Three brand new folk songs that are sure to capture your attention

Adam Wendler – “Bittersweet (Taste of Home)”
-I liked this song from first listen but it continues to grow on me. There’s a charm to Wendler’s vocal that I appreciate. It’s a subtle rasp that gives it a characteristic tone, allowing the listener to connect with the visceral quality of the lyrics. The banjo work is excellent as well, pulling the listener into the narrative. If you’ve ever felt the bittersweet feeling of connecting with home and realizing it’s not the same… this song will resonate with you. Fans of folk revival sounds like Mumford and Sons will find a lot to like from this particular sound.

Anna Vaus – “Happy Trails”
-This is a really good song. It has it all; the guitar is excellent, the vocal is crystal clear, the lyrics are easy to follow, and the entire mood of the song has this uplifting energy. Something about the composition style puts me in mind of one of my favorite songwriters, Ben Rector. There’s this optimistic vibe about the song, like a benediction, wishing the person a joyful journey. The good energy of the song absolutely emanates from the composition. The lyrics, the beat… honestly, everything brings me such joy from this song. I hope others get as much good juju from this as I do.

EJ Chen – “Peonies”
-When I first found this song, I didn’t know what to make of it. Is it folk? Is it some mysterious genre I’ve never heard before? Is it the sound of something mystical and beautiful? I think the answers might all be yes to those questions. Nevertheless, this is a delicate and wonderful composition that I feel strongly compelled to share with the world. I don’t normally feature whispery vocals like this, but the composition here is so delicate and interesting that it pulls the listener in. It’s more Sufjan and Bon Iver vibe than what we typically feature, but it’s definitely worth sharing here. You have to lean in a bit and focus, but the vibes are outstanding on this one.

Image courtesy: EJ Chen IG