Eric Lindberg is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and cultural innovator known for his work in the band Nefesh Mountain. He is also the band's co-founder, alongside his wife and musical partner, Doni Zasloff.
Kyla Tilley is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her emotionally turbulent live performances, her gymnastic guitar playing, and her fabulous shoe collection. Using whatever words she likes, Kyla constructs tales true and tall of fantastic exploits, mundane tasks, and moderate misadventure, delivered through a mix of vocal fusillades, chaotic finger-picking, and kaleidoscopic rhythms, punctuated with scintillating melodies and moments of serenity. Call it prog-folk.
Svavar Knútur has released six solo albums beginning in 2009 with "Kvöldvaka (Songs by the Fire)". In 2010, he presented "Amma (Songs for my Grandmother)" and in 2012 his "Ölduslóð (Way of Waves)". In 2015 "Brot (The Breaking)" was released. In September 2018 Knútur released the album "Ahoy! Side A" via Dimma and Nordic Notes. A story of new beginnings and the challenges of a new world. It contains five new songs and four "Repaintings" of older songs. Most recently, the album "Ahoy! Side B" was released in April 2024.
The state of being in-between—the place where things are not clearly defined is where true self-knowledge is derived. When you don’t fit in, you define yourself on your own terms. Singer-songwriter Angela Saini is bi-racial and a crossover country-pop artist who has forged her identity through unflinching positivity and empowering ideals. Today, the Toronto-based country folk-pop artist will issue a series of singles seeding a path to her sophomore album. “I am known for positive songs, but a lot of these were written in dark states. My life isn’t ponies and rainbows, but I write myself out of the sadness,” Angela says. “In every moment we have a choice. I choose to uplift myself and bring people along with me." Angela sweeps people away with instantly-memorable, toe-tapping pop infused with storyteller sing-alongs about courage and finding joy in surprising places. Her Calgary, Canada upbringing—a hotbed of country music—and her Garth Brooks obsession, always informs her instantly memorable songcraft. After all, you can take the girl out of the prairie, but you can’t take the prairie out of the girl.
Soul rock singer-songwriter Buggy Jive has always made music while in hiding, quietly uploading songs and music videos from a basement studio somewhere in Upstate New York. Equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility, his lyrics often mine the literature of the past to make sense of the present – from Ellison to Morrison to Eliot to Didion. Even before his pandemic-era music video and reclusive rallying cry “Ain’t Going Anywhere” went viral, the only way to see him perform live was the occasional house concert streamed live from his basement studio.
Selina Boland is a multi-faceted Canadian artist whose journey into the world of music has been marked by her heritage, geography, innovation and drive. Selina was born in Newfoundland to beloved Lukey's Boat folk singer, the late Laverne Squires. Her musical influences include Traditional Newfoundland, Folk, and 60’s Rock. Writing and performing professionally in a range of styles from folk to electronic since 2011, Selina has toured Canada, the US, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico and the UK. She has released her new album, Take My Heart and Run, it arrived April 4th, 2025 and she is touring Newfoundland and beyond to promote it.
Keegan McInroe is a writer, musician. and international touring artist based in Fort Worth, Texas. Keeping in spirit with his predecessor troubadouring minstrels, Keegan has spent the better part of the last two decades traversing the roads, wildernesses, and cities of the Old World and New, weaving the resulting experiences and observations together with varied influences from folk, country, and the blues to create an original and evolving tapestry of story-driven American roots music.
McInroe has shared the stage with Leon Russell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Willis Alan Ramsey, Otis Taylor, Carolyn Wonderland, Ian Moore, Shovels & Rope, Kaitlin Butts, Charley Crockett, and others. He has been published in various papers and magazines for his travel writings, stories, poems, and occasional forays into politics. Additionally, he has hosted The Keegan McInroe Radio Hour and The Uncouth Pilgrim Podcast, both of which are currently on indefinite hiatus.
Giulia Millanta is an Italian-American Indie-Folk and Americana singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas. A vocalist and guitarist, she also plays upright bass and ukulele and sings in four languages (English, Italian, Spanish and French). She has been described by Michael Greenblatt of The Aquarian Weekly as "deeply evocative with a dash of Piaf, a sprinkle of Lady Day, a pinch of Norah Jones and a teaspoon of Madeleine Peyroux. She has been called smart, eclectic, adventurous and cool, and credited with psychedelic grooveability whilst 'baring her clairvoyant soul' to 'deliver musical mojo'."
