Basic Folk

Basic Folk

Author: The Bluegrass Situation Language: English Episodes: 367
There's a certain magic that happens when musicians are given the space to talk not just about their craft, but about the life that feeds it. That's the heart of Basic Folk, a series of conversations that feel more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview. Hosts Cindy Howes and Lizzie No bring a genuine curiosity and easy warmth to each episode, creating an environment where artists often share stories and insights they might not elsewhere. Since 2018, this podcast has carved out a vital niche, actively seeking to honor and platform the incredible, sometimes under-the-radar, voices within the roots music world. You'll find a beautifully diverse tapestry of sound and experience here, from technical wizards and Grammy-winners like Molly Tuttle to culturally pivotal figures like Leyla McCalla, all united by their connection to folk music's expansive tradition. Produced by The Bluegrass Situation, each episode digs into the personal journeys, creative struggles, and quiet triumphs that shape the music. It’s less about celebrity and more about substance, offering listeners a chance to intimately understand the people behind the songs. Tune in for thoughtful, humorous and deeply human dialogues that remind you why folk music, in all its forms, remains a powerful force for storytelling and connection.
Episodes
Morgan Toney on Circles, Elders, and Phil Collins, ep. 311 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:58
Circles have played a huge role in fiddler and singer Morgan Toney's life thus far: from drum circles, to talking circles, to the Earth itself (a circle!). In our Basic Folk conversation, Morgan talks about his L'nu (als…
Kris Delmhorst: Inching Forward through Sleepless Nights, ep. 310 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Kris Delmhorst is not a good sleeper. The Western Massachusetts songwriter is usually awake from 2 or 3 am to about 4 or 5am. Sometimes it feels nice and floaty, but other times she is wide awake worrying about anything…
Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:09
Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to mov…
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise…
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:32
Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Louisville, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation…