I was introduced to nueva cancion , Inti Illimani's music, through Holly Near's music. In the mid-1980s, she recorded and toured with Inti Illimani. The record Sing to Me the Dream, on Redwood Records, now out of print, was one of my favorites of hers. Throughout her career, and especially in the 80s and 90s, Near spoke about the music , wrote songs about women's and men's lives Central and South America, about the US political legacy in those countries. The flutes and other Chilean instruments authenticate her songs on this record, though, draw one towards the Southern Hemisphere, to the mountains, to the language, to the people.
Green Linnet sells Inti's music in the US.
Nueva Cancion tradition/legacy:
In addition to Inti Illamani, Nueva Cancion came through the music of Victor Jara. He was tortured and murdered during Pinochet's coup in Chile 31 years ago.
Arlo Guthrie co-wrote a song about Jara. Violetta Parra is another artist to check out.
[nb: Nueva cancion is a big topic and I know just small pieces, music I like. I include links to more extensive sites, written by those more knowledeable.]
More independent singer/songwriters at CDFreedom, including music samples. Reminded me that I haven't heard Carrie Newcomer in a long, long time.
I often want to buy a cd by someone I don't already know. How to find new singer/songwriters? Check out WXPN's list of featured albums.
Another place to browse is CD Baby, where independent artists sell their wares. Lots of sound clips and links to artist web sites. Here are the different types of new folk:
During one browse on CD Baby, I found Michelle Greene. I love to listen songs in Spanish, even Gloria Estefan, even if I don't understand all the Spanish.
Record labels are great sources too, but you have to know the labels first.
Of course, festivals, where lots of artists play are a way to hear artists you already know and hear new ones with relatively low risk.