Songs of the Folk is a US folk duo currently based in Maldon, Essex. Regrettably, for UK music lovers, they are returning to their home country. Our loss is very much the USA’s gain.
Their final UK show will be Chelmsford’s Hot Box this Sunday (15 June). Support comes from Little Lore, a London-based, indie-Americana singer-storyteller. The Hardy Perennials kick off proceedings. Tickets are available here.
Republished below is an interview that originally ran in Menticulture Magazine. Many thanks to the magazine’s editor Ben Stanbury for permission to reprint it here.
Menticulture Magazine is a bi-monthly celebration of art, creativity and culture in Chelmsford. The magazine supports the Ignite Chelmsford creative network—a community of talented individuals spanning a range of creative fields, businesses, and practices. To find out more about Ignite and how to become a member, visit http://www.ignitechelmsford.org.uk.
Wife and husband duo
Songs of the Folk comprises wife and husband Lauren and A.T. Cason. With their heartfelt melodies and rich harmonies, they have been performing solidly for the past few years around Essex and across the UK.
The name ‘Songs of the Folk’ suggests a deep connection to shared stories. Can you tell us how you decided upon that name?
A.T.: I grew up in a family of storytellers. My dad, uncle, and grandmother were all storytellers, so it was a natural progression for me to invoke those roots as a songwriter.
The name, ‘Songs of the Folk’, is actually taken from a line in one of our songs, ‘Song to Bob’: ‘Here’s to the words and the songs of the folk, that come like a fire and linger like the smoke’. I think that’s what a good song does, it lingers and remains with you long after having listened to it.
‘Song to Bob’ is my nod to Bob Dylan, of course, and is a reworking of his ‘Song to Woody’. I tweaked the melody and harmonic structure and wrote my own words. However, it was Lauren’s idea to take the phrase “songs of the folk” and use it as our name. I think it fits what we do musically and lyrically, which is to sing meaningful, authentic songs for people.
I’m thankful for the songs that came before me and have stayed with me, influencing my artistic voice. In a way, I feel like we’re just trying to add to this body of songs of the folk.
From North Carolina to Essex
You made the move from the North Carolina to Maldon – what drew you to this area in particular? Did you have any connection to it before relocating?
We had visited the UK previously a few years back and yes, we have some friends who live in Essex, so there was a connection here. Honestly, Maldon was just the place where we found a suitable house for rent – a converted barn where we can record and play music without bothering anyone! We feel lucky to live in Maldon, it’s a lovely town.
The songwriting process
As a musical duo and a couple, how do you approach songwriting together? Do you follow a particular formula, or is it more spontaneous? And do you set aside dedicated time for band practice?
A.T.: I write all of our songs, so we don’t co-write, but we do work on arrangements and harmonies together after I’ve finished writing a song. Sometimes, a song stays exactly as it is, sometimes we make minor adjustments together.
I don’t have a prescription for songwriting, but usually what happens naturally for me is I either start with a melodic idea, a harmonic progression, or a lyrical phrase. I then work out the chords of a song and write the music first, afterwards writing lyrics. Very rarely have I written all the lyrics to a song and then put it to music.
So, some combination of that approach, though it also changes depending on whether I’m writing from the guitar, piano, mandolin, or another instrument. I do always have lyrical phrases and ideas in my head or written down.
We do make time for practice, which is more of a need to play music together than anything else. It’s more a natural part of our lives to play music together, so we don’t have a specific day/time that we practice, though if we have upcoming concerts we will hone in on a set list and practice just that.
The influence of the UK folk tradition
Has your new location and geographic surroundings started to influence your music? Have you uncovered any British folk tales or traditions that you’d love to weave into your music yet?
It has definitely influenced me lyrically and somewhat musically. Visiting the little villages along different estuaries and the English Channel has led to one song, in particular. Also, I love the long English folk ballads that have the same refrain repeated after each verse, which gets sung communally by everyone, not just the performer. I’d love to get that in a song.
You’ve played in some unusual venues like prisons and churches. What inspired you to play in some of these less traditional places?
Honestly, we believe in playing music anywhere and everywhere. Also, we have a particular passion to play for those in difficult situations because we’ve been in similar circumstances and we know how powerful music can
be to help people cope and maybe even heal.
We played in prisons, rehab centres, and homeless shelters back in the States so we had previous experience doing that. Lastly, as Christians, we believe in loving others, especially those who are hurting. As musicians, our main way of loving others is, of course, through songs. Playing in prisons is a way we can do that. It doesn’t just end there, though, as we’re able to have some good conversations with people, relate with one another, and even build friendships.
The UK folk scene
How have you found the folk music scene in the UK since moving here? You’ve built quite a following in Chelmsford and I’ve also seen you perform in Clacton. Have you noticed any differences in how audiences respond or how the gigging circuit operates here compared with the US?
Lauren: I handle the booking, publicity, and management side of things for Songs of the Folk. I’ve been really happy with the reception we’ve had here.
There are so many folk clubs and venues that support independent artists, and there is also a really great listening culture here for acoustic/folk/ Americana music. We’ve definitely noticed a level of intrigue because of our Southern American roots.
How is the studio recording going? Any news of a follow-up to your 2023 debut album Sun-Scorched Land?
Last January we began work on a new full-length album, which we’re getting closer to finishing. Probably half of the songs were written before we moved over; the other half have been written since we got here. The experiences of making a transatlantic move, adjusting to a new culture, and coming to understand our home in new ways all play into the major themes of the project.
We recently recorded a handful of these songs in a live video shoot and will be releasing those soon, so our listeners will be able to get a taste of what’s to come.
Final thoughts
So, unfortunately, the Hot Box and Ely dates are probably the last time you’ll get the chance to see Songs of the Folk in the UK. Try not to miss a musical act that performs with such integrity and love of song. It promises to be a bitter-sweet occasion.
Why not head over to the Songs of the Folk website for music, merch, and much, much more? https://songsofthefolk.com/music
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