Category Folk

Pete Mancini Proves His Stories Need To Be Heard With Stunning New Album, “American Equator “

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Sometimes when we settle in and review new music, we truly never know what we are going to get when we hit play. However, every once in a while we find something really special, this is definitely the case with NYC songwriter Pete Mancini. We first had the pleasure of hearing Pete, when we reviewed his single, “Technicolor Days”…. We were absolutely floored. Then we listened to “Stomping Grounds and we realized that Pete Mancini is a voice of great importance. Now that we have had the amazing opportunity to listen to his new album, “American Equator,via Paradiddle Records we realize Pete Mancini might one of the great singer songwriters of the modern generation.

Pete Mancini, artfully takes elements of folk, rock, Americana, country and pop on “American Equator “and creates memorable musical compositions that stay with you long after the music has faded .

You can listen to “American Equator “ Here

The opening track, “Calamity People “ has a powerful folk rock vibe that serves as the perfect introduction to “American Equator “ we found ourselves clapping and singing along right away . We also love the 60’s vibe and killer guitar work on the track as well.

The title track, “American Equator “, has both a strong melody and a strong message. We found ourselves hitting repeat quite often.

Besides being a master class musician, Pete Mancini is a world class storyteller teller . This is front and center on songs like , “Spy Rock Road, “The Paris Hotel ( this song would be perfect for a blockbuster movie on the silver screen) and “Leaving For Raleigh “

Every song on “American Equator” , from Pete Mancini is a gem . It is the type of album that you can just hit play and not skip a single track .

“American Equator”, was produced by Matt Patton, recorded and mixed by Henry Barbe at Dial Back Sound , Water Valley, Ms , mastered by Clay Jones.

Contributions from Jay Gonzalez (Drive By Truckers), Tim Lee, Schaefer Llana, and John Smith (Dexateens) support Mancini as he confidently treads new sonic territory. 

Do yourself a favor and get lost in the musical greatness on “American Equator “ , from Pete Mancini

“Cancel Culture “ Proves That No One Sings About The Truth Better Than Crys Matthews

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new single “Cancel Culture “ from social justice warrior, proud black woman and lesbian folk singer songwriter Crys Matthews.

You can listen to “Cancel Culture “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Crys Matthews is a true trtroubadour of truth, and this is front and center on her new single “Cancel Culture “

The most anticipated song on her upcoming record,  Reclamation, “Cancel Culture” picks up where “Changemakers” left off. She confides, “So often when I perform, I am the only person or one of a very few people in that space who looks like me. And because of the type of music that I sing, inevitably at the end of the night, someone would come up to me and say some version of ‘You’re just so brave talking about all of this stuff — I think that I would be so scared of being canceled that I would just stay quiet. The audacity of that, the notion of staying quiet in the face of something that you yourself know is wrong — I had too many feelings about it especially because there is so much in this American culture of ours that we could and should be canceling.”

. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times. 

“Cancel Culture “ is a beautifully crafted and important song. We believe Crys Matthews is an important voice with an important message that needs to be heard .

Crys Matthews will be on tour with Julian Taylor in November and with Flamy Grant, Jennifer Knapp, Spencer LaJoye, and Heather Mae as part of the Make the Yuletide Gay Tour in December. In the meantime, here’s where you can catch her:

Fri- 10/25 Luneburg, Canada Folk Harbor Concert Series 

Sat- 11/2 Denver, CO Swallow Hill Music

Thu- 11/7 Corrales, NM Old San Ysidro Church

Fri- 11/29 Calgary, Canada Calgary Folk Club

Wed – 12/4 St Augustine, FL Cafe Eleven Restaurant

Sun- 12/15 Nashville, TN City Winery Nashville

Thu- 12/19 Austin, TX 04 Center

Fri- 12/20 Galveston, TX Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe

Thu- 1/16 Lawrence, KS Lied Center of Kansas

Mon- 5/5 Miramar Beach, FL Seascape Golf, Beach, and Tennis Resort 

Girl With A Hawk Deliver An Important And Melodic Message With New Single #Vote(Rock The Vote )

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the privilege and honor of checking out the amazing new single #Vote (Rock The Vote)  via Rum Bar Records from Girl With A Hawk .A Joan Hathaway directed video arrives October 9th . You can listen to #Vote (Rock The Boat) on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

We have always said that great bands can play any style of music. Girl With A Hawk is without question a great band and while they normally bring the rock, they have brilliantly delivered an absolute folk/Americana gem with their magnificent new single #Vote (Rock The Vote)

The message of getting out and voting is without a doubt, one of great importance . Linda Viens delivers a powerful and inspiring vocal performance that is coupled with guest collaborator Jim Fitting of Treat Her Right and Session Americana who gives the track a little extra soul .

