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Best Folk Music Blog & Promotion

Tarantino Tango: The Rhythmic Revolution of INÉSNation’s Heart of Glass

Posted on 1 June 2024

If music is a cure, the Mexican collective of world-class musicians INÉSNation is the ultimate healer. Their latest remedy, Heart of Glass, filters indie flamenco rhythms through a Tarantino-esque lens, bringing in elements of bluegrass to smash through the monocultural mould and leave fans of Tele Novella, Black Honey, and Superfood weak at the rhythmic pulses.

Singer-songwriter, INÉS, is the April March of her generation with her hauntingly timeless vocal timbre that allows you to effortlessly fall into the vignette which captures the turbulence within a mind attempting to piece together a fragmented heart.

It was a bold move using the same title as the Blondie classic single, yet after hearing Heart of Glass, it’s clear that no move can be too audacious for the genre-fluid collective which frequently experiments with jazz, blues, and folk while amplifying their scintillating syntheses through the raw power of rock and immersing their listeners in lyrical lore with country-esque storytelling.

Heart of Glass is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Judas Goat and the Bellwether: Unveiling the Inspirations Behind “There is Always a Dawn

Posted on 25 May 2024
There Is Always a Dawn by Judas Goat & the Bellwether

In this exclusive interview, Judas Goat and the Bellwether delve into the creative journey behind their latest single, “There is Always a Dawn.” Touching on themes such as climate change, the interplay between modern life and nature, and the mystical elements in their music, the duo offers a compelling narrative. The duo discuss their philosophical and artistic inspirations, the importance of reconnecting with nature, and their unique creative process. This conversation promises a deep dive into the minds behind the music and the messages they strive to convey.

Judas Goat and the Bellwether, your latest single, There is Always a Dawn, is a sublime slice of folk poetry, which strikes a deep chord with its metaphorical address of climate change, what inspired you to use a parable as a medium for this important message?

I (Sara) am a philosophical romantic who has been seeking truth and wisdom ever since my sister died in a car accident in 1989 and my quest has led me to a metaphorical oak door where I was guided to knock and seek out the buried pearls of wisdom within our Christian heritage, and thus wondered if I could write something which might have a bit of cultural weight to save “the green and pleasant lands” as did Blake’s poem “Jerusalem “ when it was put to music particularly!

What was it about William Blake’s Jerusalem poem that lit a creative spark? 

The term “dark satanic mills”, which revealed his prodigious insight into the perils of replacing handcrafts with machines and reduced one’s purpose to being cogs in a machine day in and day out, removed from innocence and creative freedom. 

How did it feel to win a recording session at The Bert Jansch Studios in Frome after this single was voted a runner-up in the Climates Songwriting Competition? 

Great!  It really helped us raise our game, recording in a world-class studio.

In your opinion, what is the importance of bridging the gap between the modernised and digitised human experience and the natural world? 

Incredibly important.  If we’re online all the time it wipes us out and we need to get out into nature for at least half an hour a day apparently, otherwise we lose connection with our soul and get depressed; and all sorts of evils flourish out of our disconnection including addictions, mental health issues and self-destruction!

How did you integrate the lyrical content and musical elements in There is Always a Dawn to enhance its spiritual and mystical appeal?

We didn’t have to think about it too much as the art flows rather effortlessly between us luckily.  Pete composes a riff and sends it over to me and then I find the words, and then we work out the shape of the song together and add layers as we go along.

What’s the story behind your moniker, and how does it reflect your artistic identity? 

When we first met we somehow got on to the dark subject of the Judas Goat and how it’s a real thing!  It’s a trained goat which befriends sheep and leads them to their slaughter in abattoirs.  The goat is then sometimes rewarded with tobacco so it has addiction issues too!  Pete thought it would be a good band name and added the Bellwether (lead sheep).

I thought about it for a bit and then realised it could be a really good platform for facing some of the darker, sadder realities of life which Pete’s moody and ominous chord changes evoke (a bit like Pink Floyd), and then we could shine some light and hope on things, as with this song. 

As a duo, how does your creative synergy come to fruition? 

As I mentioned earlier, we have a magical connection (most of the time!) – quite peaceful, graceful and poetic; if something has legs it flows easily luckily and we don’t have to think about things too much.

What’s next for Judas Goat and the Bellwether?

We have five songs essentially ready to go and we’re working with Ben Scott, a producer at Axe and Trap Studios in Wells, Somerset to get them recorded.  We’ve also recruited Jim Scriven on bass and hope to find a drummer soon.

