Three excellent folk singer songwriters that will stop you in your tracks this mid-June

Joseph G. Thompson – “Belong Here”
-I don’t always relate to people singing about life as a musician, on the road and all that. But I’ll tell you what, I believe Joseph G. Thompson that he’d rather live his life out on the road. You can feel the sincerity in the way he writes. There’s a folk rock synergy happening with the track that feels like it’s channeling the greats of the 70s like James Taylor and Tom Petty. The electric guitar carries a lot of weight while the genuine lyricism feels like it has a dash of Neil Young in it. The combination of these factors makes for a sound that’s sure to win over a lot of fans. Also, and my apologies to Mr. Thompson, but something about the scoop on “don’t belooooong here” reminds me a bit of Kacey Musgraves’ “dryyyy spell.” I’m sorry because now you won’t unhear it. But please don’t let that take away from this marvelous track about a songwriting longing to get out there on the road. Play on, troubadour.

Dan Bettridge with Novo Amor – “Green Screen”
-If you’re a fan of thoughtful folk singer songwriters, there’s a to like about this track from Dan Bettridge. The sparing electric guitar creates the perfect baseline for a careful lyrical message. It’s ultimately a track about perspective, viewing things the wrong way and needing to find a new orientation or viewpoint. The folks from Novo Amor bring in some delicate harmony balance to the song. By the time the full band enters the track, it takes on what feels a bit more like “artful folk,” using these additional production layers to move away from the straightforward classic folk sound of the opening. The more sophisticated and fuller sound is cathartic and feels a bit like looking into a kaleidoscope, creating unique ever-changing visual stimuli. This is a far more philosophical song than you might think at first listen. Spin it again and see/hear what else is there.

Marielle – “Listen to This”
-The command is in the title and I agree… listen to this. You absolutely should stop everything and listen to this. And let me be clear, I think you should put aside the other things you’re doing on the side and really listen to this song. Marielle writes with a delicate and interesting style; I can’t quite think of a direct parallel. The closest parallel I have is Marianne Beaulieu, a YouTuber that I’ve featured here before. The song is unhurried, a reflective bit of songwriting about what it’s like to be with someone. And if they forget home much you love them, have them listen to this. Now, on its surface you might say it’s “just” a love song. But what I like about this piece is how much care you can tell the artist gave it. In a world with so much fake “art,” it’s really great to be able to feel what you can feel just listening to this song. Put it on your tender, calm, coffeeshop, “rainy day reading” style playlists and you’ll love it every time it comes around; trust me.