Oaken Lee continues to bridge traditional folk storytelling with contemporary production on The Rooster and the Shepherd, the second release from the upcoming album Home (is a folk-rock mixtape), set for Summer 2025. Combining folk-inspired lyricism with unconventional sonic choices, the track offers a fresh take on classic themes.
Built around a fuzzy bassline, picked guitar, and a multitracked folky vocal, The Rooster and the Shepherd blends organic and electronic elements. Drum machines drive the rhythm, adding an unexpected contrast to the song’s traditional roots. The result is a quirky yet immersive production, where classic folk-rock influences meet contemporary textures.
Lyrically, the song brings together references from folk history, drawing inspiration from The Bonny Grey and Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright. The narrative follows a century-old rooster recounting its life story to a skeptical shepherd, merging folklore with surrealism in a way that aligns with Oaken Lee’s unique storytelling style.
Raised in rural Shropshire and now based in North London, Oaken Lee’s music reflects both environments—acoustic guitars and field recordings sit alongside distorted bass and electronic elements. Home (is a folk-rock mixtape) will be available on streaming platforms and cassette via Bandcamp in Summer 2025, promising a collection that expands on this intriguing blend of folk tradition and progressive production.