German band Rodeo FM channels the spirit of outlaw country in the vein of indie folk on their new single Shame, Shame, Shame. Fans of Dr Dog and the Tallest Man on Earth will enjoy their combination of charm and personality executed with notable precision as they nail all the nuances of the Nashville sound.
Shame, shame, shame is featured on the bands new album, all the things you asked for, and is released on the bands own label, London Rage. Banjo and lap steel sway between a picture perfect vocal, as interesting chord play adapts the songs traditional foundation. Out of the vocal, big New Orleans style horns lift this alt-country hit to new heights, as Rodeo FM displays their culmination of influence and affinity for musical theatre. The horns shift the mood in one cinematic swoop, as Rodeo FM conjures up vision of a parading troupe of musicians in magnificent costume engulfed in festive jubilation.
The joyous musical arrangement is pompous like a mocking jester, as the uplifting vibe contrasts the lyrical theme of a scorned lover. The singer recalls his misfortune as he ponders the ridiculousness of his effort, a hopeless romantic in this modern world of temporary love, it’s a bit of tragedy and comedy that makes this song so infectious.
Enjoy Shame, shame, shame now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
German songwriter Luna Keller returns with the emotive No Man’s Land. The artist released the song on January 1st, and admits that the song is about trusting your path and self acceptance. When the glass is half full, New Year’s Day is full of hope, but when it’s half empty, it can be one of the most daunting events of the year. Another year of falling short, and wondering if you’re doing it all wrong. Keller lends a reassuring hand with a proper tribute for the bold and the unflappable. Like a friend she walks you into the unknown on this soul crusader lullaby. She pairs a refreshing message with her incredible talent as a writer and arranger.
Stylistically there is evidence of early 90s pop alternative, the charm of the Cranberries and the grace of Sara Mclaughlin, a chip of riot girl appeal and a bit of 80s pop aura. It’s all there to help you get to the feeling of the thing, it references a time when music felt innocent and free, unadulterated by the burden of success, still a reflection of the spirit. And so it makes sense that Luna first conceived this song at 15 and just recently brought it back, like an instinctual memory that helps you get back to whats real. It roots you, warms you, reminds you why you started in the first place. That’s the magic of No Man’s Land, it’s about how it makes you feel, it’s a good vibe.
Luna drops poetic anecdotes throughout like a spiritual guide. “I’m on my way to be better than today, so one day I’ll say I made mistakes, it’s what it takes. A low for every high, yet I learned to fly, into No Man’s Land.”
Whatever it is, whatever you want, don’t give up. It’s the Journey, not the destination.
Hear No Man’s Land now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
Allan Corby gets his groove back on his new single Sunshine. Corby has been a life long music enthusiast and got his start in the late 60s with a unique radio show where he taught listeners chords to popular songs. From there he pivoted to producing pop and disco and even performed as an opener for the Doobie Brothers and ZZ Top among others. Like most of us he hung it up to have a family, and now 40 years later he is back and quite possibly better than ever. The years have been kind to Allan, his voice is youthful and full of energy, the music has spunk and indie intellect. Though there’s evidence of acts like America and the aforementioned Doobies, it also connects with some more modern acts like Wilco and My Morning Jacket. The arrangement is full of surprise and modern sensibility. When you think the chords are going to resolve to the familiar root or 5th, Allan knows to vary it up and keep it interesting.
Allan gets some help from his friend and online music teacher Lance Allen. The duo brings superb musicianship and an attention to detail. The guitars are full of character, as plucked notes ring with brilliance and textured overtones. Quick fingers pull off dreamy leads over the songs main structure as Allan displays a flare for catchy intricate musical melodies. A well travelled musician, a little bit of every influence finds a place on his new single. Sunshine is one of multiple releases this year from the resurrected songbird.
Hear Sunshine now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
I Will Be Free is the new freak folk single from Australian artist Psychedelic Revolution. Also known as Psyche Rev, the artist sings with incredible emotion, as he weaves together musical passages and lyrical poetry in classic folk fashion. This is not your four chord act going through the motions, rather, Psyche Rev lets the music create a story, moving the sections in movements and hanging on to notes to evoke a feeling and convey a message. He has the indie sensibility of Elliot Smith but the writing pension of Bob Dylan. He also has the hurt of artists like Kurt Cobain and acoustic selections from the likes of Alice In Chains and early Guns and Roses. His voice is rich and travelled, with hints of suffering and loneliness, the pain and affliction of full life experience.
Psyche Rev is a rare breed of musician, with the boldness to allow and embrace the existential quest, to protect the sanctity of the art, to endure all of the hardship that comes with the commitment to that kind of journey. It has lead him to some exciting collaborations with the likes of XTX and more. Though those triumphs are noteworthy, I Will Be Free may be his most heartfelt release, and the song he is most remembered for. It is a calling card for what its all about, how it ends, how it will always ends. Because we are never truly free, we are shackled to a history of choices and careless decisions, for better or worse, to bare that weight in lonely hours. And so it is ideal that most of the song is just the singer and his guitar, alone in painful contemplation, an offering to anyone who needs to exercise this familiar relentless hurt.
He laments “and when the stars begin to shine, I will be free from the darkness inside of me.”
Hear I Will Be Free now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 