, and Album of The Month in The Crack, triggering multiple sell out gigs across the north east.

After touring with Sam Fender across England and Scotland, including two stadium shows at St James Park Newcastle (in 2023 and 2025), plus support slots with other well-known artists such as Elbow, Sea Power, Lindisfarne, Richard Thompson, Hector Gannet have been working on their new album set for release in 2026. The first single from that album ‘The Jetty’s End’ was released as part of a double a-side in Nov 2025, getting track of the week on BBC Introducing NE, with multiple plays across the radio network and online reviews;

“Musically, the North-eastern collective have created a sweeping, hymn-like piece that folds church bells, brass and a youth choir into their rugged folk-rock DNA” – The Most Radicalist

https://www.themostradicalist.com/article/list-pick-hector-gannet-the-jettys-end/

While 'The Ginger Quiff' wrote - “While the rest of the world swoons over Sam Fender as the North East’s answer to Springsteen, I’d much rather revel in the indie-folk of Hector Gannet, more akin to Martin Stephenson than Springsteen, The Jetty’s End is both gloriously joyful and emotionally taut, the closing section of the song is as life-affirming as it gets”

https://thegingerquiff.com/november-singles-the-next-batch/

Also confirmed for 2026, are industry showcases at SXSW (Austin) and Your Roots are Showing folk conference (Belfast).

Further press quotes:

“He’s a F*cking great songwriter” – Sam Fender
“From first hearing, it has been clear to me that Hector Gannet are a band of exceptional talent." – Tom Robinson BBC 6music
“Hector Gannet is an amazing poetic and musical artist. Watching Hector Gannet it seems he deserves a place at the top table.” Yan - Sea Power
“Top 25 bands that might change your life…” - Louder Than War
“The latest rising star...a politically charged folky delight” - NARC Magazine
“We're thrilled to announce that our very own Hector Gannet will be Elbow's special guests on Saturday 12 July 2025 at Tynemouth Priory and Castle.” Mouth of the Tyne Festival