Simply Folk Interviews

The Milwaukee-based duo, Nickel and Rose, aka Carl Nichols and Johanna Rose, will be performing at the Simply Folk Shindig on June 7th. In anticipation of that performance, they were in WPR's Buck Studio recently to share music and conversation with Dan Robinson. Along with talking about their inspirations for writing music, they shared a couple of new songs that will be on an album they'll be recording soon.

Kendra Swanson recently brought her strong voice, energetic instrumental work and wonderful musicianship into WPR's Buck Studio recently for a performance and conversation with Dan Robinson. A talented singer-songwriter, Kendra's roots-based music reflects both her personal journey and inspiration from the natural world.

Joe Jencks was recently in WPR's Wausau studio with Dan Robinson to share his music and talk about where he draws inspiration for his songwriting. An 18-year veteran of the folk music circuit, Joe is well-known for his solo work as well as his time with the trio Brother Sun.

Marlin Ledin was in WPR’s Superior studio for an interview with Dan Robinson recently. Along with sharing music from his new self-titled EP, Marlin discussed how the album came to be and how being in the northwoods has influenced his music.

At WPR’s La Crosse studio, Dan Robinson interviewed David Schipper about the folk music community in the La Crosse area, as well as the larger Coulee Region and Driftless area. David, a musician himself, as well as a house concert host and one of the organizers of the Great River Folk Festival, talked about the musicians, venues and events of southwest Wisconsin.

Wade Fernandez brought his voice, his guitars, and his flute into WPR's Wausau studio to share his music and his life experiences with Simply Folk host Dan Robinson. Soaring from Menominee Indian Reservation roots to blues, from rock to original music, Fernandez performs a wide variety of music, both here in the U.S. and around the world. All that music and lived experience made for a great performance and conversation.

Art Stevenson and High Water have been playing great bluegrass music in Wisconsin and beyond for decades. They brought their tight harmonies and stellar instrumental playing into the WPR studio recently for a performance and interview with Dan Robinson.

Door County musician Katie Dahl came out with a new single this month, “In the Dark,” which she says is “a hymn for the longest nights of the year. During times of darkness – in a year, in a life, in a nation – who brings the light?” We just played it this past Sunday on Simply Folk, so we thought it would be good to share this June 2011 interview with Katie and former host Stephanie Elkins. Enjoy!

The band Dead Horses, a four-piece folk/bluegrass ensemble based in Oshkosh that's just finishing up its second album, came in for a session in WPR's Buck Studio. We shared a little conversation, and they provided a preview of five powerful new songs. There was beautiful and effortless four-part harmony on top of very strong instrumental work (featuring guitars, stand-up bass, fiddle and mandolin).

Stephanie Elkins interviews noted Wisconsin musician Robert J!