KLOF Mag Regular

Big changes at KLOF Mag, plus, our latest Reviews, Interviews and News

Jul 26, 2025

A New Chapter

It has been a couple of weeks since our last KLOF Mag Regular newsletter, so there is a lot to share in this issue. Before I get into the news, reviews and interviews we’ve published, there have been some big changes made to the KLOF Mag website which is now in its 21st year. You can read the full article here, but essentially, as of July 25th, we transitioned our website to a membership model. This will allow us to grow, maintain our independence, compensate our writers, and commission new work.

The following is an extract from the article:

…the most significant impact for us has been the collapse of ad revenue, which Google and Social Media have largely absorbed. This has escalated in the last three to four years, causing some sites to close down. Whatever you may think, we are not well-funded, so shifts like this do have a profound impact, and the last few years haven’t been easy.

While we’ve been barely scraping by, our eclecticism and careful curation have been steadfast…We have consistently championed independent music, and we continue to push boundaries in the music and news we cover. Our team of writers are deeply passionate, providing insightful reviews and delivering in-depth interviews that reveal the stories behind the music. We give a voice to artists through special features, and all our Mixtapes and Playlists are lovingly curated by humans, showcasing enough new music to keep the most demanding music seeker satisfied.

“I’ve learned about most of the music I’ve loved over the past couple of years from the fine people at this publication.”
Colin Meloy of The Decemberists

If you’ve ever thought about supporting our work, now is a great time to sign up for a KLOF Mag Membership via our website (not to be confused with Substack). This membership provides access to all our content, including reviews, interviews, and playlists featured on KLOFMag.com.

It costs around the price of a double latte per month (plus there’s a cheaper annual membership option).

To note: Our Paid Substack Newsletter will continue; so, subscribers will still receive our weekly playlist, but there will now also be a selection of full-length articles included (rather than excerpts we’ve included in the past).

ALBUMS

Spafford Campbell – Tomorrow Held

Following the release of their bold and confident 2022 debut, Owen Spafford and Louis Campbell were ones to watch and their follow-up confirms this; “Tomorrow Held” is a beautifully constructed album that swings from calm and tranquil to the gnarly and abrupt. It is a considerable step forward for Spafford Campbell in terms of creative ideas; they have talent to spare and are not afraid to use it.

Cory Hanson – I Love People

Cory Hanson delivers a rare combination: clever arrangements and emotional heft. ‘I Love People’ feels like a continuation of 2023’s Western Cum, conjuring up dusty roads and shimmering horizons with rolling country-rock and mature piano ballads. Nailing this many styles is tough, but Hanson’s surefooted songwriting weaves the disparate elements into a vivid, unapologetically American tapestry with an almost magical precision.

Sean Pratt – Prairie Whistle Call

Recorded live in just three days, Sean Pratt’s Prairie Whistle Call captures a purity often lost in modern recording. With no bells and whistles, you get a recording of remarkable honesty. Pratt merges timeless sounds with modern sensibilities, speaking from the heart and distilling the wind of the plains into simple truths.

Jake Blanchard / Geology Disco: Ceremonial County Series Vol.XVII – Bristol | Hertfordshire

The latest edition of the Ceremonial Counties tape series from Folklore Tapes features Bristol and Hertfordshire. Musician and visual artist Jake Blanchard tackles Bristol, the first part likened to Faust and Steve Reich in a competitive morris dance. Side two features Geology Disco and is devoted to Hertfordshire. While little is known of Geology Disco, the future of New Weird Britain is in safe hands.

Jason Steel Returns - Studies Volume 1

Several years after his last release, folk and blues artist Jason Steel returns with Studies Volume 1. This intimate 6-track collection was recorded live to a single microphone in East London, blending original songs with traditional arrangements. Rooted in folk and country blues, the album explores themes of memory and resistance, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Elizabeth Cotten, Cormac McCarthy, and Paul Klee.

Interview: Grace Stewart-Skinner

We catch up with Grace Stewart-Skinner, a clàrsach player from the Scottish highlands based in Glasgow, who recently released her debut album, Auchies Spikkin’ Auchie. The album not only seeks to preserve the fading Avochie dialect for future generations but also celebrates the spirit, humour, and resilience of the community that shaped it. Grace provides a deep insight into the album’s creation and the cultural history of the Avoch community.

Read it here

Some News & Track Highlights

More soon

KLOF Magazine Newsletter

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