Today’s episode of Hard Folk features singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson. He’s got his hands full as one half of the duo Summersets, releasing “Move Back Home” earlier this fall as well as teaching songwriting at Carleton University. We talked about finding his way through the ever-evolving music industry, how social media has influenced the craft of songwriting, how & when to use the wealth of tools that he’s amassed with his own songwriting, Jeff Tweedy, the myth that is writer’s block and we squeeze a tiny bit of golf talk in too.

Today on Hard Folk, I’m joined by Libby & Cal. We talked about their songwriting process, Sad Girl Cafe, the stress, hassle & paperwork involved in crossing the US Border to play music and took a bit of a deep dive into the world of autoharps.

Libby & Cal will be playing the 2nd CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk on Friday November 14th at Art House Cafe (555 Somerset St W) with James Leclaire.

Visit thearthouse.ca for tickets.

Today on Hard Folk, I’m joined by Ottawa singer-songwriter James Leclaire. We talked about James’ many evolutions: evolving from punk bands to a solo artists, retiring from a career in animation to making music his full-time gig. We also laud the versatility and artistic influence of Steve Earle and the importance of self-reliance and self-confidence in the music industry.

James Leclaire will be playing the 2nd CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk on Friday November 14th at Art House Cafe (555 Somerset St W) with Libby & Cal.

Visit thearthouse.ca for tickets.

Today on Hard Folk, I’m joined by Toronto Star reporter Abby O’Brien. Abby’s regular beat is in crime reporting, however a recent article about her first experience performing at an open mic caught my eye. In the article Abby talks about jumping out of her comfort zone and overcoming her fear of failure. What she didn’t expect was being welcomed into a vibrant community that includes the likes of artists, DIYers and urban gardeners.

Curtis Jones joins the podcast to chronicle his journey from making home recordings to having kids and in the past year performing live for the first time as a solo artist.

Side Door Access Presents: Curtis Jones w/ special guests Matt Gower and Vic (from Victor Complex)

Meow! That’s Hot

519 Bank St

Friday Oct. 3rd, 8pm

$15 advance / $20 door

Tickets available here.

Ottawa folksinger Birdie Whyte joins the Friday Night Folkcast to talk prostest songs and to promote her fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank: All Together Now - Area Players Sing Songs of Protest, at the Dominion Tavern on Friday Sept. 26th @ 9pm.

Matt welcomes folk duo Bon Echo aka Tim Loten & Emma Houlahan. They talk about the similarities and differences between the Canadian and UK folk scenes, recording at Abbey Road Studios, adapting the themes and stylings of opera to folk music and the darkness that haunts old time music.

CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk featuring Krystal Jessup and Bon Echo, hosted by Matt Gower

Friday Sept. 5th, 8pm

Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door, available now.

Self-professed travel junkie, singer/songwriter Krystal Jessup blends her nomadic storytelling with emotive vocals to create a uniquely soulful collection of contemporary folk songs.

Listen to Krystal’s album Throwing Pennies on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your music.

Host Matt Gower and Krystal chat about her approach to songwriting, teaching herself guitar while isolated in Thailand at the very beginning of the COVID pandemic, Townes Van Zandt and using vulnerability as her secret songwriting weapon.

CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk featuring Krystal Jessup and Bon Echo, hosted by Matt Gower

Friday Sept. 5th, 8pm

Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door, available now.