In this episode we explore traditional folk music and how it is a powerful oral storytelling tool that carries culture, tradition, history, and knowledge across generations, shaping people’s identity today. We speak with the infamous musical duo Fergus O’Byrne and Jim Payne who are spreading traditional folk music around the island – and the world – keeping Newfoundland and Labrador culture alive. We also had the pleasure of being joined by Darrell Power, former member of Great Big Sea, who has since established two recording studios among other projects. Our guests share their relationship with music, what traditional folk music sounds like and means to them, and how growing up draped in an era of culture and music influenced their musical careers. Joining Dr. Sondra Eger is co-host Sara Langer, a PhD student at Grenfell Campus Memorial University who also led the development of this episode.

Songs featured in the episode:
Home Boys Home - Shanneyganock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvvEuDOT98Y
Blow the Wind Westerly - https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php/component/mymuse/product?id=4
Double Sledder Lad - https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php/catalog/5-wave-over-wave

About Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne recording company SingSong Inc.- [https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php/home/about-us]
Check out their music library - [https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php]
Listen to Ryan’s Fancy - [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jtVmoiF2EB146xhVEXWim]
“Wave over Wave” by Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne, part of ArtsSmarts program - [https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php/artists/jim-payne-a-fergus-obyrne/5-wave-over-wave]
For ArtsSmarts Inquiries or to get in touch with Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne -
[https://www.singsonginc.ca/index.php/contact-us]

In the News
Jim and Fergus Recently Featured in album “New Recording of Woods Songs and Recitations from NL - [https://www.mun.ca/mmap/research-and-publications/back-on-track/the-music-of-our-burnished-axes/]
Jim Payne wins Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021 NL Folk Festival - [https://vocm.com/2021/08/01/2021-folk-festival-comes-to-a-close-tonight/]
ArtsSmarts Project in the news - [https://nfldherald.com/payne-and-obryne-team-up-for-artssmarts-project/]

Darrell Power on Twitter - [@DarrellPowerNL]
“Home Boys Home” plays Darrell Power at the Songwriter’s Circle in Outer Cove - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg4tMwh6eS8&ab_channel=BetweenTheRock]
Listen to “Home Boys Home” by Shanneyganock - [https://open.spotify.com/album/6q8XjEZkxasixC4wlntNy4?highlight=spotify:track:3nmF1oVxsPiryRrQFwn1Gw]

In the News
Darrell Power releases first solo album “Happily Ever After” - [https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/lifestyles/after-decades-playing-with-other-groups-former-great-big-sea-bassist-is-making-a-solo-album-218284/]
Darrell among other artists on the ballot in St. John’s municipal election - [https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-telegram-st-johns/20170916/281595240702622]

We love to hear your feedback. Connect with the host:
Sondra Eger (www.twitter.com/@soneger)
If you have a story to share with us or questions about how we make the podcast, send us an email at stories@coastalroutes.org.

Coastal Routes Radio is led by:
Philip Loring www.twitter.com/@ConserveChange
Hannah Harrison www.twitter.com/@fishpeopleplace
Follow the Coastal Routes Project www.twitter.com/@Coastal_Routes
Listen to Volume 1 of Coastal Routes Radio soundcloud.com/conservechange/sets/social-fishtancing