Friendly Folk Records

Friendly Folk Records is an independent record label located in, Rotterdam, Netherlands founded by entrepreneur, Kathy Keller (2017). According to their website, the label was established at the request of several folk musicians whom Keller represented at her management company. The early label rooster represented mostly 'up and coming' folk artists from various genres of: Celtic Folk Rock: Greenrose Faire (Finland), The Midnight (Italy), Pyrolysis (Netherlands); Celtic Folk Punk: The Royal Spuds (Netherlands); Pagan Folk: Drusuna Pagan Ritual Folk (Portugal), and Progressive Ambient Folk Jyoti Verhoeff (Netherlands). German music magazine, Sonic Seducer, took notice of the label and spotlighted Pyrolysis, The Royal Spuds, Jyoti Verhoeff and Greenrose Faire with interviews and reviews in Sonic Seducer Mittelalter-Musik Vol. 6 (2017) and added their debut tracks on Cold Hands Seduction compilation CD Vol 190 (2017).

In 2018, Keller disolved her promotion company, My Music Matters Management Triad(2015-2018), and merged it with the record label. In 2019, Friendly Folk Records label began to attract the attention of Country music genre musicians from USA, with the signing of Shandon Sahm, son of country legend, Doug Sahm, with the 2019 release of 'Sahm Covers Sahm' a tribute album to his late father. In 2020 the label signed Chris Murphy Violinist a prolific musician based in California, USA, with the release of Sovereign.

Friendly Folk Records artists, Jyoti Verhoeff and Greenrose Faire were again in the spotlight of Sonic Seducer CDs reviewed (06/2021). In the same issue were interviews and reviews of new label releases from: Chris Murphy, Harmony Glen, The Flask, The Midnight, and Drusuna Pagan Ritual Folk.

Since the signing of Ton Scherpenzeel, with October/2021 release of his fifth solo album, VELVET ARMOUR, the label has received amplified media attention. Scherpenzeel is the world reknowned Dutch composer, keyboardist, lyricst and founder of the Progressive Rock band, Kayak. VELVET ARMOUR and Schepenzeel's fourth album, 'The Lion's Dream' are a blend of Baroque Folk and Progressive Rock ballads. Both albums feature Annette Visser (ex-Flairick) on flute and recorders. In an interview with Irish Music Magazine/(Nov/2021) Scherpenzeel mentioned that he was dubious about releasing an album like Velvet Armour commercially, and after he made that statement on social media he was approached by Friendly Folk Records, who were interested in releasing the album on their folk label. He also told journalist Sean Laffey during the interview, 'I know I am not your typical folk artist but there are strong similarities and connections to that style'. The eighteen-track album reflects the essence of the Medieval Renaissance era, with a blend of Baroque Folk and Progressive Rock Ballads. The album also includes an old Kayak number, 'My Heart Never Changed', originally released on the album, Royal Bed Bouncer (1975). Friendly Folk Records artists were featured in a consecutive series by journalist Sean Laffey, in Irish Music Magazine (August - December 2021 issues, featuring interviews with: Kathy Keller, (Owner); Greenrose Faire, Ton Scherpenzeel, Chris Murphy, Harmony Glen).

Label Artist Roster: (Current) Ton Scherepenzeel (Netherlands) Greenrose Faire (Finland) The Midnight (Italy) Harmony Glen (Netherlands) Jyoti Verhoeff (Netherlands) Chris Murphy (USA) The Jolly Gents (Netherlands) Drusuna Ritual Pagan Folk (Portugal) The Flask (Netherlands)

Artist Distribution Releases: Shandon Sahm (USA-2019) Honkytonk Men (Netherlands-2019) Old Man Fergus (Netherlands-2020) Peel’s Myth (Scotland-2020)

Festivals: Friendly Folk Records is the sponsor and host of Friendly Folk Stage at Fantasy Fest Rijswijk Friendly Folk Records artists have appeared at most folk festivals around Europe and UK: