Basic Folk

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 folk legends like Leyla McCalla and deep feelers like songwriter John Hiatt.

Basic Folk is dedicated to showcasing the best in folk, bluegrass, acoustic and americana including Black, Brown and Queer folx who have been excluded, or felt like they did not belong, in the folk world. Cindy & Lizzie each bring a unique perspective to these honest conversations with folk musicians. We are equally dedicated to repainting the broad landscape of folk music as we are to tearing down the ivory towers of the music industry. What would Bruce Springsteen do if he ever got the keys to that mansion on the hill? Let's find out together on Basic Folk.

Basic is an official production of The Bluegrass Situation. Thanks for listening.

Welcome to Basic Folk.

Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/

Help produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/

Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306
Apr 17, 2025 – 34:55
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305
Apr 10, 2025 – 43:44
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304
Apr 3, 2025 – 46:20
Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303
Mar 27, 2025 – 01:01:14
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302
Mar 20, 2025 – 01:04:32
Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301
Mar 13, 2025 – 01:25:31
Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300
Mar 6, 2025 – 01:06:40
Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove
Mar 4, 2025 – 25:27
Gary Louris talks to Mark Erelli on Songwriting, Late in Life Love, and Technology, ep. 299
Feb 27, 2025 – 01:01:02
Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons, ep. 297
Feb 20, 2025 – 44:50
*Bonus* Mary Sue Twohy: From Folk Roots to Radio Waves
Feb 18, 2025 – 41:12
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296
Feb 13, 2025 – 58:25
Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295
Feb 6, 2025 – 57:32
Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour: Satan's Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red, ep. 294
Jan 30, 2025 – 01:07:30
Josh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks, ep. 293
Jan 23, 2025 – 01:02:56
Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s), ep. 292
Jan 16, 2025 – 50:22
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291
Jan 9, 2025 – 57:50
Basic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production
Jan 2, 2025 – 05:06
Year-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride, ep. 290
Dec 12, 2024 – 01:11:13
Nature Calls for Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home, ep. 289
Dec 5, 2024 – 01:00:14
Becca Stevens on Grief, Spiritual Co-Writing and Connection, ep. 288
Nov 21, 2024 – 58:17
Twisted Pines' Kathleen Parks Secret Polka Past, ep. 287
Nov 14, 2024 – 01:19:48
Edie Carey & Sarah Sample: remain Cool despite Comfort, Cajons and Dream Catchers, ep. 286
Nov 7, 2024 – 01:08:26
The Sound of Women's Voices: A Shorty Bonus on a Weird Ass Day
Nov 6, 2024 – 16:34
From Songwriting to Sobriety: Kasey Anderson's Journey to His Final Album, ep. 285
Oct 31, 2024 – 01:11:41
Riffing on Life: Chuck Prophet talks Music, Surfing, and Storytelling with Mark Erelli, EP. 284
Oct 24, 2024 – 01:16:09
Liv Greene on Finding her Tender Little Queer Heart, ep. 283
Oct 17, 2024 – 55:32
Exploring Ancestral Roots with Blind Pilot, ep. 282
Oct 10, 2024 – 56:02
Amy Helm: Letters to Women and the Legacy of The Barn, ep. 281
Oct 3, 2024 – 01:14:03
From Reality Bites to Nursery Rhymes: Lisa Loeb's Unconventional Journey, ep. 280
Sep 26, 2024 – 01:06:58
Folk Music, Friendship, and Fountain Pens: Nerding out with Bruce Molsky & Darol Anger, ep. 29
Sep 19, 2024 – 01:07:23
Basic Folk Presents: American Masters: Creative Spark feat. Jewel
Sep 17, 2024 – 38:37
Balancing Dreams and Reality: A Folk Debate on Ambition, ep. 278
Sep 12, 2024 – 01:10:27
Jeffrey Foucault remembers Billy Conway with Universal Fire, ep. 277
Sep 5, 2024 – 01:15:02
Amos Lee on Friends, Femininity and Folk Roots, ep. 276
Aug 29, 2024 – 01:05:35
From Lancaster to the Limelight: The de Vitry Sibling Soundtrack, ep. 275
Aug 22, 2024 – 01:10:35
Basic Folk Presents: The Other 22 Hours - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Aug 20, 2024 – 49:49
Denitia’s Musical Journey: From NYC Streetwear to Nashville’s Vintage Vibes, ep. 274
Aug 15, 2024 – 57:11
Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin: Eyeballs, Ice Cream, and Portland, Oregon, ep. 273
Aug 8, 2024 – 01:15:51
Fake Interviews & Real Talk: Matt the Electrician Reinvents Music Marketing, ep. 272
Aug 1, 2024 – 01:01:52
John Smith is Finding Harmony in Chaos, ep. 271
Jul 25, 2024 – 55:10
Peggy Seeger spills Folk Feminist Tea with Dawn Landes, ep. 270
Jul 18, 2024 – 01:10:30
Ana Egge on Dream-Writing, the Truth, and Sinead O'Connor, ep. 269
Jul 11, 2024 – 01:06:06
Soundcheck Stories and Life Lessons: Chris Smither and Peter Mulvey, ep. 268
Jul 4, 2024 – 01:01:23
Steve Poltz Wants to Listen to The Grateful Dead, Watch Laugh-In and Write a Song Together, ep. 267
Jun 27, 2024 – 01:18:43
Basic Folk Presents: Only Vans
Jun 25, 2024 – 29:52
Archiving the Heart: Greg Brown on Music, Family, and Throwing Out Old Notebooks, ep. 266
Jun 20, 2024 – 44:27
The Reckoning of Montreal Banjo-Witch Kaïa Kater, ep. 265
Jun 13, 2024 – 01:23:59
Guster is a Place, ep. 264
Jun 6, 2024 – 59:03
Finding Freedom in a Flip Phone: John Moreland's Quest for a Simple Life, ep. 263
May 30, 2024 – 59:05

