Latest Folk Posts

[Welsh Folk] MWSOG – Chwyldro

Posted by TMN Staff - November 13, 2025

Chwyldro, the title track from MWSOG’s debut album, breathes cinematic life into your speakers within moments of pressing play. The song’s rich textures and soulful melodies invite listeners into a world where the personal and the universal intertwine. Hailing from at the altar of ’70s acid folk and mystical trad, Welsh wanderers MWSOG crafts a sound that resonates with authenticity, reminiscent of artists like Jakalope and Sarah and the Safe Word, but with a distinctively fresh approach that feels rooted in contemporary experiences.

The arrangement of “Chwyldro” is both intimate and expansive, creating a sonic landscape that feels simultaneously familiar and new. The production allows space for MWSOG’s vocals to shine, weaving seamlessly through harmonies that evoke a sense of longing and reflection. The emotional weight carried in the vocals is palpable. The refrain lingers, echoing the sentiment that transformation, while often daunting, can lead to newfound clarity and strength.

“Chwyldro is an invitation to explore the layered emotions that come with growth and change.

As the song progresses, there are key moments where vocal dynamics elevate the arrangement, particularly in the climactic sections that build to an ethereal peak. This interplay between softness and intensity mirrors the thematic exploration of embracing vulnerability while also asserting one’s identity. It’s a delicate balance, one that MWSOG manages with a deft touch, reminiscent of the emotional journeys undertaken by folk legends of the past.

Hailing from an unassuming corner of the musical landscape, MWSOG is carving a niche that feels both personal and relatable. With only 68 Spotify followers and an emerging popularity, the artist stands on the precipice of wider recognition. “Chwyldro”is not just a song; it’s an invitation to explore the layered emotions that come with growth and change, echoing the timeless relevance of folk music.

As MWSOG continues to develop their sound, “Chwyldro” serves as a powerful statement of intent, blending tradition with a contemporary perspective. This track is a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty of transformation, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead.

Listen to Chwyldro by MWSOG

Folk

[Indie] Zoe Konez – Human

Posted by TMN Staff - October 31, 2025

London-based Zoe Konez’s “Human” is an intimate meditation on vulnerability, a sonic tapestry woven from threads of folk and indie sensibilities. Opening with a delicate, almost whispered vocal delivery, the track sets an introspective tone that invites listeners to confront their own fragility. The production is understated, allowing Konez’s voice to float above a subtle bed of harmonies and gentle instrumentation, evoking the quiet resonance of a late-night confessional.

The lyrics delve into the complexities of human experience, addressing themes of connection and isolation. Phrases like “We are all just human” resonate with a universal truth, capturing the delicate interplay between our shared struggles and individual journeys. This thematic exploration draws parallels to the reflective works of artists like Sufjan Stevens, whose ability to weave personal narratives into broader reflections on existence has similarly captivated audiences.

Konez’s vocal performance is particularly striking, imbued with a sense of both yearning and acceptance. The layering of her harmonies creates a choral effect that enhances the emotional depth of the track, reminiscent of the way Bon Iver employs vocal arrangements to convey a sense of communal introspection. As the song unfolds, the production subtly swells, accentuating moments of revelation that feel both personal and collective.

Konez’s voice floats above a subtle bed of harmonies and gentle instrumentation, evoking the quiet resonance of a late-night confessional.

The arrangement remains minimalist throughout, which serves to highlight the emotional weight of the lyrics without overwhelming them. Each note feels purposeful, echoing a sense of space that allows listeners to breathe alongside the music. This approach aligns with a growing trend in contemporary indie music that favors authenticity over ostentation, drawing listeners into a more genuine connection with the artist’s intent.

Culturally, “Human” resonates in a moment where many are grappling with their identities and the collective anxieties of a post-pandemic world. Konez’s exploration of our shared humanity is not just timely; it is a reminder of the healing power of music in connecting us to one another. In a landscape often dominated by flashy production and bravado, Konez’s earnestness shines through, inviting us to reflect on our own stories while celebrating the beauty of being human.

