Hi, Dj Traveler here! If you know me or have listened to approximately 5 minutes of the show I co-host with Dj Bea, (Out There Inn), you know folk is one of my favorite genres of all time, especially folk mixed with other genres. So here, in no particular order, are my top 5 underrated folk artists!
Fish in a Birdcage
Fish in a Birdcage is a string-based folk band with elements of electronica, categorized by witty lyrics, creative string runs, and captivating storytelling. The music feels full and alive, so much so that you would never guess one man, Dustan Townsend, is behind the whole operation, with occasional help of course. “Dusty” is the lead singer, guitarist, cellist, banjo player, accordion player, harmonica player, and tambourinist of ‘Fish in a Birdcage’. When asked about the thought process behind the name on the “Fish in a Birdcage” website, Dustan explains, “The idea behind fish in a birdcage is that the fish is an able-bodied creature with the potential to ‘fly’ just not in that environment.
I relate to that personally, being an artist confined or caged into a place where I cannot ‘fly’ or live up to my full potential because of the caging of my environment." He conveys this feeling very well in his music and his performances, often traveling to unorthodox places to write or perform, conveying his mission of finding freedom and sharing it with others. Rooftops, basements, ponds, and performances in the dead of night are no strangers to Dusty. When listening to his music, I feel like I've been teleported to whatever bizarre and open place the song was conceived. Fish in a Birdcage’s music captures a feeling of freedom seldom other artists have for me, and this feeling keeps me coming back for more.
Top three picks- “Rule #21 Memento Mori”, “Rule #4 Fish in a Birdcage”, “Rule #18 Lion”
Cosmo Sheldrake
Cosmo Sheldrake is a London-based multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, and producer. He releases music through his own label called Tardigrade Records. Cosmo’s mix of what I can only describe as pleasant woodland noises and gorgeous instrumentals complement his warm and unique voice. Cosmo and his music are the embodiment of the word whimsical, with many of his songs referencing and sampling nature.
For example, his album “Wake Up Calls” is almost entirely composed of different bird calls. He has written music for National Geographic specials as well as a song to promote his brother’s book about the science of mushrooms, “Entangled Life”. Also in cooperation with his brother, he released a mushroom-based hot sauce brand, “Sheldrake Sauce”. I genuinely never know what is going to come next from Cosmo Sheldrake, but I know I can always count on it to be unusual and absolutely charming. I adore Cosmo’s music, it feels like disappearing into the woods and seeing every mythical creature your mind can conjure, and that's a feeling no other artist has given me.
Top three picks- "Wriggle", "Tardigrade Song", "Solar Waltz"
James and the Shame
James and the Shame is folk with heavy country influence that explores the lead singer's relationship with himself and his faith. What’s surprising, however, is that you may have heard of the lead singer before. As a long-time Good Mythical Morning fan, I would have never thought that one of my favorite country/folk artists would be Rhett Mclaughlin. Rhett has put out many comedy songs with his talk show partner Link and that musical background writing witty and funny lyrics really shines through. The lyricism in his music is, in my opinion, some of the most clever and well-thought-out that I’ve ever heard.
The album “Human Overboard” takes the listener on a very personal journey through Rhett's thoughts on evangelical Christianity and the effect it's had on him and his relationships with the ones he loves. His music, to me, feels very nostalgic, emotionally raw, and genuine. Certain lyrics bring tears to my eyes, even if I'm just going about my day and I think there's something very special about that kind of music that I can't express in words. Through the sale of the merch associated with the band, Rhett is making donations to the Save The Children Fund.
Top three picks- “Believe me”, “Where We’re Going”, “In Vain”
The Crane Wives
The Crane Wives are Kate Pillsbury (guitars and vocals), Emilee Petersmark (guitars, banjo, vocals), Ben Zito (bass, occasional howls, production), and Dan Rickabus (drums and harmony vocals). The Crane Wives have one of the most unique vocal sounds I've ever heard combined with creative guitar and banjo riffs. The band gravitates toward high-energy melodies and beautifully executed vocal runs, especially when performing live.
Their lyrics perfectly capture feelings of desperation and wildness, delving into mythology and themes of inner conflict. I can't remember when exactly I first heard the Crane Wives, but I’ve been a fan for years. There's a rawness to their music and a passion for performing that shines through in everything they do. Truthfully, their music makes me feel like a traveling warrior in a fantasy story. If you're noticing a pattern throughout these picks, you'd be correct, I do love whimsy. It was extremely difficult for me to pick the top three, but I’m happy with my decisions.
Top three picks- “Hand That Feeds (Live)”, “Tongues and Teeth”, “Take Me to War (Live)”
The Oh Hellos
The Oh Hellos are a brother and sister duo from Texas, whose self-titled EP was recorded entirely in a bedroom of their family home. Tyler and Maggie’s folk and Celtic-inspired music won the hearts of many renfaire goers, fantasy cosplayers, and dnd nerds on TikTok in 2020, with “Soldier, Poet, King” trending for an extended period of time.
I was all three of those archetypes and “Soldier, Poet, King” instantly stole my heart. As I delved deeper into their discography, I found 4 EPs based on the Greek Winds, and from there I was hooked. Each of these EPs is named after the Greek gods of the winds, exploring themes of faith and purpose.
With other albums based on The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis and a concept album exploring themes of family, identity, and personal growth, the Oh Hellos never disappoint. To me, the core of their music is hope and discovery. When I listen to the Oh Hellos, I am reminded of all the beautiful things life has to offer and how much I want to learn and experience in this world.
Top three picks- “Where is Your Rider”, “Grow”, “Constellations"
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Credits:
https://www.fishinabirdcage.com/ - Fish in a Birdcage, thumbnail and picture
https://theohhellos.com/ - The Oh Hellos, thumbnail and picture
https://www.instagram.com/thecranewives - The Crane Wives, thumbnail and picture
https://www.cosmosheldrake.com/about - Cosmo Sheldrake, thumbnail and picture
My name's Rachel (dj Traveler) and I co-host the show Out There Inn! I've been a dj for a year now and I love folk, folk rock, metal, ghibli soundtracks, and video game music! Some of my favorite artists are Fleet Foxes, Hozier, Lord Huron, the Dip, and Sleep Token :) I also love hiking and painting.