As Mama’s Broke, Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria make deliciously dark folk music inspired by their Nova Scotian roots, the Appalachian tradition and Eastern European tunes. Their latest album, Reunion (reviewed here), is a feast of stark emotion and stunning but subtle playing. Quietly political and intensely personal, their songs are born from close collaboration and informed by the time the pair have spent together on the road.
And it was on the road that the duo first came together, so when we catch up for a chat, it makes sense to start with their serendipitous origin story. ‘We were both part of the same travelling music scene,’ says Lisa. ‘I was looking for a ride at the time, to Halifax from Montreal. Some mutual friends put us in touch, as Amy was driving that way. We spent the 16 hours in the car talking about music and by the time we reached Nova Scotia we started playing together.’
The distinctive Mama’s Broke sound seemed to arrive fully formed, a combination of traditional instrumentation and dark songwriting, often with what reviewers refer to as a ‘gothic folk’ edge. But are they happy with those descriptors? In Amy’s view, it’s more nuanced than that. ‘I think it’s interesting that people refer to music that speaks to everyday struggle, or the experience of people who aren’t always comfortable or fortunate in this world, as dark or Gothic. I wouldn’t describe it as dark, more so just a reflection of our own experiences in the world we live in. I think folk music is such a broad term that can encapsulate anything from dark to light to everything in between as it is just a reflection of people.’
So where do those darker elements come from, in terms of musical heritage? Are there trace elements of metal or gothic rock in there somewhere?
‘I am sure that other genres of music that we both have listened to and played over the years have directly influenced our musical sensibilities and what we have chosen to focus on and accent in our own music,’ says Amy. ‘However, I would say that many styles of folk music from all over the world use ‘darker’ sonic elements and scales. For me personally, the scales in old British, Irish and Scottish ballads were what influenced me the most in some of my earlier songwriting. A lot of those old ballads have a lot of space and heavier themes that you could call punk or metal nowadays, but at the time it was just folk music.’
There are indeed lots of European influences in their music, but Lisa points out that this was not something they worked at intentionally. ‘I don’t think it was necessarily ever a conscious choice. I grew up listening to those styles of music so it naturally shows up in my songwriting.’
And while the sense of natural, organic growth is evident in the individual songs, a Mama’s Broke album always has an overarching narrative, with careful consideration given to the running order and the overall feel of the piece. But the pair are keen to point out that the interpretation of that narrative is out of their hands once the album is out in the world. ‘We don’t think it’s necessarily up to us to say what story any of our albums tell. It’s up to the listener. When we took a step back and looked at a lot of the through-line themes of Reunion, we noticed that so many of the songs were talking about a yearning to come together and unify, as opposed to isolate and garrison ourselves; the way that is so desirable to a capitalist system that does not seek to benefit the majority. The song No Great Reunion encapsulates a lot of those ideas and we intentionally chose it as the last track as a sort of ‘summary’ for the rest of the album.’
The idea that music is in a sense a collaboration between creator and listener extends to Reunion’s more overtly political moments. But is folk music an innately political form? Again, the answer is nuanced.
‘I think people can draw their own conclusions on that,’ says Amy. ‘Folk music is an expression of whichever people of an era, a place, or demographic are experiencing. ‘Political’ has become a misused and meaningless word in a lot of ways. If we talk about feeling sad or angry about the way things are, it’s ‘political’. All art is subjective and can be interpreted as speaking to or for a specific power system, or simply an expression of pain or joy from a single perspective.’
And as for the practical ways that music can help change the world for the better?
‘In the same way that any art does, it can offer a different perspective than the one you may have, and lead to a deeper understanding. Empathy can go a long way. There is something so powerful in the way that music can bring a group of strangers into a room from all walks of life, to share in a collective feeling.’
The phrase ‘collective feeling’ seems to hit upon exactly what is so important in Mama’s Broke’s music. There is a constant sense that you are listening to something made with intimacy in mind, but with such generosity that it is accessible to everyone. That seems to be the essence of the collaborative spirit, and it’s something that has served them well over three albums and a decade or so of touring. It’s a way of working that stays fresh, and one they both enjoy: ‘We’ve found a really great rhythm in co-writing, and it’s been a lot of fun.’
Their openness and generosity extends to their peers too. When asked whose music they were currently enjoying, they don’t hesitate to big up their tourmate. ‘We recently went on tour with [Arkansas singer-songwriter] Jude Brothers. It was such a treat to hear their stunning vocals and harp playing every night. They have a new album [Dogwood Maiden Voyage] coming out Sept 25th that we can’t wait to hear.’
Which brings us neatly onto the subject of forthcoming tours. There is a seemingly constant stream of gigs in Canada and the US between now and the end of the year, and European fans should be in for a treat this coming winter. ‘Yes, we will be over in January and February 2027. Keep an eye out for the dates on our website.’ The schedule is tight, which means that the pair have few other plans for the immediate future, musically speaking, but both are open to the creative opportunities afforded by the touring life: ‘Hopefully we will fit in some more songwriting and tune learning along the way.’
Reunion (August 28th, 2026) Free Dirt Records/Forward Music Group
Pre-Order Reunion: https://mamasbroke.bandcamp.com/album/reunion