Doris Folkens – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Guelph Ontario singer-songwriter Doris Folkens writes songs that are rooted in people and the events that shaped their lives. She’s just about to release her old-time styled self-titled debut. The album, produced by Toronto’s five-time Juno nominee, and seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner, Andrew Collins features seven original story songs with support from Collins (mandolin), Shane Cook (fiddle) and Frank Evans (banjo). “The story behind the album started two generations ago. During World War 2 in Hamburg, my grandmother rescued her piano from her burning house (the family house is depicted in the album art), which had been hit by a bomb. This was the piano that crossed the ocean on a container ship to Canada when my mother married. Years later, I learnt music on that same piano. I often wonder: If my grandmother hadn’t rescued that piano, would I be playing music at all? Her actions, two generations later, left their mark on the songs that I’ve written for this album. The songs are based on true family stories. It’s about where we came from and those who raised us.” The album also includes the Doris Folkens song “Lonesome In The Grave No More” which took home the Songs of the Heart award for humorous song at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference. We caught up with Doris Folkens at home in Guelph to chat about her music. The Doris Folkens CD release show will take place in Guelph at The Common on Saturday May 26 2018 at 7 p.m. For more information about the music of Doris Folkens, visit dorisfolkens.com. Music: Doris Folkens “Dig A Hole”, “Lonesome In The Grave No More” and “Right Side Of The Tracks” from “Doris Folkens” (2018, Self).