Photo credit- Kelly Davidson

The track was first penned by the veteran Boston musician and songwriter 20 years ago when George W. Bush was running for reelection against Massachusetts’ own John Kerry. Now, two decades later, with the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz setting their sights on the White House, Viens brought the bones of the track to her Girl with a Hawk bandmates to resurrect its sound and sentiment for what’s shaping up to be the most important election in our lifetimes. 

Not since the Civil War has preserving our democracy been so crucially dependent on the American people being active, and voting, as it is right now,” Viens says. “We have to fight as hard as we can for the Harris/Walz ticket, and I hope the song inspires people to recognize the power they hold to affect change and move our country forward. That said, I believe in democracy, and if a candidate I don’t like wins an election fair and square, then the people have spoken.”

In the song, the band is mindful to not be preachy or persuasive in convincing a person to vote one way or another. They just want to get every American man, woman, and person to the voting booth on Election Day.   

“The lyrics of ‘#VOTE’ retain a kind of neutrality,” she adds, “in that ‘sides’ are not taken, there is no reference to ‘right’ or ‘left’. But we hope the video underscores the political and cultural ethos inherent in the lyrics in a more direct way; emphasizing the ideas of liberty, justice and freedom for all. We also hope that the video brings a smile, and reflects a collective faith in a world that is more diverse, inclusive, and ultimately joyful, because people are free to choose who they want to be and how they want to live. My work has always been about creating loving and supportive communities, where we lift each other up, think and act for the common good, and lend a helping hand. For me there is no greater way to bring humans together than through the power of music!” 

In addition to the enlisting of Fitting on harmonica, “#Vote (Rock The Boat)” brings Girl with a Hawk together in a new capacity and configuration, with Viens on lead vocals, guitar, and backing vocals; Daniel Coughlin on slide guitar and backing vocals; and Richard Lamphear, Dan Bernfeld, and Nancy Delaney all contributing backing vocals, taking a breather from their usual efforts on keyboards, bass, and drums, respectively. The track was co-produced by Lamphear and Viens. 

Girl with a Hawk perform acoustically at a Harris/Walz fundraiser at Crystal Ballroom in Somerville on October 10. 

Music is a very powerful medium and it is also the perfect medium to get out the importance of voting. Girl With A Hawk beautifully does their part with #Vote (Rock The Vote)

Crys Matthews Delivers An Authentic And Honest Truth With New Single “The Difference Between “ Featuring Melody Walker And Chris Housman

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the chance to check out the new single “The Difference Between “ from from social justice warrior, proud black woman and LGBTQ+ americana/folk/country singer-songwriter Crys Matthews, featuring Melody Walker and Chris Housman. You can listen to “The Difference Between “ on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here and YouTube Here

We have long said that you can’t fake the truth, Crys Matthews further cements her place as an important voice as she delivers the stunningly brilliant and powerful new single “The Difference Between “ which, features Melody Walker and Crys Matthews .

“The Difference Between”, features three LGBTQ artists, all of whom call Nashville home. Crys Matthews confides, “This is Country too, it looks like you and it looks like me. When I heard Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town”, I was so offended — not just as a Black woman, but as a proud Southerner. The audacity to think that there would be a South at all without my people is the kind of willful ignorance that keeps folks like me from feeling safe in Country and Americana spaces. There are consequences to that kind of hateful rhetoric.” 

She continues , “This is a reclamation not just of the space Black artists have been denied in Country and Americana music, not just of the space LGBTQ people have been denied in communities of faith, not just of the autonomy women have been denied over our own bodies, but a reclamation of the South that raised me.” 

A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times. 

A daughter of the South by way of Nashville now and North Carolina forever, and the self-proclaimed poster child of intersectionality, Matthews is boldly answering those questions on her new album aptly titled Reclamation.

We can’t wait for more music from Crys Matthews in the meantime we will enjoy the beauty of “The Difference Between “ from Crys Matthews featuring Melody Walker and Chris Housman.

The National Parks Deliver Latest Single “Scenic Route”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently got the chance to check out the new single “Scenic Route” from Provo, UT folk quartet The National Parks ( Brady Parks [vocals, guitar], Sydney Macfarlane [vocals, keys], Cam Brannelly [drums], and Megan Parks [violin) You can listen to “Scenic Route “ Here on Spotify and on Apple Music Here.

