Interviews Archives | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Overtime – Rosanne Baker Thornley Chats About Her Latest Album Sorry I’m Late

Jun 14 2023

Join us on Folk Roots Radio Overtime for our full conversation with Toronto based singer-songwriter Rosanne Baker Thornley, who chats about her fabulous second album – the very personal “Sorry I’m Late”, a recording that arrived twenty-eight years after her debut, “Courage”. Sorry I’m Late is a fantastic album with a wonderful cinematic feel and one that really connects with the listener. It deserves to be heard by as many people as possible. As well as reflecting on her music and the making of Sorry I’m Late, the extended version of our interview also includes a great discussion with Rosanne about songwriting and mentorship. “I love that I am able to step behind artists’ eyes and write songs from many perspectives and genres. From singer-songwriter to punk, I have a long history of collaborating, performing and writing. I lean in to understand the hearts of the artists who are sitting in front of me.” For more information about the music of Rosanne Baker Thornley, visit rbtsong.com. Also, check out the That First Song initiative at thatfirstsong.com. Music: Rosanne Baker Thornley “Sorry I”m Late”, “In Paris”, “Her Mother’s Eyes” and “Give Me One More Night” from “Sorry I’m Late” (2022, Self) CDN

Big Little Lions – AMPM – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 05 2023

Long-distance songwriting partners Helen Austin and Paul Otten, who make music together as folk/pop duo Big Little Lions, are no strangers to Folk Roots Radio. Despite being based nearly three thousand miles apart, Helen (from Vancouver Island) and Paul (from Springboro, OH) are prolific songwriters. In fact, during the recent pandemic they released a new song a month, before wrapping everything up as their excellent 2022 album “Happy Accident”. They are now back with their seventh long player and first concept album, “AMPM” – which is based around a day in the life and the challenges we all face; and features songs about anxiety and self-hate, the grind of daily life, the perils of parenting, and the value of community and forgiveness. AMPM comes with all the hallmarks of their music – playful and thought-provoking lyrics, tight harmonies and catchy tunes. Helen Austin and Paul Otten joined us on Folk Roots Radio for a fun conversation about this creative new project. Visit Big Little Lions online at biglittlelions.com. Music: Big Little Lions “Oh It’s You Again”, “Worth The Time”, “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere”, “Almost” and “Why Won’t My Brain Stop” from “AMPM” (2023, Fallen Tree Records).

Lynn Harrison – Treasure – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 09 2023

Toronto singer-songwriter Lynn Harrison has just released a wonderful new album “Treasure”, a recording that Lynn describes as ‘uplifting songs for complicated times’. Twelve songs that share an inspirational message of love, hope and justice; and a clear reminder about what is really important in life. The follow up to another beautiful recording, “Something More”, which became one of Our Favourite Albums of 2020, Treasure was again produced by Douglas September. It features Lynn Harrison on acoustic guitar and vocals, with support from Bob Cohen on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, banjo, tambourine and mandolin; Douglas September (pedal steel) with David Woodhead (bass) and Ambrose Pottie on drums. Lynn Harrison is also an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and has been serving at First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto since 2016. However, she will be leaving that post in October 2023 to allow her to share her wisdom and musical gift throughout the Unitarian Universalist network in Southern Ontario while also giving her more time to focus on her music career. To learn more about this wonderful goose-bump inducing project, we’re pleased to welcome Lynn Harrison back to Folk Roots Radio. Visit Lynn Harrison online at lynoleum.com. Photo Credit: Richard Brown. Music: Lynn Harrison “This Quiet Life”, “Let’s Talk to Each Other Like Trees”, “Me And My Swinging Mood” and “Holding It Together (As The World Falls Apart)” from “Treasure”. (2023, Self)

Folk Roots Radio Overtime – Lynn Miles Chats About Her New Album TumbleWeedyWorld

Jan 20 2023

Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynn Miles has written more than 900 songs in her career – a staggering amount. Clearly, this reflects the level of commitment a consummate artist makes to her calling. Lynn is one of Canada’s finest songwriters and has picked up numerous awards including a Juno, and multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, and her albums consistently feature prominently in Best of the Year lists and readers polls. Lynn joins us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about her latest album – album number sixteen, “TumbleWeedyWorld”, an excellent new recording with a warm acoustic folk feel that at times almost dips into bluegrass. The album features ten songs that reflect on the uncertainty and fragility of life, and the obstacles (the tumbleweeds) that can destabilize and destroy intimate relationships. It’s a fabulous conversation with a special emphasis on the art of songwriting and the challenges of making a living as a musician in post-pandemic times. In addition to being a fine songwriter, Lynn Miles is also a vocal coach, producer, and public speaker. In fact, Lynn spoke movingly on the issue of Musicians and Mental Health at Folk Alliance in 2019. For more information about the music of Lynn Miles, visit lynnmiles.ca. Photo: Balfour Photo. Music: Jay Aymar “Overtime” (Theme) from “Overtime” (2013, Self), Lynn Miles “Night Owl”, “Highway 105”, “Johnny Without June” and “Gold In The Middle” from “Tumbleweedyworld” (2023, True North Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 614: Christa Couture In Conversation – To Us

