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.
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 jfrahmwriter@gmail.com.
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.
The 25 Best Americana Albums of 2020
In 2020, Americana artists empathetically dealt with the things that bind us together and keep us apart. The albums on this list encourage hope for the future based on a belief in the human spirit.
Creature Comfort’s “Woke Up Drunk” Ruminates on Our Second-Guesses (premiere)
A deep reflection on breaking up, Nashville indie rock/Americana outfit Creature Comfort's "Woke Up Drunk" is the most personal track from their new album, Home Team.
Alright Alright’s “Don’t Worry” Is an Ode for Unity in Troubling Times (premiere)
Alright Alright's "Don't Worry" is a gentle, prayerful tune that depicts the heart of their upcoming album, Crucible.
The Grahams Tell Their Daughter “Don’t Give Your Heart Away” (premiere)
The Grahams' sweet-sounding "Don't Give Your Heart Away" is rooted in struggle, inspired by the couples' complicated journey leading up to their daughter's birth.
Fransancisco’s “This Woman’s Work” Cover Is Inspired By Heartache (premiere)
Indie-folk brothers Fransancisco dedicate their take on Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" to all mothers who have lost a child.
Alexander Wren’s “The Earth Is Flat” Wryly Looks at Lost Love (premiere + interview)
Singer-songwriter Alexander Wren's "The Earth Is Flat" is a less a flat-earther's anthem and more a wry examination of heartache.