Folk | Music Junkie Press

Ani DiFranco set to release new album Allergic to Water on October 14th via her own Righteous Babe Records

August 20, 2014

Great news to share! Ani DiFranco is set to release a new album, Allergic To Water on October 14th through her own label, Righteous Babe Records. The album was tracked by herself at her New Orleans home, often while her family slept and creates a hushed vibe to the album. Ani explained more about the album during a statement on her site: “Mostly I worked alone in headphones, in the wee hours, while my family slept. It was empowering but terrifying to have the buck stop with me again in terms of the mixes. The recordings are documents of my current touring band (recorded by Mike in our old victorian house in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans and also by Andy Taub at a nearby church in the Treme) just laying down the songs. “Many also feature a couple of very choice special guests. My killer band these days consists of bassist and composer Todd Sickafoose, who not only brings an always wonderful and unexpected counterpoint to my guitar with his bass playing, but [Read More]

Butcher Knives are bringing to life multi-cultured and multi-dimensional gypsybilly music!

August 15, 2014

Butcher Knives boasts members from four different countries, speak five languages and along with their passports and work visas in hand, they are here to bring a fresh new style of music to the forefront; gypsybilly. Their band is rich in culture which transfers through to their music and with their varying styles, they bring such dimension to their sound. It is like a melting pot of punk, blues, flamenco, rockabilly, bluegrass, folk and so much more. Take a listen to their song, Misery which is not only catchy but you will find yourself returning to play it again after. The song reminds me of a blend of Squirrel Nut Zippers meets Barenaked Ladies but fueled with the individuality that is Butcher Knives. Need more Butcher Knives? How about checking out the cinematic video for their song Tell Me Why: They really capture a freshness with their sound and in a time where a lot of music tends to blend into genres and start sounding too familiar, along comes a band as unique as [Read More]

Goodnight, Texas release Uncle John Farquhar and set out on tour

August 5, 2014

This is a busy week for folk band, Goodnight, Texas. They have released their new album, Uncle John Farquhar that features 11 wonderful songs that take you on a musical journey into the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The tales bring to light memories of a long forgotten generation through the inviting music. You can pick up the album on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/UJFiTunes, Amazon: http://smarturl.it/UJFAmzn or order a physical copy at the #GNTX General Store:http://bit.ly/GTGeneralStore. TRACK LISTING: 1. Hayride 2. Button Your Collar 3. A Bank Robber’s Nursery Rhyme 4. I Just Can’t Stop Leaving Town 5. The Horse (In Which A Girl Was All But Killed) 6. Cold Riders 7. Moonshiners 8. Many Miles From Blacksburg 9. Dearest Sarah 10. Ballad Of A Fair Young Lady 11. Uncle John Farquhar 12. Hello, Nebraska! 13. Knock ‘Em Stiff You can catch Goodnight, Texas as they set out on tour in support of their album, tour dates listed below. They kick off the tour right here in San Francisco on August 7th at a really cool venue, The Chapel. [Read More]

Gurrumul will open your heart with his soul touching ethereal vocals, truly magical

August 4, 2014

Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t – Johnny Depp Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence – Robert Fripp Music is an outburst of the soul – Frederick Delius Music is a second language to my heart – Mara Arps Those are some of my favorite quotes about music and how it truly can be a soul touching experience. I must tell you about a man whose vocals have touched me like none other. The man is Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu who goes by the name Gurrumul. First, he has a fascinating story which was featured in Rolling Stone that tells how this blind Aborignial man from Australia has captured the hearts of many with his powerfully emotive voice. He truly can open your heart and touch your soul as he sings. Gurrumul has recently released his self titled album last month through Skinnyfish Music. The album takes you on a journey through your emotions, capturing the essence of an ethereal presence and is powerful that it can move you to tears. It is [Read More]

Mustered Courage are giving bluegrass a facelift, time to enjoy some newgrass

August 3, 2014

Mustered Courage is a four piece modern bluegrass band from Melbourne, Australia. They might have the fundamentals of bluegrass, but they have definitely given the genre a facelift with their unique style and sound. Dubbed newgrass, they have brought an alternative edge to the bluegrass scene and have been energizing crowds across the country with their big harmonies and sweet pickings. It would be too limiting to categorize this band as bluegrass because their modern sound blends in everything form country, alternative, and rock. There is something for everyone to enjoy and connect with. Band Members: Nick Keeling: Vocals/Banjo Julian Abrahams: Vocals/ Guitar Josh Bridges: Vocals/ Bass Paddy Montgomery: Mandolin/Vocals Mustered Courage have recently released their sophomore album, Powerlines and whether you are a bluegrass aficionado or searching for that new music to add to your playlist, this is the album for you. The songs will take you on a musical journey and it starts right off with the energetic upbeat track of Standing By Your Side. You will find yourself immediately toe tapping as a smile [Read More]

Three Times Bad prove first time is a charm with their debut album American Sojourn

August 1, 2014

Three Times Bad from San Francisco are breathing a fresh new life to American bluegrass. The band was formed by bandleader Jesus Angel Garcia and was inspired by his acclaimed transmedia novel, badbadbad (New Pulp Press), and a number of lyrics on American Sojourn come directly from stories in the book. Born from the words of his story and brought to life with a variety of musical influences such as hillbilly swing, outlaw country, Gypsy jazz, honkytonk, folk songs and much more. Three Times Bad have released their debut album, American Sojourn in May of this year and is available on iTunes here. You can check out a sample of the album here: There was a time when music was the glue that brought communities together. It was a time when country folk would gather after a long day of hard work and sit back swill some brew and sing songs and created a camaraderie amongst your neighbors. Three Times Bad bring back that nostalgic feel for a time where music held a common thread [Read More]

Get to know more of Roméo Testa as he captivates you with his voice

June 11, 2014

Earlier this year, we told you about an amazing new artist that from the first moment I heard his voice, I was held captive by his sweet passionate voice. The man behind that voice….Roméo Testa. His voice was magical, filled with such passion and yet maintains a serene vulnerability. You can’t help be mesmerized by him and you are fully engaged as his words touch your heart and his song dances around you. Roméo Testa began his passion in music at the young age of 7 when he took up the violin and the guitar at age 8. He then went on to learn other instruments, and over the years began his incredible journey into singing and songwriting. His style can be classified as acoustic rock or folk rock, but is definitely not limited to there. His songwriting skills are brilliant, as he is in the caliber of such great musicians like Ray LaMontagne, John Mayer or Jason Mraz. Yes, he is just that talented, give him a listen and you will soon agree. Check out his song, With You: [Read More]