The resurgence of indie folk music is apparent in the last 5 years with an array of chemistry-filled bands like Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros, Of Monster and Men, Mumford & Sons among many others. While talent comes in many forms there is still a separation between the production quality of rising independent artists. At its core, folk music remains one of the most genuine sounding genres in music. Far from the melodramatic sibling, Country music, folk is about allowing the simplicity of the instrumentation fill the song with harmony and graze. However, not recorded or produced properly, these instruments are often shadowed by noise and echo.
The beauty and perhaps the most inspiring quality about Wake Owl‘s Wild Country EP is its impeccable and delicate recording. Every single instrument used, brings forward the warmth and charisma of each guitar pluck, percussion and of course, the longing vocals of singer/songwriter Colyn Cameron. Wake Owl has effortlessly awaken (pun intended) the energy behind my unquestionable admiration for the folk genre and delivered unique melodies wonderfully wrapped around the familiarity of heart-felt themes about love gained and love lost.
The most ironic part of Wake Owl story is Colyn’s history. Born and raised in southern California the aspiring musical poet was into “rhyme stuff/hip hop” explaining, “I wrote rap basically. I used to go around the school ground rapping my verses to whoever would listen. Then about seven years ago I picked up a guitar and taught myself basic stuff and immediately began writing songs.” It was this very event combined with travelling to different farms throughout the world, trained in organic agriculture, that solidified his passion for music writing.
After much experimentation and reflection, his debut release Wild Country EP was born. A collection of five songs that harvest raw, genuine emotions of hope.
The Wild Country EP was released via Vagrant Records on January 29th, 2013. and is available nationwide for purchase on iTunes.
’Wake Owl – Wild Country’
’Wake Owl – You’ll Never Go’
