Erika Levy describes her fresh single New City as a breakup banger. Lyrically it rings with the trials of a reckless spirit, one ready to indulge in physical tantrums of self destruction, as if that ever solved anything. Levy herself is emotionally convincing, with a rare quivering vibrato and smoky timbre that lands intoxicating.
The arrangement shimmers courtesy of bright layered acoustics that harken to the inspiration of Jeff Lynne, as stringed intrusions add some Nashville flair. There’s a sensibility to New City that cites the influence of Shawn Colvin or Natalie Merchant with some of the added indie energy known to Big Thief and Jenny Lewis. We simple love it.
Hear New City now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Ballroom Thieves rekindle the practice of two polar vocals on both sides of an omnipresent microphone on an impressive filmed performance for their single Tender. They blend elegantly into one harmonious thread. Their personalities remain intact courtesy of their instinctual twang.
The subtle intrusion of an atmospheric lap steel accentuates the midwest sunset affect this music offers. Stylistically with the video companion we catch a vibe known to the performances in the movie Once with more Gregory Alan Isakov style Americana reverence. We find it delightful.
Hear Tender now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
We lost ourselves within the dreamy untamed presence of The Unspoiled View, the new single from Slight. The singers familiar timbre will draw fair similarities to Robin Pecknold, and the song matches Fleet Foxes flair for smart arrangements and calculated instrumentation.
Slight adapt that influence with harmonies that recall the lush blend known to Crosby, Still, and Nash. All comparisons aside, The Unspoiled View stands alone as a composition. It bears its influences on its sleeve while adding some new melodic flavor to this sounds legacy.
Hear The Unspoiled View on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Red Barnett caught our attention with the release of their impressive new EP Rise. The six imaginative cuts represent their own sonic worlds within a relative scope. It effectively represents the groups collective genius as recording artists within a dreamy indie folk medium. Stand out tracks include the melancholy brilliance of Home Pt. II and the addictive chorus mantra of Maybe You’re On Your Own.
Stylistically Red Barnett reflects imaginative indie folk icons like Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, while adding some of the serene harmonious presence of Darlingside to that indie electro ethos. They’re not derivative, rather they offer some fresh sonic tension within this style. Hear for yourself.
Red Barnett is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 