She has released eight solo albums to date and regularly tours throughout the US and Europe.
One listen to Adrian Sutherland and you’ll know he’s unlike anyone else. Born and raised in Canada’s Far North, the roots-rocker-with-heart from Attawapiskat First Nation has the voice of a songbird, a boatload of talent, and an ocean of muses from the waters of James Bay. His melding of folk, rock, roots, and blues draws inspiration from his northern life, traditional lands, and Cree culture. His music touches hearts, with soul-stirring songs rippling far beyond stages and airwaves. Adrian’s sophomore album Precious Diamonds was released March 15, 2024. Produced in Nashville by Colin Linden, and mastered in New Jersey by the multi-Grammy-winning team of Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone, legendary guest artists on the ten-track record include Mickey Raphael (harmonica) and Jim Hoke (saxophones).
New York-based singer/songwriter Amy Jay harnesses the power of vulnerability by bringing introspection to the forefront with euphonious alternative indie-folk that conveys her experiences as a deep feeler. In February 2022, Jay released her first full-length album, Awake Sleeper. The album, whose intimate and honest lyrical storytelling was inspired by Jay’s inner monologue during her train commute, expresses the dichotomy between a quiet exterior and the angst that lies within.
Mirabelle Skipworth is an alt-folk singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh PA. Her folk-inspired melodies and lyrics combined with a tinge of alt-rock influence makes for a dynamic, emotionally-intense experience. She occasionally draws on her own experiences, books, concepts, and other people’s stories. Her new EP, The Morning’s Malaise released in March 2023. Her newest single, The Deer Song, released January 5th.
Lost Patterns is an American roots duo based in Austin, TX, featuring songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Beth Chrisman and Silas Lowe. They bring an earthy grit to the lonesome, lowdown backroads of acoustic Americana, that is always moving and evocative. Chrisman and Lowe have been sharing stages together since 2006 when they met during a bluegrass jam at a BBQ joint. The duo plays songs culled from the depths of the American musical tradition as well as writing new classics shaped by those musical landscapes. As a member of the Carper Family and High Plains Jamboree, Chrisman has performed at Merlefest, A Prairie Home Companion, Augusta Heritage, and Mountain Stage. She is an in-demand side player as well, with notable performances alongside Bobby Bare, Alice Gerrard, John C. Reilly, and Willi Carlisle. Lowe was a member of the Atomic Duo and has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Vancouver Folk Festival, the John Hartford Memorial Festival. His songs have been covered by numerous bands, and recently a song he co-wrote with Brennen Leigh was featured on the Grand Ole Opry.
These sessions were recorded during the last week in February at the Folk Alliance International Conference held in Montreal. Bob Johnson and Julie Derrick are your hosts.
Dan Navarro’s long and eclectic resume includes “songwriter,” “recording artist,” “singer”, “voice actor”, “producer”, “road warrior” and “arts advocate” in its extensive range of credits. His former acoustic duo, Lowen & Navarro, released 13 albums from 1990-2008, enjoyed widespread Triple A radio airplay and performed 1500 shows before Eric Lowen’s retirement in 2008 and passing from ALS in 2012. Dan set out solo in 2006. His newest release is a duet single with 7-time Blues Foundation award winner Janiva Magness in a stirring versioin of Tom Prasada-Rao's classic “$20 Bill (for George Floyd)”, released August 23, 2024 to all major streaming and download services. In March 2024, he debuted as a co-producer (with Grammy®-winner Jim Scott) on Jesse Lynn Madera's acclaimed album, “Speed of Sound”, including the touching co-written duet “Last Call”, now making waves at Americana, Folk and Non-Com Triple A radio. The album cracked the FAI Folk Chart March 5, 2024 at #32. Work has already begun on her follow-up, with Dan and Jim again at the helm of her new single, “Make It Out”.
