Gregory Alan Isakov: The Story of This Empty Northern Hemisphere and His Journey as a Folk Singer

Gregory Alan Isakov is a South African-born American singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with his introspective and poetic lyrics, his soothing voice, and his atmospheric folk music. His second official release, This Empty Northern Hemisphere, is widely regarded as his masterpiece album, showcasing his talent for storytelling and creating lush soundscapes.

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Who is Gregory Alan Isakov?

Isakov was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1979, and moved to the United States with his family when he was six years old. He grew up in Philadelphia, where he learned to play the guitar and started writing songs. He later moved to Colorado, where he worked as a gardener and a teacher while pursuing his musical career. He founded his own independent label, Suitcase Town Music, and released his first album, Rust Colored Stones, in 2003. He followed it with Songs for October in 2005, but he does not list these albums in his official discography.

His first widely recognized album was That Sea, The Gambler, released in 2007. It featured songs that reflected his nomadic lifestyle and his love for nature. He toured extensively across the US and Europe, gaining a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. He also collaborated with other artists, such as Brandi Carlile, Ani DiFranco, and Passenger.

What is This Empty Northern Hemisphere?

This Empty Northern Hemisphere is Isakov's second official release, which came out in 2009. It consists of 13 tracks that explore themes such as love, loss, nostalgia, and wanderlust. The album features guest vocals by Brandi Carlile on four songs: \"That Moon Song\", \"Evelyn\", \"One of Us Cannot Be Wrong\", and \"If I Go, I'm Goin\". The latter song was also featured in the TV series Californication and The Haunting of Hill House.

The album showcases Isakov's ability to craft beautiful melodies and rich arrangements that blend acoustic instruments with ambient sounds. The songs are influenced by folk, rock, country, and blues genres, creating a diverse and captivating sonic experience. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, often using imagery from nature and astronomy to convey emotions and stories.

What are some of the highlights of the album?

Some of the most popular and acclaimed songs on the album are:

• \"Dandelion Wine\", the opening track, which sets the tone for the album with its nostalgic and hopeful lyrics about cherishing the simple moments in life.

• \"Big Black Car\", a haunting and melancholic song about a broken relationship and the desire to escape from reality. The song was featured in a 2012 McDonald's commercial, and Isakov donated the proceeds to non-profit organizations that help further sustainable farming and nurture community.

• \"This Empty Northern Hemisphere\", the title track, which is a duet with Brandi Carlile. The song is a beautiful and poignant expression of longing and loneliness, as the singers compare their distance to the emptiness of the northern hemisphere in winter.

• \"If I Go, I'm Goin\", the closing track, which is a cover of a song by Bart Crow Band. The song is a powerful and emotional farewell to a lover, with the refrain \"If I go, I'm goin all the way\". The song was also featured in the TV series Californication and The Haunting of Hill House.

How did the album impact Isakov's career?

The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Isakov praise from critics and fans alike. It also helped him gain more exposure and recognition in the music industry, as he was invited to perform at prestigious festivals and venues, such as Newport Folk Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Austin City Limits. He also received several awards and nominations, such as the Independent Music Award for Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter Album in 2010.

The album also established Isakov as one of the leading voices in contemporary folk music, with his unique style and vision. He continued to release more albums that explored his musical and lyrical themes, such as The Weatherman in 2013, Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony in 2016, and Evening Machines in 2018. He also collaborated with other artists, such as The Lumineers, Iron & Wine, and Passenger.

What are Isakov's influences and inspirations?

Isakov has cited many artists and genres as his influences and inspirations, such as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Nick Drake, Iron & Wine, and Neil Young. He has also drawn inspiration from literature, poetry, art, and nature. He has said that he likes to read books and poems by authors such as Walt Whitman, Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda, and Jack Kerouac. He has also said that he likes to paint and draw, and that he often uses visual imagery in his songwriting.

Isakov has also been influenced by his travels and experiences around the world. He has said that he likes to explore different cultures and landscapes, and that he often writes songs based on his observations and impressions. He has also said that he likes to incorporate elements of different musical traditions and instruments in his songs, such as the banjo, the mandolin, the harmonica, and the bouzouki.

What are Isakov's live performances like?

Isakov is known for his captivating and intimate live performances, which often feature his bandmates Jeb Bows on violin, Philip Parker on cello and drums, Steve Varney on guitar and banjo, John Grigsby on bass, and Max Barcelow on drums. He also sometimes performs with a full orchestra or a string quartet. He has said that he likes to create a connection with his audience and share his stories and emotions through his songs.

Isakov has performed at various venues and events around the world, such as Newport Folk Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Austin City Limits, Glastonbury Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and many more. He has also opened for or shared the stage with other artists, such as Brandi Carlile, Ani DiFranco, The Lumineers, Iron & Wine, Passenger, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and many more.

What is Isakov's gardening career?

Isakov is not only a musician, but also a gardener. He has said that he loves gardening and that it helps him balance his life and creativity. He has a farm in Boulder, Colorado, where he grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers. He also runs a small business called Four Mile Farm, which sells seeds, plants, and produce to local markets and restaurants. He has said that he likes to work with the land and the seasons, and that he often finds inspiration for his songs from his gardening activities.

Isakov has also been involved in various projects and initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and community building. He has donated his music and proceeds to organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, The Wilderness Society, The Farm Aid, and The Western Resource Advocates. He has also participated in events such as The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival's Song School, where he teaches songwriting and gardening to aspiring musicians. He has also hosted concerts and workshops at his farm, where he invites other artists and guests to share their music and stories.

What is Isakov's latest album?

Isakov's latest album is Evening Machines, which was released in 2018. It is his fifth official release, and his first in five years. It was recorded in a converted barn studio on his farm, where he used various analog equipment and instruments to create a warm and organic sound. The album consists of 12 tracks that explore themes such as love, loss, hope, and resilience. The album features guest vocals by Brandi Carlile on the song \"Berth\".

The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised Isakov's songwriting and production skills. It also debuted at number one on the Billboard Folk Albums chart, number five on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, and number 30 on the Billboard 200 chart. It also earned Isakov a nomination for the Best Folk Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020.

What is Isakov's personal life like?

Isakov is a private person who does not reveal much about his personal life. He has said that he likes to keep his music and his life separate, and that he does not want to be famous or famous for being famous. He has also said that he values his family and friends, and that he enjoys spending time with them. He has also said that he likes to travel and explore new places, and that he often takes his guitar with him wherever he goes.

Isakov is not married and does not have any children. He has not confirmed or denied any romantic relationships, but he has said that he has experienced love and heartbreak, and that he writes songs about them. He has also said that he is not religious, but that he is spiritual and curious about the mysteries of life. He has also said that he is a vegetarian and that he cares about animal welfare and environmental issues.

What are Isakov's future plans?

Isakov has not announced any specific plans for his future projects or releases, but he has said that he is always working on new songs and ideas. He has also said that he likes to experiment with different sounds and genres, and that he does not want to limit himself to one style or label. He has also said that he hopes to continue making music that resonates with people and that expresses his authentic self.

Isakov has also expressed his interest in collaborating with other artists and exploring other forms of art. He has said that he would love to work with artists such as Iron & Wine, The Lumineers, Passenger, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and many more. He has also said that he would like to