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Reid Jamieson – Me Daza – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 22 2019

Vancouver based singer-songwriter Reid Jamieson has just released his latest album “Me Daza”. The phrase me daza is actually Cork Ireland slang for ‘most excellent’ or ‘awesome’, though strictly speaking it actually means ‘I’m dying’. Dying because of brilliance, perhaps – because this recording really does feel like a special piece of work, and may be the best thing Reid Jamieson has done in his career so far. Recorded in Ireland with producer Kieran Kennedy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), the new album features seven fabulous new songs and a gorgeous instrumental, all written with music and life partner Carolyn Victoria Mill alongside a great cover “Don’t Go Down”, written by the late lamented Fergus O’Farrell (formerly of cult Irish band Interference) and Glen Hansard (Swell Season, The Frames). Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Victoria Mill will be on tour in Ontario in early May with shows in Dundas (Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, May 2), Guelph (eBar, May 3) and Toronto (Rivoli, May 5). For more information and full tour dates, visit reidjamieson.com. We caught up with Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Victoria Mill at home in Vancouver to learn more about the new album. Music: Reid Jamieson “Evergreen (Love Song For The Crone)”, “Perfect Storm”, “Don’t Go Down”, “She (#repealthe8th)” and “Lullaby For The Lost” from “Me Daza” (2019, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 441: Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course 2019

Apr 17 2019

We’re giving over the whole of Episode 441 of Folk Roots Radio to interviews with the participants and facilitators of the 2019 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course that took place in Guelph during the winter. The songwriting workshop is specifically designed to help aspiring female songwriters develop effective songwriting skills and strategies while gaining confidence in their own ability, and all within a supportive learning environment. As you will hear during these interviews, the music industry is currently skewed 70:30 in favour of men – not just in terms of performers, but also behind the scenes – in management, booking agents, tech crews, artistic directors, and critics. During the four-week course, participants worked on an original song that was eventually recorded by Nick Zubeck at Arthur North Studios in Guelph. The students also played their song live at a special event during the Hillside Inside winter festival this past February. It’s our privilege to share those songs with you again today. Check out the full playlist below.

Ariana Gillis - Roots North 2019 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 16 2019

Ariana Gillis is a captivating live performer. She sings with such passion, with such a distinctive voice and vocal delivery, you really can’t take your eyes off her. And the songs? Well, they are always engrossing. Ariana will be appearing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival which takes place in Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. She’ll be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Rose Cousins. Ariana Gillis has produced two fabulous 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 describes as pop-Americana, will be released this June. We caught up with Ariana Gillis at home in Niagara to chat about her Roots North 2019 appearance and the forthcoming album. For more information and upcoming tour dates visit arianagillis.com. Music: “Freedom” from “Headful Of Stars” E.P. (2017) and “The Maze” and “Dirt Gets Dirty” from “The Maze” (2019, Self).

Gillian Nicola – Dried Flowers – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 15 2019

Hamilton ON based singer-songwriter Gillian Nicola will be releasing her first full length album “Dried Flowers” in the spring of 2019. A classically trained vocalist, Gillian Nicola describes herself as a folk singer-songwriter with a textured and layered Americana sound that comes across as a bit of a mix of Kathleen Edwards and Neko Case. Dried Flowers is the follow up to her two E.P.s 2016’s “No Place to Call” and “Chasing the Wind” (2013). Her 2016 single “Oh Marie” was nominated for the 2017 Ontario Arts Council’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, and the E.P. Chasing The Wind was nominated for two Hamilton Music Awards and a Toronto Independent Music Award. While working on the new project, Gillian spent the early 2018 at the Alberta’s Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity writing songs for the new album. The new album was recorded at Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto with John Dinsmore and features Gillian Nicola on vocals and guitar with support from Aaron Goldstein (pedal Steel), Gord Tough (electric guitars), Emily Rockarts (keyboards), Rosalyn Dennett (fiddle), Alison McNamara (backing vocals), Bruce Scavuzzo (bass/backing vocals), Justin Han (drums/percussion) and Drew Jureka (string arrangements). Gillian Nicola is also a community organizer, hosting Open Mic Nights and Songwriters Circles (including the Songwriters in the Round, which takes place on the last Wednesday of each month at The Painted Lady in Toronto), and lends her talents to various non-profit organizations, such as Girls Rock Camp Toronto. We caught up with Gillian Nicola at home in Hamilton to chat about the new album. For more information, visit Gillian Nicola online at gilliannicola.com. Music: Gillian Nicola “Night Comes To Call”, “She Stays Silent”, “Dried Flowers” and “Half Way” from “Dried Flowers” (2019, Self).

