sixteenfolks-blog

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Brendan Fletcher, Another Brother Band // The Voice 2016 Art by Rhodelia Azcueta

I’m usually a fan of depressing, slow, acoustic folk songs. As Conor Oberst once said, “The sound of loneliness makes me happier.” However, on this particular list, I tried to liven it up with some up-tempo folk songs. 

This year was a great year for the revival of classic folk sounds.

From Courtney Marie Andrews channeling Joni Mitchell in “Irene” to the Dylan-esque social and political insights of Joe Purdy’s “Cairo Walls.” Sturgill Simpson has been another breakout artist for me this year. He is a Waylon Jennings reincarnate, but he writes songs that are still palatable to the folk/Americana crowd. I had to – shamelessly – include some of my own music in the list, but honestly one of my favorite songs this year is “Queen of the Boardwalk Blues” off of my brother’s album. It sounds like something off Greetings from Asbury Park.  I had to close it out with the legend himself, with another one of his beautiful songs, “Leaving the Table,” off his final album. 

Playlist after the jump.

Listen to "Drinkin' and Dreamin'" by Another Brother Band, available only on Bandcamp:

Take Me on Down // Drinkin' and Dreamin' by Another Brother Band

#brendan fletcher #another brother band #the voice #rhody azcueta #rhode island #providence #risd alumni #folkitall #folk music #folk #sixteen folks #16folks #listen to this #playlist #spotify #music #bandcamp #new music #discover music #2016 #2016 music

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Learn about the 16Folks fam here.

#featured #contributor post #contributors #folk fam #folkmusic #folkitall #16folks #sixteen folks

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Zack Bolotin, Porchlight Coffee & Records  Art by Zack Bolotin

I listened to all of these songs quite a bit throughout the year. They fluctuate quite a bit in tempo and style, and obviously the year did as well. 

It was a weird year. 

Here’s Zack’s playlist, Weird Year:

#zack bolotin #porchlight coffee #porchlight records #coffee and records #weird year #2016 #2016 music #2016 playlist #spotify #listen to this #new music #folk music #folkitall #16folks #sixteenfolks #graphic design #art

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Jen Vesp, Music Photographer Art by Jen Vesp (Photo) & Beau Sims (Cover layout)

2016 was a sweepingly tough year, with a bright beacon of hope shining from some glorious releases. 

I was lucky enough to see about half of this list live and I, for sure, would see each one again in a heartbeat. Besides the workhorses that are Juliette Lewis and Gin Wigmore, the one to watch without a doubt on this list is Julie Rhodes, with a voice that will rock you to the core – and a killer live performance to top it off. Juliette Lewis is an inspiration and I can say with certainty that she effortlessly launched herself right into my top ten performances – ever. 

It's a honor to be able to asked to share some favorites with you at Folk It All with this 2016 sendoff!

Keep reading for Jen’s playlist, Rolk Fock.

#jen vesp #music photography #juliette lewis #photography #photographer #folk music #rock music #folkitall #16folks #sixteen folks #listen to this #playlist #spotify #folk rock #2016 music #2016

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Tyler Lyle, Singer-Songwriter Art by Alison Hale

Ah, 2016. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I find myself in a stranger headspace than this time last year. The books are bigger, the songs are more inward. Lots of re-issues this year. Lots of talent laid to rest. Leonard Cohen. What can you say? And Merle Haggard? And George Martin? And Prince? And Bowie?! Leon Russell?! Guy Clark!?! And we elected Trump? What horse shit is this?! Why won’t customer service pick up? Where do I address my complaint?

Then again, Dylan won the Nobel. Paul Simon came out with a worthy swan song of an album. Springsteen released a career retrospective and a door stop of an autobiography. Robbie Fulks released hands down the best folk album in the last decade – or was that Frank Ocean? 

Asking musicians for their top songs is a tricky task. I’m Prometheus, looking for opportunities to steal fire from the gods and smuggle it to earth. 

My ear is tuned to ignore most music by default. Yes Justin, yes Gaga, yes Beyonce. I know. I know. They just don’t have anything I care to steal. I enjoy it fine. I listen to it. No need to get prissy about taste, but I want to bite into something that bites me back – something laced with amphetamines. The Staves did it for me this year. So did Damien Jurado. Mitski shook me from a stupor. John Paul White deserves honorable mention for finally getting to work. Once he gets over his broken heart, and licks his wounds, he’ll be one of our best songwriters –– provided he finds something else to write about. C.W. Stoneking’s “The Zombie” is my favorite track, and I’m counting it even though it was released in Australia two years ago, but I couldn’t stream it here till this June, so I declare it legal. It’s the perfect song to accompany rush hour at dusk in a Manhattan winter. The first and only show I ever tried to use a fake ID to get into was Iron & Wine in 2004 at The Dame in Lexington, KY (it didn’t work). I’m glad to hear Sam Beam looking back toward his Endless Numbered Days days. That mine is still making gold.

Ok. So, covers & reissues – Sett Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield did Elliot Smith proud. It’s a tricky thing to do, but the whole album gets the production and the mood just right. Dylan’s Fallen Angels album of Sinatra covers is equal parts endearing and uncomfortable, but somehow feels like some Lynchian holy relic – something that will become truer the longer I give it. I was glad to see Springsteen’s Chapter and Verse come out this year. “The River” isn’t new, but it is a perfect song, and since there have only been like five perfect songs ever written, it’s worth another listen. Be sure to listen to the collection all the way through. Analog Africa is a label you should be familiar with. They reissue very obscure and out of print records that they find in, say, a basement of a record store in Benin or Bogota. This year saw three releases and they’re all worth your time (and money). Space Echo comes equally from a small volcanic island off the coast of Senegal called Cape Verde and from Mars. Analog Africa is worth a very deep dive. Or not. Oh dear. I’m giving away the good stuff. Oh, and Olafur Arnalds. Reminds me of when I discovered Ryuichi Sakamoto. And Eno’s Music For Airports.  These are deep reservoirs worth exploring. 

There’s a bull and a matador dueling in the sky. In hell, in hell, there’s heaven. 

Happy thieving! 

Playlist after the jump.

Bob Dylan's Frank Sinatra cover, "Young at Heart" is not available for streaming on Spotify. Buy the track on Apple Music:

#tyler lyle #2016 #2016 music #folk music #new music #reissue #folkitall #16folks #sixteen folks #alison hale #listen to this #playlist #spotify

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Ken Templeton, Red Line Roots Art by Victor Russo

In a year that has been marked with loss after loss, it is a real comfort to have the opportunity to look back at beautiful new music created in 2016. It’s been a long year, and songs that were shared with the world in April seem almost ancient, ones we’ve had forever and can turn to in tough times. 

This playlist is nothing if not arbitrary, but these songs made me listen more closely, made me laugh, made me forget and remember. 

They represent some of the most thoughtful songcrafters we have today, some of the most compelling and honest vocalists, and and the vital importance of community – it’s no accident that many choices come from two communities (Boston and Durham, N.C.) that artists have formed and nurtured to ensure that there is a wider support system for people making a life in music.

Playlist – and Ken’s word’s on his favorite album of the year – after the jump.

In terms of the album that has made all the difference to me this year, it is Heart Like a Levee, from Hiss Golden Messenger. Released in October on Merge Records, it captures with understatement the range of emotions that constitute life “just above the waterline.”

#hiss golden messenger #red line roots #boston music #boston music scene #2016 #2016 music #folkitall #folk music #new music #listen to this #playlist #spotify #contributor post #sixteen folks #16folks

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Half of the 16Folks playlist covers in one place.

Updated daily, December 24–31. See the first 8 covers (December 16–23) here.

#playlist #cover art #graphic design #contributors #16folks #sixteen folks #folkitall #featured

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Trevor Borden, Singer/Songwriter Art by Matt Ellinger

Trevor Borden had a busy year, even beyond his new studio record release and subsequent national tour. On his collection of songs for 16Folks, Trevor had this to say: 

These are the songs that have influenced my 2016.

Playlist after the jump.

Songs that were not on Spotify:

#trevor borden #matt ellinger #ellinger design #singer songwriter #austin music #south africa #2016 music #new music #listen to this #playlist #spotify #soundcloud #folk music #folkitall #16folks #sixteen folks

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The Ghost of Paul Revere Art by Ashlyn St. Ours & Greg Letellier

Most of these albums are on constant repeat while we tour. We love good music by good musicians, and all of the artists we love did not disappoint with their releases this year. We'd recommend everyone to go out and see these groups live.

The four of us have very different tastes in music so when an album comes on and everyone is humming along, it's a testament to the song and artist.

Music that Haunts Us after the jump.