Dec 31 2021

We have another wonderful interview to share with you on Episode 614 of Folk Roots Radio. Award-winning singer-songwriter, writer and broadcaster Christa Couture joins us for an in-depth conversation about her career. An artist who describes herself as queer, disabled and proudly indigenous (she’s mixed Cree and Scandinavian), Christa Couture has experienced more loss than most people can ever imagine: childhood cancer that led to the amputation of her left leg plus a second bout of cancer – this time of the thyroid (later in life). She’s also lived with the tragedies of abortion and the deaths of two sons in infancy, followed by divorce. Her life experience informed her very well-received memoir “How To Lose Everything” which came out in 2020, and has helped many, many people deal with loss and grief. Christa Couture continues to make great art in both music and literature, with a willingness to share her story and inspiring attitude to life through broadcasting, public speaking and now film. We wrap things up with her uplifting new single “To Us”, a song she describes as ‘a toast to resilience and survival’, with the hope that things will get better as we move into 2022. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 613: Peter Chapman in Conversation - Fallen Tree Records

Dec 29 2021

Ever wondered what it takes to run a record label? Peter Chapman joins us on Episode 613 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about Fallen Tree Records, the fantastic Edmonton AB based boutique label he founded in 2018, who specialize in folk, roots and alternative music. We have been really impressed by the way Fallen Tree Records support their artists. It seemed only natural, therefore, that we find time to chat to the people behind the label. Join us as we learn how they pick the artists they sign, and how they go about promoting the music they release. Peter Chapman also talks about how they are coping – not just with life in Covid times, but also as part of an industry that, in just a short space of time, has moved so heavily into streaming as the primary way people listen to music. It’s a fascinating conversation and well worth checking out. We also include music from Fallen Tree Records artists T. Buckley, Joe Nolan, Jon Brooks, Vivienne Wilder, Bùmarang, Silent Winters and 100 mile house. Check out the full playlist below.

Frame By Frame - T. Buckley - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Dec 29 2021

“Frame By Frame” is the second solo recording from Calgary AB singer-songwriter T. Buckley and the follow up to 2018’s “Miles We Put Behind” which was nominated for a 2020 Canadian Folk Music Award in the New/Emerging Artist Of The Year category. Frame By Frame takes as its focus a series of moments, stories about family, relationships and community – gorgeous songs that draw you in and hold your attention from the first note to the last. It was recorded at Studio Bell in Calgary’s National Music Centre with producer/engineer Jeff Kynoch and features T. Buckley (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica), Stephen Fletcher (Hammond organ, Wurlitzer, piano, synths), Mitch Jay (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, dobro, banjo), Jesse Dollimont (vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar, piano, tambourine, Jeff Kynoch (Omnichord, percussion, high-strung guitar, synths, mellotron), Keith Rempel (bass, vocals) and Dan Stadnicki (drums, percussion). “The players were stellar and I was working with a team that I was close with on a musical and personal level. Everyone was really invested in the project and cared about the tunes and the stories behind them, and I think that comes through when listening back to the body of work.” For more information about the music of T. Buckley, visit tbuckley.ca. Music: T. Buckley “Frame By Frame”, “Father’s Child” and “Before I Get To Turn Around” from “Frame By Frame” (2021, Fallen Tree Records) CDN

Joe Nolan – Scrapper – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Dec 29 2021

In March 2020, Joe Nolan was coming off a fantastic year in music – a very well deserved nomination for a Canadian Folk Music Award for his album “Drifters” (2020) and he’d played something like 170 shows, to great acclaim. In fact, it really seemed like his career was taking off. Of course, then the pandemic hit and Joe found himself back at home in Edmonton, in lockdown and almost feeling like he was starting over again. Joe didn’t let Covid times hold him back – starting out with the release of an EP, the wonderful “Cry Baby: B Sides” in the fall of 2020 – four songs left over from the session for his excellent 2018 album “Cry Baby”. He followed that with a couple of excellent stand alone singles “Lowlight” and “River Bends” earlier this year – two songs that he felt fit in more with 2020’s “Drifters”, than the songs he was getting ready to record. He has now released another new album ,”Scrapper”, a recording he made during the pandemic and one he describes as having a bit more edge than his previous work. Great songs, beautifully delivered – it’s fabulous! For more information about the music of Joe Nolan, visit joenolanmusic.com. Music: Joe Nolan, “Here’s To Hoping”, “New To The Neighbourhood” and “All Love Is Lit” from “Scrapper” (2021, Fallen Tree Records) CDN.

