Coronavirus Archives | Folk Roots Radio

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.

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).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 563: We’re All About The Music! (A New Day Edition)

Jan 21 2021

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 563 of Folk Roots Radio to bring you another hour of great new music – including some wonderful topical songs and Covid tunes, to help you get through these strange times. Join us for new releases from Luka Kuplowsky, Bill Bourne, A.J. Croce, Sue Smith with the Potion Kings, Leahy, Maria Dunn, Bonnie Light Horseman, Raine Hamilton, Alison Brown, The Twangtown Paramours , Karyn Oliver, Scott MacDonald, Madison Cunningham, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Skerryvore and Carolina Story. Remember, if you like the artists you hear on this show, 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 much more challenging to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 561: We're All About The Music! (Never Give Up Edition)

Jan 01 2021

We’re all about the music again on Episode 561 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews for another hour of a great new releases. Actually, we should say we’re mostly about the music on this episode, as we’re also including a short audio piece from Quebec folk musician Guillaume Jabbour, artist in residence for the ELAN ACE Sound Experience Programme at Sainte Agathe Academy in Sainte Agathe QC, focusing on how his students are coping with the coronavirus pandemic. It’s really well done, so we’re very pleased to be able to include it in this episode. We have some wonderful new music to bring you, including some excellent Covid tunes, and a very special song to wrap up the hour. Join us for music from VISSIA, Courtney Marie Andrews, The Rough & Tumble, Floyds Row, Rylan Brooks, Merry Hell, Beano & Steve Pledger, Colleen Brown, Mister K, The Strange Valentines, Lisa Redfern and Sing Me A River. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 553: We're All About The Music! (The Keep Going Edition)

Nov 22 2020

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 553 of Folk Roots Radio to bring you another hour of great new music to help you get through these strange Covid times. This time around we hear from The Bengsons, Gillian Tuite, Moira & Claire, Beppe Gambetta, Big Little Lions, Michael Lane, River North, Reid Jamieson, The Avenoir Project, Flo Perlin & Pilgrims’ Dream, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, iskwē & Tom Wilson (Lee Harvey Osmond), Tomato Tomato, Langhorne Slim and Ricky Green & Danny Traves. Remember, if you like the artists you hear on this show, 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 much more challenging to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 548: We're All About The Music! (Gettin' By Edition)

Nov 01 2020

We’re holding back the interviews again on Episode 548 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you an hour of the latest new releases including more Covid tunes, and some great new protest songs. Join us for new music from Paul Snider, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Philip Scott Poli, The Roxton Rambles with Ken Whiteley & Ceilidh Wood, Valeri Dimchev with Anton Apostolov & Valeri Pastarmadzhiev, Justin Farren, Brian Blain, Adam Wendler, Moira Smiley & Seamus Egan (with Sam Amidon), HuDost and Gabriel Campagne. We also include special tributes to outlaw country pioneers Jerry Jeff Walker and Billy Joe Shaver who both sadly passed away recently. Remember, if you like what you hear on this show… don’t just stream the music – BUY the music and then you’ll really make a difference to artists income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 547: feat. Steve Poltz (Covid Times) & More Releases

Oct 26 2020

We’re pleased to bring you another one of our Covid Times interviews on Episode 547 of Folk Roots Radio. As you know, the coronavirus pandemic has completely upended the lives of people who make their living through music. This time around we catch up with zany singer-songwriter and humorist Steve Poltz to learn more about his life during these strange, strange times – while checking out a wonderful new lockdown single, appropriately entitled “Quarantine Blues”. As always, it’s a great conversation. We wrap up the episode with new music from Rick Fines, Rube & Rake, Clare Follett, Carmanah, Hamish Napier, Aoife Scott, Terra Lightfoot and Dione Taylor. If you like the music you hear on Folk Roots Radio, don’t just stream the music – BUY the music, and then you’ll really make a difference to artists income during a period when live shows are hard to find. Check out the full playlist below.

