2021 | Page 2 of 3 | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 594: feat. Mattie Leon – In Natural Light & More New Releases

Aug 31 2021

Singer-songwriter Mattie Leon has a catchy and soulful folk/pop style, and the most amazing singing voice – one that he describes as… a bit like Paul Simon, solo Paul McCartney or James Taylor – but just a little higher! Mattie joins us on Episode 594 of Folk Roots Radio for a fun conversation about his latest album “In Natural Light”, which was recorded with JUNO-award winning producer Gavin Brown (Sarah Harmer, Metric, Barenaked Ladies). As always, we wrap up the rest of the hour with more new music and this time around we hear from Amy Speace with The Orphan Brigade, Aoife O’Donovan, Jesse Terry, Mick McAuley, The Piros, Shawna Caspi, Janet Cull, Bobby Dove and Del Barber. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 593: We're All About The Music! (Brighter Days Ahead Edition)

Aug 19 2021

Join us on Episode 593 for another ‘all music’ Covid Times edition of Folk Roots Radio. No interviews, just loads of great new music. As always, we have some wonderful new releases to share with you. This time around we hear from Annie Gallup, Brian Campbell, Steve Paul Simms, Red Dirt Skinners, Barney Bentall & Geoffrey Kelly, Diana Jones, Murray McLauchlan, Dan O’Rourke, AHI, Paul Reddick, Kat Danser, Daniel Lanois, OXLIP and The Lucky Ones. Remember, if you like what you hear on Folk Roots Radio… and want to support the artists… don’t just stream their music, BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time, when it’s really hard to find live show opportunities. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 592: We're All About The Music! (Let The Sun Shine In Edition)

Aug 13 2021

We’re pleased to bring you another all-music hour on Episode 592 of Folk Roots Radio. We still can’t get over how much great new music is out there at the moment. Who knew that if artists couldn’t tour, they’d spend all their time in the studio working on great new material? Well, creators gotta create. If you can’t play live then why not stay home and crank out some great new tunes! Join us for new releases from Chris Cleverley, Joy Zimmerman, Glenn Chatten, Laney Lou And The Bird Dogs, Graham Rorie, Serious Child & Andy Ruddy, Dana Sipos, Jackson Grimm, Adrienne Nye, Caroline Marie Brooks (Good Lovelies), Good Lovelies, Alicia Toner, Aasiva, Sarah Burton and Kate Taylor. As always, if you like what you hear on Folk Roots Radio… and want to support the artists… don’t just stream their music, BUY their music and you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time, when it’s really hard to find live show opportunities. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 591: feat. Kay Howl - Pink Trees & More New Releases

Aug 04 2021

London ON based singer-songwriter Kay Howl joins us on Episode 591 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about her music. You may not recognize the name Kay Howl, until we tell you that as Kay Oh Chay, she was the big voice behind the keys of the fun bluesy duo, The Oh Chays. She’s now back with a new identity, new direction and a wonderful new album, “Pink Trees”. It’s a great interview – we hope you’ll stay with us to check it out. As always, we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around they are all by female artists as we hear from Flo Perlin, Tenise Marie, Tess Anderson, Allison Russell, Katie McNally Trio, Tania Joy, Katherine Priddy and Madeline Doornaert. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 590: We're All About The Music! (Keep On Smilin' Edition)

Jul 29 2021

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 590 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you more of the latest new releases. There is loads of great new music out there at the moment, as artists make good use of their time off the road during Covid times. This time around we hear from Suzie Ungerleider (formerly Oh Susanna), Donna Dunlop, The Fretless, Carly Thomas, Chris Murphy, The Small Glories & Darling West, Murray McLauchlan, Ray Cooper, Fresh Breath, The Wildwood Family, AV (Ann Vriend), Alicia Toner, Joe Nolan, Bruce T. Carroll and Steve Marriner. As always, if you like what you hear on this show and want to support the artists – don’t just stream their music, BUY their music and you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time, when it’s hard to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 589: We're All About The Music! (The Universe Knows Edition)