Kay Howl – Pink Trees – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Dec 20 2021

Kay Howl first landed on our radar as the driving force behind the South Western Ontario duo The Oh Chays, who also featured Mike Sugar Authier on guitar, percussion and backing vocals. Known for their upbeat and fun songs, powerful vocals and playful stage banter, the duo were finalists in the 2014 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search and represented Toronto Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2015. The Oh Chays may be no more, but the dynamic vocal delivery and fun stage presence lives on as Kay Howl. “Pink Trees”, which was produced with Marty Bak at SLR studios in Windsor ON is a personal and powerful statement – a coming out record, and very much a ‘this is who I am’ recording. Featuring 11 tracks, it packs quite a punch, and a recording that Kay feels is best appreciated in full album format. For more information visit Kay Howl on Bandcamp. Music: Kay Howl “Whatever”, “High On A Woman”, “Natural Disaster” and It Must Have Been Love (Roxette cover) from “Pink Trees” (2021, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 611: Bruce Cockburn in Conversation – Greatest Hits 1970-2020

Dec 11 2021

Bruce Cockburn joins us on Episode 611 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful in-depth conversation about his new career spanning retrospective, “Greatest Hits 1970-2020”, a double CD set featuring 30 songs he has released as singles. After 34 albums, 13 Junos, thousands of shows across the world and numerous other awards, it’s been quite the career. The good news is that Bruce Cockburn is still going strong, still working on new songs, and still playing shows. In fact, this month he sets out on his 50th Anniversary tour. It’s actually Take 2 – because COVID put paid to the first version last year. There was a lot to talk about which is why we’ve given over the whole of this episode to the interview. So settle down and enjoy Bruce Cockburn… in Conversation on Folk Roots Radio.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 607: feat. James Gordon In Conversation - When I Stayed Home

Nov 15 2021

Guelph ON singer-songwriter James Gordon joins us on Episode 607 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his pandemic release “When I Stayed Home”. Unable to bring anyone into the studio, James pretty much recorded the whole thing himself. However, making a new album was not the only thing that James Gordon has been up to during Covid lockdown. He also finished his novel “The Ark Of The Oven Mitt” (which includes a 36 song recording) and performed a virtual tour of his one-man show “James Gordon’s Emergency Climate Musical”. He also found time to kick cancer’s butt (Yeah, James!) and all while still working at his other job as a member of Guelph City Council. As you can imagine, we had lots to talk about, which is why we’ve decided to give the whole of this episode over to the interview. So, settle down and enjoy James Gordon… in Conversation on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 602: Donna Dunlop In Conversation - Backlight

Oct 25 2021

Toronto based singer-songwriter and poet Donna Dunlop joins us on Episode 602 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her career in music, and latest album “Backlight” which features songs that were originally recorded in 2000-2001, but revisited this past year with support and instrumentation from producer/engineer and guitarist Steve Sherman. Although Donna is no longer active as a live performer, she has a great music catalogue and lots of interesting stories to share. So, settle down and enjoy Donna Dunlop… in Conversation on Folk Roots Radio.

Alec Fraser Jr – On The Wings Of The Wind – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Alec Fraser Jr is a renowned bass player and producer/engineer, and half of dynamic roots duo Fraser/Daley. He’s now added singer-songwriter to the resume and joins us live on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about his career in music and first solo album “On The Wings Of The Wind” which was recorded while in pandemic lockdown with support from some fine musicians including Chris Bartos (violin/fiddle), and Jimmy Bowskill (mandolin). As a bassist, Alec Fraser Jr has toured internationally and worked with many world-class artists, playing with everyone from Bo Diddley, Ben E. King and The Drifters to Jeff Healey, Jack de Keyser, Ron Hynes and Ron Sexsmith. As a producer, he’s worked with some of our favourite artists… people like Rick Fines, John Brooks, Clela Errington. He’s also produced several albums that have made it on to our annual ‘best of the year’ list. Alec Fraser Jr is also the inventor of ‘the circus bass’, seven drums attached to an upright bass that allows him to play both bass and drums at the same time – using a brush held between his fingers. A lot to talk about – needless to say it was a fabulous conversation. We hope you’ll check it out. For more information about the music of Alec Fraser Jr, visit alecfraserjr.com.