Steve Poltz - Covid Times - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 25 2020

Singer-songwriter and humorist Steve Poltz is an absolutely fabulous live performer. There is just no two ways about it. See one show, you’ll become a fan for life – and like everyone else, you’ll be revelling in the power of being in the moment for a performance where anything can happen, and often does. Steve Poltz was born in Canada (Halifax NS) and raised in San Diego where he spent much of his life before he moved to Nashville in 2016. After a series of well-received albums, the release of “Shine On” in 2019 really started to move Steve’s career up to another level – and then COVID hit. As a touring artist, Steve works exceptionally hard and plays more than 150 dates a year across North America, Europe and Australia. To see all his 2020 plans evaporate almost overnight was disappointing to say the least. Steve Poltz joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about how he has been spending his time off the road, including the release of a wonderful new lockdown single, appropriately entitled “Quarantine Blues”. Watch the video version of this interview on our sister show the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions HERE. For more information about the music of Steve Poltz visit poltz.com. Music: Steve Poltz “Quarantine Blues” (single) (2020, 98 Pounder Records / Compass Records), “Ballin’ On A Wednesday” from “Shine On” (2019, 98 Pounder Records / Red House Records) and Hey God I’ll Trade You Donald Trump For Leonard Cohen (single) (2017, 98 Pounder Records)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 545: We’re All About The Music! (Surf The Bad Times Edition)

Oct 19 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 545 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you a great selection of new releases. Join us for new music from Last Birds, Shaye Zadravec, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche, Jesse Brint, Chairmen Of The Boards, Allison Lupton & Craig Werth, Sinead O’Connor, Laura Mulcahy, Rachel Garlin, Tim Grimm, Harry Shearer, Loudon Wainwright III, Max Marshall and Caribou Run. Remember, if you like what you hear on this show… don’t just stream the music – BUY the music and the you’ll really make a difference to artists income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 544: feat. Sultans of String - Refuge (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Oct 17 2020

We’re bringing another of our Covid Times interviews to Episode 544 of Folk Roots Radio – an opportunity for artists to chat about how the coronavirus pandemic has upended their music careers. This time around we are joined by Chris McKhool, violinist and band leader of world folk combo, Sultans of String, who released a fabulous new recording “Refuge” earlier this year – an album that highlights the extraordinary contributions that indigenous people, immigrants and refugees make to culture and life in North America. Sultans of String were supposed to be out on tour across both North America and the UK this year. None of that has been able to happen which is why we encourage all our listeners – if you like the music you hear on this show, buy the music, don’t just stream it! That way, you can really make a difference in artists lives during a period that they can’t be out on the road. We also check out more of the latest new releases, and this time around we hear from Ruston Kelly, Will Kimbrough, The Bodarks and Vi Wickam and Paul Anastasio. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 543: feat. Big Little Lions (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Oct 12 2020

Helen Austin and Paul Otten are two fabulous songwriters who make music together as Big Little Lions, even though they are actually based over two thousand miles apart. They were on tour as the coronavirus pandemic hit, and despite having to head home and into lockdown, they have continued to make great music – including the release of a pandemic inspired album “Are We there Yet?”. Big Little Lions join us on Episode 543 of Folk Roots Radio for a fun in-depth conversation about how their lives and their music have been changed by the on-going emergency. The pandemic has hit the artistic community hard, which is why we all need to do what we can to ensure it is supported during these strange Covid Times – and why we encourage our listeners to… buy the music, don’t just stream it! As always, we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around we hear from Emily Barker, Lizzy Hardingham, Gillian Welch, Mo Kenney, Hauler and Mike Plume. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 541: We're All About The Music! (Be Grateful Edition)

Oct 02 2020

We’re all about the music on Episode 541 of Folk Roots Radio as we step back from the interviews once again to bring you another hour of great new releases. We’re subtitling this one the “Be Grateful Edition”, because despite everything – an on-going pandemic and a lunatic in the White House, there is still much to be thankful for. Join us for new music from Brennen Leigh, Piper & Carson, Andrea Bettger, 100 mile house, Simone Romei, Twin Flames, David Leask, Kevin California, Ian Reid, Gillian Welch, Bruce T. Carroll, Chris Smither, Dione Taylor and Laila Biali. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 540: We’re All About The Music! (Be Here Now Edition)

Sep 30 2020

Join us on Episode 540 of Folk Roots Radio for another great all music hour, as we hold back the interviews to check out more of the latest new releases. We’re subtitling this one the ‘Be Here Now’ edition as a reminder to try and live ‘in the moment’ as the best way to help us get through these difficult Covid times. Stay with us for music from Heather Pierson, Black Schwartz, Jack Ingram, Kathleen Edwards, Graham Lindsey, Leahy, Lennie Gallant, Gurf Morlix, Haley K Turner, Lynn Miles, Jeffery Straker, Mike Plume, Billy Strings, Ivor Game and Rufus Wainwright with Choir! Choir! Choir! Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 539: feat. Fresh Breath - The Covid Singles & More New Releases

