If you’ve ever dabbled in folk music, you’ve likely heard the famous names of Bob Dylan, Woody Gutherie, or Cat Stevens. I’ve just recently become obsessed with the genre, and unlike others who may have started with the classics, I got into folk music through multiple extremely talented female artists. I’ve compiled a list of some of the musicians whose folk tunes are dominating my Spotify this year.
The Secret Sisters
Welcome to my latest obsession. I have played The Secret Sisters nonstop since one of my best friends introduced me to them. The duo, Laura and Lydia Rogers, first gained critical fame with their 2017 album You Don’t Own Me Anymore. The album was produced by another famous folk woman on this list, Brandi Carlile. My must listens from The Secret Sisters are “Tennessee River Runs Low”, “He’s Fine”, and “Kathy’s Song”.
Brandi Carlile
I owe my mom for introducing me to both Brandi Carlile and The Highwomen. She was a fan before everyone else. As moms usually are, she is absolutely correct. Brandi Carlile has the most amazing voice and has become one of the most famous folk artists in the world. She has won nine Grammys and has been nominated for 24. Her songs never fail to make me feel unending passion, yearning, and love. She also is a supporter and creator of countless charitable funds and foundations. To add to her coolness, she’s been an out lesbian since 2002- no easy feat in the country music circuit. Overall, she is one of the only celebrities I’ll actually endorse. My must-listen-to songs from Brandi Carlile include “Every time I Hear That Song” (my #1 Spotify song of 2022!), “Have You Ever”, and “Water Witch” (her collab with The Secret Sisters!).
The Highwomen
The Highwomen are an absolute powerhouse group. Consisting of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Marren Morris, and Amanda Shires; each group member is powerful on their own, but come together to make something beautiful. Officially launched in 2019, the group was made with the exact purpose of empowering women in the country, folk, and Americana scenes. In 2021, their song “Crowded Table” won the Grammy for Best Country Song, and rightfully so. Their music questions traditional gender roles, heteronormativity, and sexism. They are changing the face of folk music as we know it. My must listens from The Highwomen are “Crowded Table”, “Redesigning Women”, and “If She Ever Leaves Me”.