“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 A.T. and Lauren Cason, originally based out of Western North Carolina, but recently relocated to Essex, England, 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 WDVX Blue Plate Special, Savannah Folk Music Society, and The Grey Eagle in Asheville. During that time SRR got the chance to collaborate with artists such as Gabe Dixon (Paul McCartney, Tedeschi Trucks Band) and Akil Thompson (Kelly Clarkson, Jonny Lang, Little Big Town).
In mid 2019, the duo took on the name, Songs of the Folk. Combining high-level musical training with a natural sense of American roots music, the two create a characteristic style that is both sophisticated and authentic, innovative and familiar. Their songs are for and about people in all walks of life, often exploring the search for beauty, light, and hope in the midst of life’s struggles, and they have been performed in large and small listening rooms, small theaters, large library concerts, numerous House Concerts, churches, prisons, homeless shelters, schools, and large and small events in America and in England.
Songs of the Folk has independently released six original singles with producer, Mike Horner of http://www.SidewaysAudio.com, with a self-titled collection of original songs released to all streaming platforms June 4, 2021. Sun-Scorched Land, the duo’s first full-length album of originals featuring a full band was released to all platforms on April 28, 2023. In December of 2023, the duo released its first single with www.Jimsonthebeat.com with several more singles to be released throughout 2024.
“Their original songs have a slick, contemporary musicianship underlying them…their tasteful instrumentation always helping to bring their rootsy subject matters to life.” – FolkandHoney.co.uk
“‘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.” – Ron Taylor, WNC Original Music Podcast
