Three folk singer songwriters you’ll want to add to your listening rotation

Natalie Del Carmen – “Plans Upon Plans”
-If you’re looking for a classic sound with some crisp modern production elements, definitely check out this track from Natalie Del Carmen. The lyrical vibe is about having plans with someone when it doesn’t work out, so the plans fall flat. There’s a bit of a heartache sentiment to this song, but it’s not slow or sad in its feeling. This is more of a mood of acknowledging the hurt and pain, but moving forward despite giving up everything for the plans that fell through. It’s a beautiful, emotional bit of songwriting. It turns to a spiritual direction in the ending, which feels fitting for the Americana root to the track.

Laura Estabridis – “Breathe Me In”
-This is one of the brightest, most engaging love songs I’ve heard in all of 2025. There’s an energy to the vocal that really pulls the listener in. The lyrical hook of “either you feel it or you don’t” is absolutely true. It’s a relatable sentiment and a beautiful overall song with its deeply human elements. The string work throughout the track, but especially the harmonics on the chorus work really well. At times it feels like its paying homage to classic bluegrass, but there are some elements of contemporary folk here as well. The full sound is delightful, inviting the listener into the loving sentiment presented by the main melody. If there was justice in the world, this would chart of “country” or even pop radio.

Lonely Mountain – “The Cartographer”
-This is a delightful song. I feel like I could stop the review there. It’s just got this charming style about it that makes me want to put it at the top of every playlist. There’s a whole vibe to it that feels comforting in its acoustic gentleness, while at the same time it has this sincerity that makes me want to lean in and listen closer. It sounds like how I feel when I go to one of those coffee shops that have a book store connected. I just feel like I could nestle into this energy all day long. Honestly, I would if I could. The vocal has this wonderful relatability, like listening to an old friend tell their story. If I didn’t love it enough already, the instrumental break (maybe the bridge?) has this soft acoustic element (that I assume is a ukulele). This is what I mean when I tell people I like indie folk music… this right here.

Image courtesy: Natalie Del Carmen IG