Annie Anna escapes on her emotive new single Drowning. She admits that the narrative recalls a fierce portrayal of the suffocating experience of being under the control of another. The song is inspired by her own ‘coming of age’ story. For us Drowning fills attacks the Elephant in the Room. It connects with a new generation trapped in their relationship with the material world. We’re all stuck in the conformist social media machine, where originality and uniqueness are only celebrated if they subscribe to cultures new favorite period plot. Like Annie’s selfish lover, the process of admiration truly lost its mutual benefit. In conflict with truth, everything now is only about how it’s perceived.
Drowning is melodically beautifully, with instinctual resolutions that tag traditional music in a new dark indie folk style. Most notably we hear evidence of Hozier with some of the classic understated dark folk pop appeal of Stevie Nicks.
Hear Drowning now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Kolby Knickerbocker caught our attention with his new single Mother. The alt country Americana vibe suits his soulful farm hand vocal delivery. He employs impressive control over his voice’s smoky presence. The composition patiently evolves with care, it mirrors the narrative. Like the matriarch, it puts care into every detail. It doesn’t rush you, it lets you get acclimated, lets you embrace the feeling and cherish its reward.
A gorgeous tribute, Mother is a sure thing, bringing a wide breadth of influence that offers commercial success. Kolby Knickerbocker should draw some fair comparisons to Ray LaMontagne, Sturgill Simpson, or as a writer even Chris Stapleton. The associations are reasonable, and Mother is just as strong as anything in their catalog.
Hear Mother now on our Emerging Folk and Indie Country Playlist.
We got lost in the serene design of Music Room, the new single from Hayfitz, His hush emotive falsetto effectively dictates this somber curious tale. There’s an odd dystopian feel to this eery folk. It’s accentuated by the music video, featuring a house that appears to be seemingly deserted in the moment. Its most revealing moment is in the faded menacing specter that appears gripping some kind of rope or belt. It’s creepy and adds to the mysterious narrative.
A gorgeous melodic presentation in any light, it’s how it makes you feel that expands its charm and elegance. It should instantly connect with indie folk fans of Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, and though it graces their legacy, it shines in its own light.
Hear Music Room now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
John Hollywood brings vintage charm with the lofi folky fuzz heard on At The Foot Of Your Bed. The dirty analog design adds to the projects retro concept, one that embraces the melodic roadmap known to country folk, those standardize chord combos open to subtle adaptation but always married to the music’s governed ordinance. Alas, true originals always shine through, and John Hollywood fits the mold.
It’s a great song in any light, and for us the dusty lofi only buries the commercial potential. It does achieve a scope of influence, we know where he’s coming from. Hollywood embraces the classics, somewhere between Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams.
Hear Foot Of Your Bed now on our Emerging Folk and Indie Country Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 