Tag Archives: alt-folk

7 of Our Favorite Artist Discoveries from Folk Alliance 2026

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Last week, the UnderDogs had the pleasure of returning to New Orleans, where we attended Folk Alliance International for the first time. The four-day conference and festival brings 3,000 of the genre’s leading artists and industry professionals together from around the world for networking, panels, workshops and, of course, showcases.

If you’ve never been to Folk Alliance, let us set the scene. After connecting via conference programming during the day, attendees stayed put at the Sheraton in downtown New Orleans to enjoy multiple levels of official showcases curated by the Folk Alliance braintrust. After those wrap up around 10 p.m., the real fun begins!

Registered attendees are then invited to take the elevator up a few levels, where multiple blocks of hotel rooms have been repurposed as performance venues, hosted into the wee hours by a small army of curators from around the world. With so many musicians in one place, we had a lot of ground to cover — and rest assured, there was no shortage of talent walking those halls!

We were so inspired by the week’s many memorable performances that we compiled a short list of some of our favorite acts from this year’s conference. It was tremendously hard to narrow this list down to just seven amazing artists, but we feel this list gives you a good cross-section of what to expect when you join us in Chicago for Folk Alliance International 2027!

Buddy Red

Although he’s based in Atlanta, Buddy Red showed up to Folk Alliance in true New Orleans fashion, serving up a deliciously timeless gumbo seasoned with blues, rock, funk, and more. Buddy’s live performances not only present him as a versatile songwriter, but as a charismatic frontman whose contagious energy and vast technical ability combine for an experience not to be missed.

Jack Barksdale

At just 18 years old, the Fort Worth-based songsmith showcases advanced songwriting ability and a world awareness well beyond his years. Barksdale’s Dylan-esque stage quips are thoughtfully delivered between songs, and his deft technical skill – combined with inventive prog-folk arrangements – give the folk genre an exciting new star to watch.

Jared Deck

We may be headquartered in the home of country music, but Tulsa can stake its claim as the hometown of the most authentically country artist we’ve witnessed in a long time. Deck – an elected official whose job description entails “listening to the people and telling their stories” – provides earnest anecdotes about everyday life. His powerful baritone voice adds color and weight to every story, painting a picture so vivid that you’d swear you were there as it unfolded.

Ashley Virginia

Above all else, folk music is a vehicle best driven by the unfiltered truth, and Ashley Virginia is not afraid to get behind the wheel. Hailing from North Carolina, Ashley’s inventive lyricism lifts the veil to reveal their most personal thoughts and experiences, while their standout artistic flair commands attention in any room. A true performer, Ashley has a knack for audience connection, offering hope through vulnerability, and activism in the face of injustice.

CAOIMHÍN

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, CAOIMHÍN’s songwriting maintains its roots in Celtic folk tradition, while his arrangements – rich with danceable grooves and otherworldly ambiance – take his music into a unique stratosphere. Futurist themes open up a world of exciting possibilities to the listener, while this innovative songsmith rips up the rulebooks to usher in a rich New Age of Irish music.

Sina Theil

For a moment, let’s keep our focus on emerging acts from Dublin. In 2015, Sina Theil moved to The Fair City to pursue a career as a musician – even if it meant busking on the streets and earning her way to opportunities. Fast forward more than a decade, and Sina’s diligence, talent, and inspiring presence have helped her find incredible success – including 26 #1 songs on the Irish iTunes charts, and the ability to reach audiences an ocean away.

Sean Ardoin

Bringing things back around to Louisiana, this Lake Charles native comes from a multi-generational family legacy in the world of Creole and Zydeco music. His own spin on the region’s musical traditions has birthed a unique genre he calls “Kreole Rock & Soul,” a fun and familiar sound that simultaneously dismantles genre barriers. This dynamic listening experience is turned up another notch during Ardoin’s spirited live performances, where his larger-than-life presence inspires people from all walks of life to get out of their seats. If you want a performer who will give you his all – and sound great doing it – Sean Ardoin is your guy.

On ‘Pretending to Read,’ Amelia Ray Interprets our Everyday Struggles

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With nothing more than some jazz-influenced guitar chords and her own stellar powers of observation, Amelia Ray has given us plenty to ponder about the human condition with her new single, “Pretending to Read.”

The new single — released in conjunction with the start of The Interpreter’s Soulveillance Tour — helps us connect and empathize with those spending life’s journey alongside us. Amelia assumes the role of a train passenger who, despite having an open book in front of her, is much more in tune with the plight of her fellow passengers. Smoky vocals and clean, simplistic guitar work help us float thoughtfully between characters and observations, before we come full circle to realize that all of these external distractions are preventing us from truly going inward.

If you want to learn more about Amelia Ray — and see if the Soulveillance Tour is coming to your city — head over here.

If you want to listen to “Pretending to Read” — and we’re sure you do — you can do that below!

All-Americana: Sounds of the Season (and Any Season)

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Sounds of the season have begun to make their way into the fold. In fact, this month’s edition of All-Americana kicks off with a couple of holiday tunes to get you in the spirit.