The National Parks take everything in around them and create beautiful and breathtaking indie folk pop that is a beautiful as the subjects they sing about .

Emerging in 2013, the musicians have consistently captivated audiences. They’ve generated over 150 million streams across Young [2013], Until I Live [2015], Places [2017], and Wildflower [2020]. As one of many highlights from the latter, “Time” amassed over 9.3 million Spotify streams as the album incited widespread critical applause. The four-piece maintained this momentum with a sold-out headline tour and 2021’s A Mix for the End of the World pt.1.

“Scenic Route” is a beautifully written song that has a memorable melody that is complimented by the perfect vocal performance . The National Park have the wonderful ability to create authentic and heartfelt music that makes your soul smile .

“Scenic Route” will appear on the band’s upcoming album “Wild Spirit” due later this summer.

Bottlemoth Is The Definition Of Cool With Debut Single “Tattoo “

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the opportunity to check out the stunningly magnificent debut single “Tattoo” from UK based indie-folk five-piece Bottlemoth.( Ethan Proctor Williams-vocals/guitar, Chessa Proctor Williams-vocals/keys , Matt Bond-Vocals/ guitar, Henry Matthews-Bass, Tom Farkas– drums )

You can listen to “Tattoo” Here

Bottlemoth formed in January 2024 by the former members of Bridges. The band cut their teeth touring the UK under their previous moniker, playing tour supports with Slow Readers Club and festivals such as 2000 Trees, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury. Since returning to live in 2024 as Bottlemoth, the band have already performed alongside The Dangerous Summer, Cold Years, Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun and Adult Leisure. Previous releases have amassed over 130,000 streams and have been celebrated by the likes of Far Out Magazine, Clash and God Is In The TV.

“Tattoo” is a well a written melodic gem that gently finds its way into your heart and soul. Lyrically “Tattoo” is at its core a lyrical masterpiece piece that flows effortlessly with a stunning melodic musical backdrop.

Discussing the lyrical themes behind the single, vocalist and lyricist Ethan Proctor says, “Discussing the lyrical themes behind the single, vocalist and lyricist Ethan Proctor says, “I got my first tattoo when Chess and I met. Henry and Tom had lots already, and I’d maybe thought too much about the permanence before. Etching memories and art into your skin can be a wonderful thing, and I now have the buzz. Collecting them has become a real hobby now, but I don’t think I’ll ever be covered. I think people that can be fully covered in tattoos must have a strong sense of who they are, and that’s inspiring to me. We can riddle ourselves with doubt, and sometimes it’s hard to just do it.”

Tattoo was written and produced by the band themselves across home studios, drums were produced with Joe Marsh at Orchard Studios and the track was mixed by Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Bess Atwell, Nova Twins, Cassia) who’s experience and expertise helped the band’s vision develop into a unique sound.

“Tattoo”, is taken from their upcoming debut album ‘Even Us Ghosts’ out later this year.

We are simply delighted by the pure heartfelt message and musical brilliance displayed in “Tattoo” from Bottlemoth. We can’t wait for what’s next .

Announcement: The Whole Kameese Is Going On Hiatus

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We started The Whole Kameese back in 2020 as a way to keep busy during the pandemic. We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful artists, promoters and other music professionals. We were also so blessed to be able to share so much amazing music . We have made the difficult decision to put the blog on the back burner. At this time we need to focus on other important matters. We do not know how long we will be away but, we will return. We thank all of you for your support

-Jay

Other Brother Darryl Delivers Stunningly Beautiful New Single “Gypsy Girl”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

Other Brother Darryl’s debut album ‘Roll Shine Roll’ due out later this year

We have said it before and will say it again,Other Brother Darryl makes music that soothes your soul and, “Gypsy Girl” is no exception.

You can listen to “Gypsy Girl “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Boston based cosmic canyon rock band , Other Brother Darryl gives us a beautifully crafted gem in “Gypsy Girl which, is from their forthcoming debut album “Roll Shine Roll”

On “Gypsy Girl,” Other Brother Darryl channel a remarkable sense of love and longing, allowing their three-part vocal harmonies to shine bright as a B3 organ illuminates a path forward. It retains the collective’s ability to craft tender, haunting songs that hang free in the gentle air they breathe, and supplies another captivating chapter in this collective’s unfolding story.