VK – Terms & Conditions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 12 2019

Orillia ON based husband and wife Steve and Marni Van Kessel make music together as VK. Steve is the songwriter behind a project that they describe as a bit of a cross between Blue Rodeo and the Tragically Hip – Canadian style Americana based around strong tunes and inspirational lyrics. Their first album (from 2014) “Doin’ Just Fine” was more of a band project and credited to VK and The Narrows. Their latest, “Terms & Conditions” is a wonderful slab of Canadian tinged roots Americana and very much a duo album, with support from an excellent group of session musicians. They are already hard at work on their next project, which will be another band album, this time credited to VK and the Legends of THE DEEP. VK will be playing the 2019 Roots North Music Festival on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Steve & Marni at home in Orillia to chat about their music. VK have just released a NEW Video for their song “Radiate & Glow”. You can find it online HERE. Steve and Marni also run their own record label, 112 Records. You can visit VK online at 112records.com/vk. Music: VK “Terms & Conditions”, “Edge Of The World” and “Radiate & Glow” from “Terms & Conditions” (2017, 112 Records).

The 2019 Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Ron Sexsmith will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters, Rose Cousins and Ariana Gillis, while rising star The Weather Station will be joined on Saturday evening by inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla and Orillia based Americana duo VK. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on the 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 for $55.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 440: In Conversation with… Ron Sexsmith

Folk Roots Radio Episode 440: Ron Sexsmith In Conversation

Apr 11 2019

We’re giving over the whole of Episode 440 of Folk Roots Radio to an in-depth conversation with one of Canada’s finest songwriters, Ron Sexsmith. During our wide-ranging conversation, Ron Sexsmith chats about songwriting, and becoming a published author with the release of his grown-up fairy tale Deer Life, which, now, may also become a musical. He also talks about live performance – both solo and with his band, and a new album for release in 2020. Ron Sexsmith will be performing an intimate solo show at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival, at the St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia ON on Friday April 26. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 439: Saffron A In Conversation

Apr 11 2019

*TRIGGER WARNING | Episode 439 of Folk Roots Radio features an in-depth conversation with Saffron A, a Toronto and Brantford based alt.folk musician and poet who describes her music as sitting where emotion and intellect intersect. Distinct from every other young musician who starts out on guitar or piano, Saffron A creates her music on octave mandolin, mandocello and other members of the mandolin family. Saffron A is just about to release a very powerful E.P., “Resilience”, which documents the emotional fallout from a sexual assault that occurred last summer. Check out the full playlist below.

*TRIGGER WARNING: We are pleased to support this project knowing that sexual assault is an important societal topic that needs our attention and public discussion. However, we also appreciate that some listeners may be triggered by such conversations.

The Weather Station - Roots North 2019 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 11 2019

Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music, and the quality of her songwriting. If you don’t recognize the name, it’s probably because, on stage, she goes by the name The Weather Station. A fabulous songwriter, Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music. On the acclaimed “All Of It Was Mine” (2011), and follow-up “What Am I Going To Do With Everything I Know” (2014), (both for You’ve Changed Records), Lindeman established herself as a songwriter’s songwriter, earning accolades for her delicate, careful wordplay, filled with double meanings, complex metaphors, and rich details of the everyday. Her third album “Loyalty”, recorded at La Frette Studios in France in the winter of 2014 with Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) and Robbie Lackritz (Feist) was nominated for the Polaris Prize, while her most recent album, 2017’s self-produced The Weather Station was also critically acclaimed. Tamara Lindeman will be heading back into the studio this April to start work on the follow-up, which could end up being two different musical projects. The Weather Station will be performing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival in Orillia on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Tamara Lindeman at home in Toronto to chat about her music. For more information visit theweatherstation.net. Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez. Music: The Weather Station “Thirty”, “Complicit” and “Impossible” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