In addition, we have a healthy offering of new tunes that fit any season, as well as some holdovers from our November compilation. There are gorgeous tones and heartfelt stories throughout, and this one is sure to keep you warm as the winter chill sets in.

Track listing
Andi Jane – You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch
Meghan VK – Christmas Tradition
David Tucker – Water It Down
Lauren Brabson – Notice
Max McNown – Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)
Amanda Keeley – Better Days
The Gringo Pistoleros – I Can Still Remember When
Lucie Glang and Joe Pope – Little Me
Wyman & the Wolves – Sundowner
Dylan Gerard – Need a Little Downtime
The Rebel Eves – Shake the Ground
Mikki Zip – Somethin’ to Write About
Brittany Bishop – Welcome Home
Chelsey Stallings – Give Him the Reins
Jacob Shipley – Death of Me
Dave Robertson & The Kiss List – The Green Light
Jaden Wright – East Kentucky Lady
Gary Hector – Waitin’ Around to Go Viral
Danny Himes – Las Vegas
John S. Long – Cold Stone

LISTEN: After Love and Loss, Amanda Keeley Finds ‘Better Days’

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Acceptance is a vital part of moving on at the end of a relationship. That means coming to terms with everything that relationship was or wasn’t, and everything that it did — or did not — have the potential to be.

Amanda Keeley hits us with that realization with her new single, “Better Days.” The resilient tune paints expired love through an objective lens — an important part of the recovery process.

“The words came to me at a time where I needed help processing the loss and letting go of a longtime relationship,” Keeley said. “I’m grateful for this song finding its way through me as it helped immensely with closure and moving forward from a place of love.”

Keeley’s smoky vocals call to mind the soulful delivery of contemporaries like Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile, while the spellbinding, rhythmic folk-rock instrumental of “Better Days” conjures shades of Fleetwood Mac. The song’s steadfast tempo marches us along, akin to the days and weeks which provide clarity following a breakup.

“As a songwriter, I interpret many life experiences through songs. In this case, I found myself with certain lines floating through my mind like, ‘thought we were more than this, let us go, let it die, all the flowers have dried and just dust in the wind,'” Keeley said. “It really felt like the perfect way to clearly communicate how I was feeling. The grief I was experiencing was pretty intense; the ‘flowers’ felt like a representation of the need for a funeral of sorts to really grieve this loss, and once the flowers ‘dried and just dust in the wind,’ this was me coming to terms with it being over and letting go.”

“Better Days” is part of Keeley’s forthcoming album, which will dive further into the topics of loving, losing, and learning to love again.

“(The album) will be a compilation of songs telling stories of love; finding ourselves, our place in this world, and the one’s we’re meant to be with,” Keeley said. Also, stories of loss; heartbreak, letting go, and finally healing.”

Indie Darlings: November 2024

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We conclude our November rollout of The Playlists with the one that brings us closest to our true Underground roots.

Indie Darlings consists of the cuts that are ambient, experimental, and don’t quite fit into any one genre box. You’ll hear shades of pop, rock, and folk here — often at the same time — as you get lost in a diverse sea of sounds.

We phoned a friend for this one, too. Our friends at Circle Back Entertainment Group contributed roughly half of the selections here, because we believe in the power of teamwork! (Also, adding this playlist to the mix was actually their idea…)

Track listing
BoyWithUke – Ghost
Julia Kahn – Badlands
Accidental Friend – Empty Love
almost a.m. – Stand Still
Nico Son – Let This Go
Hunter West – Don’t Cry
Hugs ft. Parking Lot Funeral and Karaoke Bar – hummin
Post Meridiem – Love
Chasing Tonya – Why
Pierce Alexander – Doll Parts
Sierra Carson – skeletons
Davis Evanoff – Cranberries (2024)
rakey – Everything Is Summer
Adam Lamah – Even If
Common Man – Vermont
The Stremes – Got Myself Together
Max Blansjaar – Burning In Our Name
Unbelievable Truth – Roadside No. 2
Shawn Andrew – Valley of Hope
book NOT brooke ft. Zina – Everything I Wanna Know

LISTEN: On ‘Where Are You Now,’ Matthew Ryan Jacobs Captures Life’s Bittersweet Journey

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Life doesn’t always wait until we’re ready to make changes.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario-based songwriter Matthew Ryan Jacobs has experienced plenty of growth over the past few years, and he captures its essence on “Where Are You Now.” This bluesy waltz is passed through a gritty alt-rock filter, as Jacobs helps us reflect on the pivotal moments that comprise life’s bittersweet journey.

“’Where Are you Now’ is mostly about making changes in your life, whether you want to or not,” Jacobs said. “A lot of my writing over the last few years has had a lot to do with getting older or growth; and the struggle of leaving certain things or people in your past. It’s not intended to be a negative narrative, just honest. Even if you know you’re making the right — or at least, better — decision, you still second guess yourself along the way.”

“At least I do.”

Produced by Ben Kempel, Jacobs describes “Where Are You Now” as a song that “just kind of happened” — much like the reality that inspired its narrative.

“I didn’t overthink anything in the process. It felt right, so we went with it,” Jacobs said. “I had a pretty clear vision for the production, and Ben did a great job as usual making it happen.“

LISTEN: With ‘Questions I Can’t Ask,’ falllift Finds Closure

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Sometimes, the only closure we’ll receive is that which we give ourselves.

