Paper Towns - "Tell me it will all work out" ft. Kris Berry-There's a subtle energy to this track that feels just the right level of cozy. It ushers the listener into the track which has a similar vibe to the lyrics. It's about wanting someone to tell you it will all work out as the "lights go out." There's an intimacy here that feels really soft and sweet.

Tony Kamel and Kym Warner - "Gone, Boys"-When you think bluegrass, this is probably the sound you have in your mind. Driven by a well-struck mandolin and some sincere vocal harmonies. The guitar work is impressive as well. The pacing certainly fits in with some of the best in the business. To say it's a "toe tapper" is an understatement; this track moves along like a locomotive down the tracks.

Grayson Hamm - "Backroads"-In my life, I have never once contemplated smoking a tumbleweed until I clicked play on this track. What a concept... and it's just the beginning. This is a lonesome indie rock flavored track about what it's like walking dusty streets alone. There's an expressiveness here that reminds me of how I feel when I listen to Charley Crockett.

Aubory Bugg - "just embers now"-When I first heard this track, I approved it almost instantly. It took me a while to catch the comparison, but I have settled on Brandi Carlile. There's a charming element to the vocal that definitely captures my attention, but also this detailed nuance in the writing that makes it particularly crisp. I typically would recommend that an artist slow down a track like this that is so narrative driven to allow the listener to keep up...

Echo Union - "Until You Needed Money"-There's a wonderful genre-defying sound here that I adore. The vocal blending is easy to put into a comparison with some of the classics of the late 60s and early 70s. The overall piano-driven energy of the song, though, continues to bring the energy throughout the track. The central lyrical them of needing to let someone go to have them come back is a known trope, but has that timeless quality about it because so many of us have had the experience.

Della Moorman - "Smoke in the Room"-When the first line of a song is, "there's a ghost in the jukebox, there's dust on the floorboards" you know you're in for a treat. Name me one artist on Music Row who would even think to start a track with that kind of depth and resonance? And the kicker... the song gets better the more you listen.

The Burney Sisters - "Barely Mine"-This new track, "Barely Mine," from the Brandy Sisters reflects some of the best indie folk music that we've heard all year. The pop chord structure and overall energy reflects that mid-'70s Fleetwood Mac style that many of us love. There's an energy to this track that reflects sincerity in the lyrics, based on a relationship gone awry, alongside this buoyant pop rhythmic style that really propels the song along.

Neomi - "I Wish I Never Met You"-I'm not sure how many times I've featured Neomi's music by this point, but it's quite a few. It's easy to hear why I keep saying yes. There's a lovely genre blend here that connects folk with indie pop and even some singer songwriter elements. It all comes together for a satisfying and engaging sound.

Emily Rose Burnett - "erase me"-This song feels like it lives at the intersection of indie pop and indie folk music. There's an understated bassline that feels like the connective tissue holding it all together. Burnett's vocal provides a lovely texture that makes the listener ease into the sincerity of the lyrics. The whole sound takes off with the big chord at the one minute mark, capturing the listener's attention and captivating the room.

Grant Malloy Smith - "Tear Trail"-For those of you that know my other life as an educator, you might know that I'm a historian. So when a song like this comes across my desk, I'm immediately interested in the message that it's going to share. The first-person perspective of someone who experienced the Trail of Tears as an observer makes this track stand out like literally nothing I've ever heard before.

Phil and the Blanks - "GOOD LIFE ft. bella amor"-This might not be the kind of song that you expect to find on ETTG, but when this came up in our submissions it felt right. There are primarily three things that caught my attention with the track; I dig the moving percussive energy here. Second, I love the harmonic balance with the vocal blending.

Our Atlantic Roots - "Fly Mr Owl"-There's a cinematic depth to this track that captured my attention right away. Typically we curate more of a stripped down folk sound, but this one works well. The layers are deeply satisfying. Of course the vocal harmonies are at the heart of the piece, but something about the broader production work here gives the song extra character.

Roman Lakes - "Home Tonight"-I appreciate the cathartic acoustic picking on this track. It sets a contemplative mood right from the start. Lakes has a soothing vocal that allows the lyrics to be communicated with a soft, engaging style. If you have ever had a special someone promise to see you back at home after a long day, it's just about the tenderest experience.

