California's Own Ismay Paints the Landscape of Americana-Folk Music with Rich, Earthy Hues. California's golden vistas carry the reverberations of a heartfelt tone, which the mountains softly reflect. Avery Hellman, better known by their stage name Ismay, is an engaging folk/Americana musician whose music beautifully reflects the spirit of her native California. As early as 2020, publications like American Songwriter and No Depression were raving about the...

Folk music has always had a special relationship with social commentary. From Woody Guthrie's dust bowl ballads to Bob Dylan's protest anthems, the genre has given voice to the voiceless and held a mirror up to society's failings. It's a tradition that Swiss singer-songwriter Dave Curl continues with his powerful new single, "Zueri." A song written thirty years ago and finally released in February 2026, it's...