Jul 24 2021

Join us on Episode 589 of Folk Roots Radio for another hour of great new music. We have some wonderful new releases to share with you, including three tracks from a new Willie Dunn compilation that celebrates the late great indigenous Canadian singer-songwriter, whose songs have gained renewed resonance as Canada is finally forced to reckon with the inhumane way it has treated its native peoples. We’re also pleased to bring you new songs from Cameron & Crawford, Kate McDonnell, Dana Sipos, Peggy Seeger, Staran, Guy Davis, Jared Rabin, Domenic DeCicco, Mark Schatz & Bryan McDowell, Donita Large, Bob Bradshaw and Chris Ronald alongside a recent classic from Nick Lowe. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 588: Summer Festival Bliss - Hillside 2018

Jul 23 2021

Many of Canada’s summer music festivals have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Join us on Episode 588 of Folk Roots Radio as we relive one of our favourite festival experiences, the 2018 Hillside Festival. Set on the island at beautiful Guelph Lake, just outside Guelph, in Southern Ontario, Hillside has an incredible vibe. Authentic, inclusive, respectful and environmentally sustainable… Hillside is a festival that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Stay tuned as we chat with Frank Evans from The Slocan Ramblers, Martin Harley, the Fortunate Ones and Cécile Doo-Kingué. We also squeeze in music from Hillside 2018 favourites, Rev. Sekou and female Latino vocal group LADAMA. Although there is no in-person Hillside Festival this year, you can still visit Hillside virtually, from the comfort of your own home, as Hillside Homeside 2021. It’s not like being there, but actually, it’s not bad. Live music, spoken word and dance performances, workshops, children’s programming, Hillside archive presentations and more – it’s all there – just like the real thing. And like the real summer festival, the presentations are only available from July 23 – 25. You can check them out from wherever you are on the planet by following the links from hillsidefestival.ca. And guess what, it’s all free, though if you want to make a donation, we’re sure they would love you for it! Check our the full playlist for this episode below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 587: We're All About The Music! (When Life Gives You Lemons Edition)

Jul 16 2021

We’re pleased to bring you another hour of great new music on Episode 587 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to take a look at more of the latest new releases with some fine social justice songs thrown into the mix. This time around we hear from Flo Perlin, How We Led Our Lives, An Early Bird, Luke LeBlanc, Chris Coole with Mark Killanski, John Showman, Adrian Gross & Sam Allison; Diana Jones, Harpin’ Norm, Reid Jamieson, James Bruce Moore, Pierre Sabourin, Jabbour, The Slowinks, Sons Of The Never Wrong, Shawna Caspi and Moors & McCumber. As always, if you like what you hear on this show and want to support the artists – don’t just stream their music, BUY their music and you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time, when it’s hard to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 586: We're All About The Music! (All Shall be Well Edition)

Jul 09 2021

We’re pleased to bring you another selection of the best new releases on Episode 586 of Folk Roots Radio. There is loads of great music out there at the moment as many artists have been using their time off the road during Covid times to come up with some wonderful new songs. Join us for music from The Accidentals, The Levins, Robin & Linda Williams, Jani Lauzon, Noel Paul Stookey, The Advocate Collective, Moors & McCumber, Steel Rail, Lennie Gallant, Yael Wand, The Strange Valentines, Charlie Mosbrook and Peggy Seeger. As always, if you like what you hear and want to support the artists, don’t just stream their music – buy their music and then you’ll really make a difference to the artists during this difficult time when live shows are hard to come by. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 585: We're All About The Music! (Get Happy Together Edition)

Jul 05 2021

We’re pleased to bring you another hour of great new music on Episode 585 of Folk Roots Radio. Join us for new releases from Rob Lutes, String Bone, Geoff Samuels, Maria Muldaur with Tuba Skinny, Duane Andrews & Donald MacLennan, Black Umfolosi, Chris Pierce, Adrian Sutherland & Midnight Shine, Del Barber, Georgia Lee Johnson, Rachelle van Zanten and Kelly’s Lot. We wrap up the hour with a musical tribute to the fabulous blues singer-songwriter and awesome slide player Ellen McIlwaine who sadly left us recently. Check out the full playlist below.

