Executive Overview In the upper echelons of contemporary acoustic and folk music, few artists command the universal reverence, technical brilliance, and stylistic dexterity of Martin Simpson. Later this month, on September 25th, Simpson will add a glittering new jewel to his storied discography with the release of his brand-new studio album, Some Kind Of Jubilee. … Read more
Executive Overview Jazz—love it, hate it, or endlessly debate its elusive cultural boundaries—refuses to vanish. It remains one of the most intellectually demanding, culturally resilient, and fiercely democratic forms of human expression ever devised. From the celestial harmonies of the Mills Brothers to the spiritual, levitational prayers of free-jazz pioneer Albert Ayler, jazz is a … Read more
Executive Overview In the shifting landscape of contemporary American folk and bluegrass, few transitions carry the weight—or the artistic triumph—of Paige Anderson’s latest creative chapter. Arriving on August 28, 2026, via Gar Hole Records, Porchlight marks a definitive watershed moment for Two Runner. Originally formed in 2020 as a dynamic folk duo featuring Anderson and … Read more
Executive Overview Cornwall has long existed in the cultural imagination as a realm apart—a jagged, wind-scoured peninsula where the myths of ancient kingdoms bleed seamlessly into the realities of contemporary existence. It is a land of labyrinthine hedgerows, pre-Christian monolithic sites, and a distinct, untamed artistic heritage. From this fertile, myth-drenched soil has emerged a … Read more
Dublin’s contemporary folk music renaissance continues to captivate global audiences, driven by a vibrant live circuit, critically acclaimed records, and an extraordinary spirit of stylistic reinvention. While boundary-pushing ensembles like Lankum, OXN, and Landless have earned international acclaim by weaving drones, industrial discordance, and avant-garde heaviness into the traditional fabric, the Dublin scene retains a … Read more
Executive Overview In an era dominated by opaque streaming algorithms, hyper-targeted ad-delivery models, and infinite digital content libraries that often induce choice paralysis, the modern music consumer faces a paradox of plenty. Never before has humankind had access to so much recorded art; yet, paradoxically, never has it felt so difficult to genuinely discover something … Read more
Executive Overview The contemporary musical landscape is increasingly defined by cross-pollination, boundary dissolution, and the friction-free marriage of disparate sonic traditions. Yet, few collaborations in recent memory possess the conceptual intrigue and organic chemistry found in the pairing of banjo virtuoso Allison de Groot and ambient/experimental composer Rich Ruth. Following the initial announcement of their … Read more
In the contemporary landscape of contemporary folk and Americana music, few artists possess the unflinching vulnerability required to map the exact contours of heartbreak quite like Le Ren. Born Lauren Spear, the artist has steadily built a reputation as a master of intimate, acoustic-driven confessionals. Following her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album, Leftovers, and earlier … Read more
Executive Overview When Purling Hiss mastermind Mike Polizze unleashed his second solo LP, Around Sound, in the summer of 2025, critics scrambled to contextualize its restless trajectory. Writing for KLOF Mag, reviewer Danny Neill captured the prevailing sentiment of awe and bewilderment with a fittingly prophetic appraisal: "Where he travels next may be as hard … Read more
In the contemporary landscape of ambient experimentalism and Nordic-rooted folk, few collaborations feel as seamlessly intuitive and ancestral as Djuphjärtad. Derived from the Swedish word for "deep-hearted," the four-track EP represents a masterclass in sonic alchemy. It is the joint creation of Jenny Gillespie Mason—the visionary behind the ambient project Ship Says Om and founder … Read more
