Hi everyone! My name is Adrian’s and welcome to my favorite fresh folk finds. I’ve spent a bunch of hours this quarter in the radio station processing new folk music—bangers and duds alike. Before we get started, I want to give you a little disclaimer: everybody listens to different music, so what I love and what you love may exist in different universes, but music is one of my love languages, and sharing is another. I want to share music with you that makes me feel loved because I want everyone to experience that as well. Let’s get started!
I’m going to spotlight three albums because that’s my favorite number. We’re starting off strong with the album “Long Time to be Gone” (2022) by Nora Brown. I was confused when I saw her name on Spotify, because I was just listening to Norah Jones, but this album is a certified folk banger. Most of the tracks are completely instrumental, apart from the first song and a couple others sprinkled here and there. I think her talent with the banjo as a solo instrument is incredible. She has this way of using harmonics (high pitched tones in order to isolate overtones) that just makes the music shine. Favorite tracks: Jenny Put the Kettle On, Shortnin’ Bread, Coke Oven March
Next up is a fresh release! “Strange Medicine” by Kaia Kater (2024) is a stunning and haunting album that deeply moved me. The music is absolutely rocking, featuring the banjo, flute, and guitar, but it’s the lyrics that I think deserve some extra attention. Drawing from musical influences in Quebec, Grenada, and Appalachia, Kater celebrates the resilience and power of oppressed peoples worldwide. She also addresses online grievances, particularly the overuse of technology for communication and its impact on our humanity. Favorite tracks: In Montreal, The Internet, Floodlights
The last album I’d like to share this time around is “The Glass Hours” (2024), the self-titled debut by artists Brad Armstrong and Megan Barbera. This 34-minute and 19-second album is pure bliss. The music combines a nostalgic orchestral feel with more electronic elements than the previous two albums. What truly sets this album apart are the singers’ harmonies, with each voice contrasting the other to create a unique and captivating blend of song and voice. Favorite tracks: Hurricane, Same Old You, Covering Blue
Thank you for joining! If you take the time to listen or maybe add a song to your playlist, please let me know what you think.
Make sure to spread some love today,
Adrian <3