LA songwriters Irene Greene & Mason Summit join forces on their new project, The Prickly Pair. Their debut single Rosemary is a savory dose of angst and Americana. Greene’s strong, believable lead drips with authentic contempt. It’s the same attitude that launched Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. But Rosemary brings more of an indie sensibility in both the writing and arrangement.
It’s rooted in Brandi Carlisle esque Americana, while embracing the lyrical aesthetic and pompous aura of Father John Misty, the alt-country leanings of Angel Olson, and the indie heart of Phoebe Bridgers. Mixed crisp with slick execution and picture perfect pitch, The Prickly Pear are on the fast track to NPR’s buzzing bands of 2022. They have the crossover appeal of the aforementioned indie elites, and could even appeal to oft-mainstream fans of acts like Kacey Musgraves and modern country. Their fresh take on alt-country drips with classic nostalgia but always refers to Greene’s signature draw. Paired with Summit’s clear affinity for warm gritty tones, it’s easy to fall in love with Rosemary.
We’re psyched to hear what comes next, until then, enjoy Rosemary now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
Nashville Rockers The Thing With Feathers recently released a rock heavy 5 song EP, Sundays In The South. Displaying a breadth of influence, the group swaps electrics for acoustics on the rootsy title track. Masterfully produced by Owen Lewis (Old Sea Brigade, Snow Patrol), the dreamy single recalls the emotive acoustic post rock of the aforementioned Snow Patrol and Keane, with a southern indie sensibility similar to Kings of Leon and Band of Horses.
A crisp, gently plucked acoustic sits in front of the mix as subtle atmospheric strings leave room for an introspective lead vocal. Additional acoustics with layered alterations of the main riff reveal dreamy harmonious undertones, as the full production creates a dreamy aura reminiscent of full indie folk productions by artists like Sufjan Stevens and Iron and Wine.
Make no mistake, this isn’t lofi bedroom dream-pop, this is a polished pro effort with mainstream appeal. The Thing With Feathers make a bid to be the next southern break through, and exhibit an extensive palette that should interest the appetite of A&R teams looking to reclaim an album era in Rock. The Thing With Feathers are purveyors of a time in music when you could be a little of everything while always being yourself. Joining bands like Pearl Jam and Alice and Chains who seamlessly lived between multiple worlds, and created full album works that had depth and integrity.
A graceful contribution to an overall rocking release, enjoy Sundays In The South now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
The sacred cinematic soul of Sam Way is on full display with his new single, Valentine. Released on February 14, Way brings true love and all its imperfections into the Hallmark holiday. This is more about the sacred fabric of soul mates than the bubblegum romance of boxed chocolates and withering roses. A song that cherishes the path to love and the commitment to inevitable heartache, as our histories are left vulnerable to love and all of its unpredictable evolutions. You cannot change a person or lighten the grips of destiny. When you get to what’s real about a life long commitment, you uncover a selfless world of give and take, as the best lovers know it can’t always be about their comfort. Love, in essence, is uncomfortable, mysterious, metaphysical. Tell the story a thousand different ways, true love will always end together.
“Feels familiar, but look what it took to get back here, the brave must carry on. Just go gently, this river will reach the sea, dare to believe what only Angels learn to see. Let it be the peace that makes us complete.”
Way lets the lyrics tell the story, employing metaphorical sentiments that reference both the natural and divine world. Like the masterful songwriters he leaves room for interpretation, so you can make this song your own, let it find its way into your own story. Because love is an unavoidable human condition that plagues us. It finds its way into all that is good and evil in this world, difficult to fully comprehend in our human state, and so often misunderstood and devolving into tales of war and tragedy.
Sam Way dresses Valentine in the heartfelt, introspective aura of slow moving productions by James Blake, Hozier, and Bon Iver. Sam carries that feel into the contemporary world, and like Hozier, recalls the feeling of sacred hymnals in simplicity and melodic depth.
Get lost in Valentine, now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
Savannah Blu channels a fleeting moment on Something To Cry About.
Blu has the poetic lyrical prowess and catchy melodic penchant that launched initially underground songwriters Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves to mainstream stardom. Her songwriter roots paired with indie pop sensibility are on full display, as she even references the singles origins in the songs outro movement, revealing a demo-like lo fi appearance of what may have been the songs origination.
Blu’s voice quivers with emotional depth. Fresh lyrical ideas and relatable simple sentiments make for an accessible release that still feels original. This kind of production suggests Blu has been finding her voice for some time, and Something To Cry About could be her break out release. A sweet voice who knows how to construct a fine song, it’s clever lyricisim that brings significant possibility and truly set Blu apart.
“…there’s comfort in the comatose and knowing I’ll still breathe while paralyzed, and why is it that they all forget the outlaws, like I was just the rebel left and you were just without cause. So maybe you’ve got the tricks but only I know that you trying to fix things on a high note still isn’t my responsibility, so when you learn humility come back and share what you find out, maybe then you’ll have something to cry about.”
Fans of indie pop acts like Maggie Rogers and Jenny Lewis will enjoy Savannah’s combination of indie and pop-country in a singer songwriter package.
Find Something To Cry About now on our Emerging Folk playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 