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

Oct 22 2021

Mattie Leon – In Natural Light – Folk Roots Radio

Sep 19 2021

Mattie Leon returns to Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest album “In Natural Light”. Mattie 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! No stranger to Folk Roots Radio, Mattie joined us in the studio in 2019 for a fun chat and some great live songs. You can check out that interview HERE. Recently signed by Inside Pocket Music, In Natural Light was recorded at Noble St Studios in Toronto with JUNO-award winning producer, Gavin Brown (Sarah Harmer, Metric, Barenaked Ladies). For more information about the music of Mattie Leon, visit mattieleon.com.

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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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

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.

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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).

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2021 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 10 2021

We’re pleased to showcase the 2021 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars songwriting course on Folk Roots Radio Live. 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 will also share their songs with us. Girls & Guitars is a longstanding feature of the summer festival winter counterpart, Hillside Inside, and part of a 10+-year-old project designed to address a gender imbalance in the music industry, furthering the festival’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 at this year’s Hillside Inside.

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

Barry James Payne (String Bone) In Conversation – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 09 2021

Southern Ontario singer-songwriter Barry James Payne is the architect behind String Bone, his solo project who play a mix of Americana and Canadiana. That’s rootsy folk & country with a bit of blues & rock thrown into the mix. He is also a member of Celtic, traditional and world music ensemble Rant Maggie Rant. One of the most thoughtful musicians out there, Barry James Payne joins us on Folk Roots Radio Live for a wide ranging conversation about his music career, the impact of music streaming on artistic income and a musician’s life in Covid Times. He also plays a couple of songs live for us. For more information about the music of Barry James Payne (String Bone) visit stringbone.ca. For more information about the music of Barry James Payne, visit stringbone.ca. Music: String Bone “I’m Riding Again” from “Love & Highways” (Self, 2016), “Ain’t Life A Brook” (Live, Ferron cover), “Where Do You Go” (Live) from “Love & Highways” (Self, 2016) and String Bone “Come On Train” (Live at Revival House, Willie P Bennett cover).

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

Karen Morand – Never Enough – Folk Roots Radio

Apr 07 2021

Karen Morand‘s latest single “Never Enough’ was actually written for a songwriting challenge, yet as the coronavirus pandemic has unfolded, it has taken on a much greater significance. “One more scroll, one more mouthful, one more guilty pleasure – there are things we do to deal with the hard parts of life. It becomes a problem when “just one more” isn’t enough. Never Enough is a love song. It reaches into the heart of addictions and calls out the true soul of a person.” Never Enough will appear on Karen’s next album, “Ghost Hotel”, which is due in early 2022. The single was recorded at Sound Foundry Studios, Kingsville ON, with production by Karen and studio owner, Brett Humber. Joining Karen (vocals, B3 organ) in the studio were her regular side players, the Bosco Boys – that’s Aaron Verhulst on guitar and Benny Santoro on drums. Brett Humber also added some electric guitar (and harmony vocals) alongside a moonlighting Max Marshall on bass. For more information about the music of Karen Morand, visit karenmorand.com. Music: Karen Morand “Never Enough” (2021, Self) CDN.

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

Loretta Hagen – Not Now – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 31 2021

New Jersey based singer-songwriter Loretta Hagen has built a great reputation for the quality of her songwriting, and the warm rich alto voice she brings to her delivery. Loretta released a fine fourth album in 2017, “Lucky Stars”, 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. It might be the perfect album to be listening to during Covid times. Loretta has just followed up the album with a wonderful new single that reflects on the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has been having on individuals, families and communities – and like much of her songwriting, includes a strong message of hope. “Each day I would hear news stations report the heartbreaking stories of people alone in hospitals around the world fighting for their lives without a loved one at their side. I can only imagine the terror for them. So many stories of loss: loss of life, loss of jobs, homes, loneliness. Normal life simply gone. But in all of that overwhelming despair and loss, there were also stories of survival.” Loretta Hagen joined us on Folk Roots Radio chat about her music and the new single. For more information about her music, visit lorettahagen.com. Photo: Jake Jacobson. Music: Loretta Hagen “Lucky Stars” from “Lucky Stars” (2017, Bearfort), “Not Now” (single) (2021, Bearfort), “Hello Mountain (Ode to Bearfort Mountain)” from “Sundown Till Dawn” (2008, Bearfort) and “Welcome Spring” from “Lucky Stars” (2017, Bearfort).

