The Tale of the Trouble Bards

The story of The Trouble Notes is one of a decade-long odyssey. What began in 2013 as a leap of faith has evolved into a global force of progressive folk rock. From the bustling streets of London and New York City to the mainstages of the world’s most renowned festivals, the trio has spent 12 years developing themselves into Modern Bards.

The Trouble Notes are a progressive folk rock trio whose music bridges the gap between folklore and the expansive frontiers of a new world. Known for their cinematic, narrative-driven performances, the group—Bennet Cerven (Violin/Vocals, USA), Florian Eisenschmidt (Guitar, Germany), and George Bingham (Drums, UK)—has carved out a distinctive identity through technical virtuosity that remains deeply human.

With performances in over 35 countries and appearances on international television across three continents, the band has shared the stage with legends such as Jethro Tull, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Versengold. Their music is a visceral journey—blending intricate folk motifs and classical precision with the driving, rhythmic energy of modern rock.

 

With the release of Echoes of Eldbriaris, they have embarked on a multi-album journey through a world of shifting seasons and unfolding legends in Mnemorith. A concept that began on the cliffs of Cornwall has evolved into a story album project that fuses the group’s cinematic instrumental style with narrative prowess, allowing the group to bridge between genre and progress through a story of their own creation.

Through their “More Violins, Less Violence” campaign for War Child, they continue to prove that music is not just a performance, but a force for good in our world. The Trouble Notes remain committed to using their music and story-telling as a means to lift up those in need and play a small part in building a more equitable world. They hope their contributions to culture and their story-telling helps contribute to the beauty of our society.

Bennet English Cerven – Violin & Vocals

Raised between cultures and inspired by years of travel across Europe, Bennet’s compositions blend fiery folk traditions, cinematic arrangements, and progressive rock into a sound that is both adventurous and deeply emotional. He believes that music has the power to connect people beyond language, inspiring audiences through the band’s motto: “More Violins, Less Violence.”

Beyond the stage, Bennet is the author and worldbuilder behind Mnemorith, an original sci-fantasy saga that forms the foundation of The Trouble Notes’ multi-album Story Album series. Beginning with Echoes of Eldbriaris, his work weaves together music, literature, and live performance into a single immersive universe, reviving the tradition of the modern bard for a new generation.

Bennet – Violin & Voice

Raised between cultures and inspired by years of travel across Europe, Bennet’s compositions blend fiery folk traditions, cinematic arrangements, and progressive rock into a sound that is both adventurous and deeply emotional. He believes that music has the power to connect people beyond language, inspiring audiences through the band’s motto: “More Violins, Less Violence.”

Beyond the stage, Bennet is the author and worldbuilder behind Mnemorith, an original sci-fantasy saga that forms the foundation of The Trouble Notes’ multi-album Story Album series. Beginning with Echoes of Eldbriaris, his work weaves together music, literature, and live performance into a single immersive universe, reviving the tradition of the modern bard for a new generation.

Florian Eisenschmidt – Guitar & Synth

Florian Eisenschmidt grew up in Braunschweig, Germany, and has called Berlin home for many years. His musical roots are less in traditional music and more in rock, punk, indie and heavier music, which has left its mark on the way he approaches his instrument.

His playing moves somewhere between the worlds of acoustic and electric guitar. Flo likes finding parts that sit between the groove of the drums and the lead melody, sometimes keeping things simple and sometimes making a little more noise than an acoustic folk trio probably should.

In The Trouble Notes, he never really has to leave those influences at the door. A dancey folk-rock tune can just as easily turn into something ambient, atmospheric or more rhythm-driven, and that freedom is a big part of what keeps the music interesting for him

Florian – Guitar

coming soon.

George Bingham – Drums & Bass

George Bingham, originally from Warwickshire, UK, began studying music at 6 years old. He studied classical percussion at, and holds a masters in composition from the University of Manchester. At times his rigorous training would butt heads with artistic sensibilities, but over time he learned to synthesise these traditions, rather than sacrifice one to the other. In his teenage years, rather than focus on one instrument he felt compelled to absorb as much as possible, learning drums, bass, guitar, piano, mandolin and upright bass. Similarly he holds a love for playing genres as disparate as metal, folk, jazz, pop and contemporary classical. Very few bands other than The Trouble Notes would allow him to play all of these at the same time…

George – Drums & Percussion

George Bingham, originally from Warwickshire, UK, began studying music at 6 years old. He studied classical percussion at, and holds a masters in composition from the University of Manchester. At times his rigorous training would butt heads with artistic sensibilities, but over time he learned to synthesise these traditions, rather than sacrifice one to the other. In his teenage years, rather than focus on one instrument he felt compelled to absorb as much as possible, learning drums, bass, guitar, piano, mandolin and upright bass. Similarly he holds a love for playing genres as disparate as metal, folk, jazz, pop and contemporary classical. Very few bands other than The Trouble Notes would allow him to play all of these at the same time…

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