‘Tis a season of political madness. No matter where you stand or where you come from, there is plenty of action to debate. If there’s one thing folk musicians are great at it’s writing a passionate protest song, particularly in the days before internet trolling made everyone a little fearful. Canadian musician, Loudon Wainwright III came from an era where politics and social issues had a huge influence on songwriting and vice versa. His latest single, “I Had a Dream” is a “diss track” on Donald Trump that doesn’t hold back. His brutal honesty is refreshing and deeply satisfying.

On our own shores, a little while ago Missy Higgins released a heartbreaking song about Alan Kurdi, the 3 year old Syrian boy who was washed ashore in Turkey, shocking millions of people across the world to their core. “We often read about the tragic plight of refugees but I think that picture exposed us to the reality in such a raw way that the truth became inescapable.” Missy’s song, coupled with a devastating video clip that shows refugee childrens’ drawings of their experiences and hopes, has since been shared thousands of times across the country.

On a happier note, Melbourne duo ‘Oh Pep!’ have just released their new album, ‘Stadium Cake’ and it is racking up rave reviews across the world. We listened to ‘Bushwick’ and ‘Tea, Milk & Honey’, two songs that demonstrate the band’s beautifully crafted songwriting and their new folk/pop sound.

We also have a look at the lineup of the Bello Winter Music Festival, happening in Bellingen this weekend. Sydney band, Green Mohair Suits will be bringing their stunning harmonies and Aussie bluegrass charm to the festival. We hear two songs from their latest album, ‘Wooden Duck’. Willie Watson from the US will be there as part of his international tour. Willie was a founding member of Old Crow Medicine show and plays in Dave Rawlings Machine. His solo album, ‘Folk Singer Vol. 1’ was produced by Dave Rawlings. Melbourne duo, ‘Sweet Jean’ will also grace the stage with their new album, ‘Monday to Friday’ in tow. What better way is there to spend the weekend!