Sep 21 2020

Fresh Breath are a wonderful Cottam ON based duo, featuring Josh and Katie Pascoe, who are known for their upbeat attitude and a sound that blends together folk-rock, blues, pop, and country with a lot of heart and soul. They join us on Episode 539 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about how they spent their Covid-19 lockdown time – writing and releasing some great new singles, with accompanying videos, that really speak to the energy of the current moment. It’s a fun and uplifting conversation. As always, we wrap up the episode with more of the latest new releases, and this time around we include new music from The Gilberts, Rich Burnett, The Ebbs, Project Smok, Michael Lane, Loudon Wainwright III, and Darrell Scott. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 538: We're All About The Music! (This Too Shall Pass Edition)

Sep 14 2020

We’re going all about the music again on Episode 538 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you more great new releases, and this time around we throw some excellent new political songs into the mix. Join us for new music from Big Little Lions, James Lee Baker, Ian Gill, Shaye Zadravec, Westward The Light, Robert Cray Band, Si Kahn, Spook Handy, Richard Garvey, Raye Zaragoza, Melanie Brulée, Isabel Fryszberg, Andrea Nixon, Joe Nolan, Dirk Powell, Midnight Shine and Kari Lynn Hewett (with Roger Hewett). Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 537: We're All About The Music! (Choose Joy Edition)

Sep 06 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 537 of Folk Roots Radio, as we hold back the interviews for another hour of great new releases with more fun Covid lockdown songs thrown into the mix. We’re calling this one the ‘Choose Joy Edition’ because during these Covid Times not only do we have to remain positive, but we need to celebrate the joy in life – wherever we can find it. Join us for new music from Crowes Pasture, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kronos Quartet & Friends, Josh Kimbrough, Moira & Claire, Haley K Turner, Kelly’s Lot, Quote The Raven, The Wilds & Family, Glenn McFarlane, Carla Ulbrich, Buddy & Julie Miller, Jamie Anderson, Josie Bello, Cootes Paradise and Byrd & Street. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 533: We're All About The Music! (Moving Forward Edition)

Aug 15 2020

We’re going all about the music again on Episode 533 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out more of the latest new releases with more wonderful Covid lockdown tunes thrown into the mix. Join us for new music from Lynn Miles, Marin Patenaude, William Prince, Rachael Sage, Emilyn Stam & John David Williams, Alex Cuba, Countermeasure, Ian Foster & Nancy Hynes, Jayme Stone, Fred Lessman & the Backroad Warriors (feat. Brett Levick), Tommy Byrd and Greg Tressel alongside tributes to Canada’s Queen of the Blues Salome Bey, renowned Chicago based singer-songwriter Michael Peter Smith, and Fleetwood Mac founding member and fine blues guitarist Peter Green, who all sadly left us recently. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 531: We're All About The Music! (Keep On, Keepin' On Edition)

Aug 01 2020

We have another wonderful hour of music to share with you on Episode 531 of Folk Roots Radio. More great new releases with some excellent Covid-19 lockdown songs thrown into the mix. Join us for new music from Beth Anne Cole, Alastair Moock, Amanda Colleen Williams, Craig Cardiff, Steel Rail, The Songs and Stories of Francis Gardner, The Hello Darlins, The Burying Ground, Robert Guess, Grant Peeples, Andrew Bird, Buddy & Julie Miller, Michael Logen and Jennifer Hanson, Stacey McNeill & Jonathan Smith, Rachel Beck and Jake Ian. Check out the full playlist below.
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 529: We’re All About The Music! (Resilient Edition)

Jul 27 2020

Join us on Episode 529 of Folk Roots Radio for another all music edition of the show, with a few more Covid-19 lockdown songs thrown into the mix. There is loads of great music out there at the moment, and it’s our absolute pleasure to share more of it with you on this episode. This time around we feature new music from Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards, Kristen Grainger & True North, Ray Cardwell, Graham Lindsey, The Small Glories (Cara Luft & JD Edwards), April Verch, Joe Phillips, Ian Foster, James Lee Stanley, Michael Logen and Jennifer Hanson, Buddy & Julie Miller, Eliza Gilkyson, Silver Wolf Band, Crooked Weather, Elliott BROOD, Tragedy Ann, Death Party Playground and Sherman Downey. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 527: We're All About The Music! (Stay Strong Edition)

Jul 18 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 527 of Folk Roots Radio, as we hold back the interviews to bring you another hour of great new music, with some Covid lockdown tunes thrown into the mix. Stay with us as we bring you new releases from Francesca Blanchard, Mattie Leon, Byrd & Street, Big Little Lions, Stéafán & Saskia, The Burying Ground, Skydiggers, Tret Fure, Kris Paul, Twin Flames, Midnight Shine, The Jerry Cans, Logan and Nathan, Mallory Chipman & The Mystics and SONiA disappear fear. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 526: We're All About The Music! (Get Together Safely Edition)

