New articles for the current print issue of Folker magazine
Two new pieces of mine appear in the current print issue of Folker Magazine (3/2026) — one about a fascinating Dutch record label, and another about a German singer-songwriter with a very distinctive style.
Strictly Country Records — Live in Holland
Anyone who enjoys folk-oriented singer-songwriters with a strong country influence has probably come across one of the more than twenty albums released by Strictly Country Records. The label’s catalogue includes live recordings by artists such as Steve Young, Barry & Holly Tashian, and Robin & Linda Williams.
Recent releases have put guitarist Happy Traum, Irish songwriter Kieran Halpin, and bluegrass legends The Country Gentlemen in the spotlight. The fact that all of these artists released intimate live recordings on a small Dutch label goes back to a childhood experience.
“My first interest in music was sparked by a Pete Seeger concert broadcast on television around 1963,” recalls Pieter Groenveld, who now runs the label.
I take a closer look at the history, music, and philosophy behind this remarkable label in my feature for Folker.
Read the full article: https://folker.world/horizonte/strictly-country-records/
Strictly Country Records: https://strictlycountryrecords.com
Herr Dennehy — Best Ignorance
For the same issue, I also wrote an extended review of Herr Dennehy’s excellent debut album, Best Ignorance.
The always impeccably dressed Tobias Dennehy — often appearing in his distinctive Peaky Blinders-inspired look — occupies a stylish niche among German singer-songwriters. His folk-pop is considerably louder and faster than much of the sometimes rather tame competition, while his pop-punk is far more polished than the usual noisy guitar bands.
In other words: this is music that is both well made and great fun to listen to. Authentic folk-rock for fathers in tweed and daughters with tattoos.
Read the full review: https://folker.world/rezensionen/herr-dennehy/
Herr Dennehy: https://herrdennehy.wordpress.com
(Both articles are in German.)
