Constant Follower, Gerina + 8 Indie Folk new heroes

Here we go to one of my favorite lists: indie folk, a genre that brought us many good people such as Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers (and her boygenius ride). This time I’ve tried to get some balance between male and female artists, even though this is a music style that is so democratic that includes every single one on its relaxing vibe. Enjoy!

Constant Follower

Constant Follower is the band formed around Scottish songwriter Stephen McAll. His debut album for legendary New York indie label Shimmy Disc was shortlisted for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) and found its way onto the top of multiple ‘Best Albums of 2021’ lists, leading to a string of notable performances including Austin’s SXSW 2022 and SXSW 2023, and a spellbinding set from the crown of Scotland’s National Wallace Monument. A triumph after tragedy, the album was McAll’s first work many years after an unprovoked attack in his late teens left him with catastrophic head injuries, partially paralysed and unable to write or play guitar. The following decade was spent recovering on the West Coast of Scotland, learning to live, and eventually picking up the guitar to allow the songs that form his acclaimed debut ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’ to emerge.

In addition to his band endeavors, in April 2023 McAll released a collaborative album with renowned folk guitarist Scott William Urquhart. This exceptional work, released on McAll’s own Golden Hum Recordings label, has garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been longlisted for the 2023 SAY Award. Described as “an enchanting, deeply absorbing, and meditative album” (Folk Radio) it showcases the musical affinity and unique talents of these two Scottish songwriters and musicians. The duo has already embarked on their next project, currently in the works and scheduled for an early 2025 release.

Now, Constant Follower eagerly await the release of their much anticipated second album, slated for February 28th on Last Night From Glasgow. McAll helmed the recording and production, capturing the essence of their sound from his Stirling base before venturing to Austin, Texas, to collaborate with the esteemed Dan Duszynski (Loma/SubPop) for mixing and further production in March of this year. The upcoming album promises to build upon their previous success, unveiling new dimensions of Constant Follower’s sound.

Gerina

Gerina is an award-winning songwriter who is now writing and releasing music for herself as an artist. Her multi-cultural upbringing and fluency in English, Spanish and Italian fills her songs with heart, passion, and unique storytelling.

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