Jul 13 2020

We’re all about the music on Episode 526 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you another hour of great new music. We still can’t get over how much wonderful music is being produced at the moment – much of it while in lockdown. We may be in the midst of some really strange times during the Covid-19 pandemic, but artistic creativity continues to flourish. We’re subtitling this one the Get Together Safely edition, as things are slowly starting to open up again in Canada. Join us for new music from Grace Potter, Ultan Conlon, Glen MacNeil, Gathering Time, ConChie, Steel Rail, Dan Penn, The Strange Valentines, Joe Nolan, Dione Taylor, Sultans Of String, The War and Treaty, Avi Kaplan and The Long War. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 524: We're All About The Music! (One Day At A Time Edition)

Jul 11 2020

Join us on Episode 524 of Folk Roots Radio for more of the latest new releases, with some great Covid tunes thrown into the mix. There is just so much great music being produced at the moment, and much of it from lockdown – it’s great to be able to share it with you on this show. Coming up on this episode we’re featuring new music from Big Little Lions, T Bear, The Promise Is Hope, John McCutcheon, David Foley & Jack Smedley, Lucinda Williams, Scott Cook, Kim Moberg, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Dead South, Lee Harvey Osmond, Dawn Tyler Watson, Kathleen Edwards, Sherman Downey, Keats Conlon and Dennis Ellsworth. Check out the full playlist below.

Stan Simon - Songs From Strange Places - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jul 08 2020

Toronto singer-songwriter Stan Simon is getting set to release his third album, “Songs From Strange Places”, a lovely new country folk recording that takes its lead from the great singer-songwriters and balladeers of our time, on a reflective collection of songs that explore themes of love, loss and spiritual exploration. The new 10 song recording, produced by Dennis Patterson at Big Smoke Audio, features Stan Simon on vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica with support from Nathan Gray (pedal steel), Sebastian Shinwell (bass, tambourine, electric guitar, piano and harmony vocals), Max Trefler (drums) and Jackie Mohr (vocals on “Visceral”). Folk Roots Radio caught up with Stan Simon at home in Toronto for an in-depth conversation about the new album, that also touches on songwriting, live performance and coping with Covid times. For more information about the music of Stan Simon, visit stansimonmusic.com. Music: Stan Simon “Only The Moon”, “Everlasting Love”, “Eternal Maze” and “Rest Well In The Blue Night” from “Songs From Strange Places” (2020, Slammin Media).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 520: We’re All About The Music! (Frontline Edition)

Jun 19 2020

We’re back with another all new music edition on Episode 520 of Folk Roots Radio, as we bring you more songs written in isolation during Covid times and more songs inspired by the protests against racial injustice and police brutality. We also take our regular look at some of the latest new releases. Join us for music by Terry Barber, Larry Burns, John McCutcheon, David Olney, Kevin Henderson & Neil Pearlman, Steve Earle, SONiA disappear fear, Ray Weaver, Shemekia Copeland, Sunflower Thieves, Jon Stancer, Christian Howse, Moonfruits and David Clayton-Thomas. Check out the full playlist below.

Tag - Coronavirus

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

Loretta Hagen – Not Now – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 563: We’re All About The Music! (A New Day Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 561: We’re All About The Music! (Never Give Up Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 553: We’re All About The Music! (The Keep Going Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 548: We’re All About The Music! (Gettin’ By Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 547: feat. Steve Poltz (Covid Times) & More Releases

Steve Poltz – Covid Times – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 545: We’re All About The Music! (Surf The Bad Times Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 544: feat. Sultans of String – Refuge (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 543: feat. Big Little Lions (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 541: We’re All About The Music! (Be Grateful Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 540: We’re All About The Music! (Be Here Now Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 539: feat. Fresh Breath – The Covid Singles & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 538: We’re All About The Music! (This Too Shall Pass Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 537: We’re All About The Music! (Choose Joy Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 533: We’re All About The Music! (Moving Forward Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 531: We’re All About The Music! (Keep On, Keepin’ On Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 529: We’re All About The Music! (Resilient Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 527: We’re All About The Music! (Stay Strong Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 526: We’re All About The Music! (Get Together Safely Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 524: We’re All About The Music! (One Day At A Time Edition)

Stan Simon – Songs From Strange Places – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 520: We’re All About The Music! (Frontline Edition)