Hear the Best New Folk Music with Fresh Cuts Friday
Ready for some of the best new music we’ve heard this week? It’s a great list as you’ll see below — and as you’ll hear when you join me for my “Fresh Cuts” radio hour! Listen every Friday at 2 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Pacific via the 24/7 stream on our website, app, or your smart speaker.
Or, just click on the Fresh Cuts stream whenever it’s convenient for you.
In the meantime, check out some of the best new music we’ve been listening to this week.
Viv & Riley – “The Blackest Crow”
Today sweet baby angels Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno release their debut as Viv & Riley, Imaginary People. The duo, based out of Durham, North Carolina, closes the record with a quiet rendition of the traditional song, “The Blackest Crow.”
Elisapie – “Taimangalimaaq (Time After Time)”
Canadian Inuk musician, broadcaster, documentary filmmaker, and activist, Elisapie releases a beautiful album today. Sung fully in her native Inuktitut, the record features covers of classics by Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Queen, The Rolling Stones, and this stunning cover of Cyndi Lauper.
The Steel Wheels – “Easy On Your Way”
After the tragic and sudden passing of fiddle player and vocalist Eric Brubaker’s young daughter, primary songwriter/lead vocalist Trent Wagler felt that he didn’t have the words to properly express his sympathy and solitude — like in so many of life’s hardest moments. So, he wrote this song. The band’s new album, Sideways, will be out on February 4, 2024.
The latest song from Golden Shoals, Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski, was co-written by Amy and Rachel Baiman. Written from the perspective of a struggling musician throwing in the towel, it projects the career-pivot idea that fiddler/songwriter Amy Alvey was experiencing in July 2020.
Alisa Amador – “Woke Up Today”
2022 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Alisa Amador is set to have a big 2024 and it all starts now with her beautiful new song “Woke Up Today” (out today!). After you dry your tears from this emotional offering, make sure you keep your eyes open for future Alisa releases.