Jun 21 2021

Singer-songwriter Brendan Scott Friel joins us on Episode 584 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest album – the excellent “Summer Moons” which pushes the boundaries of modern folk with playful arrangements, and cinematic storytelling. As always, we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around we hear from Sarah McQuaid, Helen Austin, Grace Pettis, Karen Morand, Bobby Lee, Dennis Ellsworth, Rosemary Lawton, Bob Jensen and David Olney & Anana Kaye. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 583: We're All About The Music! (Whatever Keeps You Going Edition)

Jun 04 2021

We have another hour of great new music to bring you on Episode 583 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to check out more of the latest new releases with some wonderful new Covid Tunes thrown in the mix. Join us for new music from The Slowinks, David Olney & Anana Kaye, Dieter van der Westen & Eric van der Westen, Kelli Trottier, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Crys Matthews, Craig Werth, Donovan Woods, Colleen Kattau, The Hello Darlins, Andrea Nixon, Bridget Melody, Dalannah Gail Bowen and Bob Bossin & Friends. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 582: feat. Colm Gavin - The 1992 Tapes & More New Releases

May 28 2021

We’re off to Ireland on Episode 582 of Folk Roots Radio to meet emerging singer-songwriter Colm Gavin. Colm Gavin landed on our radar in 2018 after the release of his excellent second album, 2016’s “A Voice For The Urban Darlings”. He is now getting ready to release a new solo piano E.P., “The 1992 Tapes”. The two new songs that Colm shared with us from that project are quite brilliant. A talented songwriter, it was great to be able to talk to him about his music. As always, we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around we hear from A Choir Of Ghosts, Bryce Thomas, String Bone, Bùmarang, the august arrival, Martha Wainwright, Olivia Castriota and Reid Zoé. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 581: feat. Sarah Smith - The Covid Times Interview & More New Releases

May 24 2021

We’re pleased to bring you another great Covid Times interview on Episode 581 of Folk Roots Radio. One of our favourite performers, pop/rock singer-songwriter Sarah Smith joins us to chat about how, like many musicians, her life and career have been turned completely upside down by the ongoing health crisis. Despite the loss of her live work, Sarah has been keeping herself busy engaging her fans by Livestream and working on new songs. She’s also settling into a new home on Pender Island in British Columbia. It’s a really insightful interview – we hope you’ll stay with us to check it out. As always, we wrap up the episode with new music, and this time around it’s all by female artists and female lead bands. Join us for new releases from Sarah Jarosz, Allison Russell, For Lua, Amythyst Kiah, Katie McNally Trio, Geneviève Racette, AV (Ann Vriend), Annabelle Chvostek and Good Lovelies. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 580: feat. Moira Smiley - In Our Voices & More New Releases

May 06 2021

Singer and composer Moira Smiley joins us on Episode 580 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about “In Our Voices”, her wonderful new album with vocal group VOCO – a recording which predominantly utilizes voice and body percussion to share a powerful anti-racist message. It’s a fabulous album, and a great interview. As always we wrap up the episode with more new releases and this time around we hear from Sophie Janna, Jake Ian, Jaffa Road, Bobby Lee, Craig Cardiff, Andrew Wilson Eskesen and Craig Robertson. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 579: feat. Jeffrey Straker - Just Before Sunrise & More New Releases

Apr 30 2021

Jeffery Straker joins us on Episode 579 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his great new album “Just Before Sunrise”. Jeffery landed on our radar last year, and since then we’ve played pretty much everything we’ve been sent. We’re definitely big fans of his piano driven songwriting. As always we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around we’ve decided to stay in Canada as we bring you new music from Kristen Martell, Tania Joy, the august arrival, Last Birds, Grosse Isle, Rob Lutes, Kat Danser and William Kuklis. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 578: feat. Lizzy Plotkin & Natalie Spears - Just Over The Ridge & More New Releases

Apr 27 2021

We’re off to Colorado on Episode 578 of Folk Roots Radio to talk to fiddle and banjo duo Lizzy Plotkin & Natalie Spears about their six track EP “Just Over The Ridge” which has a wonderful Appalachian feel to it and a really nice groove. It’s a great conversation, and definitely worth checking out. We wrap up the episode with more new music we’ve received and this time around we hear from Tekla Waterfield & Jeff Fielder, Rosier, Sarah Burton, Alec Fraser Jr, Reid Jamieson, Allison Russell, Suzie Ungerleider (formerly Oh Susanna), Rachel Cribby and Peggy Seeger. Check out the full playlist below.