Photo Credit – Chris Valle

Gypsy Girl” is the third official single from Other Brother Darryl, an ever-expanding collective led by music scene veterans Dan Nicklin, Nate Leavitt, and Dan Cederholm. It’s a special song for the Americana and alt-country project, both in stature and spirituality, as it contains the vocals of late bandmate, co-writer, and close personal friend David Mirabella, the Boston Music Award-nominated musician who passed away unexpectedly in the spring of 2022.

‘Gypsy Girl’ is a nostalgic and regretful love story about losing someone you could never really have,” says Leavitt. “Fooling yourself into thinking you could be the one to change her or settle her down. The fascination of being someone we aren’t through someone else. Making promises to her in vain after she’s gone, wishing she would come back home knowing she won’t.”

The identity of this “Gypsy Girl” remains a secret, both by design and by human nature; the sweeping atmosphere that swirls around the track and cradles a heartfelt memory of something lost only adds to the intrigue.

“I would love to tell who it is, but I can’t,” admits Nicklin. “Even if we change the names the person would know. So if you think it’s about you – you are probably right.” Leavitt, however, paints a more nebulous tone: “I actually don’t know who she is but I love singing about her. She’s both familiar and mysterious to me.”

It is next to impossible not love “Gypsy Girl” and Other Brother Darryl, The song and band are prime examples why we love music so much . There is this genuine and profound vibe and energy surrounding both the song and band that is simply magical.

Charm Of Finches Deliver Gorgeous New Single And Video For “Clean Cut”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Clean Cut” from Australian folk-drenched indie pop sister duo Charm of Finches.

You can listen to “Clean Cut” Here . You can also watch the video below.

There is this beautiful and authentic feel that surrounds “Clean Cut” , that we absolutely adore. Flawless vocals coupled with a mystical melody and a hypnotic beat , “Clean Cut” from Charm Of Finches is an absolute can’t miss .

“Clean Cut”, the duo confide, “Going away on tour served as the catalyst for a break-up and Clean Cut is some self-advice. We stayed with a lovely lady in Oslo, Norway who let us play her gorgeous grand piano and the first part of Clean Cut was penned. We created a music video for this song with the help of lots of friends who were willing to dress up as dolls and clowns. This was a huge 22 hour shoot in a warehouse in Melbourne creating the world of a mysterious haunted doll museum.”

Charm of Finches have received acclaim from the likes of NPR as well as being added to Spotify’s coveted playlists Lush + Ethereal, Infinite Acoustic and Fresh Folk among others. “Clean Cut” is the second single off of their highly anticipated upcoming album Marlinchen in the Snow, which is set for release April 19th via SPUNK! Records AU/NZ. The duo are also set to embark on a UK tour May-August. You can check details below

Tour

5/22 Glad Café, Glasgow

5/23-5/26 Orkney Folk Festival

6/6 St Mary’s, Chester

6/7 Live Room, Saltaire

6/8 The Greystones, Sheffield

6/9 The Hive, Shrewsbury

6/10 Temperance, Leamington Spa (sold out)

6/11 Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath

6/13 Exeter Phoenix, Exeter

6/14 Bristol Folkhouse, Bristol 

6/17 Whitstable Sessions, Whitstable 

6/18 The Fleece Inn Barn, Evesham

6/19 King’s Arm, Manchester

6/20 The Lexington, London

6/21 Ace Space, Newbury 

6/22 Pound Arts, Corsham

6/23 The Folklore Rooms, Brighton 

7/4-7/7 Gate To Southwell Festival, Nottinghamshire

8/9-8/10 The Magpies Festival, York

Zach Seabaugh Delivers Stunning Live EP With “Live In Denver”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently had the opportunity to check out the new live EP “Live In Denver” , from singer-songwriter Zach Seabaugh.

You can listen to “Live In Denver” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Zach Seabaugh is an indie singer/songwriter, from the relatable perspective of a 25-year old. Influenced by Ben Rector, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and more – Seabaugh channels his own unique sound blending elements of pop, folk & rock. In 2023, Zach released his debut project, “Mr Nobody” – including top songs such as “Slingshot”, “Christmas Lights”, “Girl in a Coffee Shop” and more.

“Live In Denver”, from Zach Seabaugh, is the absolutely perfect snapshot of who Zach Seabaugh is . “Live In Denver” is Zach Seabaugh at his absolute best.

In listening to “Live In Denver “ you can feel the energy and authenticity that Zach Seabaugh brings to each song . The connection that Seabaugh makes with the audience is absolutely magical, they were hanging on his every word , it’s pure enjoyment for all parties involved.

