Friendly Folk Records
Friendly Folk Records is an independent record label based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017 by music journalist and entrepreneur Kathy Keller. The early label roster represented mostly 'up and coming' folk artists from various genres: Celtic Folk Rock, Traditional Folk, Pagan Folk, Singer-songwriters +more.
Contents
- History
- Artists
- External links
History
Main article:
Friendly Folk Records is an independent record label based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2017 by entrepreneur and music journalist, Kathy Keller. Having bonded with many touring musicians she had interviewed for her radio show on Prog Core Radio (Canada), it led to creation of a music promotion company, ‘My Music Matters MT’ (2014-2018); where Keller managed well known and ‘up and coming’ Folk and Progressive Rock musicians. She successfully managed multiple artists, most notably Progressive Rock acts: Kristoffer Gildenlöw (Kayak, ex-Pain of Salvation), Philhelmon, Silhouette and Jyoti Verehoeff; and Celtic Folk Rock band, Greenrose Faire. In 2017 the promotion company shifted to predominantly folk genre bands. According to the label website: ‘Friendly Folk Records label was established when Keller realized that there were very few record labels taking on the challenge of nurturing new talent and showcasing established Artists from the wide spectrum of Folk genres.’ It was purported, that the label had a false start in 2017, placing their trust in a now defunct distribution service. In 2018, My Music Matters MT merged all services under the record label umbrella. From Jan/2018 – Sept/2020 all Friendly Folk Records releases were distributed by Dutch Music Works (Netherlands). Since Oct/2020 all aspects of record label are managed inhouse. Worldwide digital distribution provided by aggregator, iMusician (Switzerland); Physical distribution provided by: Sonic Rendezvous (Netherlands); Just for Kicks (Germany); Marquee Records (Japan).
Artists [edit]
Artists:
The first label release was: Greenrose Faire with ‘Decades of Songs and Stories’ in (2017); followed by Jyoti Verhoeff, ‘Touches – I speak with my mouth shut’; Drusuna Pagan Folk, ‘Kaytos Kom’’ The Midnight, ‘The Legend Has Begun’ (2018). These bands have multiple releases with the label, and several have been with the Friendly Folk Records, and many have been under management of Keller since 2015. In 2019, Friendly Folk Records signed Shandon Sahm, son of country music legend, Doug Sahm, with the 2019 release of 'Sahm Covers Sahm' a tribute album to his late father. Chris Murphy Violinist (California, USA), also joined the label in 2019, with the release of two singles, followed by the album, Sovereign in 2020. Harmony Glen, known for their energetic Celtic Folk Rock performances throughout Europe, and arena shows with Music Show Scotlandat Ahoy, Rotterdam, also signed with the label in 2019.
March 2020, Ton Scherpenzeel, signed with the label and released his fifth solo album, VELVET ARMOUR. Scherpenzeel is the world renowned 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. ‘The Lion’s Dream’ featured guest vocalist, Brian de Graeve of Silhouette. 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. Album also includes 'My Heart Never Changed', originally released on Kayak album, Royal Bed Bouncer (1975). Friendly Folk Records artists, Jyoti Verhoeff and Greenrose Faire were in the spotlight of German magazine, Sonic Seducer (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. Friendly Folk Records artists were also in an article series about folk labels in Irish Music Magazine (Aug – Dec 2021) featured stories were: Kathy Keller; Greenrose Faire, Ton Scherpenzeel, Chris Murphy, and Harmony Glen. Friendly Folk Records is the sponsor and host of Friendly Folk Stage at Fantasy Fest Rijswijk. The festival takes place every March and October at de Broodfabriek.