#ghost of paul revere #christmas #christmas 2016 #2016 music #folk music #sixteen folks #sixteenfolks #16folks #folkitall #listen to this #playlist #new music #2016

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Bodie Johnson, Artist Manager, Music Supervisor Art by Beau Sims

The definition of "folk music" changes depending on which dictionary or artist you consult. 2016 was a year of great business and irreplaceable family adventures, significant losses in artistry, emergences of a new torch-carrying musicians and a November 7th punch to the gut. 

My list of 2016 favorites features several artists that disrupt the old norm; many use electric instruments, write their own music and purposely dismiss any sense of "tradition." That new balance, laced with amplified political angst with less traditional artistry, to me, is also folk and helps to define how I listened to 2016. 

This list of folk may not be traditional and it may not be acoustic, but maybe good folk music should always originate among the "common man" and will hopefully be passed down through generations. 

Bodie’s playlist, No-eyed Deer, after the jump.

#bodie johnson #shakey graves #folkitall #folk music #new music #listen to this #playlist #spotify #beau sims #no idea #no eyed deer #16folks #sixteen folks

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Sean McMahon, Workman Song Art by Derek Wakeen

A serious disclaimer: My music listening is pretty much limited to the classics, whatever demos I'm working on that week and whatever releases by my friends happen to make their way through the horrific lottery system of my savage Facebook algorithm. That, and the River 93.9 FM in my old/home of Northampton, MA (I followed Moses out of Brooklyn last year, after 5 years, and have resettled where my bones and organs resonate most: my homeland. Best choice). 

If some of the names on my list are familiar, I hope you don't find them redundant, but celebrate that y'all have excellent taste. If they are unfamiliar, then I'm stoked to be makin yer tastes for you. 

I love you,  Workman

Keep reading for Sean’s playlist and his words on each song selection.

The songs that weren’t on Spotify: 

Stop It !!! by WindHorse

Kiid by Mal Devisa

Big Thief – “Masterpiece” It is what it says it is. Perfect song, Perfect album. 

Windhorse – “Low & Vile” Featuring Jon Lipscomb, the best guitar player in Baltimore.

And the Kids – “Strange to Be” I can't quite pinpoint what it is about Hannah Mohan's voice that crushes bits of my heart into a cozy reverie of something elusive and comforting, but it may also be that it somehow encapsulates everything I know and love about my home in Western Mass. The last coda of this song gives me that feeling every time.

Father John Misty – “Real Love Baby” Even the man's b-sides are a-game. (I don't do sports.)

Streets of Laredo – “Wild” Full disclosure, I played bass on this record, and I love the band – but this is a Sarah Jane gem, bar none. Belongs in a movie.

Slow Dakota – “The Lilac Bush” An NYC homie and fellow student of the esoteric and the uncomfortably Judeo-Christian. Beautiful.

Tidwell's Treasure – “Radical Ron” Full disclosure, this is my secret metal band, but the song is important – it forecasts the betrayal of the public by corporate media, such as CNN, and culminates in a face-off between a sell-out Superman and the protagonist, Radical Ron.

Margaret Glaspy – “Ex-Factor” Margaret, ‘nuff said. Her album stands alone in its brilliance and wit, but I must direct you to her Lauryn Hill cover, hoping that this is news to you, because I cry every time.

Jeff Buckley – “I Know It's Over” (Smiths Cover) This one emerged from the archives this year. He would have been 50.

Modern Lobsters – “That Summer Feeling” Brilliant cover of the Jonathan Richman song. Just look it up...

Bon Iver – “33 ‘GOD’” I saw the live premiere of this album at Eaux Claires Festival, and this was the one where my head exploded.

Sam Evian – “Big Car” First time I saw saw him play was recently, at Manhattan Inn in Brooklyn (a wonderful bar with a white piano, and we all used to live there practically – musicians in that community) during its last week of existence. I'm glad that was one of my last memories of a space that cultivated a lot of great music in our little evanescent scene there.

David Bowie – “Black Star” The whole album.

Mal Devisa – “In My Neighborhood” A new star from my old/new hometown, Northampton, MA. I saw her at a house show a few months ago, and she got electrocuted by the microphone. She was amazing and played in the dark.

Katie Von Schleicher – “Baby Don't Go” This is off her 2015 bleakspoitation record, but luckily, she released the video in 2016 – so it makes the 2016 cut. Anything to get her name on this list. LISTEN TO HER.