Stephen Day - "You Wouldn't Know"-One of the genre tags on this track is yacht rock and that piqued my interest. "Do they still make that?" I asked myself. They absolutely sure do and this is a lovely example of the smooth rock energy. There's just the right amount of synth energy here to make it feel like a late 80s love song.

If you are a fan of thoughtful acoustic folk music, definitely consider giving Emma O'Reilly's new album a chance. The opening track has a melancholy energy to it, a lament about the necessity of love as a way of helping us navigate this world as humans. There's a heartfelt expressiveness in the vocal at the core of the track. The balance between the guitars and piano creates a full, satisfying sound.

Andrew Shier - "Rusted and Weathered"-From the time I started listening to artist like David Ramirez back in the day, I fell for alt country as a genre. It captures what I wish mainstream country would do. This track from Shier echoes that sentiment quite well, with guitars that set the mood and vocals that fit perfectly. As someone writing this from the heart of the Rust Belt, this song could not be more applicable.

The Madelines - "Amy"-There's something about the energy of this track that wins me over right away. It jams along with a solid rhythm, but then the fuzzy guitars enter and make it even better. The effect on the vocal is just right, creating a cool texture that stands out from the crowd without being so distorted as to make the words difficult to follow.

If Diamonds Rust - "Ghost"-I've been a sucker for a good folk duo for about as long as I can remember. This track has all of those good butterfly feelings you hope to feel with a folk tune. The lead vocalists are both quality and their blending is really wonderful. The lyrical message is about noticing that things aren't working quite right, but that you both want to make it work.

Sarah Ek - "By Your Side"-I was taken by this song on first listen. It's got so many elements that work well here. The production feels vintage and fresh at the same time, capturing a 70s-like pop energy that seems like it is recently captured with a crisp recording. Then, the vocal is absolutely outstanding. There's this quality that feels a bit like a Linda Ronstadt pop vibe, with subtle expressions in the softer places.

Admiral Radio - "Love Is Alchemy"-This isn't my first time featuring an Admiral Radio track and I'm certain it won't be my last. Their sound is just about as sweet as you'll find in music today. The harmonies are heavenly. I appreciate the sentiment in the lyrics, but it's really the vocal harmony that keeps me coming back from more with this emerging folk band.

Zach Collester - "October"-I can't exactly explain why, but something about this song feels like the late 2000-0s. It's got this hint of emo that reminds me of a lot of songs that were popular in that era. Beyond that, though, there's this chill understated element to the vocal that works well with the mood of the track. The lyrical message is about how October "hangs in the air," and as we move rapidly toward September I have to say that I can definitely relate to the sentiment.

Alyson Witt - "chamomile & honey"-This is not the first time I've approved a track from Alyson Witt and it won't be the last. Just listen. Goodness, what a voice. There's a tenderness to this recording that I absolutely adore. The interplay of the piano with the vocal here is wonderful. There's a soft modern jazz element in the vein of the Olivia Dean renaissance on the charts.

Olivia Zegers - "Taller"-There's something special in Olivia Zegers' vocal tone that won me over right from the start. It's not too much of a stretch to say she's in the Lizzy McAlpine style. The easy going, nostalgic element of this track is really wonderful. If you grew up in a world that seemed so much simpler, this song will resonate.

Bryse Taylor - "Nitwit"-Bryse Taylor is one of those artists that I find myself saying yes(!) every time he sends something over. (Seriously, he's 4 for 4!) The overall style of this track captures elements of folk rock, with this plodding rhythmic style that reminds me a lot of easy going folk music. The layered vocal does a nice job of create texture and depth in the sound.

MaiaLuna - "Signal"-If you're looking for an atmospheric pop-flavored folk-influenced song, definitely check out this new work from MaiaLuna. Sometimes when I'm going through a stack of submissions, one just rises to the top. This certainly happened with MaiaLuna's introspective, captivating vocal style. There's something about the track that just makes me want to set aside the stresses of life and ease into the music.

If you're a fan of the intersection of pop, folk, and jazz music (which is quite hot even on the top 40 right now), then definitely consider this new album from Sal Weston. The opening title track "Darlin'" sets the album's course with a toe-tapping jazz style. Part way through the track there's a subtle organ that gives a warm tone to the sound before a more percussive shift turns it into a bit more of a pop swing tune.