North Carolina-based duo falllift explores the topic on their new single, “Questions I Can’t Ask.” The pair — songwriters Micah Cottingham and William Steven Hall — worked in tandem to craft the narrative, which addresses the words left unsaid after love has run its course.

‘”Questions I Can’t Ask’ is a song about closure where there was none,” they explained. “It’s about letting go and wishing someone peace, even when the same grace wasn’t given. This song is full of the things we would say to these people, the questions we would ask, if given the chance.

Listeners can expect a gorgeous, sweeping alt-folk arrangement; one whose impact hits us with a crescendo of both sound and emotion as the track progresses. Produced by Nick Bullock and mastered by GRAMMY Award-winner Kim Rosen, “Questions I Can’t Ask” features the talents of Clark Singleton (bass), Aaron Shafer-Haiss (drums), and Emanuel Wynter (violin).

“We chose Nick to produce the singles we’ve released this year, and we couldn’t be happier,” the duo said. “He took our ideas and transformed them into world-class tunes, while maintaining the artistic integrity we presented. Clark nailed the bass and Aaron added an effortless touch on the drums. Emanuel did what only he could do on the violin, and Kim taught us about mastering with her GRAMMY-winning touch.”

You may be hearing “Questions I Can’t Ask” around much more very soon. The song was picked up for sync placement on the long-running hit ABC series, Grey’s Anatomy.

Not only has falllift found success with this release — they’ve found great artistic and personal fulfillment.

“Although it can be difficult for some to address prior relationships, we felt it was important for us to give ourselves that space.”

WATCH: On ‘Philadelphia,’ William Harries Graham Shares Joyful Reflections

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Photo credit: Col Elmore

We can appreciate our youth for what it was, while realizing that there is happiness to be found in the present.

That is the theme of William Harries Graham’s new single, “Philadelphia.” The third single from Graham’s forthcoming album, Annie’s House (due out Oct. 25), the spacious folk ballad is hallmarked by hushed, reflective vocals and a wistful, yet steadfast acoustic arrangement.

“‘Philadelphia’ really is a song about looking back at the life you had when you were young and could do anything, but not missing it,” Graham said. “There is something nostalgic about that youth, but this song is about finding joy in every stage of life.”

The music video — directed by Ruby Lavin and WITH — conjures faded memories of summers gone by, as various adventures across the great American landscape are presented through a grainy lens. These scenes are weaved between Graham by himself, strumming and singing in a lawn chair. The Austin-based troubadour’s relaxed demeanor communicates a sense of peace for all that was, is, and will be.

“When people hear this album, I want them to walk away from it with some reflection on their own lives and experiences.” Graham said. “The music that I personally connect with is always music where I see some part of myself in it. I hope you see yourself in Annie’s House.”

LISTEN: Ben Carr Laments Repeated Lessons on ‘Same Mistakes’

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Having trouble getting out of your own way? You’ll relate to this…

Ben Carr released “Same Mistakes” over the holiday weekend. The Irish-born, Nashville-based songwriter blends his soulful Celtic croon with a spacious, up-tempo folk soundscape to call out our shared human tendency to repeat hard lessons.

“The song is somewhat of a lament, detailing a frustration of making similar mistakes over and over, and not learning from past downfalls,” Carr said. “At the same time, the song carries an energetic bop that will hopefully keep people entertained wherever they listen.

Carr has a busy summer up ahead; in addition to an EP release in June, he’s set to return to Donegal, Ireland for a run of summer shows. Follow him for the details, and check out “Same Mistakes” below!

LISTEN: Mackenzie Shrieve, Jane Bruce Re-Imagine ‘Didn’t I Tell Ya’

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Sometimes, a track is so nice, the artist has to release it twice.

Brooklyn-based folk artist Mackenzie Shrieve released her album, In the While, in 2021. One of the songs, “Didn’t I Tell Ya,” captivated Shrieve’s audience so much that she teamed up with fellow folk singer Jane Bruce to give it new life.

“When I saw Jane perform for the first time, I was immediately enamored by her songwriting and vocal performance,” Shrieve said. “She is one of my favorite folk singers of all time. I knew that I wanted to re-release this song and I knew whatever Jane decided to do with it would be breathtaking – and I was right!”

“Didn’t I Tell Ya” was written as a “bittersweet reflection on the intricacies of a past relationship.” The song features a gentle fingerpicked guitar progression and a spacious, minimalist soundscape which allows its nostalgic narrative to shine. Shrieve’s earnest, Dylan-esque storytelling has won the hearts of her contemporaries, including Bruce.

“Mackenzie is an incredible writer and one of the hardest-working artists I know,” Bruce said. “I heard ‘Didn’t I Tell Ya’ for the first time while we were on the same bill at Arlene’s Grocery, and it stopped me in my tracks. It’s a perfect song! Simple, true, specific, and yet completely relatable. We’ve been fans of one another since then, and I was over the moon when she asked me to feature on one of her tunes. When I found out it was this one, my heart swelled.”

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