From all indie genres, Folk seems to have a special place in our hearts. We can't help to get back to folk songs when we look for some calm and inspiration. When we want to hope for a nice dream. Or when we are feeling in the mood for some very well told stories. As an honour to those feelings, this series is entitled TIFU (Today I Folked Up). Only folk songs from new folk artists. To let you and ourselves go.
Gemma Hayes – Hardwired
Gemma Hayes, the Irish singer-songwriter from the secluded village of Ballyporeen, Tipperary, has a musical journey as captivating as her voice. With a start in Dublin’s vibrant music scene, Hayes found success at just 23, signing a multi-album deal with EMI’s Source Records. Her debut album, “Night on My Side“, landed a Mercury Prize nomination, establishing her as a notable force in indie-folk music. Over the years, her style has traversed various genres, blending the delicate melancholy of folk with the gritty textures of shoegaze and electronic influences. Despite setbacks and a brief hiatus, Hayes’ career has been a testament to resilience and artistic evolution, drawing comparisons to artists like Beth Orton and PJ Harvey. Her latest reach-out, the much-anticipated album “Blind Faith“, marks a significant return to the studio after nearly a decade, with Hayes’ unique touch and introspective storytelling at the forefront.
The new track “Hardwired” from Gemma Hayes is a contemplative reflection on the digital landscape and the post-Covid world. It’s the third single from her forthcoming album “Blind Faith“, offering a poignant look at the way our devices and social media have reshaped our perception of reality. Hayes crafts a soundscape that intertwines subtle electronic beats with her trademark folk sensibilities, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for her message. The lyrics express a longing for a simpler time, a desire to “unplug the world,” and start afresh. With “Hardwired“, Hayes captures the complexities and polarizations of modern life, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and maybe even reset.
JEMS – Smoking Gun
JEMS, a trio born from a serendipitous cross-country solar eclipse tour in 2017, consists of Jessica Rotter, Emily Colombier, and Sarah Margaret Huff. Their harmonious blend, described as “the fourth voice”, combines warm, colorful blends with soulful, earthy qualities and bright, soaring timbres, creating a distinctive new sound. Since their debut, they’ve captivated the Los Angeles music scene and beyond, appearing on “Music Diaries” and NPR/World Cafe Live. Their 2022 tour with She & Him further cemented their rising star. Now, JEMS is set to release their sophomore album, “Back Around“, in June 2024, promising fans a journey of enchanting harmonies, adventurous instrumentals, and compelling storytelling.
On “Back Around“, we find the highly anticipated “Smoking Gun“, a cheeky and sardonic bop that explores the fallout of a failed romance. Blending vintage record vibes with psychedelic influences, the track ignites the airwaves with its fiery energy and scorned siren’s revival. Known for their unmistakable harmonies, JEMS heralds a new era of musical exploration with this addictive release.
Kowloon – So Long Ago
Kowloon, the multi-talented musician and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California, is an artist who embraces the DIY ethos to its fullest. His debut album, “Come Over“, is about his versatility, as he took on the roles of writer, performer, recording engineer, and mixer within his own home studio on the city’s industrial outskirts. This self-sufficient approach has allowed Kowloon to create a unique sonic palette, blending vintage synths, drum machines, and basslines that pulsate with an infectious energy. His vocal style, which nods to iconic artists like The Talking Heads and Peter Gabriel, adds depth to his soundscape, which is both danceable and contemplative. Yet, beneath the groove, his lyrics address the darker themes of digital malaise and looming ecological crises, making his music both enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Kowloon’s latest track, “So Long Ago”, takes listeners on a journey through memory and loss, all while capturing the enduring essence of love. The song’s driving bass and rolling drums create a rhythmic backbone that anchors the country-inflected lead guitar and haunting synths. With echoes of Harvest-era Neil Young and the hypnotic qualities of Alex G, the song feels like a nostalgic road trip through a landscape of heartache and hope. As the lush backing vocals weave into the mix, “So Long Ago” becomes a heartfelt anthem that speaks to the bittersweet nature of remembering what once was and the acceptance of what remains. It’s a perfect addition to any indie-folk compilation, offering a mix of introspective storytelling and irresistible groove.
