The Childballads

The Childballads are a contemporary Rock and Roll band formed in New York City in 2005. The band name derived from the Child Ballads, a collection of 305 ballads from Scotland and England put together by Francis James Child in the late 19th century.

Fronted by singer, lyricist, poet, and harmonica player Stewart Lupton (formerly lead singer of Jonathan Fire*Eater), the Childballads also include Tunde Oyewole on bass guitar, Paul Arfield (also of Beaut) on rhythm guitar, Luke Wyatt on sideways guitar and John Melville (NY Loose, The Everyothers) on drums. They have been joined by Betsy Wright (Ex Hex, Bat Fangs) on keyboards, viola, and vocals, Hugh MacIntosh on drums and Judah Bauer (also of John Spencer Blues Explosion) on lead guitar.

After the breakup of Jonathan Fire*Eater, Lupton studied poetry at George Washington University—concentrating mainly on the High Middle Ages and Modernism—reconnecting with his early passion for literature.

The Childballads' sound is reminiscent of Royal Trux, a band that Lupton himself cites as an influence, and their musical performances are interspersed with recitations of poetry. For example, in a solo gig at the Luna Lounge, Lupton read from John Ashbery. Traces of Ashbery can be found in Lupton's poetry and lyrics, as can be elements of Eliot and Dante. Similarly, in New York City's Lower East Side's "Cake Shop" on April 25, 2007, Lupton read from, and sang about, Lord Byron. Lupton performs in the style and tradition of Patti Smith and Bob Dylan, mixing scholarly knowledge with original music. Lupton has stated that his song "Green Jewelry" was inspired by the green stained glass windows within Washington D.C.'s National Cathedral, which is located a short distance from his home.

Besides having toured Paris and London in the past, The Childballads have toured as opening acts for Cat Power.

Stewart Lupton died on May 28, 2018 at the age of 43.