Brendan Scott Friel – Summer Moons – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 26 2021

Windsor ON based singer-songwriter Brendan Scott Friel joins us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about his sophomore release “Summer Moons”. Formerly the lead guitarist with the well-received but short-lived harmony rock combo The Brilliancy, Brendan first landed on our radar in 2017 with his excellent debut solo recording “Quiet Cars” followed by the 2019 single “Border City Town”. The follow-up Summer Moons was originally conceived as two EPs – one intimate and contemplative, the other more expansive before morphing into a single album that pushes the boundaries of modern folk with playful arrangements, and cinematic storytelling. It’s a recording that is sure to bring new fans to this talented singer-songwriter who is clearly on the rise.

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to be notified of all our upcoming livestream interviews HERE.

Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love, a full-time hobby. If you like what we do, please spread the word.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 577: feat. Loretta Hagen – Not Now & More New Releases

Apr 26 2021

Loretta Hagen is a wonderful singer-songwriter with a warm rich alto voice and the ability to write personal songs that tap into a lot of what we are all feeling. She released a fine fourth album, “Lucky Stars”, in 2017; a recording that takes you on a personal journey through loss and healing while leaving you with the promise of hope for better times ahead. In fact, it might be the perfect album to be listening to during Covid times. Loretta Hagen joins us on Episode 577 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music, and great new single “Not Now”, which was written during coronavirus lockdown. As usual, we wrap up the rest of the episode with more new releases, and this time around we hear from Lisa Jeanette, Brendan Scott Friel, Terri Clark, Mike Plume, Olivier Demers, Nelson Sobral, Rosemary Lawton, Rose Cousins and Jeffery Straker. Check out the full playlist below.

Sarah Smith – The Covid Times Interview – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 19 2021

One of our favourite people, pop-rock singer-songwriter Sarah Smith joins us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music, and the life of an artist in Covid Times. A brilliant live performer, Sarah Smith is never happier than when she is on stage – rocking out with her band or bringing it all down low for an inspirational ballad. A musician who usually plays more than 250 shows a year, the last year has been particularly hard on Sarah – like many touring artists. A lack of live shows during the coronavirus pandemic has really impacted her income. These days Sarah is engaging her adoring fanbase by livestream from her new home on Pender Island BC, after the big move from Southern Ontario. An artist with a strong commitment to social justice and one who loves to keep busy, Sarah has been using her time off the road to write and release some wonderful new songs – many using lyrics from her own fans.

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to be notified of all our upcoming livestream interviews HERE.

Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love, a full-time hobby. If you like what we do, please spread the word.

Colm Gavin – The 1992 Tapes – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 18 2021

Emerging Irish singer-songwriter Colm Gavin joins us on Folk Roots Radio Live to chat about his music and forthcoming EP “The 1992 Tapes”, which is set for a summer 2021 release and features five original songs performed solo with piano accompaniment. Colm Gavin is developing quite a name for himself. His first two solo releases “Your Endless Slumber EP” and “A Voice For The Urban Darlings” were both very well-received in his native Ireland. He’s now getting significant amounts of airplay in North America, and elsewhere. The two new piano-driven songs Colm shared with us are quite brilliant. A talented songwriter, it was great to talk to him about his music.

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to be notified of all our upcoming livestream interviews HERE.

Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love, a full-time hobby. If you like what we do, please spread the word.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 576: Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course 2021

Apr 16 2021

We’re giving over the whole of Episode 576 of Folk Roots Radio to the 2021 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course. We are joined by facilitators: Marie Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Hillside Festival and Guelph-based singer-songwriter Doris Folkens and three of their students: Halley McKeown, Missy Bauman, and Tania Joy who also share their songs with us. Girls & Guitars is a longstanding feature of Hillside Inside and part of an ongoing project designed to address the gender imbalance in the music industry and thus further Hillside’s mission of encouraging inclusion and equality. The songwriting course is a very special part of that initiative. This year because of Covid-19, the course was virtual and took place on four Friday evenings in January. Halley, Missy, and Tania also performed virtually at this year’s Hillside Inside. Check out the full playlist below.