Memorial x Lomelda – Guardian
Memorial is a project that resonates with an authenticity that only true friendship can create. Made up of Ollie Spalding and Jack Watts, Memorial’s songwriting revolves around the raw emotions that fuel life’s highs and lows. The duo’s upcoming album, “Redsetter”, is both a sonic journey and a personal exploration, embodying the balance between hope and heartache. Recorded between Brighton and a remote part of Texas, the album delves into themes of connection, growth, and the ties that bind. Spalding’s impending fatherhood and Watts’ work in the mental health sector lend an emotional weight that ripples through each track, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that reflect a collective maturity. This indie-folk duo creates music that isn’t afraid to show its vulnerability, acknowledging that imperfection is where the beauty often lies.
With a hauntingly beautiful arrangement and lyrics that evoke empathy, “Guardian” is the latest offering from Memorial’s second album, “Redsetter”. Featuring a collaboration with Lomelda, the track captures a tender essence, blending delicate harmonies with a sweeping instrumental backdrop. It’s a song about forgiveness and empathy, reminding us that embracing our emotions doesn’t mean sacrificing kindness. The accompanying music video, created by the talented artist and animator Beattie Hartley, provides a whimsical yet profound visual experience, as it explores life’s journey through the lens of an inner child. This new release, steeped in warmth and a gentle yet powerful sentiment, continues to establish Memorial as a duo that can navigate the intricate spaces between personal vulnerability and musical prowess.
Niamh Regan – Music
Niamh Regan is a critically acclaimed songwriter hailing from County Galway, whose work has carved a distinctive niche in the Irish music scene. Her debut album, “Hemet“, released during the pandemic in 2020, garnered widespread acclaim. Regan’s music journey has seen her perform on notable platforms such as The Late Late Show, Other Voices, and La Blogothèque. With a background in flute and guitar from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Regan’s songwriting is a rich tapestry woven from her travels between Ireland and California. Drawing inspiration from the intimacy of Irish lyrical traditions and the expansive storytelling of American artists like Karen Dalton and Joni Mitchell, her sound is uniquely her own. Her latest EP, “In the Meantime“, supported by the Galway International Arts Festival Elevate Bursary, delves into themes of acceptance and everyday acts of love, showcasing her ability to elevate the mundane into the universal through her natural storytelling.
“Music”, the title track from Niamh Regan’s forthcoming second album, marks a significant evolution in her musical journey. This song encapsulates the introspective themes of self-doubt and acceptance, which resonate throughout the album. Recorded at Attica Studios with producer Tommy McLaughlin, the track is a testament to Regan’s ability for raw, unfiltered emotion. The album as a whole aims for a richer, full-band sound, inspired by artists like Julia Jacklin and Wilco. This track, in particular, navigates the complexities of personal growth and the passage of time, reflecting the anxieties and revelations of one’s late twenties.
Zoe Jennings – Cruel World
Zoe Jennings, formerly known as ZÖ, is a captivating singer-songwriter hailing from a small coastal town in New Zealand. Her journey from a shy and sensitive child to a celebrated artist is nothing short of inspiring. With a natural talent for singing, Zoe had to overcome her initial stage fright, eventually embracing the spotlight during her time at music school. Her debut EP, “War”, released at the age of 20, marked the beginning of her ascent in the music world, showcasing her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The success of “War” paved the way for her second EP, “Do You Mind?”, featuring the hit single “Origami“. Now based in London, Zoe continues to enchant audiences with her authentic and emotive music, with her latest single being released today.
“Cruel World”, is a powerful addition to her impressive repertoire. It showcases Zoe’s growth and depth as an artist. Recorded live in Gothenburg, Sweden, with Kevin Andersson on guitar, the track was captured in a single take, emphasizing its raw and minimalist aesthetic. This approach perfectly complements the song’s theme, which offers a reassuring message: “I know it’s a cruel world / but you don’t need to be / anyone / or anything/cos nothing really matters”. With “Cruel World”, Zoe Jennings delivers a powerful reminder of self-acceptance and authenticity, wrapped in her signature emotive lyricism and soulful melodies.
All these songs (and all previous songs featured in TIFU) are also featured on our folk playlist. Follow it on Spotify: