Hattie Whitehead caught our attention with her new single Read My Mind. A gorgeous blend of traditional and modern, Whitehead cites an influence of tribal Celtic music in the vein of classic folk. It’s heard in the timeless war drum and spirited acoustic arrangement. She adds an innovative melodic tendency.
Stylistically Read My Mind bridges the gap between Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake. Like both of them Whitehead blends the moodier works of several traditions and adds her own progressive compositional flair. Her voice, like a cantor, leading you through the imaginative movements of this musical prayer.
Hear Read My Mind now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Humbird pen a new dusty Americana anthem with her single Cornfield and Roadkill. This is how we imagine Sheryl Crow might have adapted if she leaned harder into her Crazy Horse Neil Young influence.
Humbird shows she’s a great songwriter in the realm of Brandi Carlisle or Kacey Musgraves. Like them; as a singer alone Humbird has real star power. Her voice is polished enough to qualify for Nashville’s new pop machine, but we much prefer her in this authentic classic style. This is the kind of radio rock and roll revival we dream of.
Hear Cornfields and Roadkill now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Inspiration from film and television is nothing new, but when it comes from a decade old series like Girls you start to reconsider that programs impact on pop culture. A surefire hit in its own time, one character wears new clothes on the gorgeous tribute from Alex Couch.
Hannah gets a magical homage. Couch channels the catchy singer songwriter appeal of turn of the century songwriters like Duncan Sheik and Damien Rice, adding some Americana alt country tendencies in the vein of Ryan Adams. The writing feels refreshingly candid, with an impromptu nature that stays true to the burst of inspiration that inspired it. Hear for yourself.
Hannah is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Willy Tea Taylor and and Jeffrey Martin team up for a new classic in their single Bakersfield. You can’t deny its classic Outlaw Americana lineage. What they offer beyond the realm of recent alt country stand outs is a classic authentic analog flair. It’s heard in the warmth of the mix and in the saloon style piano that charts the melodic map.
The vintage vocal performance and linear narrative add to the classic charm. “Do not bury me in Bakersfield.” They just don’t write like that anymore.
Hear Bakersfield now on our Emerging Folk and Indie Country Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 