On their upcoming record Missouri Folklore: Songs & Stories From Home, My Politic dig deep into the soil of their home state, shining a light on the complexities and dichotomies of those who plant their roots within it.
Part autobiographical, part conceptual, every song on Missouri Folklore is set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, which served as the landscapes of longtime friends and bandmates Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey's early years. Through reflective, imagery-driven songwriting, the pair honestly examine the tangled webs we weave, often overshadowed by the doldrums of everyday life in small-town America.
Missouri Folklore is a thematic shift from the band's previous record, 2020's Short-Sighted People in Power, which directly responded to the political climate that permeated every aspect of American culture during that chaotic year. That project earned acclaim from a range of outlets, including the Nashville Scene, American Songwriter, and The Alternate Root, bringing a much-deserved and long-awaited new spotlight onto their well-honed artistry.
Missouri Folklore: Songs & Stories From Home marks My Politic's 10th album, but also serves as a thoughtful introduction to Guffey and Pankey's blend of sincere, candid storytelling that echoes the spirit of greats like John Prine, who the band cites as their most significant influence.
Most Recently, Guffey & Pankey have been touring the U.S. extensively. Playing house concerts & listening rooms as well as larger venues opening for folks like Adeem The Artist & Margo Cilker. They have been showing up at festivals as well including The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, Home Sweet Home Festival & the Rock House Music Festival.
Guffey and Pankey's engaging slice-of-life storytelling, expertly-crafted characters & sibling-like harmony, shape a collection of songs that are as intimate and engaging as they are unforgettable. With Missouri Folklore, My Politic pay homage to the people and places that raised them while highlighting the work needed to cultivate a better environment for themselves and those who come next.
photo by Jake Faivre