Three exciting new indie folk singer songwriters you’ll want to perfect your autumn playlist

James Freeborn – “Postcards”
-I’m a big fan of a song that can open with such gentleness that still carries emotional weight. Freeborn sings with a gentle energy that makes me want to listen even more closely. Bringing a style along the lines of Gregory Alan Isakov or William Fitzsimmons, the overall track has that cathartic and accessible style of folk that makes you want to listen over and over. To be honest, the acoustic guitar may pull at the heartstrings (pun intended), but it’s the piano that really fills in the emotional depth on this composition. This is a beautiful piece of music that I hope millions will hear (and soon).

Nico Waters – “hey little brother”
-If you have a sibling, let alone specifically a brother, this song will resonate deeply in your spirit. It’s about having a loved one with those deep and abiding memories. The songwriting reminds me of Cole Swensen’s tender style as well. The string work here (a cello, I presume) carries a lot of emotional weight in this recording. The expressive piano and guitar work on this song also sets the mood in a way that allows the listener to feel the emotion in the vocal. There’s something deeply meaningful in the line, “your fight, my fight.” Wow. This one gives me chills. I’m so sorry for the experience of these dear ones and I hope they find healing. This is art in response to pain in the most lovely way.

Blu Miller – “Stay High”
-I adore this melody and I’m not sure I have a good explanation why. I find the whole sonic composition of this song to be inviting. As someone who listens to a fair bit of folk rock, the song definitely fits that description well. But there’s also this element to the song that feels deeply cathartic, a comfortable energy in both the rhythmic and melodic qualities. That’s a fancy blogger’s way of saying it’s a “toe tapper.” I really appreciate the dynamic range from the verse to the chorus, giving the song a real sense of movement and flex throughout the track. If you’ve ever felt the intoxicating emotion of falling in love, this song will almost certainly be relatable. One final note, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that beautiful pedal steel; what a sound, what a flourish. This is a great tune.