Laurel Premo is a Michigan-based musician renowned for her unique and experimental approach to roots music, blending influences from Appalachia, Scandinavia, and the British Isles into her compositions. Her music, characterized by a deep rhythmic sensibility and a profound connection to traditional folk sounds, is performed on a variety of instruments including the fingerstyle electric guitar, lap steel, fiddle, and her vocals. Premo’s work stands out for its innovative re-crafting of traditional melodies into new, electrifying soundscapes that resonate with both warmth and grit.
Her latest album, “Golden Loam,” showcases Premo’s mastery in creating a captivating blend of guitar and lap guitar instrumentals, drawing both from original compositions and traditional sources. This album reflects her continued exploration of dark roots music, characterized by a seeking, untethered delivery that masterfully utilizes space and dynamic waves of sustain. Notably, “Golden Loam” includes Premo’s vocals on tracks like ‘Hop High’ and ‘I Am A Pilgrim,’ integrating them into the musical fabric as additional instrumental lines that enrich the album’s overall texture.
Premo has been actively writing, arranging, and touring since 2009, both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Red Tail Ring. Her solo performances delve into both traditional and new fiddle music, revealing a deep understanding of harmonic drones, minimalist repetition, and rich polyrhythms. Through her music, Premo engages deeply with the archaic melodies and nuanced intonations that bridge folk sounds to the mystic and unknown, demonstrating her commitment to both preserving and innovating within the roots music tradition.
For those interested in exploring the depths of contemporary folk music and its intersections with other traditional forms, Laurel Premo’s work offers a rich and immersive experience. Her ability to transform and electrify old traditions while staying grounded in their original essence makes her music a valuable contribution to the evolving landscape of folk and roots music.