June 2019 | Folk Roots Radio

Lydia Persaud – Let Me Show You – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 15 2019

A much sought after collaborator and guest vocalist, Toronto’s Lydia Persaud released her first full-length solo album “Let Me Show You” earlier this year. Recorded at The Hive in Toronto with producer Robbie Grunwald (Donovan Woods, Jill Barber) with support from Dean Droulliard (Guitar), James Robertson (Guitar), Mike Ardagh (Drums), Josh Van Tassel (Drums), Joanna Mohammed (Bg vox), Claire Doyle (Bg vox), Anh Phung (Flute) and Drew Jureka (Strings), the new album features a group of songs that move from love and heartbreak, to social activism and Lydia’s own encounters with race and gender issues. A member of both the wonderful Toronto female vocal trio The O’Pears and renowned cover band, Dwayne Gretzky, you’ll be able to catch Lydia Persaud fronting her own band this summer at both the Hillside Festival (July 12-14) at Guelph Lake ON and the Home County Music & Arts Festival (July 19-21) in London ON. We caught up with Lydia Persaud at home in Toronto to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Lydia Persaud visit lydiapersaud.com. Music: Lydia Persaud “Honey Child”, “Let Me Show You” and “More Of Me” from “Let Me Show You” (2019, Next Door Records) CDN.

Leanne Hoffman – What Remains – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 03 2019

Halifax based singer-songwriter Leanne Hoffman has just released a great new album “What Remains”. Her debut as a solo performer, the new album was produced by Erin Costelo who also co-wrote a couple of the songs for the new recording. Leanne Hoffman is originally from Exeter ON, but moved to Halifax to study marine biology. That plan changed when Leanne realized that the pull to make music her career was just too much, leading to a switch to a music arts program with a focus on voice at Nova Scotia Community College. It was there she met up with Erin Costelo, who turned out to be her voice instructor. Prior to setting out on a solo career, Leanne was part of the duo Magnolia, with Scott MacLean on guitar, who released a self-titled E.P. in 2013, that was also produced by Erin Costelo. What Remains is a fabulous album, crammed full of poppy songs that cover a whole range of different subjects from romance to family to gender equality and baring your soul. Saying I LIKE this album really doesn’t cover how good it is. I LOVE it! Everybody needs to hear it. We caught up with Leanne Hoffman at home in Halifax to chat about the new album. For more information visit leannehoffman.com. Music: Leanne Hoffman “What Remains”, “Blind & Broken”, “If My Parents Die” and “Redirect Your Sails” from “What Remains” (2019, Venue Records).

Geneviève Racette – No Water, No Flowers – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 03 2019

Montreal’s Geneviève Racette has just released a wonderful sophomore album “No Water, No Flowers”. A thoughtful and introspective folk-pop release, it’s her first bilingual effort, and effortlessly moves back and forward between songs in English and French. “This new album means so much to me. It truly represents who I am, coming from such a long line of bilingual families,” says Geneviève. “My vision with this record is to bring positivity to bilingualism. My whole life I was careful not to offend anyone with my bilingualism, in concerts and in day to day life. I am done hiding that part of myself. I will embrace it instead.” There’s almost a concept feel to No Water, No Flowers as Geneviève takes us through songs about life, death, grief, love and travel almost as if its exploring the ‘circle of life’. It’s a truly beautiful recording, and definitely worth checking out. Work on the new album was started at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity in October 2018 with François-Pierre Lue and Luc Herrmann, with the final production occurring at Hotel 2 Tango Montreal with musicians Luc Herrmann (guitar and mandolin), Philippe Fleury (drums), Jeanne Corpataux-Blache (upright bass), Francis Veillette (pedal steel and banjo), Ariane Vaillancourt (piano), producer François-Pierre Lue and engineer Shae Brossard. Geneviève Racette joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about the new album. For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit genevieveracette.com. Music: Geneviève Racette “Les Lignes De Ma Main”, “Margo’s Song” and “Magnetic Love” from “No Water, No Flowers” (2019, Self) CDN.

Archive - June 2019