Bree Rusev drew us in with her lush sultry twang. It blesses the indie Americana reverence of her new single Finish Line. Her voice is simply intoxicating. It has a hypnotic feature, the kind of affect guaranteed to turn every strangers head as she conceptually jams on some urban dead end subway.
The song suits the reference. There’s a sense of salvation to this aura. It’s simultaneously asking to be saved while basking in the trials that got them there. It’s a testament to her vocal style. We prefer it within this melancholy feel. No matter how the good times role, some still like their songs sounding sad. In that way she connects the classic legacy of Gram Parsons, but with a voice and vibe that should attract fans of Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves. .
Hear Finish Line now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Hazlett has a penchant for dreamy atmospheric indie folk gems. It’s heard on his recent single The First Train Home. His writing can stand alone, but we do prefer it dressed in this immersive production style. The arrangement on the new single is really special.
There’s a sliding instrument that might be a guitar or a synth, regardless it’s effective and cites a nostalgic influence somewhere between The Beach Boys and cinematic surf icons Santo & Johnny. He brings that influence into the indie folk canon with an undeniably modern compositional touch. Stylistically it connects loosely with the works of Lord Huron and Jose Gonzalez. We enjoy it immensely.
Hazlett is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Swan Porter caught our attention with her new release Death Bed Visions. There’s an introspective lucid aura to these lyrical revelations. Her voice has a calm and collective affect. It’s as if she’s accepted these premonitions as being a formality in this human process. “Whats the difference,” she ponders as a resignation of serenity takes hold. It resonates with the mantra to ‘accept the things you cannot control.’
Beyond the lyrics is a haunting vocal performances that stands out courtesy of her rich rare range. She’s a refreshing tenor in a world of sopranos. Perhaps there’s a second level, but we prefer her busty low end. It adds depth and presence in contrast to thin piercing modern singers. In that way she wears the influence of Fiona Apple, while also channeling songwriters like Damien Rice and Gregory Alan Isakov. It’s a testament to this songs sad moody nature. A detail we adore.
Hear Death Bed Visions now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
We dig the thoughtful soulful songwriting of Joel Nowakowski. The artist first appeared on our radar via his single Face to Nowhere. Here the artists asserts a delectable scope of influence, as he places himself among a vibe familiar to Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Son Volt. It’s a testament to his Americana spirit within the songwriting canon. That scope of influence that stems from Dylan, through adaptations by Tom Petty. That aesthetic blended with an Americana heart stands timeless.
Other stand out tracks include Anymore, where Joel leans into his passionate epic second level. The signature guitar solo opens up the opportunity for him to expand this work live, a testament to his aforementioned influences. His single Honest Crimes expands on that energetic rock upbringing. It offers some nice dynamic to his canon, while integrating additional influences like Gin Blossoms, Hootie, and Better Than Ezra. The 90s are getting a grunge comeback, but we’re hoping to hear more within this alternative style as well. Nowakowski fits the bill.
Joel Nowakowski is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 