Sue Smith – Tonight We Sail – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 15 2021

Guelph singer-songwriter Sue Smith has just released a wonderful new album with the Potion Kings, “Tonight We Sail”, a gorgeous blend of rock, jazz, blues and roots. The new recording features nine Sue Smith original songs plus a song each by Tom Petty (“Swingin'”) and Robbie Robertson (“Ophelia”). Recorded live off the floor at Scott Merritt’s studio, The Cottage in Guelph ON, it features Sue Smith (vocals, organ on several tracks) with the Potion Kings – Jeff Bird on bass, Kevin Breit on guitar, Randall Coryell on drums and Howie Southwood on percussion. Vocalists Nick Craine and Gwen Swick also guest on the recording, which was produced by Sue Smith with partner Jeff Bird. To say we love this album is a bit of an understatement… great songs, amazing musicians and a fantastic groove. It’s sure to figure in our favourite albums of 2021! Sue Smith & the Potion Kings will be playing a FREE live-streamed performance direct from the River Run Centre in Guelph ON on Friday March 26 at 8 p.m…. with special guest Gwen Swick. If you’d like to register for the livestream (all you need to do is sign up for the River Run Centre Spotlight newsletter) you can do that HERE. They’ll send you you the link on the day of the show. For more information about the music of Sue Smith, visit suesmith.ca. Photo credit: Dean Palmer. Music: Sue Smith and the Potion Kings “Night Skies”, “1 Step, 2 Step”, “If I am Sleeping” and “Met Him On A Train” from “Tonight We Sail” (2021, Self) CDN.

Angie Nussey – I Have No Idea What I’m Doing – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 14 2021

In 2007, Ontario singer-songwriter Angie Nussey experienced an emotional breakdown, which lead to a re-evaluation of her life in music, and a shift in approach to one that focused on maintaining a strong spiritual balance. Her beautiful new album “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing” grew out of that intense focus. Mostly piano driven, the new album took two and a half years to complete – recording at home with musical friends. In 2014, Angie gave a wonderful Tedx talk on music and spirituality in Sudbury which is an excellent introduction to both her music and spirituality. As well as her solo career, Angie is also a member of songwriting trio Boreal, with fellow singer-songwriters Tannis Slimmon and Katherine Wheatley. The trio tours ‘Songs For The Snowy Season’ annually each December. Angie is currently releasing a song and story from I Have No Idea What I’m Doing on a monthly basis. For more information about her music, visit angienussey.com. Music: Angie Nussey “All Your Courage”, “Forgotten Names”, “Former Me” and “Count Me Out” from “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing” (2020, Self) CDN.

Interviews

Folk Roots Radio Overtime – Rosanne Baker Thornley Chats About Her Latest Album Sorry I’m Late

Big Little Lions – AMPM – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Lynn Harrison – Treasure – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Overtime – Lynn Miles Chats About Her New Album TumbleWeedyWorld

Folk Roots Radio Episode 614: Christa Couture In Conversation – To Us

Folk Roots Radio Episode 613: Peter Chapman in Conversation – Fallen Tree Records

T. Buckley – Frame By Frame – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Joe Nolan – Scrapper – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Kay Howl – Pink Trees – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 611: Bruce Cockburn in Conversation – Greatest Hits 1970-2020

Folk Roots Radio Episode 607: feat. James Gordon In Conversation – When I Stayed Home

Folk Roots Radio Episode 602: Donna Dunlop In Conversation – Backlight

Alec Fraser Jr – On The Wings Of The Wind – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mattie Leon – In Natural Light – Folk Roots Radio

Brendan Scott Friel – Summer Moons – Folk Roots Radio

Sarah Smith – The Covid Times Interview – Folk Roots Radio

Colm Gavin – The 1992 Tapes – Folk Roots Radio

Jeffery Straker – Just Before Sunrise – Folk Roots Radio

Moira Smiley – In Our Voices – Folk Roots Radio

2021 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course – Folk Roots Radio

Barry James Payne (String Bone) In Conversation – Folk Roots Radio

Karen Morand – Never Enough – Folk Roots Radio

Loretta Hagen – Not Now – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Sue Smith – Tonight We Sail – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Angie Nussey – I Have No Idea What I’m Doing – Folk Roots Radio Interview