Hello! It got super cold real quick over here in New York City! Warm up with some contemplative Americana and country music!
Real Ponchos — “Whatever You Do”
If you wish James Taylor had a sense of fatalism, have I got a song for you. Real Ponchos have a flair for the dramatic and a talent for playing in the pocket. Lead singer Ben’s voice has a warmth to it reminiscent of the folk singer, but the band’s witty instrumentation solidly plants them in 2018.
Katie Barbato — “The Art of Falling”
“To me,” writes Philadelphia singer-songwriter Katie Barbato, “‘The Art of Falling’ concept came from the desire to go through difficult times with grace and stamina. It is not about coming out on the other side the same as you were,” says Barbato. “After a fall, you are somewhere distantly familiar but full of possibility. Let the grief and sadness move through you, honor it, and stand up tall.” The song’s repetition gradually grows insistent, a gentle reminder that sometimes you need to make the same mistake over and over again until you can finally learn from it.
Ricky Lorimer — “No Worry”
What can I say — I’m a sucker for a cigarette-dusted voice and a strong melody. Northern Irish singer-songwriter Ricky Lorimer‘s voice is like catnip to me. Combine that with a passionate performance and lyrics that are just good common sense and you’ve got a song that’s pretty much designed to woo me. I imagine it’ll do the same for you.
Dylan Cooper — “Soon”
Probably the only thing that would make me love Ricky Lorimer more is if he were somehow froam Saskatoon. I don’t understand what it is about country singers from Saskatoon and Alberta, but I am very much on a wavelength with them. Dunno what the bustle of New York City has to do with those open plains, but I do know that Dylan Cooper and I share a disenchanted, off-kilter sensibility. “Soon” is a pretty classic road sing that opens up with an arresting harmony and somehow lands on a classic country vibe. Cooper’s played drums with other Saskatoon-based acts like In With the Old, Ellen Froese and the Hot Toddies,and singer and drummer for Von Jumbo. This is his first solo album and it’s sure to leave a mark.
Suzy Callahan — “Georgia O’Keefe”
Last but absolutely not least, Suzy Callahan‘s “Georgia O’Keefe” sounds like it’s just a split second short of going off the rails. That’s what makes it so captivating. While the song calls on familiar indie rock tropes, Callahan stretches them to their breaking point with a non-traditional time signature and harmonies unlike anything I’ve heard. There is some serious musicianship happening on this seemingly humble song — strap yourself in.
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