Then when we’re ready to go we hope to get out to play as much as we can.  I’d particularly like to play in America as I’m foundationally influenced by the 60s counter-culture and Canada as they have a revolutionary micronutrient supplement for mental health issues which I’d like to research whilst I’m there, and Berlin is Pete’s spiritual home…

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Stream Judas Goat and the Bellwether on Bandcamp and follow their journey on Facebook.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

David Seymour constructed a euphonic paradise in his jazz-folk piece, What a Life

Posted on 20 May 2024

Easy listening doesn’t come much easier than, What a Life, a standout piece on David Seymour’s jazz-folk fusion EP, Shelter. The elegant-with-soul slice of euphonic paradise doesn’t allow sophistication to get in the way of the accessibility of the release which prises minds open to the possibility of utopias lying wherever your rose-tinted perception looks for them.

The Latin guitar flourishes which beckons the outro adds another layer of auditory serenity to the organically free-flowing release after the female vocalist spills her equable graceful beguile over the score written and composed by David Seymour who has been integral to the London music scene for the past three decades. Following his position as a world music agent at Jenako Arts, he studied with the one and only Amancio D’Silva before studying at the music department at New City College with Chris Wilson.

By filtering jazz through a lens of folk and ensuring soul spills from every note of the instrumentation, David Seymour established himself as an essential artist for anyone who seeks the spiritual sanctity of folk and the expressive fluency of easy-listening jazz. With more music in the pipeline, Seymour is undoubtedly one to watch throughout 2024.

Stream What a Life with the rest of David Seymour’s seminal EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sun-Pinned Leaves shared the euphoria of being a rolling stone in their folk-rock reverie, See Y’all Again

Posted on 17 May 2024
Sun-Pinned Leaves

After winning the International Folk Duo of the Year award from the International Singer-Songwriters Association in 2023, the UK duo, Sun-Pinned Leaves are evidently still riding high, judging by the exuberant dreamland of nostalgia constructed within their latest single, See Y’all Again.

After the folksy piano keys have delivered their polyphonic euphoria, the rhythm section kicks in to deliver a rhythmically compelling beat that no 70s folk-rock fan will be able to resist. Even if you don’t know the joy of living on the road, you can live vicariously through this zestful vignette of how sweet it is to drift from coast to coast, where no goodbye is a definitive parting.

If Sun-Pinned Leaves aren’t on your radar yet, make room and stay tuned for their seventh LP, Seven Sins Aren’t Enough, which is set to become the sound of the summer when it releases in July.

See Y’all Again will be available to stream on all major platforms from May 15th. Find your preferred way to listen via the Sun-Pinned Leaves official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Entwine with Alba James’s folk-pop reverie, You Belong to Me

Posted on 14 May 2024

In their latest single, You Belong to Me, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alba James equally exhibited their profound connection to music and nature. Hitting play opens a doorway to a portal of fantasy, constructed by a mind attuned to folk-tale reverie; in the same vein as Cosmo Sheldrake, James rhythmically renders naturalism into her productions, which also tap into the enduring appeal of Dodie and Sufjan Stevens.

Though the title of the single implies possession, the free-spirited energy that breezes throughout the production with the retrospection of affection acts as an unexpected contradiction. James’ arcanely serene vocal lines drift through the organic layers of instrumentation attesting to how integral giving room to breathe is in a world full of confines.

Despite their relatively fresh innings in the music industry, the French Sweden-residing folk-pop troubadour allowed their aural talents to blossom from a young age before releasing their debut single, One in a Million, in 2020. Since then, they’ve shared 13 singles and their critically acclaimed EP, Bedroom Walls ahead of You Belong to Me. Even though nothing is off lyrical limits, themes of ancient mythology, queer love and nature are the cornerstone of the artist’s inspiration.

The next time you feel the need to touch grass, just tune into her discography instead.

Stream the official music video for You Belong to Me which premiered on May 7th via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Resonating Reflections: Timothy Jaromir Echoed the Complexity of the Human Condition Through the Organically Intricate Single, ‘Rebound’

Posted on 11 May 2024

Swiss singer-songwriter, Timothy Jaromir, became the Paul Simon of his generation in the intimacy of his latest single, Rebound. The organic euphony of the intricately organic instrumental arrangement, tinged with sporadically nuanced modern aesthetics, speaks volumes of his command over orchestrating progressions which resound with as much heartfelt candour as the poetry in his lyrics.