Angel Olsen – “Shut Up Kiss Me” I will chew on this bubble gum for months.

#workman song #sean mcmahon #brooklyn music #massachusetts music #northampton #folk music #indie music #2016 music #16folks #sixteen folks #folkitall #folks #listen to this #spotify #playlist #bandcamp #soundcloud #new music #recommended music #graphic design #olli brix #brix sound lab #derek wakeen #art director

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All Half of the 16Folks playlist covers in one place. 

Updated daily, December 16–23.  See covers for December 24–31 here.

#16folks #folkitall #art #graphic design #cover art #playlist art #playlist #photoset #contributor post #folk music #sixteen folks #featured #beau sims #jason zavala #ashlyn st ours #chris chew #design #faith burgos #victor russo #ali hale #derek wakeen #oli brix

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Mike O’Neil, Tour Manager  Art by Alison Hale

It’d be easy to write off 2016 as a total disaster. We lost Bowie, Prince, Leonard, Lemmy and our Dap Queen, among others. I was in Glastonbury, England when an aging electorate choose to depart from the E.U., forcing the youth to deal with the unknown social and economic consequences for who knows how long. I was in Brooklyn on November 8th when 46% of American voters lead the rest of us down an uncertain path paved with misogyny, racism, deregulation and hate. Many a young black man was gunned down in the streets, and despite a recent victory, oil pipelines constantly threaten our most sacred places. Then most recently, a fire at a DIY safe space in Oakland has threatened the future of all spaces like it and those who seek refuge at them. 

Strangely though, something kept persevering through what so many of my generation have deemed the worst year of their lives; the music.

 Friends and strangers alike remained steadfast and created art that should give us a sliver of hope moving onward. These songs did just that. Somehow these 16 artists were able to look forward and create art while keeping their eye on the prize of surviving this year. They were a life raft on the sinking ship that was 2016.  

Listen to Mike’s playlist, 16 Tracks, after the jump – plus, see his Honorable Mention songs and a musical forecast for 2017.

Honorable mentions – while these tracks have come out in 2016, the records they appear on will be released in 2017. If they are any indication, 2017 will rival 2016 for new, exciting, youthful and powerful music. 

Ron Gallo – “Young Lady You’re Scaring Me” Strand of Oaks – “Radio Kids”

#mike oneil #alison hale #2016 music #2016 #best of 2016 #16folks #sixteen folks #sixteen tracks #listen to this #new music #playlist #spotify #folkitall #folk music #indie music #2017 music

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Paul Kmiec, Singer/Songwriter Art by Victor Russo

We all may not agree on musical taste and what constitutes a “good song,” but I doubt there is a single soul among us that would disagree that 2016 was a fuckin' shit year. Fuck this year, fuck the fact that so many wonderful musicians and artists left us and fuck the Doritos-colored nightmare who has saturated our consciousness and national character beyond repair. 

That being said, there is always a little bit of good to glean from any situation:

Here's the list of my 16 favorite musical examples of the wonder, excitement, redemption and fun that managed to percolate upwards and out from the fever dream that was 2016. 

After the jump, hear Paul’s playlist, Percolate Upwards, and read his words on its collection of songs.

1. “Melin Wynt” by King Creosote This album was my introduction to King Creosote. Whatever sadness exists in you, this song summons it to the surface almost immediately. The vocals are so beautifully recorded. The line "You're all set to die" comes on, then a brief pause, and then, bagpipes flush onto the recording and tears your face off. It's so beautiful. 2. “Soothing” by Laura Marling I don't even know what to say about this song. I played it 3 times in a row at work after listening to it once. It's sparse, with predominantly percussion, upright bass, and Laura's commanding – yet vulnerable – voice. There's so much control and exploration in her vocals. Her line, "I banish you with love...". She also had her directorial debut with the music video for this song, which is pretty rad. She's a talent to be reckoned with. 3. “Daydreaming” by Radiohead I'm not worthy to speak about any of these artists. But I will most certainly refrain from commenting on Radiohead. Listen to this song. Listen to the album. (Paul Thomas Anderson directed this music video, and it is, of course, phenomenal...) 4. “Love like This” by Margaret Glaspy The toms building tension, her voice erupts into a mean, throaty roar before she quickly switches to a heavenly falsetto. Watch her do it in a live solo as well. I was able to see her live at The Echo in L.A. over the summer. She's a tremendous performer. After the show, I very nervously thanked her. She was super sweet and kind. 5. “Somebody to Anybody” by Margaret Glaspy This was my introduction to Glaspy. I heard this song on YouTube as a live, acoustic performance, and I fell in love. I think she may have the most distinctive female voice of anyone I've heard in recent years. Like, it's trademarked now. That's her sound. 6. “Your Best American Girl” by Mitski Every song on this album is exhilarating, but this song is just emotionally massive. Mitski is a force of nature. She's a monster talent of intuition. 7. “Easier Said than Done” by Sunflower Bean Oh shiiitttt!!! Simple, three piece band from Brooklyn. This song harkens back "Dreams" by the Cranberries, perhaps. Julia Cumming's vocals are ghostly. The song glimmers. 8. “You Just Want” by King Creosote This fucking guy. I mean, this album is just wonderful. The strings on this, the girls voice saying "ha, ha, ha, ha", the Celtic roots –– this song feels like a passage through some essential, spiritual threshold. Like, this would be the song that would start playing the moment some ancient Buddhist monk starts to dissolve into nirvana as he dies. 9. “My Sweet Midwest” by Fruit Bats Just such a great jam. Simple, mundane and badass. The hi-hat on this is sick. 10. “In My Own Way” by Ray LaMontagne This album is speckled with hues of King Crimson and Pink Floyd; garnished with distorted, dirty-sexy, guttural guitar riffs. Real sultry shit. Seeing it live in the stone colosseum (the Greek Theatre) in L.A. was a blast. He also had 4 out of 5 members of My Morning Jacket backing him on tour. Great show. 11. “The Changing Man/While it Still Beats” by Ray LaMontagne Around 2:40 seconds in, the song takes a brief pause – the drums kick ass, the chord progression descends and guitars moan like madness leaving one’s brain as someone undergoes some major spiritual growth; but that evil shit is going to make a badass exit as it is banished! When the song transitions to "While it Still Beats" Ray uncages his vocals to wreak beautiful, sonic havoc on everything in its fucking way; all that whiskey-smokey gravely-ness hurdling towards you with a sledgehammer, juxtaposed with celestial, choral harmonies. 12. “Wake up the Sun” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros This song caught me off guard. I'm glad to hear they're going in some new directions. I thought they were stagnant for awhile and then I heard this tune on the radio. I don't think Alex Ebert has sounded better. His voice has so much character. I find that his lyrics have such a delightful, haphazard poetry to them. Here they're more to the point, less abstract. “All that you wanted was all that you find in your heart. All that you wanted was all that they took from ya." 13. “It's For You” by Beccs (Paul McCartney cover) What a phenomenal cover on her debut album. It's just badass. Beccs’s vocals are so enveloping. The recording is done analog and has that warm feeling. Beccs provided vocals and cello back for me when I made A Little Yellow. We've been friends since we were 18, and she's been a valuable mentor for me musically. This is a great album. We'll probably be hearing a lot from her in the next couple of years. 14. “You Want it Darker” by Leonard Cohen This the Cohen of 1992's The Future. It recalls "Democracy," one of my favorite pieces of Cohen's poetry. "You Want it Darker" has some obvious bones to pick with Christianity, imperialism, and modernity, hammering those themes with heavy steel but with such surgical, lyrical precision. The line "a million candles burning for the love that never came." ...Doesn't that make you wanna cry, die, roll over and then light a candle and look up at the sky – knowing there most probably isn't anything, and life is often more bad than not? 15. “Girl Loves Me” by David Bowie Borrowing from Nadsat, the language developed for the Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange, and some Polari as well, Bowie dives into the madness of dying and treatment (I would presume). Listening to this song, you feel like you're losing you're mind. We've all had those moments – that feeling – and this song apprehends it like no other. The lyrics, irrational and untethered, the music frenetic and jagged. It feels like a brain sizzling in a pan of oil. "Where the fuck did Monday go?" 16. “WOW” by Beck I have to conclude this list with Beck's single, "WOW" because after a shit-storm tsunami of pain and global existential crisis, I think we can all indulge, if we allow ourselves to "giddy up!" and dance off our madness for but a moment. I leave you with a verse from "WOW": 

It's my life, your life. Live it once, can't live it twice. So nice, so nice. Smooth like a tidal wave, take you on a getaway. My friends, your friends. Livin' every day like it's just about to end. Now we're pissin' in the wind cause it's so pine fresh. Right now, yeah, I wanna get it like WOW!