VANCAMP - "House Parties in the Avenues"-From the first time I clicked play on this track, I knew it was one that fit with the sound we curate here. The melodic structure feels satisfying and the lead vocal is solid. The overall energy makes you want to live in the world that the song creates. I really appreciate the group vocal on the chorus; it makes me want to go hear this band live and sing with them.

Judah and the Lion - "Gravel Roads"-To be honest, Judah and the Lion are one of those bands that make me pinch myself. You mean they want US to write about their music? Crazy. I have been writing about this band for years. I was so glad to see this track in my list, but within seconds I was convinced it was a fit.

Alex Siegel - "My True Friend"-If you're looking for a subtle, easy going bit of folk songwriting, definitely cozy up next to this track from Alex Siegel. The opening lines are good, but honestly for me it's the layered vocal on the second section that really feels amazing. The harmonies of those layered vocals are so delightful they make the song for me.

Belle Shea - "Gift"-I try not to lead reviews with simple emotional responses, but honestly... I love this song. In the first line, I got chills (both when I processed and then when I sat down for coverage). I did two things before I started writing; I sent the song to my daughter and then I put it on the "song of the year candidates" list.

Folk music has been declared dead many times‚ only to come back even stronger․ The same mores and obsessions that drove Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie in 1940s‚ sing and scream through the voices of singer-songwriters Ethel Cain‚ Phoebe Bridgers and Noah Kahan are raising in 2026․ The music is found on Bandcamp, independent streaming playlists, digital entertainment sites for casinos not on GamStop, and resources explaining…

If you're a fan of folk music on the edge of pop and experimental energies, definitely check out this new album from Bird. The sounds lean towards a mature, adult-contemporary style at times as well. Regardless of how you characterize the genre, it's a sound that's sure to stand out from the crowd. Let's get into some of the unique soundscapes of the album.

The Beard and the Bird - "Waitin' on May"-It's got swing. It's got a sweet fiddle. It's got incredible vocal harmonies. What's not to like about this song? It's great to hear that there are people in the 21st century making music that would have been immensely popular a century ago. The writing here is wonderful, charming just like period music was.

Bryce French - "Settle Down"-Okay this is not some narrative trick --- I literally had to go add this song to the song of the year candidate list before I started the review. That's how highly I think of this track. Click play and appreciate the layered vocals in the opening and you'll hear why. There's an intimacy to the recording that I really appreciate; it reminds me of a site favorite by the name of Rusty Clanton.

Josaleigh Pollett - "Cherry"-If you're looking for a bit of an unconventional style of "pop," click on this track and you'll instantly hear what I mean. In fact, one could reasonably call this alt pop. That said, I found it such a captivating song that I couldn't click away. The vocal from Pollett is exceptional, creating these textures that are simultaneously intimate while also having this characteristic narrative style, too.

Wild Earp - "Florida Lee"-Ok I'm admittedly a sucker for play on words, so the "Florida Lee" and "fleur-de-lis" works really well. Instrumentally, the steel guitar kind of steals the show for me on this one. The vocal is great, sitting right in the center of the mix. The overall energy of the track is toe-tappingly good. The fiddle break is wonderful and the guitars do a nice job.

Conversing With Oceans x Nate Fox - "Long Shower" Regular readers of our site will no doubt recognize CWO. The act has been active since our infancy and continues to reinvent and refresh their sonic boundaries. For their latest EP "The Chaos", CWO team up with producer Nate Fox who has worked with the likes of Chance the Rapper. "Long Shower" has a maturity we always love from the act with a hook that plays on repeat in your head long after you listen.

Bronson Campbell - "Here With You"-This is a love song to the millionth degree. I mean, I know that a love song is "just" a love song, but what I mean is that this is a really captivating love song. At the outset it may feel like a typical acoustic singer songwriter with a love song, but as you listen the production swells and it feels like a sonic hug.

Pretty Baby - "8:25pm Greenwich Fucking Mean" The music of Pretty Baby is an emotional rollercoaster. We love the raw passion of the act which we believe perfectly soundtracks the smoldering chaotic times we live in. The wall of sound swells to a perfect climax best listened to alone in your car. We suggest yelling along with it. While there are surely points of reference for listeners in the Post Rock and Post Punk space, we love the creative energy that is singular.

