podcast
Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons
Singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt has an interesting way of working melodies and a down to earth way of telling stories about her life and about how she sees the world. All of her albums have cool, crunchy guitar parts that take folk songwriting to a new rockin’ level. On her new album ‘Forever,’ Hiatt’s diverse influences…
Read MoreSam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds
Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album ‘Swimming.’ The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting.…
Read MoreCovered in Moss: Anna B Savage’s World of Folk, Birds and Ireland
Anna B Savage is down to earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she’s cultivated a memorizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, etc. – that’s gained her a god-like reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some…
Read MoreCarolyn Kendrick’s Devilish Detour: Satan’s Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red
Carolyn Kendrick’s latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, ‘Each Machine,’ which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the color red in…
Read MoreJosh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks
Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I’ve known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and honestly with the entire Dawn Landes band…
Read MoreLutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s)
In 2024, Vermont’s Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo’s musical path. We delve into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, each…
Read MoreJerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills
Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where…
Read MoreBasic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production
A New Day for #BasicFolk! We are pleased to announce we are now an official production of The Bluegrass Situation!! We’re debuting our new logo by Belhum, new theme music by Dietrich Strause and our new attitude. Come hang with the girlies on Basic Folk: check out the new trailer below: Powered by RedCircle Basic…
Read MoreYear-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride
It’s 2024 recap time on Basic Folk! Cindy & Lizzie dive into a most special year-end reflection, featuring highlights from our honest conversations with folk musicians. We revisit THE top episode of the year, Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin‘s insightful discussion on navigating artistic challenges and living a simple life. Cindy shares her favorite episode…
Read MoreNature Calls for Trampled by Turtles’ Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home
Dave Simonett, lead singer and songwriter of the bluegrass-adjacent Trampled by Turtles, is a talented musician and a great outdoorsman. From the small town of Mankato, Minnesota, to the vibrant music scenes of Duluth and Minneapolis, Simonett shares his upbringing in a musically-inclined, nature-loving family, shaped by the sounds of church hymns and classic rock. In our…
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