Open Road Folk Music – “Sunny Days”-I can’t quite put my finger on who this lead vocal reminds me of, but it’s someone like Gregory Alan Isakov. It’s rich, deep and abiding, causing the listener to lean in and really listen. The acoustic …
Category: Folk
Three brand new folk pop tracks, including the latest from genre legends Johnnyswim
Lauren Mian – “Undertow”-I don’t always think of heavy percussive energy when it comes to folk pop, but it really works here well in this new track from Mian. The vocal is outstanding, which allows the listener to connect with every detail of …
Three downtempo folk tunes that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you why you love music
Jon Fazal – “New Moon”-This is a love song, but not in the sense of romance so much as it is about existence. It’s a lovely folk narrative with piano and guitar work that soothes, but ultimately it’s a love song for the …
Three new tracks that bring out the best in contemporary folk styling
Lo Stone – “Toward the Sun”-There’s a delightful simplicity to the composition style here. The keys, the guitar, the percussion, and a pure vocal keep the track moving along nicely. There’s a clarity in the production mix for the vocal that makes it …
Three breathtaking new singer songwriters, including a “song of the year” candidate
Gal Musette – “Broken Clock”-Stop what you’re doing and really listen to this song. It’s such a wonderful bit of songwriting and Musette’s vocal is stunning here. The harmonies on the chorus are absolutely outstanding, winning me over again and again with each …
Three outstanding new folk pop tunes that will have you pickin’ and grinnin’
Something About Bears – “Honey”-Maybe it’s the lifelong Pooh Bear fan in me, but I couldn’t help but smile when I saw a song by a group of bears called “Honey.” A smackerel, as they say. I know if you read their PR …
Joe Holtaway – A Necessary Folk Prophet For Our Time
Joe Holtaway – “Death to the IDF” This is a striking song that left me breathless. The songwriting is incredibly heartbreaking and meditative, and although Holtaway has became my favorite songwriter, I wish his songs were no longer needed. Lyrically, it speaks for …
Three new tracks that bring out the best of traditional folk while adding a bit of modern flair
Cole Swensen – “less than what i need”-If you’ve been around my coverage at all in the past year, you’ve seen me talk about Cole Swensen… a LOT. To be honest, I feel like I’m almost running out of ways to describe how …
Three Songs That Blend Warmth, Storytelling, and Emotional Resonance in Easygoing Rock
The Bergamot – “Beauty That We See” ft. Notre Dame Children’s Choir-This song has several genres all blended together, but all told feels like an easy going rock track. I appreciate the folksy songwriting sensibility that is packaged in more of a rock …
Three folk tunes that will stop you in your tracks… so maybe slow down and click play
Matthew Payne – “The Light I Cannot See”-I liked this song the first time I heard it, but when I clicked play on it to write I… couldn’t. I just… sat, dumbfounded… and a little bit broken (in a good way). There’s something …