Pete Eastmure – Keep Your Love Steady – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 10 2019

Toronto’s Pete Eastmure has just released his latest album “Keep Your Love Steady”, a pedal steel drenched vintage Americana recording with a wonderful Texas swing that is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping. Featuring some of Toronto’s top session players on ten new songs, the new recording is not afraid to show its influences… Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Stompin’ Tom Connors. Recorded at Revolution Studio in Toronto, and produced by Pete Eastmure with Burke Carroll and James Paul, the album features a final selection of players: Pete Eastmure (acoustic, electric, Nashville high string guitars and vocals), Burke Carroll (pedal steel and dobro), Kyle Charron (fiddle, mandolin), Denis Keldie (accordions), Eva Marie McCann (background vocals, vocals), James Paul (electric bass, acoustic bass, mission organ, broom, sleigh bells) and Adam Warner (drums, suitcase, percussion). We caught up with Pete Eastmure at home in Toronto to chat about the new album. Pete Eastmure has a residency at the Cameron House in Toronto on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. during May. For more information, visit peteeastmure.com. Music: Pete Eastmure “Standing By A Hole”, “Suga’ Bush” and “Tee-Tot’s Blues” from “Keep Your Love Steady” (2019, Self).

Wild Rivers – Moving Target – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 09 2019

Wild Rivers are a band that’s really starting to happen. They started life as harmonizing folk pop duo Devan & Khaild, featuring Devan Glover (vocals) and Khalid Yassein (vocals, guitar), while at Queen’s University in Kingston, before morphing into the four piece ‘Wild Rivers’ with the addition of Andrew Oliver (guitar, bass) and Julien Laferriere (drums). After two album releases and a couple of singles, the Toronto-based band are really gaining traction on streaming services, and have already developed a loyal fan base. They’re just back from their Far Departed tour of the North Eastern US, Ontario and Quebec. Before that, they opened for Australian band The Paper Kites on the North American leg of the “Where You Live” tour. In April they will be touring Western Canada with Matt Andersen and his band. We caught up with Khalid Yassein in Toronto to chat about their music. For more information, visit wildriversmusic.com. Photo credit: Aika Lau. Music: Wild Rivers ““Moving Target” (single) (2019, Self), “Howling” and “I Won’t Be Back” from “Eighty Eight” (2018, Self)

Ron Sexsmith – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 08 2019

One of Canada’s finest songwriters, Ron Sexsmith will be performing an intimate solo show at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival, at the St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia ON on Friday April 26. The songwriter’s songwriter, Ron Sexsmith has released fifteen full-length albums since his debut “Grand Opera Lane” in 1991. His most recent album, “The Last Rider” was released in 2017, shortly after making the decision to leave Toronto for Stratford. Ron is now also a published author after the release of his grown-up fairy tale “Deer Life”. Ron Sexsmith joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about his music, a possible musical version of Deer Life and a new album of original songs slated for 2020. For more information about the music of Ron Sexsmith, visit ronsexsmith.com. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Worried Song”, “The Man At The Gate (1913)” and “Who We Are Right Now” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes) and “Love Shines” from “Long Player Late Bloomer” (2011, Ronboy Rhymes).

The 2019 Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Ron Sexsmith will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters, Rose Cousins and 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 the 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! (weekend passes go up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!)

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

Apr 05 2019

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.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 437: feat. VK & More New Releases

Apr 05 2019

Orillia ON based husband and wife Steve and Marni Van Kessel make music together as VK. They join us on Episode 437 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their heartfelt brand of old-school rock and roll and Canadian style Americana, and their second album “Terms & Conditions”. VK will be playing the 2019 Roots North Music Festival on Saturday April 27. It’s a great interview and definitely worth checking out. And, as always, we take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received – and this time around we check out new music from Cary Morin, Graham Nicholas, Michael McDermott, Sumaia Jackson, Michael Martyn and Hugh Christopher Brown. Check out the full playlist below.

