“Here’s to the words and the Songs of the Folk that come like a fire, and linger like the smoke…”
Songs of the Folk is a music duo formed by Tyler and Lauren Cason, based out of Western North Carolina, who perform original music that incorporates folk revival and roots-based elements within an elevated art form that focuses on lyrical content, innovative harmony, and unique instrumental techniques.
The couple met in college while obtaining their Master’s degrees in music. In 2015, the two formed the band, Swamp Rabbit Railroad, playing numerous shows across the Southeast, including the Savannah Folk Music Society, Isis Music Hall in Asheville, WDVX Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, an opening for Gabe Dixon at The Spinning Jenny, and an opening for Davina and the Vagabonds at The Grey Eagle. In 2017, Swamp Rabbit Railroad released a studio album, Down by the Riverside, a unique collection of spiritual folk songs recorded in a historic church in Upstate South Carolina and produced by Nashville artist/producer, Akil Thompson (Little Big Town, Jonny Lang, Kelly Clarkson). The album is currently available on most major listening platforms.
Songs of the Folk combines high-level musical training with a natural sense of American roots music, creating a characteristic style that is both sophisticated and authentic, innovative and familiar. Their songs are for and about people in all walks of life, appealing to both the common listener and the connoisseur alike.
Songs of the Folk is currently recording selections of their original songs with producer, Mike Horner of Sideways Audio. Debut singles “The Man in the Arcade,” “The Ballad of Maddie Rice,” and “Aloysius Beam” have been released with several more singles coming out throughout 2020.
“‘Is there a more aptly named musical act than Songs of the Folk? Their music recalls the beginnings of folk. Not early America, not Celtic troubadours, but the beginnings of music itself, when song was a tool to tell stories. When you hear a Songs of the Folk selection, you will be impressed with the harmonies and the instrumental skill, but what will stick with you are the stories. You kind of get the idea they are building a world, and you’re hearing the first scenes in something larger. They sing about someone in their community and you can’t help but picture the whole town, and the next song seems to exist in that same town. You look forward to the next tune like you do the next chapter of a book. One you don’t want to put down.”
-WNC Original Music Podcast
