Welcome to Folk Files, a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music throughout the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time!
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Happy Holidays! Coventry Carol is a lullaby to a "little tiny child"...but surprisingly, that child is not Jesus. Learn more about this Christmas carol that was almost lost to time, including the history of modern Western Theatre and the origins of the picardy third, in this final episode of the second season of Folk Files.
In this bonus episode of Folk Files, I interview Ruth Perry, the author of The Ballad World of Anna Gordon, Mrs. Brown of Falkland. Anna Gordon is one of the most famous source singers in the history of folk music from the British Isles, and Ruth Perry's book dives into her life as a woman and ballad singer in 18th century Scotland.
The book is available at https://global.oup.com/academic/
It's pricy, and understandably so, since it contains a wealth of new information and scholarship, but you can use the discount code AAFLYG6 to save 30%.
You can listen to the accompanying ballads for free at https://global.oup.com/booksites/content/9780198939092/
In this episode, I use clips from the following songs: Lady Elspat, King Henry, Lamkin, and Thomas Rymer & Queen of Elfland
You can purchase a CD with all twelve of the ballads at birnamcdshop.com or on Amazon (See more information here: https://www.birnamcd.com/birnam-pr/anna-gordon/ )
This interview has been edited for time.
Special Thanks to Ruth Perry and Aaron J. Morton
Folk Files #2.3 - No Land is Alone
Season 2 · Episode 3
Monday, March 31, 2025 • Duration 36:28
From 1986-1991, a "Singing Revolution" took place in the Baltic states, leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. This episode of Folk Files looks at the rich musical history that paved the way for the Singing Revolution to occur and provides an introduction to Estonian folk and choral music. (Apologies for any horrible Estonian pronunciation).
Host: Olivia Harding
Special thanks to: Cliff S., Ramona Holmes, and Aaron J. Morton
Surprise! This is not an episode of Folk Files: It's an episode of Basic Folk! Basic Folk, produced by the Bluegrass Situation, is a podcast that features honest conversations with folk musicians. Hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No, Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have.
This episode features Carolyn Kendrick, whose latest project explores the complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil aka Satan aka Lucifer. The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album "Each Machine."
She shares her unexpected journey into researching the devil, sparked by a podcast project that ended up overtaking her life, leading her to interview the leader of the Satanic Temple, among many others. This deep dive into the topic became a way for her to process the overwhelming political and cultural landscape.
Check out the links below to hear more from Basic Folk!
He goes bare, he lives by the air, and he wants no drink nor money…or does he? In this episode, we explore the songs and stories surrounding Tom of Bedlam. Where did the modern tune come from? And why is the title misleading? Hold on to your hat and your sanity for this musical journey to Pluto's kitchen and beyond.
Greenland Whale Fisheries is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files. While delving into the origins of the song, we will explore other ballads about Greenland and dip our toes into the extensive history of whaling. Well row'd, jolly trouts!
Host: Olivia Harding
Special thanks to: Pegmouth, ARRR!!!, and Aaron J. Morton
ARTIST: David Pryor (Recorded by Alan Lomax and Mary Elizabeth Barnicle)
WORK: When the Whale Get Strike
SOURCE:
Folk Files #12 - Of All The Trees
Season 1 · Episode 12
Friday, December 13, 2024 • Duration 22:27
Happy Holidays! In this episode of Folk Files, we will explore the history, lore, and significance of plants in Christmas carols, with a special emphasis on the Holly and the Ivy!
Host: Olivia Harding
Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton
Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast
Musical excerpts:
ARTIST: Trio of Nyckelharpas (from The Nyckelharpa Effect)
Welcome to Filk Files! But what is Filk? And why are there so many aliens, adventurers, hobbits, muppets, and nerds in this episode?
Host: Olivia Harding
Guest Speakers: Daisy O'Danny, Marc Gunn, Andrew McKee, Dan Marcotte
You can find the full interviews with each guest speaker (including a video interview with the Brobdingnagian Bards!) as well as other goodies on the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast. All the proceeds from this month's purchases will be donated to the RESCU Foundation.
This episode of Folk Files discusses songs involving infanticide. "The Well Below the Valley" and "The Cruel Mother" stand at the center of this heartbreaking voyage through historical records, Scandinavian folklore, and murder ballads.
Note: Because it's always true in folk songs, when I refer to pregnant people in general, I say "women". However, the difficulties I discuss (postpartum maladies, access to medical care, etc.) affect people of all genders.
Episode 9 is all about birds! Embark on a journey around the world to sample bird songs and birdsong. Along the way, listen to the mockingbird, help the blackbird find his missing pieces, and rumple up the cuckoo's nest. Note: This was recorded on the road (away from the studio) so please excuse any loss of audio quality!
Host: Olivia Harding
Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast
Musical excerpts:
ARTIST: Beatrice Harrison
WORK: "Actually recorded in Beatrice Harrison's Garden, Oxted"
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