Melanie MacLaren updates a classic a with her version of The Swimming Song. This is a catchy charming tribute to summers most treasured seasonal activity. Originally written by folk troubadour and cult hero Loudon Wainwright III, MacLaren gives the song a new indie arrangement. Her peformance shines with authenticity. She sings of cannonball dives and breast stroke like it’s her last day on the pond, offering these actions up as sacred routines meant to be cherished.
Her now trademark emotional vocal delivery adds to the sentimental thrill of this anthem. A voice that makes you believe. She’s got one, and it’s paying dividends in a flurry of hits fit to make her an indie folk star. Still flying too far under the radar, MacLaren captures Bridgers vibe with Brandi Carlisle instincts. She’s one step from stardom.
Hear The Swimming Song now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Jen Lush embraces fellow Australian poet Maria Zajkowski, enlisting her work for the lyrics to the new single Icon – Song 1. Accompanied by her band members James Brown, Paul Angas, Mark Seddon and Sam Cagney, Icon – song 1 is an essential part of Lush’s forthcoming album ‘Hum of the Mettle’ due out on August 18th. The project interprets contemporary poetry in song, in collaboration with some of Australia’s finest poets.
Lush effectively adapts this poetry with melodic flavor and inspired cadence. She injects natural musicality into the poetry’s descriptive essence. The music is dreamy with shades of Americana to match its indie folk instincts. In that way it recalls Krauss and Plants award winning album Raising Sand. Like them Lush has an exotic desert siren presence. Her vibe matches the lyrics worldly wonder. Icon – Song 1 is an intriguing introduction that has us excited to hear the whole album.
Jen Lush is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
It’s only their first release but Wasting May sets the bar high with their debut single Maureen. The songwriting explorations of Ethan Deboard and Evelyn Nielsen bear intriguing fruit, displaying a penchant for storytelling and a keen eye for observation. The guitar part is equally calculated with an attention to melody beyond the confides of the chords.
Maureen is charming and bears a refreshing humility despite its assumed heartbreak. Within the trials of romance Wasting May finds poetry and grace. The affect is pure in the spirit of Daniel Johnston or The Moldy Peaches, with the modern indie folk accuracy know to the scenes best. Much like the girl in the story, Maureen is simple and perfect.
Hear Maureen now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Fairhazel knows It Takes Time, or perhaps they’re just trying to convince themselves. The title of their new single, the sentiment is presented with a sense of genuine concern. The lyrics are clever, slightly cheeky, and refreshingly original. The singer presents these theories with charm and a soft calming delivery. “I know we won’t be screaming til our throats are raw cause we do not have that kind of stamina anymore.” True That.
The recording has an analog warmth. It accentuates the singers whispery hush. Stylistically we hear evidence of Elliot Smith with some of the modern indie folk flair of Feist. Like them both It Takes Time sounds fit for a soundtrack, either to a movie or just to mirror our real existence.
Hear It Takes Time now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 