Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s)

January 16, 2025

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 shaping their unique sound and approach to music. Lutalo’s candid reflections on their experiences in a private prep school reveal the complexities of navigating expectations…

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From Lancaster to the Limelight: The de Vitry Sibling Soundtrack

August 22, 2024

Maya, Nina and Lyle de Vitry’s life, beginning in Lancaster PA, has been music and family, music festivals with old-time…

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Denitia’s Musical Journey: From NYC Streetwear to Nashville’s Vintage Vibes

August 15, 2024

Sometimes it strikes me just how much power can emanate from a creative mind. Speaking with Denitia was one of…

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Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin: Eyeballs, Ice Cream, and Portland, Oregon

August 8, 2024

Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin have both released new albums in the past year that have knocked us right over.…

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Fake Interviews & Real Talk: Matt the Electrician Reinvents Music Marketing

August 1, 2024

The world of Austin’s Matt the Electrician, aka Matt Sever, is quirky and sincere. Sever is known for his work…

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John Smith is Finding Harmony in Chaos

July 25, 2024

Originally from Devon, the English singer-songwriter John Smith got his start playing bars and clubs in Liverpool, both with his…

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Peggy Seeger spills Folk Feminist Tea with Dawn Landes

July 18, 2024

Editor’s note: For this episode, we invited our friend Dawn Landes to interview Peggy Seeger. Dawn was the perfect choice…

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Ana Egge on Dream-Writing, the Truth and Sinead O’Connor

July 11, 2024

Folk music singer Ana Egge’s 13th album Sharing in the Spirit came out of the musician one song at a…

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Soundcheck Stories and Life Lessons: Chris Smither and Peter Mulvey

July 4, 2024

Chris Smither has been Peter Mulvey‘s mentor since back in 1993, when the young Mulvey opened for the already seasoned…

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Steve Poltz Wants to Listen to The Grateful Dead, Watch Laugh-In and Write a Song Together

June 27, 2024

If you’re looking for recommendations for desserts, might I suggest asking folk music and comedy savant Steve Poltz? This man…

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