#paul kmiec #folkitall #16folks #sixteen folks #victor russo #russo design #graphic design #folk music #indie artist #listen to this #new music #playlist #spotify #2016 music #2016 #2016 election #drumpf

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Taylor Bogner, Avis Art by Faith Burgos

Farewell, 2016! 

I can’t say you will be missed by me. My list consists of a few new artists that I discovered earlier this year (Freedom Fry, Yoke Lore, Fruit Bats) and some old favorites (The Head and The Heart, Blind Pilot, Father John Misty). 

All of these songs feel optimistic to my jaded soul and serve as a reminder that better times lie ahead.

Enjoy!

After the jump, listen to Taylor’s Farewell to 2016 playlist and read her words about each of its 16 songs.

1. JOSEPH // “SOS (Overboard)” I discovered this band in 2015 when they didn’t have much music online. At first listen, I was jolted by the amazing harmonies these ladies effortlessly layered upon a simple acoustic guitar. A few months later, during a trip to NYC for the CMJ festival, I accidentally (and happily) realized they were performing at the ATO Records showcase. I had the opportunity to chat with them and express how much I loved their music – they were as sweet in person as the music they make. I’ve since had the pleasure of seeing them perform to a sold-out crowd in Nashville. This was the first band I thought of when this project arrived in my inbox, and I am an avid fan of the new album. 2. Freedom Fry // “Shaky Ground” When I think of Los Angeles, I think of a lot of things. I think of the smog, animal style fries, my favorite book store/coffee shop on Sunset Blvd, some stranger stealing my bike at Venice Beach... the one thing I don’t think of when I think of L.A. is the indie pop/folk band, Freedom Fry. This song is placed on my “When You Finally Have A f%$#ing Day Off” playlist because when I have a day off at home, all I want is fun, and fun for me consists of upbeat, danceable music. 3. Yoke Lore // “Hold Me Down” I spend a lot of time online, especially to book shows for my band. I found Yoke Lore via TheDeliNYC website while scouting local bands to fill a bill in Brooklyn. This guy is a charmer. The song I chose layers banjo, electronic beats, and drums. In my book, ANYONE who can layer a banjo with a dashing electronic palette is A+. My dream bill to play would be: AVIS, Yoke Lore and Lady Lamb @ The Basement East in Nashville. 4. Matt Simons // “Catch & Release (Deepend Remix)” Two versions of this song were released this year: the original acoustic version and the awesome remix by Deepend (A Dutch DJ / Producer duo). I would suggest listening to both versions and keeping them on separate playlists for when you’re feeling sad, with a faint sliver of optimism (acoustic version), or the other one for when you’re driving around late at night and are motivated to be productive & creative (remix version). 5. Kate Kelly // “Falling Down Again” Picture yourself on a late summer night, sitting cross-legged in your neighbor’s backyard with Christmas tree lights strung everywhere. About twenty music students are sitting beside you, watching a beautiful, petite girl attentively. She’s singing songs about trips away from home and people she has encountered in her young life. This was my introduction to a friend of a friend, Kate Kelly. Her EP was produced by my old neighbor and dear friend, Patrick Sewalk. Her songs are presented lightly with wispy vocals that curl around your head in a way that not many singer-songwriters can do. It is ear candy and I recommend her music to anyone who is in need of a deep-down warm feeling. 6. Father John Misty // “Real Love Baby” This one requires no explanation other than: Father John, you got me singing this song all the time. Although this is eerily similar to the vibe from “I Love You, Honey Bear,” I’ll let it slide and keep grooving to you, boo. 7. The Growlers // “The Daisy Chain” It’s nearly impossible to really pinpoint where this band lies within the realms of style. Their 2016 release, “City Club” is a fusion of their signature punk vocals with some fashionable guitar rifts reminiscent of the early eighties English rock (e.g., The Smiths). I chose the track “The Daisy Chain” because I am a sucker for lyrical content that insinuates heavy alcohol consumption backed by a electric organ hook. But that’s just me… and now I’m thirsty. 8. Maggie Rogers // “Alaska” If you haven’t heard the buzz surrounding Maggie Rogers then allow me to be the first to introduce you to a new artist that was recently launched into the internet’s “Favorite Musician” category. Her debut track, “Alaska” was reviewed with high acclaim by Pharrell Williams, which prompted the internet to go crazy (or crazier than it is — Reddit is nuts). This track is undoubtedly rooted in folk, which makes sense, considering Ms. Roger’s background in music began with harp, guitar, piano, and banjo. This song makes quite an impression on me in terms of breaking boundaries to create something natural and true to one’s identity.  9. Margaret Glaspy // “Emotions And Math” Another supremely talented member of the ATO roster. While Margaret’s music is definitely more on the alt-rock side of things, there is no denying her beautiful, deep, monotone singing voice. I love this song because of the imagery she lends through her account of loneliness in the absence of a partner. 10. Lucius // “Dusty Trails (Demo)” I saw this band play almost four years ago and knew they were headed toward national fame. Their new album, Good Grief, has a sugary sweet vibe, with more electronics than harmonies compared to Wildewoman, but I am still a fan of the two frontwomen, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laesing. I chose the demo version of “Dusty Trails,” since I prefer stripped-down renditions. These ladies’ voices with minimal instrumentation is a dream in a dream. 11. The Head And The Heart // “Oh My Dear” This group never ceases to amaze me with their pronounced songwriting skills, full band harmonies, and flair for sharing the spotlight as lead singer. I sense these guys are slowly moving away from their heyday of “Rivers And Roads” and on to bigger territory. This song entices me with that new territory, while showcasing all of the reasons I love this band. My favorite part of this track is the background vocals that sound so distant and tunnel-like, that you wouldn’t necessarily hear them. 12. Blind Pilot // “Packed Powder” I will NEVER outgrow Blind Pilot! The soothing lead vocals of Israel Nebeker are a big reason why. “Packed Powder” is a wonderful outline of trying to do the right thing even if it’s not what you came here for. Nebeker’s songs are metaphors for a bigger message, and his soulfulness combined with a consistent formula for each song is what makes him a unique singer/songwriter. 13. Fruit Bats // “None of Us” “You oughta be careful when putting your heart out there, cause some people are bound to be mean.” This is the opening line to “None Of Us” by Fruit Bats. I relate to this sentiment all too well. This year has been a mean one for me in terms of friendship. I’ve had minor misunderstandings turn friendships upside down, but it’s self expression that can help you out of any rut. This song is a reminder to me to keep writing and conveying my feelings in dark times.  14. The Shins // “Dead Alive” The intro to “Dead Alive” sounds like an alien robot trying to make contact for the first time. If you were to make me guess who the artist of this song was based on the first 12 seconds, I would never guess The Shins (I’d probably guess Dr. Dog). But that’s the brilliance behind the instrumental aspect of this new tune. It does not have much familiarity in the structure compared to other songs by The Shins, and you realize who the band is once James Mercers’ electrifying voice kicks off in the first verse. Job well done, folks. 15. The Lumineers // “Ophelia” What would this list be without The Lumineers? I don’t believe I can adequately describe how much I love this band. “Ophelia” is my favorite track off the new album, thanks to the hauntingly beautiful piano hook and reverb heavy vocals. 16. Whitney // “Golden Days” I chose to include this as the final song of my playlist because it makes me feel like I am driving off into the sunset, flipping the bird to this past year, and heading toward my golden days.

