Billy Raffoul honors Fathers day with the release of his new single My Old Man. His rustic weathered vocal delivery suits this Alt Country Americana tribute. There’s an additional indie folk feel to the composition, slightly reminiscent to the Lumineers in how he layers his vocals to accentuate the drama. His voice is a little more Nathaniel Ratliff or dare we say Joe Cocker. That contrast adds to the charm of this sentimental gem.
The lyrics elegantly recall a Childs stubborn legacy within the throes of adulthood, that realization of what parenting is really all about. It recalls the saying, “you can’t judge me ’cause you haven’t walked in my shoes.”
Lyrically that reference shines in moments like “There’ll always be someone you’re not tougher than.” Always.
Hear My Old Man now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Terry Blue got to the heart of the matter with their new single Goodbye Great Master. The narrative unfolds like an ode to an old friend or even a period of your life as you step into the next chapter. The artist navigates through social perils and trivialities. It’s poetic angry folk presented patiently and melodically clever.
Produced beautifully, there’s sneaky sonic innovations heard through the backing vocals that add a cinematic dreamy detail. Stylistically it should connect with fans of Gregory Alan Isakov and Damien Rice. Like them Terry Blue doesn’t stray too far from his roots while presenting as entirely new, the undeniable musings of a modern human redeveloped in this timeless package.
Hear Goodbye Great Master on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Iowa bred project Jordy Arndt and the Howlers keep it real with a pair of stand out alt country releases. Both The Only One and Die Alone are infectious jams recalling the first wave of No Depression Magazine, that brand of country offshoots like Son Volt and Wilco who made Nashville sad again. There’s a proud reckless nature to Arndt’s writing, as if he’s wearing these stories like a medal. It’s heard on the convincing single The Only One. This dive bar serenade has post rock flavor, giving it a nostalgic cinematic feel. The narrative unfolds like your in the bar with him, the kind of song fit for the memory of the one that got away.
The iconic shuffle of Die Alone brings a classic feel while the lyrics add edgy contrast. “Well I’m giving up on heaven cause I’ve been living in Hell too long.” An outlaw’s anthem, it traces the legacies of Southern Rock and Country Blues, adding some updated alt country flare to keep the party popping.
Flying far under the radar, these release prove his buzzworthy alt country appeal. Say you heard them first. Jordy Arndt and the Howlers are featured on our Emerging Folk and Alt Country Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 