Soda Sun’s “Stay Here” Is Textured, Reflective Indie Rock (premiere)
Indie pop’s Soda Sun debut their latest single, “Stay Here”, with PopMatters, and we chat with them about their careers so far.
Jonathan Frahm
Jonathan Frahm is a journalist and author from the San Francisco Bay Area who currently resides in Tucson, AZ. Since Jonathan laid his hat in Tucson, he has come to hold a tremendous appreciation for its burgeoning music and arts scene. This passion has acted as the trampoline that jettisoned him into the position he is now, dishing out articles on scintillating music for PopMatters, For Folk's Sake (where he is North American Editor), and other publications. You can reach Jonathan via his Linktree portal, or via email at [email protected]
Mackenzie Shivers’ “Afraid” Explores Inner Turmoil (premiere)
Mackenzie Shivers poses the question, “Can I be afraid, and still be free?” “Afraid” is a slow burn both musically and thematically.
Country’s Freddy Parish Can’t Go “Back Anywhere” (premiere)
Country/folk singer-songwriter Freddy Parish highlights his upcoming new EP with the single “Back Anywhere” and tells us about his music.
Nick x Nati’s “Broken March” is Soul-Stirring Indie Folk (premiere)
“Broken March’s” primary melodies pull from folk influences, with piercing ethereal synths recalling Nick x Nati’s combined experience in electronic production.
Alt-Pop’s Steff and the Articles Release Their “Inhibition” (premiere)
Steff and the Articles’ “Inhibition” navigates infectious alt-pop melodies and warm, jazz-inflected undertones.
Anya Hinkle’s “Why Women Need Wine” Dishes Lighthearted Appalachian Blues (premiere)
Anya Hinkle effortlessly delivers conversationalist country blues on “Why Women Need Wine”. It’s a musical eye roll that takes on the patriarchy.
Folkie Abigail Dowd’s ‘Beautiful Day’ Ruminates on Perseverance (album stream)
Abigail Dowd’s Beautiful Day finds its roots in the hardships that she and her husband had faced dealing with six house floods in a year.
Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno’s Debut Is Quality Appalachian Music From Top to Bottom
For Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno, preserving tradition is paramount. Their debut LP is a hearty nod to the string bands and country-folk of old.
Folk Duo Ryanhood Discover New Life “Under the Leaves” (premiere)
Under the Leaves, sees folk-pop duo Ryanhood exploring new means of innovating their sound. Hear the title song now.
Fiddler Mike Barnett Enlists Sarah Jarosz for Reflective “Hollow City” (premiere)
The track holds a special place in Barnett’s heart. He tells PopMatters, “This song means a lot to me. It encapsulates my process of letting go of New York City, where my closest friends and music community were.”
The 20 Best Folk Albums of 2020
The artists in this year's list all use their music to create a sense of unity. Whether it is the acknowledgment of shared oppression, or in contrast, the visibility of identity, Best of Folk Music 2020 is defined by its ability to form a musical common ground.