“I think I'm gonna make a Dad album,” songwriter Rachael Kilgour heard herself blurt out one afternoon in an Asheville recording studio. She was in the final days of tracking her EP Game Changer (2019), and in the final months, as it would turn out, of her father's life. She had just written a new song, Dad Worked Hard. “I hadn't written any other songs about him at that point - I certainly hadn't considered making an entire album in his honor. I had no way of knowing how little time he had left or how much his death would transform me. But when the producer suggested recording ‘Dad Worked Hard’ for the new EP, I just knew I needed to hold onto it. So I said it: no, I think I’m gonna make a dad album.” And she did. Kilgour's exquisite fourth full-length collection, My Father Loved Me, is a tribute to her late father, produced by JUNO Award-winning songwriter Rose Cousins and recorded in the senior Kilgour's native Canada. In the spare, often gutting language for which she is known, Kilgour gives us a complex portrait of a man as seen through his daughter's eyes. With unwavering acuity she poses questions about identity, inheritance, and grief, and affirms the value of one ordinary working man's life to an often indifferent world.
Singer Songwriter Julie Derrick is co-host.
Heidi Holton is a Nashville-based Americana provocateur who shines a soft light on the glitter and grit that collects in the farthest corners of the human experience. With a road-worn Gibson guitar and a voice dripping with the heat of the Mississippi Delta, Holton conjures a sonic landscape that flickers between the hauntingly beautiful and the brutally honest. Her music is a masterclass in raw emotion, technical prowess, and Southern Gothic cool. With a commanding stage presence and a catalog of songs that are deeply rooted, yet future-focused, Heidi holds a mirror up to her audience and dares them to fall in love with everything they see.
Jennifer Lynn Simpson is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter who first sang on stage with Julio Iglesias at the age of 9 and has been writing music since then. A Native southern Californian who has lived all over the United States, Jennifer combines traditional singer/songwriter style with old country and Americana sounds. Jennifer has co-written songs with many amazing artists, including Alyssa Suede And Miles Zuniga of Fastball. Jennifer and Miles recorded their 30A songwriter festival award-winning song together, South Walton Paradise. Jennifer is also currently working with legendary strings arranger and composer, David Campbell on a song she co-wrote for a major motion picture. Recently, she’s toured opening for 80’s icon Rick Springfield and recorded her debut album, produced by herself, Grammy-Award winner, Matty Spindel, and his partner Jeff Gross.
The Vibes and Verses Podcast features live sessions with musicians recorded at the Folk International Alliance Conference held in Montreal. Bob Johnson and co-host singer-songwriter Julie Derrick guide you through the sessions.
The Pairs are an internationally touring band of celebrated songwriters greet every stage with a genuine, quirky presence and unbottled chemistry. Their sibling harmonies and familial banter quickly connects them to their audience. Whether The Pairs are playing an intimate house concert or a sold out show at a Performing Arts Centre, these classically trained vocalists make it their mission to employ three-part harmony and honest storytelling as the mighty tools that soften and connect us. The Pairs will release their fourth studio album in Fall 2025. This record aims to encapsulate the authentic, minimalistic, and acoustic style performances the trio has become known for.
Second Saturday Magazine Vibes and Verses Podcast: Bob Johnson and Singer-Songwriter Julie Derrick host singer songwriter sessions recorded at the Folk Alliance International Montreal in February of 2025. Melisande and Spenser LaJoye join this session.
Mélisande is a singer-musician based in Beloeil (QC). After releasing four [électrotrad] albums since 2014, she revisits her repertoire with an acoustic quintet on the album Rembobine in 2024. In March 2025, she releases the original [électrotrad] song Francos d'Amérique (feat. Jacobus), first single of an upcoming album with special guests. The success of her discography, hailed by critics and rewarded by numerous awards and nominations allowed her to present over 325 concerts worldwide. With an infectious energy and stage presence, she makes the crowd sing and dance wherever she goes.
Spenser LaJoye is a coast-to-coast singer/songwriter with Midwest roots, a classically-trained violinist with a proclivity for Broadway vocals, and a student of Americana music with a theology degree hanging in their studio. They’ve been writing and touring their own autobiographical folk/pop music for over a decade, but the virality of their 2021 anthem “Plowshare Prayer” secured them a permanent place in hearts and households across the world, as well as a peculiar career as a veracious songsmith with an unshakeable pastoral presence.