Dave McEathron - Abandoned Companions - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 01 2019

Hamilton based multi-instrumentalist Dave McEathron, the former frontman and principal songwriter of Toronto roots rockers, the much loved and sadly departed The Warped 45s, is back with a wonderful full-length solo album “Abandoned Companions” which is accompanied by a band E.P., appropriately entitled “The Abandoned Companions Companion Piece”. The new albums were mostly produced with Brian Pickett who has worked with both The Strumbellas and Ashley Condon (two tracks “The Other Side and “Luck” were produced by Hill Kourkoutis. “Luck” is a co-write with David Francey). A lovingly recorded project, both of the albums are presented in a hand crafted leather sleeve, made by Dave himself, that comes hand-stamped with the album’s logo. A songbook with lyrics and chord shapes is also included. We caught up with Dave at his cottage in the Ottawa Valley to chat about the new project. For more information about the music of Dave McEathron visit davemceathron.com. Music: Dave McEathron “His Mother Named Him Angel” and “No Better Teacher Than Time” from “Abandoned Companions” (2018, Self), “Midnight For Leadbelly” and “Hell To The Heavens” from “Abandoned Companions Companion Piece” (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 436: feat. The Weather Station & More New Releases

Mar 28 2019

Episode 436 of Folk Roots Radio features an in-depth length interview with Tamara Lindeman. You may not recognize the name, but if we tell you that, for music, she goes by the name The Weather Station, we’re sure you’ll know who she is. A fabulous Canadian musician, Tamara Lindeman is already turning heads with the quality of her songwriting. The Weather Station will be headlining the 2019 Roots North Music Festival in Downtown Orillia ON on Saturday April 27. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth sticking around for. We also check out new music from Tomato Tomato, Mother Banjo, Ross Falzone, Michael Jerome Browne and Dave Gunning. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 435: feat. Roots North Music Festival & More New Releases

Mar 28 2019

Amy Mangan joins us on Episode 435 of Folk Roots Radio to talk about the 5th Annual Roots North Music Festival which takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. This year, a fabulous main stage line-up sees renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith take the stage on he Friday evening with Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis, while inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and Orillia based Americana duo VK join The Weather Station on the Saturday evening. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on Saturday at a variety of downtown venues. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases and this time around we check out new music from Iain Thomson and Marc Duff, Doug McArthur, Le Vent du Nord, AKA Trio, Ashley Condon, Cathy Hutch and Noah Derksen. Check out the full playlist below.

Julian Taylor Band - Avalanche - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 27 2019

Self-described “pilgrims of funk, soul ‘n’ roll”, the Julian Taylor Band are back with their latest soulful groove “Avalanche”. Avalanche may be musical revisionist Julian Taylor’s most personal record to date, featuring eight songs written during a period of self-reflection after looking through a treasure trove of life memories stored in his mother’s attic. The new album was recorded with the band, live to tape, at Canterbury Sound in Toronto. The Julian Taylor band will be launching the new album at The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West in Toronto on Saturday, March 30, 2019. They’ll also be appearing at this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival. If you love the sound of a funky, soulful rock n’roll band, with some folk, blues, jazz, reggae and calypso thrown into the mix, you’ll love them live. We caught up with Julian in Toronto to chat about the new album. For more information, visit the Julian Taylor Band online at juliantaylorband.com. Music: Julian Taylor Band “Sweeter”, “Gone” and “Back Again” from “Avalanche” (2019, Gypsy Should Records).

Saffron A – Resilience – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 25 2019

*TRIGGER WARNING | Saffron A is an alt.folk musician and poet who describes her music as sitting where emotion and intellect intersect. Distinct from every other young musician who starts out on guitar or piano, Saffron A creates her music on octave mandolin, mandocello and other members of the mandolin family. Saffron A. first came to our notice as part of the Developing Artist Program at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference. She’s about to release her powerful new single “Resilience” which will be followed by a full E.P., of the same name, on May 4. Resilience documents the emotional fallout from a sexual assault that occurred last summer. This fall, Saffron A will release a second E.P., “Resistance” which will further document her progress since the assault. That will be followed by the release of more new songs as part of a full concept album. Saffron A will be touring Ontario and further afield this spring and summer. Saffron A joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio for an in-depth conversation about the project. For more information, visit saffronamusic.com. Music: Saffron A. “Resilience”, “No Words”, “Mind Over Mania”, “Where The Truth Lies” and “Give Me A Minute” from “Resilience” E.P. (2019, Self).

Allison Lupton – Words Of Love – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 24 2019

Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and Folk Music Ontario Songs from the Heart winner Allison Lupton is getting ready to release her fourth full length album “Words Of Love”, a fabulous recording that features Allison and her band – including some of the best musicians on the Southern Ontario folk scene, on a mix of self-written songs and traditional material with romantic love as a central theme, while also telling stories about Canada, the immigrant experience and the travails of itinerant labour. Words of Love, which was produced by Allison Lupton, features Jess Arrowsmith (backing vocals), Richard Arrowsmith (melodeon), Andrew Collins (mandolin, backing vocals), Shane Cook (fiddle, mandolin, feet), Tony McManus (guitar), Joe Phillips (bass, backing vocals), Ivan Rosenberg (dobro) and Craig Werth (backing vocals). Allison Lupton will be launching the album with a release show at Hugh’s Room Live on March 30 featuring Tony McManus, Shane Cook, Joe Phillips, Ivan Rosenberg, and Andrew Collins. Allison will also be playing shows in Kingston (May 24), Almonte (May 25), Goderich (May 31) and Cambridge (June 1). For more information, visit Allison Lupton online at allisonlupton.com. Music: Allison Lupton “Away”, “Words Of Love” and “What Will I Dream” from “Words Of Love” (2019, Self).

Lisa Brokop – Legendary Ladies Of Country – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 23 2019

Canadian country singer-songwriter Lisa Brokop is celebrating nearly 30 years in the music business as she brings her ‘Legendary Ladies of Country’ show to Ontario this spring. Fresh from the success of “The Patsy Cline Project”, the new performance will also feature songs from some of the other great female country singers, including Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker and Emmylou Harris. The performance will be accompanied by stories about the songs and the impact that these first ladies of country have had on Lisa’s own career. Lisa Brokop will also be adding some of her own songs into the mix. Canadian country artists Patricia Conroy and Amanda Wilkinson will be joining Lisa on stage for some of the performances. The Legendary Ladies of Country show will be stopping in Kirkland Lake (Northern College Auditorium) March 31, Peterborough (Showplace Performance Centre) April 1, Nepean (Centrepointe Theatre) April 2, St. Catherine’s (First Ontario Performing Arts Centre) April 3, Guelph (River Run Centre) April 4, Kingston (Grand Theatre) April 5, Highgate (Mary Webb Centre) April 6. Get Tickets for the Highgate show at the Mary Webb Centre HERE. We caught up with Lisa Brokop in Nashville to chat about the new show. For more information about the music of Lisa Brokop, visit lisabrokop.com. Music: Lisa Brokop “Walkin’ after Midnight” from “The Patsy Cline Project” (2015, Brokop Entertainment), “Delta Dawn” and “I Will Always Love you” from “Legendary Ladies of Country” – Limited Release (2018, Brokop Entertainment).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 434: feat. Allison Lupton & More New Releases

Mar 15 2019

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and vocalist Allison Lupton joins us on Episode 434 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fourth album “Words of Love”. Words of Love is a fabulous recording that features Allison and her band – including some of the best musicians on the Southern Ontario folk scene, on a mix of self-written songs and traditional material with romantic love as a central theme, while also telling stories about Canada, the immigrant experience and the travails of itinerant labour. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth checking out. We also take a look at new music from Jane Yolen & 3 Ravens, Michael Jerome Browne, Noah Derksen, Tomato Tomato, Fist & Chips, Kelly and Woolley, Thom Ashworth, and John Duhan. Check out the full playlist below.

Jamie Shea - Come Down To The Water - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 10 2019

Hamilton ON singer-songwriter Jamie Shea has just released his first album “Come Down To The Water”. Well known on the Hamilton music scene as a band guitarist playing rock, pop, blues and jazz, Jamie’s solo debut is long overdue. Come Down To The Water features 11 well-crafted songs about personal experiences, love and loss – and the triumph of the human spirit, that really draw you in. Produced by Michael Birthelmer at Pine Street Studio in Hamilton with some fine musical support, the new album has a really nice feel to it. We caught up with Jamie at home in Hamilton to chat about the solo project. For more information about the music of Jamie Shea, visit jamiesheamusic.com. Music: Jamie Shea “Think Again”, “Mercy Of The Wind” and “Come Down To The Water” from “Come Down To The Water” (2018, Self) CDN.

Roots North Music Festival 2019 – Main Stage Line-up – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 10 2019

Renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith and alt. folk rising star The Weather Station are headlining this year’s Roots North Music Festival which takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. A particular strong main stage line-up features another couple of fabulous songwriters, Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis who join Sexsmith on the Friday evening, while inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and VK, an Orillia based Americana duo featuring Steve and Marni Van Kessel joining The Weather Station on the Saturday evening. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on Saturday at a variety of downtown venues. To learn more about this year’s line-up we caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers. Check out the full schedule on the Roots North Music Festival website. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online at rootsnorthmusic.ca. The early bird price is currently just $45! (The cost of a weekend pass goes up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!) Photo: Deb Halbot. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Evergreen” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes), Rose Cousins “Chosen” from “Natural Conclusion” (2017, Outside Music) and The Weather Station “You and I on the Other Side Of The World” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 433: feat. Emily Jean Flack & International Women’s Day

Mar 08 2019

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day on Episode 433 of Folk Roots Radio as we sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Emily Jean Flack to chat about her music and new E.P. “Throwing Shapes”. We also check out more music from female artists including new releases from Carly Thomas, Madison Violet, Our Native Daughters (Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, Allison Russell), Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Jen & John, Tret Fure and Kat Danser. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll take a listen. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 432: feat. John Muirhead & More New Releases

Mar 08 2019

London ON based singer-songwriter John Muirhead first landed on our radar as a member of the Developing Artist Program (formerly the Youth Program) at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference. He has since released two E.P.s and is now working on his first full length record. John Muirhead joins us on Episode 432 of Folk Roots Radio for a great conversation about his music. We also check out new music from Pete Eastmure, Jamie Shea, Lula Wiles, Steve Poltz, Kate Weekes, Outside I’m A Giant, Matt Mays, Dave McEathron and Benjamin Dakota Rogers. Check out the full playlist below.

Reid Jamieson – Me Daza – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 441: Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course 2019

Ariana Gillis – Roots North 2019 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

VK – Terms & Conditions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 440: In Conversation with… Ron Sexsmith

Folk Roots Radio Episode 439: In Conversation with… Saffron A

The Weather Station – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Pete Eastmure – Keep Your Love Steady – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Wild Rivers – Moving Target – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Ron Sexsmith – Folk Roots Radio Interview

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

Folk Roots Radio Episode 437: feat. VK & More New Releases

Dave McEathron – Abandoned Companions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 436: feat. The Weather Station & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 435: feat. Roots North Music Festival & More New Releases

Julian Taylor Band – Avalanche – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Saffron A – Resilience – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Allison Lupton – Words Of Love – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Lisa Brokop – Legendary Ladies Of Country – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 434: feat. Allison Lupton & More New Releases

Jamie Shea – Come Down To The Water – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Roots North Music Festival 2019 – Main Stage Line-up – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 433: feat. Emily Jean Flack & International Women’s Day

Folk Roots Radio Episode 432: feat. John Muirhead & More New Releases