Not every song the talented musicians make reaches your ears, so this weekend’s selection of independent folk music is a special tribute to those who seek out new artists and love their culture.
Did you know that folk music is the most popular genre in the world? It’s true! And it’s not just because folk music is easy to listen to; it’s also because of the way that folk music has been able to shift and evolve with the times.
In fact, if you’ve been keeping up with all of the latest alt-folk releases from independent artists, then you might have noticed that there are some really unique sounds coming out of this genre right now—from traditional acoustic guitar ballads to experimental electronic sounds.
Matthew Smith releasing Back to Me
We’ve got a playlist full of these awesome indie hopefuls for you today, so get ready to be inspired by some new music!
You can listen to our entire playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) AXE & THE IVORY – Pinball Machine
Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Axe & The Ivory are an indie-folk band that has released two new singles in the past few months.
A track with this level of clarity and crispness is not overproduced or polished to the point where it becomes dull. Having instrumental breakdowns to break up the songs at the appropriate time adds a great deal of variety to the songs without feeling forced or extraneous.
This track is about the relationships that fall in between some of the more enduring ones when you find someone who is in the same pinball machine as you. There is a comfort in knowing that even if you are not who each other is looking for, it makes you both feel ok again.
It’s got a lot of power—the vocals are strong and clear, and the instrumentals are well-balanced between guitars, bass and drums. The track also has a great tempo that keeps things moving along nicely throughout the whole song.
If you’re interested in checking out more of ‘s music, visit their website or follow them on Spotify. I’ve included links so that can get started right away!
2) FRANC O’CHER – Stars At Night
The Echo Vedette editorial in 2000 was one of a handful of articles published for Franc O’cher that set a new standard for him in the year 2000.
There was a time when a French Canadian singer-songwriter, who was singing in English at the time, was considered an essential discovery by many at the time.
In 2022, after having walked away from the music scene for personal reasons in October 2000, he finally made a comeback with a new single titled “SO” which has since become a hit. In the year 2023, Franc O’cher is expected to release another release entitled “Stars At Night”, which is a song that is an Indie Soft Pop/Rock song.
With a beautiful and entertaining music video accompanying the single also, check it out yourself, it’s worth it!
It’s got a lot of power—the vocals are strong and clear, and the instrumentals are well-balanced between guitars, bass and drums. The track also has a great tempo that keeps things moving along nicely throughout the whole song.
If you’re interested in checking out more of Franc’s music, visit his website, or follow him on Spotify. I’ve included links so that can get started right away!
3) CHUCK PHILLIPS – War Of The Worlds EP
Chuck Phillips is an indie folk rock singer-songwriter from Washington, who has recently released his EP, War Of The Worlds. The double-track EP was released on March 10th and has a classic sound to it. It’s easy listening, nostalgic, and very accessible for all listeners.
It is in the spirit of the old 45 vinyl singles that were released with both a side A and a side B, that he is releasing a two-track single that contains both original songs.
The War of the Worlds is seen as a somewhat satirical look at the downfall of modern society, while Long Love is seen as a reflection of his inability to sustain a lasting relationship with a partner.
”This is my 4th studio release and second release of new music since my full-length album ‘Act I, Scene II’ in 2021 which received multiple reviews. I produce and play all instruments on both tracks as well as provide all vocals.”
If you’re interested in checking out more of Chuck’s music, visit his website, or follow him on Spotify. I’ve included links so that can get started right away!
4) BIRDS ARE BETTER – Super Highway
BIRDS ARE BETTER is back with another hit single, and this time it’s a dreamy folktronica tune that will infect your brain and not let go. The song itself is a perfect blend of dream pop and indie melodic pop rock, with the kind of catchy chorus that you’ll be singing to yourself all day long.
“Super Highway,” is a dreamy, pop-rock anthem that will have you singing along in no time. The song has an indie sound, but also feels like it could fit into the alt-rock radio stations everywhere—it’s just so catchy!
With their debut single “Super Highway”, Birds Are Better presents a unique slant on folk music with a fusion of traditional folk, power-pop, synth-rock, and indie-pop mixed with classic folk elements.
There is a sense of coming home in the song, whether it be to say goodbye or to start anew. A third single from the project is set to be released that lays the foundation for the upcoming debut album which is set to feature a string of captivating tracks.
If you’re interested in checking out more of Birds Are Better’s music, follow him on Spotify. I’ve included links so that can get started right away!
5) MATTHEW SMITH – Back To Me
There is just nothing too special about Matthew Smith, he’s just a guy with a guitar like everyone else. It may not be your cup of tea when it comes to his music, but there is a very good chance it might be for you.
As a writer and songwriter, he writes stories that can be identified with anyone who has ever been in love or hurt by love. His goal is to reach as many people as he can on an emotional level through his music. According to him, if this is the case, then it will all be worth it in the end.
A track with this level of clarity and crispness is not overproduced or polished to the point where it becomes dull. Having instrumental breakdowns to break up the songs at the appropriate time adds a great deal of variety to the songs without feeling forced or extraneous.
If you’re interested in checking out more of Matthew’s music, visit his website, or follow him on Spotify. I’ve included links so that can get started right away!
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