Jeffery Straker – Just Before Sunrise – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 12 2021

Regina SK based singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker joins us on Folk Roots Radio Live to chat about “Just Before Sunrise”, his latest full length recording which is scheduled for release on May 7. Written and recorded in the wake of the sudden loss of his mother, the songs on this album speak to a life long need to dream, to belong and to matter. A clever lyricist with an energetic piano style, Jeffery Straker songs have been used in TV, film and theatre productions. Critical comparisons have been drawn to the likes of Harry Chapin, Kris Kristofferson and Carole King. We’re big fans of Jeffery Straker’s piano-driven songwriting. In fact, I think we’ve played everything we’ve been sent since he landed on our radar last year. For more information about the music of Jeffery Straker, visit jeffstraker.com.

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to be notified of all our upcoming livestream interviews HERE.

Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love, a full-time hobby. If you like what we do, please spread the word.

Moira Smiley – In Our Voices – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 12 2021

Moira Smiley travels the world creating new works for voices, while accompanying her performances with banjo, accordion, piano, and percussive movement. When she’s not leading her own vocal group VOCO, Moira Smiley is recording and performing with the likes of Tune-Yards, Jayme Stone and Irish super-group SOLAS. She joins us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about “In Our Voices”, her wonderful new album with vocal group VOCO, who feature two Canadians, Dawn Pemberton and Karla Mundy alongside Long Beach based creators Gregory Fletcher and Jake Asaro. In Our Voices features twelve songs that predominantly utilize voice and body percussion to share a powerful anti-racist message. It’s a great album, and a wonderful conversation. For more information about the music of Moira Smiley, visit moirasmiley.com. Music: Moira Smiley and VOCO “How Can I Cry”, “Days of War” and “Oh Susannah” (feat. Dawn Pemberton) from “In Our Voices” (2021. Self).

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to be notified of all our upcoming livestream interviews HERE.

Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love, a full time hobby. If you like what we do, please spread the word.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 575: We’re All About The Music! (Be Mindful Edition)

Apr 11 2021

We’re all about the music again on Episode 575 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you another Covid Times edition of the show featuring a great selection of new releases, with some Covid tunes, and social justice songs added into the mix. Join us for music from Tiffany Williams, The Rainbow Snakes, Rocks & Salt, The Promise Is Hope, Jarkka Rissanen & Sons Of The Desert, Amythyst Kiah, Tony Joe White, Fox and Bones, Michael Menegon, Paul Hoffman, Susan & Ray, Charlie Barnett, Melanie Peterson, Chris Ronald, Craig Cardiff, Sue Smith with the Potion Kings. Check out the full playlist below.

Archive - 2021

Folk Roots Radio Episode 594: feat. Mattie Leon – In Natural Light & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 593: We’re All About The Music! (Brighter Days Ahead Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 592: We’re All About The Music! (Let The Sun Shine In Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 591: feat. Kay Howl – Pink Trees & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 590: We’re All About The Music! (Keep On Smilin’ Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 589: We’re All About The Music! (The Universe Knows Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 588: Summer Festival Bliss – Hillside 2018

Folk Roots Radio Episode 587: We’re All About The Music! (When Life Gives You Lemons Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 586: We’re All About The Music! (All Shall Be Well Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 585: We’re All About The Music! (Get Happy Together Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 584: feat. Brendan Scott Friel – Summer Moons & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 583: We’re All About The Music! (Whatever Keeps You Going Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 582: feat. Colm Gavin – The 1992 Tapes & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 581: feat. Sarah Smith – The Covid Times Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 580: feat. Moira Smiley – In Our Voices & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 579: feat. Jeffery Straker – Just Before Sunrise & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 578: feat. Lizzy Plotkin & Natalie Spears – Just Over The Ridge & More New Releases

Brendan Scott Friel – Summer Moons – Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 577: feat. Loretta Hagen – Not Now & More New Releases

Sarah Smith – The Covid Times Interview – Folk Roots Radio

Colm Gavin – The 1992 Tapes – Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 576: Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course 2021

Jeffery Straker – Just Before Sunrise – Folk Roots Radio

Moira Smiley – In Our Voices – Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 575: We’re All About The Music! (Be Mindful Edition)