Folk Roots Radio Episode 438: feat. Ariana Gillis & More New Releases

Ariana Gillis joins us on Episode 438 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her upcoming appearance at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival which takes place in Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. A captivating live performer, Ariana will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Rose Cousins. She is also getting ready to release “The Maze”, her third full-length album, recorded in Nashville with Buddy Miller. We also check out new music from Tariq, Gabrielle Papillon, The Maes , Safe As Houses, Còig, Zachary Lucky, Benjamin Dakota Rogers and Fresh Breath. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

Ariana Gillis has produced two fabulous full-length albums – 2009’s “To Make It Make Sense” and 2012’s “Forget Me Not”, and a 2017 E.P. “Headful Of Stars”. She’s recently been down in Nashville, recording a brilliant new album “The Maze” – live off the floor with the legendary Buddy Miller. The new album, that Buddy Miller describes as pop-Americana, will be released this June.

Ariana found her way to Buddy Miller after a live appearance on US satellite station SiriusXM in 2012 to launch “Forget Me Not”. The show was hosted by Dave Marsh, author of more than 25 books on rock and roll and known as the “dean of American rock writers”, who admits to being her biggest fan.

Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s lyricist, caught the interview and songs and decided to put her on his own Sirius XM show. “I’m staggered by how good she is…There is not much that impresses me these days but after hearing her available tracks, I can honestly say she’s the single most exciting thing I’ve heard in a very long time.”

Being played on Bernie Taupin’s show lead to Ariana meeting Buddy Miller at an Americana music conference and an impromptu set in a hotel stairwell lead to an invitation to record in Nashville. Hopefully the new album, will allow Ariana to move up to a higher level as far as her music is concerned. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. She certainly deserves it.

For more information about Ariana Gillis and upcoming tour dates visit arianagillis.com.

Roots North Music Festival

The 5th Annual Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith headlines the main stage at the St. Paul’s Centre on the Friday evening with appearances by another couple of fabulous songwriters, Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis. Alt. folk rising star The Weather Station headlines the main stage on the Saturday evening with support from inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and Americana duo VK. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on Saturday at a variety of downtown venues.

Check out the full schedule for the Roots North Music Festival on their website at rootsnorthmusic.ca. ​Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online​ via the website. The early bird price is currently just $45! (75% sold out and the price goes up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!)

Listen

You can listen to this episode again on Soundcloud by following the link below. You can also listen to episodes of Folk Roots Radio, on demand, via iTunes, Stitcher and Tune-in Radio. (Click on the highlighted link to reach your chosen platform.)

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises
Roll Right (2019, self)

Tariq
Coquihalla
Telegrams (2019, Tonic Records) CDN

Gabrielle Papillon
What Do I Know
(single) (2019, The state51 Conspiracy) CDN

The Maes
Treat You Better
(single) (2019, Self)

Safe As Houses
Alive
Lucky Lucky (Deluxe Edition) (2019, Self) CDN

Còig
Mystery Groove
Ashlar (2019, Self) CDN

Ariana Gillis
Freedom
Headful Of Stars E.P. (2017, Self) CDN

Interview: Ariana Gillis discussing her appearance at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival.

Ariana Gillis
The Maze
The Maze (2019, Self) CDN

Ariana Gillis
Dirt Gets Dirty
The Maze (2019, Self) CDN

Zachary Lucky
Everywhere A Man Can Be
Everywhere A Man Can Be (2016, Self) CDN

Benjamin Dakota Rogers
Rockabye
Better By Now (2019, Self) CDN

Fresh Breath
I’m On A Roll
(single) (2019, Self) CDN