Young folks focuses on the best, fresh folk, acoustic, singer-songwriter indie folk & alt-country jams. Turn it up Folks!

***guêmhuɣcâ mhuɣcâ=84 (Muisca numerical system)***

Wildlife Freeway

‘Flea’

[indie folk/singer-songwriter]

‘Flea’ is a haunting indie folk treat, which is the latest focus track from Joshua tree singer/songwriter Wildlife Freeway, taken from her debut self-titled album (produced by Alex Ebert).

Press Notes:

A Wildlife Freeway is a bridge for Animals to safely cross over busy roads. So when we humans are rushing off in cars to our parties the Animals can get to their forest fairy parties too. Animals from miles around go out of their way to use them. The name also speaks of wildness and life on the road. A few years back after my beloved dog died I packed my piano in the back of my station wagon and toured the US. I was so sad, a part of me died too. I was a kite whose string was cut loose, longing for the Earth. I drove north east south west in a circle square of sadness and grieving. Shows were raw, exquisitely painful, beautiful, surrounded by people’s perfect presence beckoning me back to our shared world. It was on that tour when I met my producer Alex Ebert and soon after recorded the Wildlife Freeway SUNNY album. The piano compositions and songs I write are a boat sturdy enough to hold splashes and spontaneity. A Wildlife Freeway performance is a deep unforgettable experience not easy to name or surmise; storytelling, folk, jazz, pop, hypnosis.. Sounds trail blaze an intrepid path in the wilds alongside the smooth highway of standardized rock shows and predictable musical experiences. A Wildlife Freeway performance is a life changing experience, leading to the doorway of our hearts. The shows stop time so we can all look around in amazement in awe, filling a hunger for intimacy and a wakeful heart.

Michael Lane

‘Be Still’

[indie folk/singer-songwriter]

‘Be Still’ is a boundless indie folk gem with intimate vocals and divine melodies, taken from Michael Lane’s recently released album ‘Take It Slow’, an is carrying a great message of self-empowerment: “when you clear your mind, listen with your heart, and find the time to do any sort of meditation, one begins to realize that above all the noise and distraction in life, we ourselves are enough”. 

Press Notes:

Michael Lane recently released his Indie Folk album “Take It Slow” via Greywood Records.

This album is very dear to me, because it’s the first time that I allowed myself to be inspired by other musicians in the genre that I really like and that I can identify myself with. Theres nothing wrong letting yourself get inspired by someone else’s work, because at the end of the day, what you create will always be special and unique. All the songs I wrote for “Take It Slow” have a message that hits me right in the heart, and I really hope that for others it’s the same.“ – Michael Lane

If there is one modern folk / pop artist who has seen the harsh realities in life, it is Michael Lane himself. Sent to Iraq and Afghanistan as a US soldier in his twenties, Michael was forced into cruelty and to face the ugly. If his previous albums were like a kind of musical diary in which these experiences were processed, one notices Michael Lane’s regained lightheartedness and joy. His new album album is a message of hope and the positive certainty that a time of crisis and reflection will lead people back to the important things.

Successes such as two top 50 songs in the German charts, four albums, international tours and the single “Liberty” as the official song of the Four Hills Tournament 2015/2016 made the German-American famous. Several singles taken from this new album are featured on Spotify editorial playlists, as well as playlists by tastemakers like Alex Rainbird, Starbucks and Double J. In addition to his work as a musician, Michael Lane is currently also active as a songwriter for Production Music and as a music producer in his remote “Studio Waldblick”.

Felix Saunders

‘Fool That I am’

[indie folk/indie pop]

A super catchy amalgam of indie folk and indie pop, sung with passion by Western Isles based singer-songwriter Felix Saunders… Wow, and that slide guitar is just stunning!

Press Notes:

Felix Saunders is a singer songwriter the hails from the Western Isles and plays that kind of music that is found in a smoky back room as the sun comes up while two people spill there most vulnerable secrets and try and wash it away with each drink they take.

Lior Holzman

‘Spinning Sphere’

[indie folk/singer-songwriter]

The 4th release by the Israeli, up-and-coming, singer-songwriter, Lior Holzman is a luscious indie folk treasure that will calm your soul with its soothing vocals and sweet acoustic guitar, According to Holzman, the song “is talking about a beautiful moment he was having when he was hanging out in the beach with his friends”. 

