We did this one live from FAI and really enjoyed chatting with Lucy Isabel about Folk Alliance; how one gets involved in the showcases, how to navigate the conference, and the familyreunion feel of it all.

Following her 2019 debut album, Rambling Stranger, Isabel felt both limitless and lost. “I felt like people were aware of and interested in my career in a way they hadn’t been previously and Ifroze.” Unsure of what else to do, she turned to her usual outlet and began touring extensively. Isabel embarked on an ambitious “31 Shows in 31 Days” tour in October 2019 and she found her footing along the way. Her confidence was short-lived, however, when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and left everyone in fearful uncertainty.

Not one to waste time, Isabel took the opportunity to grow her family, giving birth to her first child in April 2021. “I always expected that I would just continue touring but I was suddenly presented with this opportunity to be home and relax throughout my first pregnancy. We decided to take advantage of that and I couldn’t be more grateful that we did. It was a silver lining in a difficult time.”

All The Light leans more toward the folk side of Isabel’s folk/Americana identity, still making use of a live band feel while also incorporating a great deal of acoustic instrumentation. The songs are both introspective and relatable, paying due respect to the fears that form us andthe freedom of letting them go.

Check Lucy out here:

• Patreon: Lucy Isabel Music
• Website: lucyisabelmusic.com
• FB: Lucy Isabel
• YouTube: Lucyisabelmusic
• IG: lucyisabel_music

We had the loveliest chat with David Howley about his transition from We Banjo Three into his solo career. We talked about being a “giant sponge” as a musician, place as an influence onsongwriting, and music as a communal activity. Just a charming human!

David Howley is an award-winning folk artist from Ireland, blending traditional Irish music with modern folk. Founder of Billboard World #1 band We Banjo 3, he has performed with renownedartists like The Chieftains, Billy Strings, and Mumford & Sons. Known for his soulful vocals and evocative storytelling, David’s solo work continues to captivate audiences. With a rich, emotionally resonant sound, David’s shows promise a unique, magical experience that blends Irish heritage with contemporary folk innovation.

Check David out here:

• Website: www.davidhowleymusic.com
• Instagram: Davidhowley
• Facebook: davidhowleymusic
• YouTube: davidhowleymusic

We talk with Anne Harris and immediately feel like we’ve been friends forever. Anne discusses her latest release (AVAILABLE NOW) “ I Feel It Once Again,” her first time at folk alliance which she calls “fantasy band camp” and about being the curator of your own curiosity. She also tells the beautiful story of her violin commission with luthier Amanda Ewing.

Anne Harris is an incredible artist, a songwriter/fiddle player/vocalist, with a gorgeous new album produced by Colin Linden (Bob Dylan, Rhiannon Giddens, John Prine) that features her new violin. The violin she uses on the album is the first-ever recognized commission between two professional black women of a newly-crafted instrument in the US (and we think the world, but aren't sure about that).

Check Anne out here:

• Website: Anneharris.com
• IG: anne.harris.music
• BlueSky:anneharrismusic.bsky.social
• Facebook: Anne Harris
• YouTube: Anneharrismusic