In its quiet strength, “Human” stands as a poignant reminder that amidst life’s chaos, the simplest truths often hold the most profound significance.

Listen to Human by Zoe Konez:

Folk
Indie

[Folk] The Kunins – The Levee

Posted by TMN Staff - October 20, 2025

The Kunins, an emerging father-daughter folk duo hailing from the heart of Brisbane/Meanjin, conjure an evocative soundscape in their latest track, “The Levee.” With a gentle yet insistent sway, this song envelops listeners in its contemplative atmosphere, reminiscent of classic folk storytellers. The track is a highlight from their album, which promises to further unravel their artistic vision.

From the outset, “The Levee,” part of an A-side / B-side double single, establishes a rich emotional current, supported by a tender arrangement that invites introspection. The harmonies weave seamlessly together, creating a tapestry of sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Drawing comparisons to the poignant storytelling found in Rachel Bay Jones’ “Gonna Build A Mountain,” The Kunins channel a similar ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes. This connection is enhanced by their knack for crafting compelling melodies that linger long after the song has concluded.

The lyrical content of “The Levee” is steeped in imagery that evokes a sense of place and emotional weight. Lines that reflect on the complexities of human experience resonate deeply, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys. The song captures a bittersweet longing, a theme often explored in folk music, yet it feels fresh and immediate, echoing the sentiments found in Lainey Wilson’s “Peace Love and Cowboys.” Here, The Kunins show their ability to merge traditional folk influences with contemporary emotional landscapes, creating a bridge that is accessible and engaging.

The Levee / The Sorrow You Are Drawn To

The production maintains a careful balance between simplicity and depth. Each note feels intentional, allowing the vocal harmonies to shine while still supporting the overall narrative arc. There’s a sense of vulnerability in the delivery, which invites listeners to connect on a personal level. The Kunins have skillfully crafted a piece that speaks to the heart of folk music’s purpose: to tell stories that resonate across time and space.

In a cultural context, “The Levee” stands as a testament to the enduring power of folk music to explore themes of resilience and emotional truth. As many artists today seek to capture the essence of their lived experiences, The Kunins emerge as voices worth following, offering a fresh perspective in a genre that thrives on authenticity. With only 130 Spotify followers, their journey is just beginning, but this track suggests that they are poised to make a significant impact.

“The Levee” is not just a song; it’s an invitation to pause and reflect, a moment of connection in an often-chaotic world.

Listen to The Levee by The Kunins

Folk

[Music Video] David Frank – Don’t Miss A Moment

Posted by TMN Staff - May 15, 2024

The fresh talent David Frank is back with one of the most inspiring songs of the year so far. “Don’t Miss A Moment” is an incredibly catchy blend of folk, indie and pop that has that intangible “anthem” feeling. That term can get thrown around a lot, even in the dojo, but this song has GOT IT.

David Frank continues to astonish with his incredible voice and dynamic production that enters a whole new echelon with “Don’t Miss A Moment.” Not only do we get the song, but David is back on his music video game for this one. It’s a bit more humorous than the song at face value, but adds a nice dimension to the single. And, you can just tell it was fun to make. Check it out below and make sure to add the song to your Summer playlists!!

[Folk/Pop] David Frank – When You Know (You Know)

Posted by TMN Staff - July 23, 2021

David Frank
When You Know (You Know)

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It’s always a pleasure to share a smash hit debut from a new artist and that’s just what we have here from California’s David Frank. Just a head of his wedding in a few weeks, David has dropped his folk pop anthem “When You Know (You Know).” This is for all the lovers out there!

Catchy from start to finish, “When You Know (You Know)” establishes David as a strong new act that has potential to make it as far as anyone. He’s already established himself as a super songwriter working with the likes of Kygo, Merk & Kremon and more, but now David gets to shine on his own, and boy does he shine. Even if you’re not coupled up with a partner, “When You Know (You Know)” still pulls at your heart strings. Drop this one in your Summer playlists and let your friends know that David Frank is here and he’s got plenty more to come.

