Vermont-based Father-Son Country duo, Folks Like Them, are delighted to share their new single I Ain’t Changing. The song continues the two’s exploration in their adamance of staying true to themselves.
With the song crafted by Chris and Allen Kave, I Ain’t Changing unapologetically reinforces immutable lifestyle through past self-experiences. Through all troubled and happy times, the character sticks to his roots and knows himself well enough to realize he belongs where he grew up. That’s the lifestyle he’s happiest with, and he’s hell-bent on keeping it. I Ain’t Changing is a rockin’, uptempo country song with great guitar tones and a crystal clear sound.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Folks Like Them about the latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what kind of music do you create?
We are from the Shenandoah Mountains originally. We’ve lived in many places which allowed us to experience life and to view the world from different perspectives. From those experiences, our goal is to create meaningful songs that draw from a history of family, love, heartbreak, and life. We don’t sugar coat, but we believe people want to help others and make their lives better. Our music aims to tell real stories about real people, working to enrich their own lives and the lives of the people they love.
Our world is not about categories or specific influences, just great songs. Presenting the songs in different styles and creative tones allow us to explore the strength of each song, character, and story, presenting them in a way we hope listeners can identify and connect with. We want people to draw meaning, to apply their own perspective, so the songs will speak to them in ways we could not even imagine. The music industry has historically placed artists and writers in a certain bag so they can sell them. The public is a lot more intelligent than that. If the work is good and people find meaning in it. Folks will be interested.
What led the group down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
It is really simple. We write what is inside of us. We draw from our childhood, from our loves, from our parents, kids, and how we see the world. The intent to provide an honest perspective that folks can identify with and feel. It really is about feeling. Our musical path is about presenting a musical moment, a character, a song that touches, influences and allows others to feel healing, clarify, or whatever they draw from the song. That’s what motivates us to keep going.
How is this new release “I Ain’t Changing” different from any previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
We are really excited about the “I Ain’t Changing” release. The release really speaks to a strong character. The character is committed to following a path that reflects who he is, in a world that is constantly pushing everyone to the next big thing. It is less about the character himself, and more about each of us finding our center, becoming comfortable with it, and using it to support our families, community and ourselves. This theme is more important now than ever.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age. How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
At the center are still great songs that people can identify with. Material that presents something in a unique way or helps inform is still valuable. Again, our goal is to write songs that people can apply to their lives and histories.
That said, one challenge is to present and support the material in a way that allows it to shine. So much has changed and yet the best method is still to write great songs and to produce them in a way that makes them attractive to your audience.
We know that building an audience takes time, so patience and consistency are very important. Technology is the great leveler, allowing every artist or writer to find a lane. There’s a saying about “holes in your shoes”, you can dig the ventilation or sing the blues. We embrace the possibilities that technologies bring. We dig the ventilation.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ll give you the last two songs: “Catch A Ride” by Robben Ford and Bill Evans. The second song “First Defeat” by Noah Gunderson. Looking for unique combinations of genres that will support a particular song is a favorite “lawn” game of ours.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I prefer vinyl for the soul, CDs in the car and MP3s for convenience.
How about this one…Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Band camp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer buying a CD or album so the artist can get as much from the sale of his/her music as possible. The artist is the one who put the blood sweat and tears into the songs and production. They deserve to make a living from those efforts.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Our first single is available on all the major streaming platforms. You can also go to www.folkslikethem.com to learn more about us. Also, we are creating a series of videos on songwriting and production. The videos are available on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FolksLikeThem/ and our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLuwlNS4MNFNyJmFKlOLsVA) pages.
Anything else before we sign off?
The most important thing to us is that our listeners find meaning and inspiration from our material. We believe that a great song can elevate you in a way that you can’t even predict. It can help you heal, find meaning, and see things in a different way.