Recent Reviews

Velonwy

Insightful, deep, and playful

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!
Aanwadecescakl799

Kara Jackson

Amazing episode!
DJ John NY

Cindy’s interviews…

…are as good as it gets - full of info and insight with a personal touch!
Tina Bobeana

So freakin' good

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.
Tdnbunny

The best

Cindy is the best. This podcast is the best.
Edie Carey

Cindy rules

I admit I've known Cindy for years, and I'm also featured on the podcast, so hell yes, I'm biased...but the truth is she is one of the smartest, most insightful interviewers out there. She really does her homework and asks truly interesting questions -- aaaand she's totally hilarious. One of the most enjoyable interviews I've ever done, and I'm loving listening to her interviews with so many of my songwriting heroes. Go, Cindy! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Hillbilly Pilgrim

Long-time fan

I’m biased, as I’ve known Cindy a long time and I’m episode 6, but I’m a devoted fan.
Scotty Pittsburgh

A Plus

Cindy is THE BEST! I listened to her on WYEP in Pittsburgh for twelve years and now I follow her podcast. Very enlightening for music lovers. And FUN!
Rikki June

Love this new podcast!

Cindy has major experience as an interviewer and that shines through every moment of this series. It is wonderful to see her stretching her legs into a long format interview and really diving deep with her guests, producing relatable content not just about the music but also the creative lives of the musicians. Her easy conversational style and deep love for folk music combine to make a highly enjoyable experience in this new podcast, Basic Folk. I highly recommend you check it out!
MattBaume

Hooray!

It is always a delight to listen to Cindy and I'm so happy she has this podcast! I'm not super knowledgeable about music but I don't have to be to enjoy the show -- Cindy's enthusiasm and expertise make her a great musical guide.
Wats000

Oh, this is great!

If you love folk music or are interested in learning about and listening to the most relevant and dope folk acts today, listen to this podcast. Cindy Howes’ is a genuine and lovable conversationist and her love and knowledge of music shines through.
Zach Tenorio

Four thumbs up!

Cindy Howes is funny, entertaining and knowledgeable beyond belief! Highly recommended for any music lover.
Excellent Indie Folk

A+

THE podcast for Millennial folk. THAT WAS A PUN!
Howesfam

A Natural Interviewer

Cindy is a natural when it comes to interviewing her guests she is very knowledgeable about the artist and their music. Can’t wait to hear who will be next on this podcast. ❤️
lindsayraemyers

Highly Anticipated Deep Dives With Artists

Cindy Howes has created a podcast whose scope is sure to excite folk and americana lovers! She has both a wide and granular knowledge of this music scene with a welcoming interviewing presence while still diving beneath the information and interviews fans may have heard before. Definitely an exciting new addition to the landscape, I can't wait to hear more!