Folk
Pop

How to Create an Ideal Playlist for Online Learning

Posted by TMN Staff - December 23, 2020

Know What you Like
The first step in creating a playlist is to know what you like. Remember that not everyone likes the same things. What is acceptable and useful to some people could be distracting and annoying for you. You need to keep that in mind. There is no right or wrong way to do this!

Look and listen to the music you like. Try and remember your previous experiences with it when you were studying. Were you distracted by it, or did it help you focus? If it helped you focus, it is a good contender for a study list. Remember that if the music on your list is something that you don’t like, it can be very distracting. That’s the opposite of the goal you want to achieve! You want to pick music that you like, which is why you should focus on the music you regularly listen to first.

Knowing what you like is the key, as it will form the base of your studying playlist. You can’t branch out into new ideas if you don’t have a good music starting point.

Have a Look at Different Music
A playlist for studying doesn’t have to be static. You can always look for new music to put in it, if that is what you want.

If you want to do this, it’s best to do it from your existing musical tastes. If you like trance, why not try another genre of electronic music? If you like classic rock, why not try progressive rock? If you like baroque music, you will probably like romantic music. And so on. Widening your listening can give you some great new ideas for your study playlist. It can also introduce you to entirely new musical genres to use throughout your life and activities!
Looking at what other people do is always helpful when you are looking at expanding your own musical tastes. Why not start with some articles on what music is known to help people study? If they have music on there is similar to what you like, you can easily try it. You might like it, and you might not. Either way, you can find new music to try in your own playlists. More than that, expanding your music journey can lead you to a new genre you can listen to for the rest of your life!

Ask Other People’s Opinions
You may just be creating a playlist for your own use. In that case, do what you want – the only person you need to please is yourself. However, you might find yourself in the position of creating a study playlist for multiple people. If that’s the case, then you will need to talk to people and find out what they want.

You can buy essays online and enjoy listening music then. You need as much information as possible before you start making your playlist. You will need to find a way to please everybody with your playlist. Try and find out who likes what, who doesn’t like what, and try to compromise. You might have to mediate between people who hate each other’s music! Just remember that the end goal for everybody is the same – to get some good studying done.

You should try and approach this study playlist by keeping things simple. Take all the genres that are similar to each other, and start finding tracks that you like. This will allow you to create a playlist that satisfies everybody, and yet is not too jarring. Any tracks that are too different from each other will likely pull you out of your studying headspace.

Put it all Together
When you have all the music you feel you want or need, put it together. Remember that the best study music playlist is one that enhances your studying. You shouldn’t find yourself actively listening to the music at any point. The music should help you focus on your work. When you are putting your playlist together, try and keep the genres together, if you can. This will serve two purposes. It will keep your attention focused on your studying by avoiding any sudden changes in music. If the music only gradually changes, then you won’t get any sudden shocks.

When you put it all together, you need to decide how you are going to do that. Are you going to make a YouTube playlist? That would make the creation process a lot easier – you simply take YouTube videos of appropriate songs and add them to your playlist. You might prefer another music platform, such as iTunes or Spotify. It all depends on your needs. Which would be better for you? Choose, and then work on a playlist in that format. From there, you could take it one step further and start a podcast! Make sure to do your research to review very popular streaming mics.

On the other hand, why not use all the music platforms you want to? Each one can have different applications, and you will never be without your study music.

Listen to It Before you Play It
Before you confidently move on with your life with the best study playlist, listen to it all the way through. You might find that music which works well in concept doesn’t work so well when you actually hear it. Your idea of good studying music might turn out to be too distracting. Listen to it all the way through, and then make adjustments if you can.

You might find that you want to make two playlists. You can split your music up into a more sedate playlist and a more active playlist. One for quiet studying, and one more pumped up music for when you need to get your blood flowing. This can come in very handy when writing essays, for example. Listening to your playlist before you debut it can solve a lot of problems. If you are making a playlist for a group, listening to it first can help you spot any problems before they come up.

Happy Listening!
The question of the best music to study to has no real answer. It depends on what helps you, so your list should have music that helps you. Whatever happens to your list, try and have fun while you make it. Studying doesn’t have to be purely work – have fun!