Tag Archives: folk
Don’t Quote Me, Vol. 594
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“Just let me go, we have to be able to criticize what we love, to say what we have to say ’cause if you’re not trying to make something better, then as far as I can tell, you are just in the way.”
- Ani DiFranco
Introducing… Andrea Simms-Karp
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Andrea Simms-Karp is an indie roots powerhouse, drawing on folk, pop and classical vibes to create a sound both fresh and familiar. The Ottawa native grew up taking classical voice lessons, singing in choirs, and getting steeped in folk music. She’s been stunning local audiences with her clear voice and unique musical style in live shows for over a decade.
In 2004, the Ottawa Folk Festival recognized her talent by awarding her the Beth Ferguson Award for songwriting. With her debut album Sleeper, however, she garnered national attention.
Powering through album charts at campus and community radio stations, Simms-Karp then won the hearts of people across the country with an appearance on Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café in September 2009.
Her upcoming album Hibernation Nation promises to deliver more of what people love. Soaring harmonies, a sweet banjo sound, and finely-tuned storytelling make this an album to anticipate. As the title intimates, it’s an album for people holed up, watching fierce winter weather from inside. It’s an album borne of wind and snow, of a deep appreciation for the stillness that comes with frigid weather.
Video Premiere: “Keep Running” by Gemma Hayes
1This chanteuse from Ire produced some of the folk sounds of 2011. This is the standout track and single from her album Let It Break.
Jill Scott inks distribution deal for her new album!
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“Following a recently settled, tumultuous legal battle with previous label Hidden Beach, which found her countersuing the label’s claim that she exited halfway through a six-album deal last year, singer/songwriter Jill Scott has signed a distribution deal with Warner Brothers Records.
Scott is currently in the studio working on her upcoming album, The Light of the Sun, which is slated for an early summer release.
Haiku Review: “The Deep Field” by Joan As Policewoman
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Video: “When I’m Alone” by Lissie
2We are loving the new up and coming artist which we recommended for 2010. Lissie’s folk/rock verges on good Gemma Hayes territory while crying an ode to greats just as Carole King and Joni Mitchell.
Again: Music For April: 6aypril
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Another year, another April and those who know a thing or two about my compilations they know this is time for a celebration. It’s hard to believe that this is the 6th anniversary of the compilations that made this possible. Gaypril came about as a robust dance offering of unapologetic pop beats. It was so successful that it sparked an idea. Not that I didn’t do compilations before these six years, but after that they were less sporadic and more structured. This one is another pop mainstream and eclectic mix. This is the fourth in a row, which means we are popped out but we are trying to keep with the month’s traditional theme. But, this means the next compilation will be one the we love listening to incorporating drab with folk with all the melancholy in the world. But, for now enjoy hip-shaking fun.
Premiere: Video: “And The Boys” by Angus & Julia Stone
1The sister’s voice is mesmerizingly depressing and could turn spring into autumn. This song is cute and they continue improving with time.
Billboard to introduce folk charts
Billboard has finally gotten over some of its archaic charting methods (Catalogue albums, anyone?) and is going to include a 15 spot chart for fold music beginning 2010. This will cater to artists like Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and their fans. This also comes with the revamping of the Billboard 200. It’s still confusing, but better.
Exclusive: Music For November: Gyratorium
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This time we’ve opted for an air of celebration and dance to combat the winter gloom. My best friend’s on the cover, so you know it’s going to be a good one. Basically, the compilation is not here for depth or introspection. It’s here to make you dance and have fun.
Must-Watch: Video: “Hello Antenna” by Susie Asado
This video brings the pretty. Not too sure about the song.
Great cover of Ani DiFranco’s “Gratitude”
2Well thought-out covers are always a great surprise. This little feminist ditty would have disappeared into 90s’ indie oblivion had it not been for it’s great lyrical prowess and simple melody. Truly a gem that needs to be unearthed.
Video: “Roses” by Eddi Reader
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What a perfect song for the English country-side.
Review: A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending by Tina Dico
There are only a few new artists as prolific and consistently impressive as Tina Dico (spelled Tina Dickow in her native Denmark). A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending is proof that a true artist does not have to fit in an album-project pattern to fulfill their artistic endeavor. This is not your run-of-the-mill album, it’s a trilogy of EP’s recorded at different times while Dico was promoting and touring for her Count To Ten album.
Introducing… Erin McCarley
Love, Save The Empty is Erin McCarley’s debut album and it is a mixture of pompous folk and moody rock. It is like a cross between Sheryl Crow, KT Tunstall and Chantal Kreviazuk. My current favorites are “Blue Suitcase” and “Sticky Sweet.” I watched he perform live on David Letterman and she was great. I am looking forward to listening more.
Video: “Shine Over Babylon” by Sheryl Crow
My LOFT965 Exclusive: The Best Albums Of 2008 has been getting a lot of hits and some comments and email have been popping up from it. Some are surprised I thought Detours was the best album of the year, considering the fact that it has been a year heavy on album releases. Not that I have to justify picking it, I just wanted to give you a glimpse of this wonderful album filled with great songs.
Tina Dico silently returns…
Had I not done some research on one my favorite up and coming artists, I wouldn’t have known that she released the 3-disc album titled A Beginning, A Detour, An Open Ending. So, I went directly to Amazon.co.uk and ordered it. I can’t wait! If anyone has a track or two tell me. Maybe I can post one here.
Tracy Chapman withers away…
I have to say that, at first, I thought that Our Bright Future by Tracy Chapman will be a great album. Like Let It Rain, which started out to be hard to crack, but then quickly became a favorite. Except, this time, it was the album was promising and then faded fast. Its 2 good tracks “Conditional” and “I Did It All” caught the ear and then vanished. I have to say that the album has no withered away into becoming a banal piece of empty folk musings.
The fiercest album cover this year…
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It’s not Britney. It’s not Madonna. It’s Maria Mena. A little-known Norwegian artist. Great backdrop, impeccable dress and fitting typeface. I like it and the singles are not so bad either.
