Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

William Nein: Homeless

Valerie
Although he may not be a household name yet, William Nein has already managed to release six records under his belt. Every single one is available as a free download including this 2010 acoustic delight, Homeless. Nein is a London, UK based musician who likes to frequent upstate New York. His songs are evocative of fleeting emotions; beautifully capturing something that is slowly slipping away whether it's a person, thing, or emotion. Armed with an acoustic guitar and some crazy oft-melodic-yet-sometimes-high-pitched-singing; this is certainly an interesting record to check out.
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Abdoulaye Alhassane: Sahara Spirit

Natalie
Abdoulaye Alhassane is often called a master of the music of the Saharan cultures and languages; from Songhai, Sonrai, to Tamaschek, Peil, Toureg, and Zerma. More than anything else, however, he is an incredibly talented composer, arranger, producer and has been a part of a highly successful Niger based band, Mamar Kassey, which toured the world gathering countless of rave reviews. Although playing mainly guitar, Alhassane's instrumental entourage includes many Central Saharan strings such as Molo and Gurmi and today brings some masterfully crafted sounds further reminding us that instruments... can sing too.
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Moses Luster and the Hollywood Lights: I’m The Lion

Natalie
If you are tired of all the clean cut pop, rock, indie sounds no matter how good they might be and instead crave for something entirely new, somewhat dark and rusty than I'm The Lion is here to help. The lyrics sing of "low life crooks, doomed love affairs and a haunted past", the music comes filled with strong drums, some electronic beats, and that good old hollywood orchestra feel, while the vocals bring back the ghosts of the classics such as Johnny Cash or Tom Waits with just a touch of Leonard Cohen. A sure keeper!
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The Novel Ideas: Summer Demos

Natalie
Summer Demos is a fun filled collection of four tracks that serve as a little introduction to the forthcoming, and third in line, full length record from The Novel Ideas. The band, which hails from the not-so-distant suburbs of Newton, MA, play what is often described as a "rock-folk-romantic-pop" music full of gorgeous acoustic guitar and enchanting vocals. And with the songs talking about "books, girls, summertime, and the ambiguous hours between night and morning", this short yet sweet EP will certainly brighten up your day.
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Eastern Phoebes: Wampum

Valerie
Wampun is the debut album of indie folk pop duo Eastern Phoebes. Made up of Ry Smith and Meg Bayley, the power couple formed back in January 2010. They started out with Ry recording songs he wrote and asked Meg to "sing and clap on a bunch of tunes." From them on, they have been unstoppable; recording and releasing several EPs, like Rods of Energy, as well as this full length record in just a year. Wampum is their official debut and carries 10 heartfelt, catchy indie pop tracks that will surely become a soundtrack to your warm and lazy summer afternoons. The album was also the band's official entry into the RPM Challenge.
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Eastern Phoebes: Gypsy Paw

Valerie
If you love sweet indie pop and want songs that will make you feel all bright and cheery throughout the day, then Gypsy Paw is a must-listen compilation. Eastern Phoebes is the brainchild of couple Ry Smith and Meg Bayley. This cute couple creates music out of their living room; turning simple guitar chords and lovely harmonies into wonderful sounds. Gypsy Paw is the second digital release from the duo. Their first being, Rods of Energy; a short EP that features 7 tracks of pure twee folk pop. Much like their previous compilation, this second EP is made from the same sweet and catchy indie pop pot and will make you want to prance around happily in your living room.
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Andy Berkhout: Songs On Tape 2009

Valerie
St. Louis songwriter, Andy Berkhout, might be best known as the dude who promised to release one free downloadable track for every week of 2010. This might have seemed like a completely ambitious project but so far, the singer has managed to keep his word. On top of this weekly song project, the artist has also delivered several full length records and EPs under his name. This includes this free indie folk chillout affair, Songs on Tape (2009), among others. His other records, particularly Be Silent (2010) and Wake Up For the Day (2009) are also available for sale on iTunes. Hit the download link and get the download from BandCamp. You can enter zero on the amount, but it won't hurt if you enter a donation as well. This guy definitely deserves it.
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Boca Chica

Natalie
Boca Chica is definitely a dynamic band. Why dynamic? It had more than 40 different members since it's inception (currently including Hallie Pritts, Susanna Meyer, J. Vega, Ricky Moslen, James Hart, and Kraig Decker). Yet it's catchy lyrics and instrumentation, which take us on a unforgettable journey into the land of modern indie pop, have placed the band among the definite favorites in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and brought in many new fans from the infinite lands of the Internet. Their latest 3-track release with a EardrumsPop Netlabel is a beautiful collection of sounds for all those warm relaxing evenings ahead.
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