Press Notes:

Lior Holzman, a young singer, songwriter, and guitarist based in Tel Aviv, employs story-telling motifs and crystal clear melodies to present his listeners with an unfiltered view of his inner world. His music can best be described as a fusion of singer-songwriters like John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Ed Sheeran, while also exhibiting influences strongly based in folk, rock, and blues as played by artists such as The Eagles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Denver.

Embarking on his musical journey at the age of 12, his parents needed confirmation that he could actually play an instrument after his piano teacher told them, when he was six years old, that he would never play music due to a clear lack of talent.

This confirmation came in the form of a 12 year old boy, patiently practicing his guitar for five hours a day, and mastering the instrument at a young age.

Moving on from Rock & Metal in middle school to Blues & Jazz in high school, Lior has evolved into a singer-songwriter with a unique voice in his adult years.

Lior is ready to take his first steps as a performer and spread his music around the world, debuting with his first album “Between Leaps”.

Cowboy Diplomacy

‘Dark Days’

[americana]

An authoritative americana track by Austin rockers Cowboy Diplomacy, with frontman Ian Cochran’s, one of a kind, growl-like vocals, which was written during the Covid-19 lockdown and inspired by the ongoing pandemic, but delivers a clear optimistic message, more than vital for all of us.  “When darkness falls, the sun will still always rise”, On repeat!

Press Notes:

Cowboy Diplomacy deliver unrestrained, invigorating southern rock and blues out of Austin, TX that captivate audiences with their unconventional style and raw lyrics.

Frontman Ian Cochran’s singular growl-like vocals draw listeners in, while the band’s energy and music keeps them hooked.

The band draws influences from classic rock acts like AC/DC and Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with a mix of influences from their San Diego roots, along with their immersion in the Austin music scene. Evident within their robust sound are traces of notable bands such as Rival Sons, Kaleo, and Kings of Leon of which the band draws comparisons.

Jon Bell

‘Moon Song’

[folk/acoustic/retro soul]

Jon Bell recently took a break for his indie space-pop outfit The Landing, to focus on the release of his own stuff, and ‘Moon Song’ is a luscious, acoustic folk ballad, filled with soulful vibes. A cathartic experience!

Press Notes:

Better known for his indie space-pop outfit The Landing, Jon Bell writes and records intimate and soulful acoustic ballads from his home studio in Alexandria, VA.

Close Kicks

‘Coming Up’

[indie folk/indie rock]

The solo project by Darryl James of the The Strumbellas, Close Kicks’ latest release ‘Coming Up’ is an uplifting indie folk-rock anthem, about picking yourself up even when everything around you feels like it’s collapsing. 

Press Notes:

Up and coming Canadian artist Darryl James, a.k.a Close Kicks, crafts powerful songs infused with inspiring themes. While spending the past 10 years writing and performing with The Strumbellas, Darryl has also been honing his craft as an artist that can record, produce, mix and collaborate across genres. Coming off of the massive success of his EP Dreamers, and first two singles “The House We Built” and “You Made It Home”, he has garnered over 250,000 streams worldwide and sync placements with major brands like the MLB, NHLAA, and Toronto Blue Jays. His next single, “Coming Up” is just another example of his drive and diversity as an artist.

James’ story is one that often inspires those looking to follow their dreams. Having initially started his career in turf management and arboriculture, he always dreamed of one day pursuing a career in music. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, James is now a two-time Juno Award winner and iHeart Music Award winner, has written over 150 songs, and has co-written songs with The Strumbellas (“Spirits”, “We Don’t Know” and “Salvation” – over 500 million streams worldwide), as well other critically acclaimed artists including Jessica Mitchell (Celine Dion), Derek Hoffman (Arkells, Trews, Elwins), Keith Varon (Machine Gun Kelly, JAX), Sameer Cash (Sam Cash and the Romantic Dogs) and Grammy-nominated songwriter Erika Nuri Taylor (Fantasia – “When I See U”). Darryl has also earned producing and songwriting credits with the Nunavut-based band The Jerry Cans, as well as Eli and The Strawman, Jeremy Voltz, and Martin Kerr.

In the midst of these incredible achievements, James moved back to his hometown of Lindsay, Ontario to raise his family and has become a champion for nurturing arts and culture in his community. He has performed at numerous events, done speaking engagements for aspiring artists young and old, and helped spearhead a two-night sold out fundraiser during the pandemic to save his local Academy Theatre. When Darryl puts his mind to something, the results are limitless.

Having recently signed as an artist to Glassnote Records (Mumford and Sons, Phoenix), and tech giant publishing company, Kobalt Music Publishing, James sits with a powerful team to begin propelling his musical career into any direction.

Lexie Carroll

‘do you wanna leave this city ?’

[indie folk/singer-songwriter/indie pop]

The 3rd single from the forthcoming EP from 17 year old Lexie Carroll, ‘do you wanna leave this city ?’, is an adorable indie folk/pop gem with sugar-coated vocals and immediate melodies, and poignant lyrics “about longing to escape to the middle of nowhere with someone she loves, but with the added complication of not knowing if they feel the same way”.

Press Notes:

Lexie Carroll is a London-based, 17 year-old singer-songwriter exploring the fragility of modern life. Painting vivid pictures for her audience, Lexie’s pensive vocals flourish above her acoustic guitar as she immerses you in her vulnerability. With raw, heartfelt delicacy, the subtle bittersweetness of her lyrics create an atmosphere of melancholy.

A gifted songwriter, Lexie has been placed in the Top 10 for the Song Academy Young Songwriter Competition in 2019 and 2020 and this year was shortlisted in the Top 3. In September 2021, she was awarded second place – a huge accolade amongst a group of tremendously talented young people.

Lexie released ‘Nearly Home’ at the age of 14 and achieved 86K+ streams on Spotify and received support from Lost In The Woods playlist.

In addition to her songwriting, Lexie creates all her artwork and lyric videos herself. With a strong aesthetic and endearing storytelling, they add another dimension to her creative output.

Lexie is set to release her new EP with producers Al Mobbs, Jamie Amos and Dan Swift (Aqualung, Snow Patrol, Ash, British Sea Power, Biffy Clyro, Kasabian).

Ralph Adamson

‘My temple’

[indie folk/singer-songwriter]

A poetic and timeless song by the French singer-songwriter, with a spine-chilling vocal performance and a memorable, anthemic climax…

Press Notes:

Born in France , Ralph Adamson grew up in a southern region, surrounded by olive groves, bathed in the mediterranean sunlight and colors.

Everything began through painting and drawing from an early age.

But the family home is full of instruments from different cultures, and over time music began to play a larger role in his artistic journey.

His desire to travel brought him to Canada and the United States for his first long nomadic trip just after high school.
He then decided to return home to study music at the Conservatoire and the University.

It was at this time that he became interested in Oud, a traditional string instrument that has always been part of his family history. This gave him the opportunity to visit many countries of the Middle East and the Mediterranean, to meet Oud masters to study, discover and play ancient and traditional music. Adamson spent almost 5 years performing live and recording different genres of music, being involved in many musical and artistic projects.

He has collaborated with artists such as Susheela Raman, Vincent Segal, Bijan Chemirani, Françoise Atlan, Suddeshna and Pinku Battacharya, but also with contemporary dance companies and with the National Opera of Montpellier.
During this period rich in musical experiences, he had the chance to perform on major stages and in many places in France and Europe as Festival Les Sud in Arles, Festival de Radio France in Montpellier, Festival International de Piano de la Roque d’Antéron, Festival d’Avignon, Light Festival d’Helsinki, Festival di Musica Antica de Venise, …

Tim the Lion Tamer

‘Cold Cold Ground’

[indie folk/americana]

The 4th single of Swedish indie folk / singer songwriter Tim the Lion Tamer is an upbeat indie folk/americana treasure, in the vein of great Mumford and Sons, and clever lyrics a sample of whom, following:

…Gravity’s a bastard, it’ll pull you down
Imagine being Newton when he just found out
That everything you’re gonna see, you’ve seen before
You thought you had love, but it wasn’t yours...”

Press Notes:

Diy singer-songwriter from Sweden who dislikes writing about himself in third person.

Photo Credits: Toshiki Nakanishi

[All Press Notes provided by the artists]

Compiled by: Christos Doukakis