Three wonderful new folk songs that you will want to put at the top of your folk playlist right away

Moe – “The Night Ain’t Calling My Name Anymore”
-From the first notes of this track, my heart… melted. The comparison to the Milk Carton Kids feels rich, right from the start. This song has an intimacy to it that ripped me apart pretty much on first listen. The lyrical style is rewarding if you just lean in and really focus. I appreciate the sparing folk production that invites the listener to really connect; it’s like walking into a warm space that has this sonic enveloping of whoever wanders in. Of course the acoustic work is delightful and the harmonies are amazing, but there’s something about the weight that the keys carry here that feels like home to me. I might be projecting here, but I think the lyrics are about accepting fate and not striving for connection like you once did. It’s not resigning, necessarily, it’s just a healthy and calm acceptance. It’s a beautiful song.

Teddy McGowan – “I Gotta Go”
-I tell people all the time that we feature narrative folk music; this song is exactly what I mean by that. You can’t make it out of the first line without caring for this protagonist. It’s relatable, the phrasing bounces perfectly, and the vocal is articulate enough to allow the listener to connect with every line. Even though the lyrics are about leaving, there’s a sweet optimism to the bouncy energy of the song. In order to experience new things, we have to move and push ourselves. That’s what I get out of this, at least. “There’s something out there waiting… so I gotta go.” The string work here (shoutout to that upright bass!) feels comfortable and genuine; it’s a timeless folk song that makes my heart smile. Thanks y’all.

Brother James – “Anywhere With You”
-I am not sure if you’ve heard this song before, but once you hear it you’ll want to put it in your rotation. Fans of folk tend to love this type of song. I mean, it has it all; there’s a wonderful guitar part at the core, some delightful harmony vocals, and this infectious romantic optimism that puts a smile on my face with every perfectly idiosyncratic lyric. As someone who married his college sweetheart, this song reminds me of those early years that were full of so much possibility. I’m not sure if this song was written to secure sync deals, but goshdarnit I feel like this should be on a TV show or a commercial. It’s a wonderfully bouncy folk song with a romantic core to it. The best comparison I can come up with here is the duo She and Him from a few years back… and honestly, Brother James with Joy Sinclair are a duo we’re happy to support!