Three tracks in the folk and Americana subgenres that will capture your heart

Sophia Zamani – “Big City Blues”
-I’m not sure if this song is a true story and in country music, the truth doesn’t really matter. If it feels true, then it’s worth singing. This song feels true. It’s about a love that moved away and the pain of longing to be with them. It’s a little bit heartache, a bit of declaration of intent, and a lot of that longsuffering that comes with the hope that a relationship (or potential relationship) could be the answer to all that ails you. I appreciate the classic acoustic instrumentation and the delightful, expressive songwriting on this one. Zamani’s vocal is the real deal. I’m happy to support this and will have Zamani on my short list of ones to watch in 2025.

King Kyote – “High Class Livin'”
-I’ve been telling people for the past several years that we’re looking for a “gritty modern style” when it comes to Americana. What does that mean? Well, click play on this track. It’s a little Isbell, a little Stapleton, and a lot of sauce. I know “sauce” isn’t really a music term, per se, but if you click play on this song it’ll take about 20 seconds and you’ll say, “oh yeah, this has sauce.” The lyrics seem to tease a few different themes, but as near as I can tell it’s about having people who support you even when you feel like “cashin’ em in.” High class living is, in some ways, just finding satisfaction in an ordinary life and not spending your existence striving for the unattainable. Nevertheless, this is good, gritty modern Americana (with some real production flourish in the second half).

The East Pointers – “Anniversary”
-I’ll be honest… this song doesn’t have a genre. It’s basically all the styles of music we feature here in one. It’s folk, it’s pop rock, it’s hand-clappy joyful Americana… and it’s deeply emotional in the best way possible. I feel like these guys could open for Ben Rector or Needtobreathe, yet the song doesn’t feel like it fits in any specific subgenre. But it’s ok… I love it no matter what! The bouncy optimism from the percussion to the piano to the harmonies… it all works super well. I’m a big fan of what the song represents lyrically (a celebration of success). Even after listening several times I’m not sure if the anniversary is of giving up alcohol, meeting someone special, or… something else entirely. But I’m here for the party! And honestly, the positive vibes of the song are worth it regardless of the anniversary’s purpose.

Image courtesy: Sophia Zamani IG