#taylor bogner #avis #folkitall #sixteen folks #16folks #best of 2016 #2016 music #playlist #cover art #graphic design #folk music #nashville music #listen to this #new music #spotify

[sixteenfolks-blog]

Jason Zavala, Monkeys of a Bygone Era Art by Jason Zavala

Crawling out of 2016. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this passing year, as I’m sure a lot of people also feel. On one hand, my personal life has continued to improve. YEAH! On the other hand, I’ve been incredibly distracted by all the doom and gloom that has stomped its way throughout the year, leaving a trail of horror and uncertainty. 

Wincing into 2017. 

So here are my top 16 songs of 2016, which have helped to smooth the rough times. Oh – there are only 15 songs on the Spotify playlist?!  Don’t worry, I’m not above shameless self-promotion. I’m also including a link to my own band’s (Monkeys of a Bygone Era) song, It’s Only Lights Out.  It fits nicely into the end of this mix.

Keep reading for the playlist, Crawling out of 2016.

#jason zavala #monkeys of a bygone era #16folks #sixteen folks #new music #2016 music #listen to this #spotify #playlist #bandcamp #folkitall #folk music #lo fi music #experimental music #indie

[sixteenfolks-blog]

Follow along as we build the playlist of the year. 

#featured #sixteenfolks #16folks #folkitall #spotify