Here are four emerging folk artists that we can’t stop listening to right now!
Matthew Thomas Hope
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matthew Thomas Hope took some time to focus on writing and re-working songs from the vault after the release of his debut single ‘I’d Go Anywhere’.
The first track he has released is ‘Cora’ which was written after a conversation with a close friend over drinks one night in Nashville. “We shared stories of our time here in Nashville, and our struggles along the way. I was so inspired by my friends’ journey,” says Hope.
Sadly, a few weeks later, when Hope found himself recollecting that conversation with his friend, he discovered that his friend had passed away after a long and private battle with mental health.
Hope has also released the track ‘Love of Mine’ which explores the ideas of love and loss, and the parallels between his own story and that of his friend.
“My wish for these songs is that they would shine a light on the often hidden struggle of mental health, and encourage more open and honest conversations around the topic. I dedicate these songs to my friend.”
Both tracks are built around gentle instrumentation which allows Hope’s voice to come to the forefront and allow us to focus on his deeply personal and moving lyrics. Every word sung and note played is done so with love and tenderness.
To keep up to date with the latest news from Matthew Thomas Hope, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
Adar Alfandari
Adar is a singer-songwriter from Israel who writes music in both Hebrew and English. After performing in the band Dor Hamabul with his brother, Adar decided to start his solo career and is now releasing his fifth and final single ‘Wonder’ from his debut album Gold Dust, produced by Idan Katz.
‘Wonder’ is a love song Adar wrote to his ex-girlfriend that captures their desire to travel and move abroad but also deals with some doubts he had in mind.
When speaking about the track, Adar said, “This is the album’s “love song” and the text is written in a colorful and intimate way.”
As well as being a track that is inspired by a loved one, it is also about hope and finding your own way in life.
Adar has a voice that you can lose yourself in with all its poignant honesty and enchanting tones. The depth of sound throughout the track is beautiful and Adar’s poetic lyrics paint a moving picture that sticks with you long after the song has ended.
To keep up to date with the latest news from Adar Alfandari, you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
Nate Hadley
Nate Hadley was planning on going to law school but last year in December, whilst in the shower listening to Lady By the Sea by Stephen Sanchez, he was so moved by the song that he realised he’d be happier to fail at music than to succeed as a lawyer. So, he changed his plans and is now pursuing music full time.
Nate is a self-produced independent artist and is known for writing sad lyrics and performing them in up-beat trackss in order to find the silver lining in every everything.
Since making the decision to follow his musical dreams, Hadley has lined up 6 releases for this coming year. The first being ‘Velvet Pie’.
Hadley said that he was inspired to write this song during a lecture in his law class, during which he wrote the entirety of it. He then produced and mixed the entire record himself in his college apartment.
The natural sounds of birds singing and the crashing waves is soothing, just like Hadley’s expressive vocals, and they mesh beautifully with the acoustic guitar strumming and stunning harmonies.
To keep up to date with the latest news from Nate Hadley, you can follow him on TikTok and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Spotify.
Yellowlees
After a string of impressive singles over the last year, singer-songwriter Yellowlees (real name Pete Rapp) is back with his new thrilling single ‘Jungle’.
Yellowlees’ first release of 2021 is packed with infectious melodies, vulnerable lyrics, creative layered harmonies, a blend of afrobeat-leaning grooves and pop-punk-style rock playing and an expansive production that is captivating and memorable.
“Lyrically, it’s a bit of wry look back on how I was feeling – and have continued to feel, plenty of times – while growing up and taking steps into my twenties. It touches on the mental health struggles that I’ve experienced and looks over a lot of self-doubt and moments of self-destruction,” says Yellowlees
The hopeful message of the track shines through and a real spirit of resilience and gratitude towards all the people in life who surround us with love and loyal support.
This track is a taste of what we can expect from his stirring new EP and a return to live shows and we cannot wait for everything this artist has to offer this year!
To keep up to date with the latest news from Yellowlees, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To listen to their latest releases, head to YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
Follow Up&Coming’s Folk Magic Playlist to listen to all three tracks!
By Eveline Vouillemin ©
This coverage was created via Musosoup #Sustainablecurator – https://www.musosoup.com/sustainable-curator