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.
august for dawn – “Methanol”
august for dawn takes listeners on a journey through the heart of New Zealand with a captivating blend of folk influences. Rooted in the rugged beauty of Christchurch, on the South Island, the project explores the emotional landscape of growing up in a place marked by its unique challenges and charm. Known for its evocative storytelling and deep connection to the landscape, august for dawn taps into personal and universal themes, making its music feel both intimate and expansive. With their ability to weave haunting soundscapes, the project is a fresh and authentic voice within the folk genre.
The track “Methanol” delves into the complexities of youth and memory, offering a poignant reflection on the artist’s formative years in Christchurch. The lyrics paint vivid, often surreal images, capturing the sense of disorientation and introspection that comes with growing up in a place both familiar and alienating. This powerful folk piece blends warmth and melancholy, creating an emotionally resonant experience for listeners. The dynamic range of the song, from delicate moments to more intense peaks, ensures that “Methanol” remains compelling throughout.
Crawford Mack – “Think About It”
Crawford Mack is a compelling storyteller whose artistry bridges the worlds of indie, jazz, and folk. Hailing from Glasgow and honed through a rich musical journey that includes studying jazz at The Guildhall School in London, Mack has collaborated across genres, blending rock, electronic, classical, and folk influences into his distinctive sound. Having graced stages from King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut to the O2 Academy Liverpool, he has shared the spotlight with acts like Tom Walker and The Paper Kites while headlining his shows at iconic venues. With accolades from BBC Radio 6 Music and The Scotsman, Mack continues to captivate audiences with his innovative and emotionally resonant music.
His latest track, “Think About It,” delves into the mind of a charismatic yet morally ambiguous media mogul, weaving a sharp narrative around themes of influence and power. Written from the perspective of this imagined character, the song explores how promises of fame and fortune are wielded to manipulate celebrities and politicians. True to Mack’s lyrical sophistication, the track invites listeners to reflect on the seductive yet perilous allure of control. As part of a folk-based compilation, “Think About It” underscores Mack’s ability to pair vivid storytelling with an evocative soundscape, marking another standout moment in his ever-evolving musical journey.
Henry Taylour – “I Lost My Way”
Emerging from London’s vibrant music scene, Henry Taylour blends introspection with bold musicality, drawing from influences like John Martyn, Ben Howard, and The National. His artistry thrives on the interplay of experimentation and relatability, crafting a sound that appeals to indie folk and alternative pop enthusiasts alike. With prior acclaim from BBC Introducing Oxford and Berkshire and a sold-out headline show at Camden Assembly, Taylour is rapidly carving out his space in the industry. His debut album, “A Relentless Pursuit of Happiness“, highlights his nuanced storytelling, promising listeners a deeply emotive journey. Taylour’s work resonates with authenticity and innate sensitivity, cementing his place as a promising figure in contemporary folk music.
“I Lost My Way”, a standout track from Taylour’s debut album, is a testament to his ability to transform raw emotion into an immersive auditory experience. The acoustic guitar serves as the song’s foundation, oscillating between melancholia and warmth while subtly weaving in electric elements for a richer, atmospheric soundscape. Taylour’s vocal delivery is understated yet powerful, acting as a tender vehicle for his honest lyrics and genuine folk sensibility. Drawing faint parallels to acts like The War on Drugs, the track’s Americana-inspired undertones and serene pacing create a calming yet dynamic experience. The gradual build—marked by a poignant guitar solo and layered percussion—imbues the song with a sense of growth and expansion, mirroring its themes of self-forgiveness and resilience. This interplay of acoustic intimacy and strategic crescendo makes “I Lost My Way” a captivating exploration of emotional depth.
Holy Matter – “The Spirit of St. Louis”
Holy Matter, the artistic pseudonym of Los Angeles-based musician and filmmaker Leanna Kaiser, weaves together a rich tapestry of psych-folk, hypnagogic pop, and experimental noise in her debut album, Beauty Looking Back. Originally hailing from St. Louis, Kaiser’s artistic journey has been shaped by a blend of Midwest roots and West Coast experimentation. Her background in filmmaking and ambient music—co-founding the duo Frances With Wolves—adds depth to her compositions, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. The album, a meditation on the cyclical nature of time and self-reflection, features collaborations with both past and present musical partners, showcasing Kaiser’s ability to bridge her history and present with poignant creativity.
“The Spirit of St. Louis”, a standout track from Beauty Looking Back, is a deeply personal exploration of self-reconciliation and nostalgia. The song captures Holy Matter’s signature fusion of ethereal melodies and layered instrumentation, with contributions from collaborators Andy Kahn and Matt Popieluch. Their intertwining guitars create a sonic journey that feels like a conversation between Kaiser’s past and present selves. Produced by Leanna Kaiser and mixed by David Glasebrook (known for his work with Patti Smith and Sugar Candy Mountain), the track combines reflective lyricism with lush, dreamlike arrangements. This psych-folk gem encapsulates Kaiser’s journey of understanding, making it an evocative addition to the folk-based compilation it graces.
All these songs (and all previous songs featured in TIFU) are also featured on our folk playlist. Follow it on Spotify: