American husband and wife folk duo Dana and Susan Robinson are bringing their rural and old time mountain music to Walthamstow.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dana relocated to New England in the early 1980s where he discovered both a thriving songwriters' scene, and a deep well of traditional mountain music, whereas Sue grew up in Manchester, Vermont and studied piano and Scottish fiddle. They met at a house concert in California in 2002 and were married two years later, where they settled in Cabot, Vermont, which is famous for its cheese.

Still performing in their mid-50s, the duo have now released their fifth album and are embarking on a national tour in the UK.

Dana explains why they decided to start performing together as a married couple…

What can the audience expect from your show at Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub? Some new songs or the old classics?

Since we've got a brand new album out, we'll mostly be playing new songs. Of course there's always room for a couple of old classics as well.

Can you describe your sound?

Americana, roots, and folk. I'm a songwriter, essentially, but we draw upon old-time and traditional influences for our attitude and approach. I play mostly guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, while Sue plays mostly banjo and guitar. Oh, and plenty of harmony singing as well.

What is your favourite song to perform?

Songs are like children – they are all our favourites! That being said, songs from our new album, such as The Angel's Share, and John Muir's Walking Blues, are getting a lot of attention just now.

When did you form as a duo?

I was a solo, touring singer-songwriter since the mid-'90s. I had four albums under my belt and had already done a couple of tours in the UK by the time Sue and I met in 2002. Sue wasn't playing professionally then. We just began playing for the fun of it. One evening I asked her to accompany me on a song on stage. The next night it was two songs. Our duo just sort of formed organically from there. We enjoy travelling together, so we just kept at it. We got married in 2004, and now all these years later, it's just who we are and what we do.

Dana, did growing up in the Pacific Northwest influence your songwriting and musical style?

Interestingly, I listened to predominantly British music growing up. First, the Beatles and Stones (of course...), but then all the '70s prog rock. After that, my attention turned toward songwriters and traditional music in the '80s. Music in Pacific Northwest is not unlike music in Britain and I attribute that to the cool, damp, oceanic, but also agricultural landscape.

Did growing up in Manchester, Vermont influence Susan's musical style?

When she was growing up there was always music in the house. Her dad was a professional trumpet player and he had his big-band practice in the basement every week. She started with classical piano lessons when she was six and then took up the Scottish fiddle in her mid-30s.

How did you both break into the music industry?

The music industry is a bit of a misnomer. Nobody in their right mind would ever want to break into the 'music industry'. There's a saying that rings true… 'There are tens of dollars to be made in this business'. But to answer your question, first you play open mics and cafés for free, then you play places that pay you a bit, then you recognise what you're doing is a craft as much as an expression, and you focus on developing the craft. Then after many years, and much poverty, you've got a skill and a bit of a name for yourself. It's more of a blue-collar living, actually.

You have played with many of the great old?time musicians in North Carolina- who were some of your favourites?

John Doyle, John Herrmann, Rayna Gellert, but mostly musicians that no one has ever heard of incredible, salt of the earth folks that attend the sessions and just play music for the fun and the social part of it.

What do you like to do in your spare time to relax?

Pottering in the garden and dry stone masonry, a bit of furniture building, cooking. Sue and I are unabashed foodies but love to get out and walk/hike as well.

What else have you got lined up for the rest of the year?

The UK tours are always an intense blast of gigs. When we get home after the tour we will return to a normal life of varying activities: gigs, writing, giving lessons, and attending sessions. In particular, I'm working on my fiddle playing for our next recording in another year or two.

What have you learned most about being a musician?

How to live in the present moment, and how to be kind to people.

Dana And Susan Robinson, Walthamstow Folk Club, Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, Walthamstow, E17 4SA, Sunday, September 4, 7.30pm. Details: 07740 612607, walthamstowfolk.co.uk