Eugene Ripper plays both sides of the folk-punk game with the revamped sound of his new single Folk Song 3000 and the old-school crash-bash of the B-side Go Van Gogh — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Steeped in the rich heritage of folk music — but infused with a contemporary twist — these tracks showcase the veteran Canadian singer-songwriter’s distinctive songcraft and dynamic prowess.
Blending folk with a trip-hop beat and Latin percussion, Folk Song 3000‘s inspiration dates back to the early days of Ripper’s solo career. At a time when he was still delving into the craft of songwriting, he was fortunate to have an conversation with legendary folkie Dave Van Ronk (the inspiration for the Coen Brothers movie Inside Llewyn Davis, BTW). They were in the artist lounge at a folk festival chatting. Ripper was experimenting with old folk tunes at the time, trying to create a fresh approach in both lyric and sonic vibe.
“For me, it was pure creative instinct so, given the chance, I asked him if this was cool. After all, this dude had knocked around Greenwich Village the likes of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. If anybody would know the score, he would.” Van Ronk didn’t miss a beat. “Absolutely ! That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do!” Folk Song 3000 exemplifies this artistic direction, paying homage to the folk storytelling tradition while updating it in a modern sonic and stylistic context.
Meanwhile, the B-side Go Van Gogh offers a touching tribute to Vincent Van Gogh’s life and artistry. Inspired by a visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the song showcases Ripper’s sharp wordplay and distinctive phrasing. The driving drumbeat and bongos, courtesy of alt-rock legend Billy Ficca of Television, add an irresistible groove to the track.
Ripper is a trailblazer in Canada’s folk-punk scene. From his early days with surf punk rockers Stark Naked & The Fleshtones to his enduring solo career, Ripper has been blending punk, folk, blues, rockabilly and rock into a signature sound. His musical journey has taken him from the Toronto punk scene to the muddy roots of Vancouver and the vibrant anti-folk scene of New York City’s East Village.
Listen to Folk Song 3000 and Go Van Gogh above, hear more from Eugene Ripper and check out his tour dates below, and let it rip on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
Eugene Ripper Tour Dates:
Sept. 23 | Toronto, ON – Imperial
Sept. 29 | Calgary, AB – Palomino
Sept. 30 | Edmonton, AB – Black Dog (afternoon)
Sept. 30 | Edmonton, AB – Blakbar (evening)
Oct. 13 | Montreal, QC – Bar Fly
Oct. 14 | Knowlton, QC – Thirsty Boot
Oct. 21 | Mahone Bay, NS – Betty’s
Oct. 26 | Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Oct. 28 | Edinburgh, UK – Voodoo Rooms
Oct. 31 | Burghausen, DE – Mathida
Nov. 01 | Salzburg, AT – Whisky Museum
Nov. 03 | Lyon, FR – Kraspek Myzik
Nov. 04 | Freiburg, DE – Rock Club Eimer
Nov. 08 | Nuremberg, DE – KV
Nov. 09 | Munich, DE – Kooks
Nov. 10 | Leipzig, DE- Frau Graus
Nov. 11 | Karschule, DE- Scruffy’s
Nov. 12 | Berlin, DE- KollectivBar
Nov. 14 | Glasgow, UK – Bloc
Nov. 15 | Inverness, UK – Market Bar
Nov. 16 | Inverness, UK – Market Bar
Nov. 18 | York, UK – 45 Cafe
Nov. 19 | Hull, UK – Adelphi
Nov. 21 | Edinburgh, UK – Sneaky Petes
Nov. 23 | Leeds, UK – The Grove
Nov. 24 | Darwen, UK – Number 35 LIVE
Nov. 25 | Warmington, UK – The Cheshire
Nov. 30 | Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
