Three folksy singer songwriters that will have you adding them to the top of your playlist today

Pete Barrett – “Livin’ on the Line”
-When you hear the initial steel guitar in the opening of this song, you’re going to think it’s a country tune. But hear me out — it’s more of a folk song that it is country in the purest sense. The narrative style here feels more like Woody Guthrie than anything Nashville has released in the last 20 years. I appreciate the good vibes and forward momentum of the track. At first blush, I thought it felt like it was a few ticks too fast for the style, but the more I’ve listened the more I like it. The vocal sits right in the pocket and the production feels like a great mix of traditional country with a pop folk aesthetic. Regardless of what music nerds like me want to call it, this is a song with hit potential that could be played at a dancehall or just on your summer barbeque list; either way, it’s worth a share!

Rowan Murphy – “Getting Old”
-It is admittedly a little odd hearing someone half my age (or so) singing about getting old, but that’s the thing about aging; we all are doing it every day. And in Murphy’s defense, the influence of a day at 18 is more than it is at my age. Nevertheless, the profound lyrical truth in this song is really wonderful. I appreciate the maturity and class both in the production as well as the lyrical composition. I don’t hear many artists that I put in the same class as Dodie Clark and Lizzy McAlpine, but Murphy is emerging into that class here. Calling out people her age for playing games and wanting to run away is very relatable to my life at that age. The piano provides a delightful backdrop and there are a few chord progressions that make it feel like the introspective tune in the middle of a joyful musical. It’s so good from composition to vocal performance. I’m glad to share this one with you all.

The Burney Sisters – “Mars Song”
-The opening atmospheric energy of the song might make you think it’s going to be an indie pop or electronic song, but the subtle strings usher in a sound that’s much more like throwback folk music. Once the lead vocal enters, there’s a comfortable energy that feels like a nice warm hug pulling the listener into the vibe of the track. The line “why did we leave it behind?” has this expressive sincerity to it that feels both charming and inviting. This is poetic folk in the vein of Joe Purdy and Anna Tivel. My favorite part of the whole song is the way the poetic lyric work dances delicately over approachable and soothing string work. The whole mood is calming and good… then the sisterly harmonies enter the track, making it go from good to positively blissful. This is such a treat.