Basic Folk

• Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304

  The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance between oversharing and maintaining privacy in his music in this episode of Basic Folk. He candidly discusses the lines he draws when writing about family and how his experiences with grief have shaped his art. I'm proud to say that I think we found a line he would not cross in our conversation! Listen in to hear history in the making.We also discuss his latest live album, 'Loudon Live in London,' and his unique ability to unsettle and surprise his listeners during performances. We talk about his late father and namesake, Loudon Wainwright Jr., the famous writer for LIFE Magazine, who is present in everything LW3 does. We dive into his early days, including insights on his debut album thanks to a recent essay by Morrissey that highlights its significance. Moz points out that Wainwright has "the pep and readiness of someone who knows we will all soon be skeletons." After reading Loudon's very detailed memoir, Liner Notes, I had to ask him about his relationship to memory and also his reputation for memory. Loudon also touches on his acting career, revealing how roles in popular films – especially Big Fish and Knocked Up – have introduced him to new audiences. Elsewhere he reveals that he was at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where Dylan went electric and shares his memories of that fateful day.Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/  Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknews  Help produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/ Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303

  Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic journey. In an interesting twist, it was her friends and family that pointed out that she's always trying to get around water. From there, she reflected on the positive impact that being in and around water has had on her mental state.Olivia also opens up in our Basic Folk conversation about her complex relationship with her hometown of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where she's experienced both hardships and good memories (her grandfather was actually the mayor and there's a street named after him). Ultimately she decided to leave, but she still spends about half the year there. She talks about how, especially on the new album, her sound is impacted by the duality of small-town life versus her evolving relationship with New York City. We also discuss the foundation of her musicality, which was strongly influenced by her late father, who stressed the importance of learning music by ear. As she navigates her identity as an independent woman in the music industry, she discusses the challenges of societal expectations and the importance of self-reliance. With humor and vulnerability, Olivia Ellen Lloyd explores themes of resilience, love, and the struggles many women face in finding their voice and place in the world.Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknewsHelp produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpodsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302

  Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Lexington, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embraces collaboration and creativity.We dive into his latest album, 'The Purple Bird,' discussing the pivotal role of producer David Ferguson in Will's artistic evolution. He reveals how working with Ferguson and a host of talented Nashville musicians transformed his songwriting process and solidified his sense of belonging in the music community. With a mix of humor and heartfelt honesty, Will describes the joy of collaboration and the unique energy that comes from working with seasoned artists, particularly those from older generations.Throughout this episode of Basic Folk, Will also touches on the contrasting emotions evoked by his songs, especially when dealing with serious themes wrapped in upbeat melodies. He draws parallels to the works of Phil Ochs, highlighting the importance of addressing difficult subjects through art. As we wrap up, he shares personal anecdotes about his family and the influence of his daughter on his music. Thanks to Will for making a wonderful record and being so willing to get seriously deep into some of its themes!Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/  Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknews  Help produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/ Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301

  Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth.To witness Rose's new album through the eyes (and ears) of her best friend feels like a huge privilege, a front row seat looking into what the human heart and mind are capable of. Edie prompts Rose to expand on the challenges of balancing love and freedom, the complexities of navigating midlife, and why the piano is her soulmate. With humor and depth, they tackle the big questions of life, love, and the creative process, revealing the layers of their artistic identities."I just had a really moving, hilarious, enlightening conversation with my best friend Rose Cousins," Edie reflects. "We talked about vulnerability, middle aged gardening, accidentally putting in one another’s eye contacts, and befriending our own mortality. We also talked about her stunning new record, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1.'"Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknewsHelp produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpodsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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• Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300

  When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realistic advice that, if she wanted to dedicate her life to music, she would have to work really hard. Because "that 10 year old cute thing is gonna wear off." Sierra, who would draw pictures of herself playing at the Grand Ole Opry with Alison Krauss and doodle album covers with the Rounder Records logo, took his advice to heart and got to work.Since then, Hull has shared the stage with more heroes than one could count, she's inspired a new generation of younger players, she's released five albums, and is considered a master of the mandolin. Originally from the small town of Byrdstown, Tennessee, her new album, 'A Tip Toe High Wire,' is set for release March 7. In our Basic Folk conversation Sierra reflects on how growing up in a small town shaped her musical identity alongside bluegrass, gospel, and family traditions. She shares memories of family gatherings filled with music featuring Aunt Betty and Uncle Junior, the profound influence of church hymns, and how these experiences continue to resonate in her playing and songwriting.Sierra also discusses the significance of 'A Tip Toe High Wire,' her first independent release, highlighting the freedom and growth that come with that independence. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her music, allowing herself to explore new sounds while remaining grounded in her bluegrass roots. Elsewhere in the episode, she opens up about her personal growth, the pressures of being labeled a child prodigy, and her journey toward embracing imperfection in her art. We also dive into what we'll call her "Stevie Nicks Era" with the amazing cover-art on the new record. Sierra enjoys playing with elaborate styles in her album artwork and red carpet looks (helloooo CMA Awards). With a candid perspective on the challenges of the music industry, she encourages listeners to find joy in the process while appreciating the beauty of vulnerabilityAlso woo hoo!!! Happy Basic Folk 300!!!!Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/  Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknews  Help produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/ Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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