
Basic Folk features honest conversations with folk musicians hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No. We approach 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. You’ll hear interviews from Three-time Grammy-winning guitar gods like Molly Tuttle, Haitian American f... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 368 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Music InterviewsPerforming ArtsMusicArts | |||

One of the things I [lizzie] really enjoyed about interviewing Toronto-born singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is his relationship with the truth. He has a really peaceful attitude towards learning and sharing new information. For example, at the beginn... more
Mike and Ruth Merenda have been making music together as the Mammals since 2001, with a little break in 2008 to play as Mike & Ruthy. They've been back as the Mammals since 2017 with a couple of great albums, most recently 'Touch Grass' Vol. 1 and Vo... more
Joe Henry has released 15 studio albums, apprenticed for legendary producer T Bone Burnett and, in turn, has produced many other musicians' albums on his own, including three GRAMMY Award-winning albums – for Solomon Burke, Carolina Chocolate Drops, ... more
A foundational participant in the '70s Bay Area bluegrass scene, Laurie Lewis knows the power of collaboration. She's been a part of an ensemble in recent years that's called "Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands" with Laurie on fiddle, guitar, and vocals,... more
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I adore Basic Folk’s interviews: the work that the hosts put into researching their guests and coming up with unique, interesting questions is apparent. I have become an avid listener, and I’m excited to discover more fascinating folk musicians through this podcast!
Amazing episode!
…are as good as it gets - full of info and insight with a personal touch!
Love this podcast. I did find the interviewer distracting with their “yeah”, “right”, “mhm” while listening, a lot of the time while the person is still finishing her thought
As a folk musician myself, I love Cindy's approach to these interviews. She seems to have a way of making the musician's interviewed very comfortable. She asks very interesting questions and I love love love her casual tone. Plus, she picks the best people to interview. Thank you Cindy for giving folk lovers some really fun behind the scenes yumminess to chew on.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #215 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #183 | |
Apple Podcasts | #184 | |
Apple Podcasts | #227 | |
Apple Podcasts | #247 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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This show centers on intimate conversations with folk, bluegrass, and Americana artists, often featuring veterans and rising voices who explore collaboration, craft, resilience, and the evolving music landscape. Episodes frequently thread personal health, mentorship, community, and the tension between artistic integrity and industry pressures into wide-ranging discussions about process, inspiration, and living a creative life. A notable through-line is a commitment to representation and inclusion, with guests from diverse backgrounds shaping a broad, welcoming view of roots music. Listeners can expect thoughtful questions, warm humor, and deep dives into artistry, collaboration, and the realities of making music with purpose.
A standout qu... more
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4. Life of the Record
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Basic Folk launched 7 years ago and published 368 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Basic Folk include:
1. Julian Taylor
2. Mike Merenda
3. Joe Henry
4. Mark Erelli
5. Laurie Lewis
6. Naomi Westwater
7. Tony Dekker
8. Mary Chapin Carpenter
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