Emma Nilsdotter immortalizes a precious soul on her recent The Story Of Billy Ray. This charming indie folk Americana blend warms you like fresh rays of sunshine breaking through the window at dawn.
Emma blesses the vibe with a heartwarming narrative, one where Billy Ray reflects the best of us. Her Billy sounds like an existential being who exists outside the confides of superficial worldly prisons, unless it’s in regards to his sacred homeland. That’s one thing Billy will suffer for. Stylistically we think Emma Nilsdotter is a sure thing for fans of Brandi Carlile. Hear for yourself.
The Story Of Billy Ray is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Oh that voice, oh that haunting quivering hush that wades over your like the chill air known to their precious Colorado. It’s all so poetic when it comes to Lonesome Handsome. A project that truly personifies the aura of their native wasteland on their new single In This Ghostly Domain.
The vocal performance embraces that ghostly reference elegantly. There’s something ancient to this vibe. It’s at the essence of musical instinct tied to our legacy in the wilderness. Call us wild, call this enchanting. We hear all of it in the abstract rare design of this glorious release. The single is a cinematic triumph that blends an influence of Anohni with Ancient folk. We’re so into it.
Lonesome Handsome is featured on our Emerging Folk Playist.
German import Edda Rose lands intoxicating on her recent Had To Go. Sultry and smooth within an intellectual construct, Had To Go is smart songwriting. The arrangement is effective and makes elegant use of a piano and atmospheric harmonies. The rhythm section does well to accentuate the drama. Most notably, Rose offers a convincing performance full of conjured emotion.
Stylistically she finds the middle ground between Fiona Apple, Sharon Van Etten, and Norah Jones. It’s both dark and smooth. We like it both ways.
Here Had To Go now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Christina Gomez is an old soul with fresh ideas in the world of Country Americana. Her new album The Way It Is embraces an influence of traditional Mexicali and Country in the same way Linda Ronstadt and The Eagles did in the early Seventies. Stand outs like the The Way It Goes and Gamble ring like lost treasures.
The Way It Goes evolves like a heartfelt country ballad on the cusp of an 80s rock breakout, while the upbeat Gamble has country blues swagger.
Altogether a strong album, and its her single Gone that really took us from intrigue to infatuation. Her vocal on this track is perfect. It’s the kind of legendary delivery know to Country Icons. Linda, Dolly, and Tammy would be proud. Not just in her truth, but in her ability to make this Heartland sound her own.
Christina Gomez is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 