Zach has shared the stage with friends such as Drew Holcomb, The National Parks, Chance Peña, Daniel Nunnelee, Stephen Day plus many others. The singer/songwriter is thrilled to embark on his debut headline tour stretching throughout 2024.

Every song from “ Not How I Want To” to “Girl In Coffee Shop” is absolutely perfect. Zach Seabaugh is a master performer who is just getting warmed up.

Close Talker Gives Us An Epic Single And Video For “From Dark To Lightness”

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently checked out the brand new single and video for “From Dark To Lightness “ from Canadian indie rock trio Close Talker

You can listen to “From Dark To Lightness “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

You can also watch the video below

After now a decade of performing and writing together, Close Talker has been an integral aspect to the individual lives of Will, Matthew, and Chris. The project that started as a passion for three friends in 2012 has become formative to their identities. It’s applying the nurture vs. nature argument to now-thirty year olds from the Canadian prairies, a place where change happens slowly and nostalgia holds strong. These are the core themes they dig into in their upcoming release: ‘The Sprawl’. ‘The Sprawl’ accounts for the years 2013-2019 in Close Talker: six years of full-on writing, recording, touring, rinse, wash, repeat.

Those years included incredible highlights and successes, in exchange for burnout and time away from home. Ultimately this period ended with Close Talker needing a break, coaxed by the pandemic into an indefinite hiatus. Taking this break allowed the band to explore other avenues in music. Will dove deep into writing and production and began scoring music for films. Chris built Slow Weather Music, a record label with an expanding roster of new Canadian artists. And eventually, three years later, Close Talker found themselves reminiscing on all the fond memories from ‘The Sprawl’ with the ones causing burn out starting to fade.

There is this inescapable coolness that surrounds Close Talker and their music . We love the authenticity and realness with “From Dark To Lightness “

We are all in with Close Talker and their stunningly brilliant single “From Dark To Lightness “

“My Body Remembers “ From Seth Glier Featuring Hayley Reardon Is An Absolute Gem

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently got a chance to check out the new single and video “My Body Remembers “ from Grammy nominated New England singer/songwriter Seth Glier featuring critically acclaimed singer Hayley Reardon.

You can listen to “My Body Remembers “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.

You can also check out the amazing video below

“My Body Remembers “ is simply an absolute delight. The song has a beautiful flow and tempo that we found extremely soothing.

The song takes influence from the language of the trees. Seth explains “My Body Remembers is a song about how healing is transmitted. It is also about how nature can teach us how to be better at healing trauma.”

The track is the latest off of his upcoming album EVERYTHING which is set for release January 26th. The eight track folk-drenched indie pop full length is a hopeful and important narrative entirely about climate solutions.

Do yourself a favor and check out “My Body Remembers “ from Seth Glier, featuring Hayley Reardon. Your ears and soul will thank you

S/J Gets Emotional With Latest single “Never Win” featuring Liv Wallace Of breakme!

The Whole Kameese Leave a comment

We recently got a chance to check out the stunning new single “Never Win” from S/J ( the solo project of folk/punk musician Seth Jude Richard featuring Liv Wallace, the singer of breakme!, who is also known for her countless acoustic punk covers which she shares on Instagram and Facebook.

You can listen to “Never Win” on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here

S/J says, “Never win is a song about meeting love and the things we do to keep it, or sabotage it. Some feel maybe we don’t deserve love.”

S/J, Seth Jude Richard, is a south Louisiana boy who now lives in Florida. Growing up in a French rich culture, his grandfather introduced him to Cajun French music and acoustic music at a very young age. By the time he was 9, Seth would pick up a guitar and start to dream big. At the young age of 12, he entered the world of punk rock and started on what would be a long journey of touring and many experiences. Starting his own band, Layden and the Lion, (Little Rocket Records) he would record with Aaron Gillespie of Underoath, who would also produce and play drums on the record, The Lucky Ones. He also played bass for Ten Foot Pole on the Escalating Quickly Tour a few years ago. After Covid, Seth decided to embark on a solo journey to release his upcoming debut album, “Black Magnolias”. With a hectic touring schedule and raising two boys, he sees no end in sight.

Music is in our opinion the most beautiful and honest to express yourself. On “Never Win” featuring Liv Wallace from breakme! , S/J has crafted an emotional ballad that is simply breathtaking.

From the melody and lyrics “Never Win “ is total music perfection.

Find yourself your favorite music listening spot and get lost in all the emotions of “Never Win” from S/J featuring Liv Wallace from breakme!