The British folk scene currently finds one of its most vibrant forces in Good Habits, a group that has seamlessly transitioned from a core songwriting duo into a high-energy trio. While cellist and vocalist Bonnie Schwarz and accordionist Pete Shaw provided the initial foundation, the addition of drummer Jen Walinetski has propelled their sound toward something far more expansive. Their latest studio effort, Better for Now, captures this evolution perfectly, blending intricate acoustic ballads with a driving brand of trance-folk that feels designed for the festival stage. Critics have praised the record for its sense of travel and technical mastery, qualities that translate vividly into their current tour schedule.
Despite the whirlwind of performances and promotional cycles, Schwarz and Shaw recently stepped away from the spotlight to participate in an intimate look at their domestic world. Through a curated selection of household objects, the pair revealed the quiet rhythms that sustain them between shows. One such item is a repurposed piece of charity shop embroidery featuring a butterfly. Originally dismissed by Shaw for lacking personal significance, the piece became a cherished heirloom after Schwarz added the handwritten phrase I declare it meaningful across it—a playful nod to the tension between purely aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance in their shared home.
Their living space serves as both a sanctuary and a hub for international creativity, evidenced by a whimsical cockatoo painting created during a visit from Australian musician Monique Clare. The artwork was born from a chaotic game played with an eight-year-old neighbor involving painting while swinging on a garden swing. This spirit of openness extends to their physical environment through the German practice of luften, which involves airing out the entire house every morning. For Shaw, whose stable door allows him to blur the line between his indoor workspace and the surrounding woods, these small rituals are essential antidotes to the digital grind of sending emails and managing tours.
These moments of stability stand in stark contrast to the band’s more nomadic history, including a challenging stint spent living in a van across New Zealand during the pandemic. Recalling days fueled by pub chips and uncooked microwave rice wraps, Shaw admits that he now finds unexpected joy in simple organization. Today, residing near Sheffield’s famed lentil belt provides them with easy access to whole foods and vegan cafes, turning once-mundane pantry staples into symbols of comfort and gratitude. It is this balance between adventurous exploration on stage and intentional stillness at home that continues to fuel the vitality of Good Habits.
