In venues across the Bay Area, like the Lost Church, Neck of the Woods, and Octopus Literary Salon, Bay Area musicians are sharing new and exciting folk songs — emotive compositions full of lyrical storytelling and thoughtful instrumentation.
The stories shared by local folk artists are often personal, like Diana Gameros’s new album interpreting Mexican songs from her youth, or Joseph Childress’s LP drawing from his travels around the Western United States. Marissa Kay was inspired to write the first song and title track for her debut LP, Trans is Love, after attending a candlelight vigil for a murdered transwoman.
In addition to rich lyricism, Bay Area folk musicians display a deftness in incorporating a wide range of sounds. Zena Carlota’s “Afro symphonic folk” blends the West African kora, a 21-string harp, with chamber folk string arrangements. Americana and country music threads may be found in the works of Chelsea Coleman and Catch Prichard, while Madeline Tasquin folds rock, jazz, and pop into songs full of dynamic twists and turns.
Listen to the mixtape to learn more about all eleven featured artists.
Track Listing
