Basic Folk 218 – Caitlin Canty

Urgency and patience are the two poles of New England songwriter Caitlin Canty’s magnetism. Her music invites you to quiet moments of reflection with unhurried confidence. When I first heard her song “Get Up” in 2015 I felt like I was receiving a very important magical message. Canty’s subsequent releases have further revealed her uncanny talents for grooving at the right tempo, describing the memorable image, leaning into elegant arrangements, and letting delicate moods hang in the air.

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Canty’s new album, ‘Quiet Flame,’ was recorded live with a string band and no drums. Live tracking has become her signature over the years, and this new record shows the authentic and powerful moments that can only be created in that setting. Produced by Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers and featuring collaborators like Sarah Jarosz, Brittany Haas, and Paul Kowert, ‘Quiet Flame’ is not only a showcase for Canty’s unmistakable voice and songwriting, but also a celebration of her impressive artistic community.

Caitlin knows a thing or two about teamwork after many years of team sports. She was a soccer player and heptathlete through her college years, and I have a hunch that her athlete-brain and her musician-brain share a particular wisdom. Pacing, collaboration, focus, and graceful movement characterize her unique body of work. It was a true delight to talk about writing, friendship, family, touring, humility, and self-belief with this gem of a musician.