Speaking on the complexities that construct the human condition, Rebound forces you to reflect on how everyone you meet is a walking embodiment of the light and dark of their histories before you contemplate the sanctity of finding a love that will fuel you in perpetuity.

After releasing two solo albums, four EPs and several singles in his decade-spanning career, Timothy Jamir has had plenty of time to hone his craft; judging by how deep Rebound nestles into the soul, it’s safe to assume that he hasn’t wasted a day.

His forthcoming Nick Drake-inspired EP, Man Atlas, promises to deliver his most introspective and powerful work to date by leaning into the subconscious rather than pandering to the superficiality that premeditates the success of many of this era’s most laudable artists. 2024 undoubtedly has the scope to be a career-defining year for Jaromir.

Rebound was officially released on April 26th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bad Friends With Black Cats Let the Cat out of the Bag in an Exclusive A&R Factory Interview

Posted on 11 May 2024
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2q8rLAKsboEj4j0y5EYVAv?si=KT0bV8gSQ2iARsq0XE2MXQ

Ahead of their eagerly anticipated EP, I WANT TO MOVE, Bad Friends With Black Cats shared insights into their evolving sound. From acoustic beginnings to a dynamic full-band experience, the group delves into how they’ve layered darker, more vulnerable lyrics with robust energy, underpinned by acoustic rhythms. The lead single, “OKAY, BYE,” encapsulates key personal milestones, setting the tone for the EP’s raw, candid vibe inspired by influencers like PUP and The Front Bottoms. This conversation invites listeners to peer deeper into the essence of their music, promising an intimate connection forged through shared struggles and high-energy anthems.

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Bad Friends With Black Cats, thanks for the opportunity to sit down with you ahead of the release of your EP, I WANT TO MOVE. Can you walk us through the journey of your sound evolution leading up to this EP? What elements did you experiment with or push to the forefront this time around?

Well up until this EP, everything released had only been acoustic demos. So the biggest step we took was definitely incorporating the full band sound while still maintaining an acoustic rhythm guitar driving it. Marcelo couldn’t have written better drums to the tracks and was able to always push the energy and keep attention on the song. The lyrics continue to get darker and more vulnerable while keeping a sense of relatability, leaning on heavy influences from bands like PUP and The Front Bottoms.

What’s the story behind the lead single of the EP? How does it encapsulate the essence of the entire project?

“OKAY, BYE” is a song about meeting my partner, Melissa, in Ottawa back in 2017. It describes several aspects of our lives over the first 2 years of our relationship. It touches on my state before meeting her, my anxieties of living in a new city, and the struggle of finding a place to live. It is literally about the stage of my life where I found the music that would go on to influence this entire project (The Front Bottoms, Modern Baseball, PUP) and for that reason I think it’s the perfect introduction to the new era of Bad Friends With Black Cats.

What lies behind your motivation to deliver raw and candid music?

It’s what I’ve always connected with and listened to personally. I’ve always gravitated to the lyrics and meaning of a song and really loved when it was vulnerable and authentic. Bands like PUP, who deliver such high energy and emotion despite yelling about everything they hate, have always hit home for me and have been my preference; it only makes sense that would bleed over into my writing and what I want to make.

Which artists are the most influential on your sound, and where else do you pull inspiration from?

The biggest influences on our sound are bands like PUP, The Front Bottoms, Jeff Rosenstock and Modern Baseball. However, I have gone through so many phases of my life listening to different styles, and I believe they all play their own part on influencing our music. (Green Day, MCR, Avenged Sevenfold, Mumford and Sons, Aesop Rock)

Growing up, Blink 182 was also a huge influence on both Marcelo and I. You can really hear Travis Barkers influence on the drumming as well as the idea of not taking ourselves to seriously with the lyrics.

How do you hope the EP will resonate with your audience or shift listener perceptions about your music?

I really just hope listeners find the struggles in daily life relatable and worth yelling with us about. I think we touch on a variety of very relatable insecurities while delivering high-energy tunes that people can enjoy.

How do personal experiences and emotions feed into your songwriting and music production?

Paul: That’s really the driving force of our music. Our music starts and ends with the struggles we face every day. It’s the reason I pick up the guitar and start writing. Personal experiences and emotions are what sparks creativity, at least for my personally.

We’d love to know the story behind your endearingly unique artist name, and a little bit of the band’s history and inner workings.  

I originally started this band with a high school friend, Connor Ratayczak. After going 5+ years of barely communicating and being flakey, we reunited to try and start a band. We each had black cats and thought the idea of being “bad friends” had a ring to it. I think it really fits the “goofy punk” band name style and fits the brand very. My black cat, Shady, is also my best friend (concerning, I know) and having her incorporated somehow makes me happy. I got Shady at the beginning of the toughest phase of my life, so she’s been through it all too!

Looking beyond this EP, how do you see your music evolving in the future?

It’s hard to say. Obviously we’ll strive to improve our sound and quality and take another step forward in the next recording venture. But in terms of style and inspiration, I don’t think we know. We have a ton of songs we’re sitting on that fit this style that we’re so excited to start recording, but it’s hard to predict what we’ll write next. I’ll continue to listen to amazing artists that inspire me to create.

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Listen to Bad Friends With Black Cats on Spotify.

Follow the band on Facebook and Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Settle into an ancient empire with Aklash’s cabalistic black metal single, Babylon

Posted on 8 May 2024

Few true black metal fans will need an introduction to Aklash after their 14-year European reign, yet their expansively styled baroque single, Babylon, prised from their LP, Reincarnation, carries cabalistic cross-over appeal through folk metal finesses and progged-up grooves that ensure that this juggernaut of a single brings plenty more than brutality.

The evocation of tribally kinetic rhythms within the frenetically cultivated progressions fused with the larger-than-material-reality vocal performance puts Aklash on the same convivial level as Nekrogoblikon and Turisas. Instead of merely witnessing the intensity, the immensity of the release uses your soul as a crawlspace, ensuring that passive appreciation is implausible as you attempt to keep pace with the accelerated instrumentals.

If Babylon sets the standard for the rest of the Reincarnation LP, which signifies a rebirth of the band that has thrown black metal traditionalism to the wayside to fully lean into the virtuosity of each member, it’s safe to assume that Aklash won’t just be touring with black metal royalty in the future, they’ll have the most gilded seat at the throne.

Stream the official music video for Babylon which premiered on May 2nd on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

A New Jerusalem: Judas Goat & The Bellwether’s Arcane Anthem Against the Climate Crisis

Posted on 4 May 2024
There Is Always a Dawn by Judas Goat & the Bellwether

“There Is Always a Dawn” by Judas Goat & The Bellwether pours the ardour of the Neoclassical Romantic Era into a vessel of arcane folk-rock. In a similar vein as William Blake’s evocative poem, Jerusalem, which became an influential precipice for the duo to lyrically jump off, the duo’s aura reverberates around morality while keeping a finely tuned balance of rationality and emotion in the evocatively conjured performance which is a call to arms against the impending threat of ecological collapse, with religious iconography replacing the more direct climate-conscious conversations.

The power of the metaphor came into full force in this fiery protest of how we’ve put the noose around the neck of the environment all in the name of progress that will ultimately become our downfall. The duo, Sara Vian and Pete Vincent, crafted the ultimate clarion call to arms, wrapped in the trappings of folk reverence and light-handed production which corrodes none of the arcane performance. You can’t help but lose yourself in the existential introspection, which exemplifies why the duo have won accolades in The Climates Songwriting Competition.

There Is Always a Dawn hit Bandcamp on April 22 ahead of its release across all major platforms on May 8th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mia Laren navigates passion and fatal dysfunction in her Latin Dance Pop track, My Heart

Posted on 2 May 2024

Since 2019, the Baltimore-born, Cali-based singer-songwriter, dancer and producer, Mia Laren, has rhythmically and emotionally moved her international fanbase; her latest Latin Dance Pop track, My Heart (can’t live or live or without you), captures Laren at her most infectious, intimate and powerful.

After an intro which nods to Gaga’s Alejandro, Laren opens her single up to a sensually electrifying, moodily hypnotic groove which constructs an exotically rich platform for her arcane harmonies to ascend from. The monocultural mould disintegrates around her infusion of folky Eastern mysticism and Latin guitars in the electro-pop mix which explores the tormenting nature of your heart beating for someone that will ultimately be the death of you if you keep clinging to the dysfunction in the name of passion.

It’s a rare feat to discover a release that is organically rooted in the heritage of Latin and folk yet transcends contemporary pop trends with a stylish flair that embodies couture pop, yet, five years after learning how to produce music on her laptop, Mia Laren achieved it with plenty of sincerity and authenticity to spare.

My Heart was officially released on April 24; stream the official music video on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast