Three brand new folk tracks, including an instant-add to the song of the year candidate list

Katherine Winston – “Loving You”
-When I got to the end of the first line of this song, I got chills. That’s not something that can be easily manufactured or packaged in a track; it just is either there or it’s not. Winston’s vocal is outstanding. The vocal phrasing here feels familiar and tranquil, pulling the listener in for a wonderful connection. The lyrical concept, “it’s easy loving you” is soft, peaceful, and works well with the idyllic “rose colored glasses” of hopeful love. The production provides a “dreamlike” state, which is the type of love that is depicted as well. At the end of my second listen of the track, I put it on my song of the year list. It’s that good.

Chris Chu – “Carrying On”
-If you’re looking for a spirited acoustic guitar with a chill vocal, definitely check out this track from Chris Chu. I don’t always approve songs with this sort of understated vocal energy, but this one connected nicely with an overall mood that resonates. The lyrics are about how circumstances in life change, but we have to carry on. It’s a simple message of perseverance, but there’s a tenderness to it that I really admire. The spiritual energy of the track feels light and welcoming, which I really appreciate for the message overall. The harmonies on the chorus, “carrying onnnnn” melt me every time. They’re delightful.

Andy Tongren – “Franconia”
-If you’re a fan of hand-clappy folk music, you should definitely check out this song. Interestingly enough, some of the earliest bands we featured at ETTG were this type of Lumineers-style folk music. Tongren’s songwriting has a feel-good vibe to it, inviting listeners into an accessible overall vibe. It’s got this line, “give me some of that live free or die.” It turns out this is about Franconia, New Hampshire in the US (not the region in Europe), but they are the same people rooted in the same traditions. Honestly, I try to shy away from politics, but this is a sentiment that echoes close to my soul as an American. “Live free or die.” Amen to that.