Cordelia's Dad

Cordelia's Dad was an innovative American folk-rock band that emerged from Northampton, Massachusetts in the early 1990s. Named after a line in Shakespeare's *King Lear*, the group became known for their raw, electrified takes on traditional folk songs alongside original material that blurred genres. Founding members Tim Eriksen (vocals/guitar), Peter Irvine (drums), and Cath Oss (bass) created a distinctive sound mixing Appalachian ballads, punk energy, and indie rock sensibilities – a style sometimes dubbed "folk noir" or "acid folk."

Over three decades, the band evolved through various lineups and sonic approaches, from their early DIY cassette releases to later albums like *Spine* (1995) and *Comet* (2020). Eriksen's deep scholarship in traditional music (particularly shape-note singing) informed their work, while their live shows – captured on *Double Live* (1996) – showcased their intense performance style. Though never mainstream stars, Cordelia's Dad developed a devoted following and influenced subsequent generations of folk-punk and indie-folk artists through their unorthodox approach to musical tradition.