Basic Folk 144 – Dori Freeman

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Dori Freeman is an Appalachian woman using her music to break the stereotype of her region, which specifically is her town of Galax, VA – where she was born and still lives. Dori’s new album, Ten Thousand Roses, is a celebration of layered sound, beautiful drums and lyrics from an evolving songwriter. Her voice came to us fully realized on her more traditional learning 2016 self-titled debut. Dori learned to sing among the circle of musicians she grew up surrounded by. Her father was the driving force for her guitar lessons, but her grandfather’s playing style has still managed to seep into her own. She’s named for her great-grandmother, who would have pursued playing music with more fervor had life not presented the responsibility of raising her younger siblings and then her own children.

Our conversation includes discussion of the need for rhythm on the new album, which was produced by her husband, who is a drummer. We also talk about the patriarchy (obviously), dark humor, being comfortable using your picture to promote your music and the deep traditional roots of her upbringing. Her town is known for it’s 90+ year Old Fiddler’s Convention that Dori’s been to every year of her life, aside from the year she had her baby, now her 8 year old daughter Osa. Osa’s a big influence on her life and she talks about the struggle of being a parent and a touring musician. It’s not typical for her to find a parent-friendly environment at a festival or venue, so when she arrives at the gig to discover childcare provided for her, it’s a huge triumph.

Dori’s new album Ten Thousand Roses on Spotify