Photo: Nina Kay Duplessis
Born in Namibia, Emmaleen Tangleweed is a dark folk musician and songwriter whose work blends gothic Americana, traditional folk influences, blues balladry, and dreamlike storytelling. Her music explores themes of memory, displacement, folklore, grief, and human fragility through sparse arrangements and emotionally resonant songwriting. Drawing comparisons to artists within the darker edges of folk and psych-folk traditions, Emmaleen continues to craft immersive recordings rooted in atmosphere, narrative, and haunting acoustic textures, and has steadily developed a cult following within underground folk and experimental music circles.
We thought it was about time we found out more about what drives Emmaleen’s creativity, so we asked her to choose four albums that have been influential on her music, and especially on her forthcoming new album The Weaving.
Emma Ruth Rundle – Engine of Hell
The emotional vulnerability and sense of catharsis on this live record breathes in a way that really gets me in the guts. It’s inspired me to embrace having an unusual voice and to go deeper lyrically.
Rory Block – The Lady and Mr Johnson
Block’s slide playing is so raw and immediate, I’m reminded how much can be done with a single instrument and a voice that tells the truth.
Jim White – The Mysterious Tale Of How I Shouted Wrong-Eyed Jesus!
This record goes down its own weird path of Appalachian outlaw country blues. It’s another record that’s tattooed itself under my skin.
Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood – Black Pudding
Hypnotic, long-distance driving music. There’s an archetypal timelessness feel in this record I really love.
The Weaving releases on July 31 2026 via Cruel Nature Records and can be pre-ordered here on Bandcamp.
