We Speak Folk

Phil Pickens Closes Side A of Caution to the Wind With “Grandad’s Wine”

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

Phil Pickens peeking out from behind his acoustic guitar in a press portrait.

Indie folk singer-songwriter Phil Pickens releases “Grandad’s Wine” today, a nostalgic song about his grandparents and summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia that closes Side A of his two-part album Caution to the Wind.

“It’s a thoughtful rootsy folk country break full of lyrical imagery and a candid vocal delivery.” — The Wild Is Calling

Some of us are lucky enough to have fond nostalgic memories of our grandparents – and what better time to reflect on family than the impending holiday season. Releasing today, indie folk pop singer-songwriter Phil Pickens reflects on these memories in his latest single, “Grandad’s Wine.” With an instantly cozy and beautifully percussive introduction that consoles like a warm cabin fireplace, “Grandad’s Wine” transports to a place of comfort and familiarity. In his ever-skillful lyrical prowess, Pickens’ way of telling his own story while making it sound universal is something special. “There’s nary a soul to prepare him for this / No lesson of God or science to teach a man to rest / Just hurts like hell and that’s the simple fact / He’s been sitting on the edge for his love to come back and take him home,” he sings with conviction. Somehow both easy on the ears yet softly anthemic, the feel-good swell of the chorus is magnetic, leaving the listener feeling sentimental and sonically satiated with a story of a bigger picture of a love that spans generations and hair color. The X-factor of the track may just lie in the subtle yet effective horns throughout.

“‘Grandad’s Wine’ is a song about my grandparents, their life together, and the summers I spent with them in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia,” Pickens states. “My grandfather made his own wine—fermented, aged, and far too sweet—and spoiled the grandkids with candy and loud toys while his grandmother quietly kept her secrets. The song holds onto those memories: a garden, a bottle of homemade wine, a box of childhood keepsakes, and the hope that, somewhere beyond this life, they found each other again.”

The new song is the fifth and final single from Side A of Pickens’ two-part album, Caution to the Wind, spanning 2026 and into 2027. Acting as its own EP, Side A unfolded this summer and fall with the songs “Gwinnett Mall,” “Walk Away,” “Perfect Work of Art,” “Lovesick,” and now “Grandad’s Wine.” Regarding the unique two-part project as a whole, Pickens says, “I wrote all of these songs at different times in my life, so releasing them one at a time felt closer to how they originally arrived to me. Rather than putting everything out at once, I wanted to let each song have its own moment and unfold throughout the year. That felt more intentional and meaningful to me.” Reuniting with Grammy Award-winning producer James Frazee, Pickens approached Caution to the Wind with patience, building it from the ground up. Tracked live with a focus on feel over polish, the album explores memory, relationships, longing, resilience, and the quiet ways we keep moving forward.

About Phil Pickens

Phil Pickens writes songs that find meaning in ordinary moments, whose lyrics balance intimate storytelling with warm, organic arrangements. Raised outside Atlanta and now based in New York City, the indie folk-rock songwriter pairs poetic storytelling with warm, organic arrangements that linger long after the final note, emulating his heroes in John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell to name a few. Notable accolades include being selected by WFUV and NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest as one of New York City’s Top 3 Bands, and having performed at the Gibson Guitars New York showroom (formerly The Hit Factory studios). He’s also had former residencies at Pete’s Candy Store and Rockwood Music Hall, and was featured in tribute nights at Joe’s Pub and C’mon Everybody. He’s maintained a regular presence on stages including the Knitting Factory, Littlefield, Bowery Palace, and Union Hall, making a name for himself among the Big Apple’s indie scene. His previous releases include his debut album, Cathedrals, released in 2017, along with strings of singles since. Rolling out as a two-part release across 2026 and 2027, Caution to the Wind is a record about finding meaning in ordinary moments, remembering where we’ve been, and recognizing the people who help us keep moving forward.

Laney Lebo Shares New Single “Slow Acting Poison”

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2026

We Speak Media

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Laney Lebo has shared “Slow Acting Poison,” a dreamy indie-folk single written from the perspective of the apple in the Garden of Eden.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Laney Lebo returns today with her new single, “Slow Acting Poison.” The track pairs airy, ethereal vocals with warm, earthy indie-folk guitars, balancing its dreamy, almost delicate sound with a darker undercurrent. Written from the perspective of the apple in the Garden of Eden, “Slow Acting Poison” reimagines the biblical story of temptation, challenging the idea that something desirable must also be dangerous.

“The song explores the relationship between desire and shame while voicing the frustration felt by women who are often blamed for how they’re perceived by others,” Lebo shares. “It asks the question, ‘Is it my fault for being wanted?’”

To celebrate the release, Lebo will perform at Nashville’s The Basement on November 15. Tickets are available here.

Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Lebo’s childhood was soundtracked by bands like The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, and Steely Dan. Surrounded by the improvisational spirit and rich storytelling of classic rock and jam bands, she absorbed those influences early on. As a teenager, she began putting those inspirations into practice, joining an afterschool music program where she learned how to perform with a band and command a stage.

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Lebo moved to Nashville in late 2023. Over the past year, she has come into her own as an artist, creating music she describes as “sexy-sad,” blending melancholic storytelling and soulful melodies with flashes of humor and a wink of drama.

Through her music, Lebo aims to create a safe space for listeners to look inward and celebrate their most vulnerable selves, while also embracing the magic of disguise. Whether a song is deeply personal or from the depths of her imagination, she loves leaving that question unanswered. It’s that tension between vulnerability and storytelling that defines the heart of Laney Lebo’s music.

Listen to “Slow Acting Poison” on all streaming platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/laneylebo/slow-acting-poison Photo Credit: Do Or Die Trying Media Follow Laney Lebo: Website Instagram TikTok Spotify Apple Music YouTube

PR Inquiries Ava Tunnicliffe @ Tallulah PR ava@tallulahprmgmt.com (mailto:ava@tallulahprmgmt.com)

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