Beach of Diamonds - "Forget-Me-Not"-There's an energetic style to this track that stands out right away. The drum beat is infectious, allowing the listener to really feel the hard driving rhythmic style. The lyrical message reminds me of early 2000s pop punk that gets the listeners singing along. The vibes on this are a bit pop rock, yet that doesn't mean that it's overly commercialized; there's still an edge to the sound that makes you feel like they'd play some pretty sweet venues.

Jacob McCoy - "Deep Deep Water" This track is incredible. The slow build of folk earnestness is met with smooth harmonies that wreck us. There is a spirit of longing but also of an enduring spirit not ready to surrender. The complexity here is a testament to the maturity of the artist who lets the track play, expand, and develop without the parlor tricks often used in the folk pop genre (think banjo and handclaps). If we were to point a crowd to the music that embodies our site, we could not do better than "Deep Deep Water".

Ellie Holcomb - "What Would I Do Without You" (Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Cover)-We don't feature covers all that often, so when we do you know it's going to be something spectacular. That's certainly the case with this exceptional track from Ellie Holcomb. She's got an incredible gift for expressive, emotional vocal delivery. The guitars create the textures that give it that timeless Americana style, but make no mistake that the intonation in the vocal and the passion in the lyrical delivery that makes this feel like it transcends time.

Hummer - "Big Fish" From the eerie and distorted intro we knew we were hooked. The dark and brooding tone of this one is perfect for the dark times we currently find ourselves in. Hummer have a more mature rock edge with a hint of '90's grunge. The result is a captivating and cathartic track. LA artist Aaron Bernards brings a raw emotion vocally we absolutely love. We look forward to hearing more from this act, but as of now you can find their EP online.

Muo Duo - "Somewhere and Nowhere"-There's a glowing energy to this track that puts a smile on my face. The vocal harmonies are the standout aspect of the song, but the whole aesthetic is enjoyable. It's the kind of song that makes you want to lean back into a hammock or take a walk on the beach. Something about the breezy energy of the song feels timeless, conjuring images of the Beach Boys all the way to something more recent like Ben Abraham.

Reset Repeat - "Satisfy"-I'm not always a fan of vocals that are a bit on the forced side, but it actually works here. There's an energy to the song that comes right from the start. It really taps into my pop punk days. Perhaps the most important element in the instrumentation here is the drum work in the background. The guitars are great, of course, and the vocals soar in places, but it's that forward momentum from the percussion that really makes the track stand out for me.

Daniel Del Russo - "Grow"-I've covered Del Russo several times in the past few years and it's easy to hear why I keep saying "yes." The production is clear and the guitar is charming. The vocal does a nice job of conveying lines that feel relatable. There's something about the percussive energy of this track that makes it feel like a perfect example of folk pop music.

Mara Connor - "Joe"-If you've been looking for a new indie folk songstress to fall for, Mara Connor might just be the one for you. There's something seemingly timeless about the production here. It feels like it could have been written any time from about the mid-70s until the present. There's a genuineness in the vocal that feels like listening to an old friend tell a story.

Jack Christopher - "Is that the time?"-Okay so I would have said yes to this song just for the acoustic guitar and sincere vocal in the opening, but once I got to the vocal harmonies on the chorus I was absolutely FLOORED. There's such a luscious soundscape there, particularly with that bass drum (and bass guitar?) that provides a rich low end to the recording.

LATE2THEPARTY - "City is Empty"-This new track has a really playful and chill beat to it. The instrumentation and production sets a wonderful mood for the track, feeling like you're hanging out with your friends on a rooftop party or something like that. It's definitely got the vibes of being an enjoyable, easy-come, easy-go style of summer anthem. The lead vocal is particularly strong, moving from powerful vocal to buoyant falsetto with ease.

Kyle Scott - "Wake"-The acoustic fingerpicking on this track is wonderful and won my attention right away. Scott's vocal also comes across with a gentle, expressive style in the opening. The more you listen, though, the more you'll feel the sound open up. There's an authenticity to it that puts me in mind of other acoustic singer songwriters in the vein of David Ramirez or even Jeffrey Martin.