The Long Memory: 20 Years of Free Dirt Records
Free Dirt Records marks its 20th anniversary with The Long Memory: 20 Years of Free Dirt Records, a twelve-track compilation featuring unreleased recordings and new material from artists connected to the independent label
The Long Memory: 20 Years of Free Dirt Records
Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital
Label: Free Dirt Records
Release date: November 6, 2026
Free Dirt Records marks its 20th anniversary with ‘The Long Memory: 20 Years of Free Dirt Records’, a twelve-track compilation featuring unreleased recordings and new material from artists connected to the independent label.
Founded in Washington, D.C., Free Dirt Records has spent two decades supporting emerging artists who combine traditional roots music with a willingness to explore beyond genre boundaries. The anniversary compilation, released on November 6, 2026, brings together unreleased demos, B-sides, live recordings, new material and archival recordings from the label’s catalogue.
The collection features contributions from Willi Carlisle, Cinder Well, Kaia Kater and Viv & Riley, alongside newly signed artists Nathan Evans Fox and Liv Greene. Archival recordings from early Free Dirt artists Pokey LaFarge and The Wilders also feature, reflecting the label’s history of discovering and supporting musicians with distinctive approaches to roots music.
Free Dirt’s identity extends beyond musical tradition. The label has consistently supported artists who address political, cultural and social issues, while maintaining an independent, DIY approach. Its work has helped artists reach wider audiences through NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, KEXP sessions, international press coverage and Grammy nominations.
With The Long Memory, Free Dirt Records celebrates its independent legacy while continuing to support artists who bring new perspectives to the roots music tradition.
Tracks:
01. Liv Greene: I Can’t Know Now
02. Rum Drum Ramblers feat. Pokey LaFarge: Brick By Brick
03. Viv & Riley, Rachel Bieman: The Long Game
04. JP Harris: Walk on By
05. Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves: Cumberland Gap
06. Kaia Kater: Part of An Echo
07. Willi Carlisle: Railroading on the Great Divide
08. The Montvales: Carolina (Trio version)
09. The Wilders: I’m Going to Memphis
10. Caleb & Reed: Old Friends
11. Cinder Well: One Morning in May
12. Nathan Evans Fox: Reckonings
Read also:
Want to discover more from Free Dirt Records and related roots artists? Click on the titles below to read earlier articles on Bluestown Music.
Review: Kaia Kater – Strange Medicine
Kaia Kater’s album on Free Dirt Records combines contemporary folk with traditional influences and explores themes of identity and social issues.
New Release: Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money
Pokey LaFarge returns with an album that brings together country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll and soul, continuing his distinctive approach to American roots music.
Rachel Baiman & Mike Wheeler – The Countin On You Sessions
Rachel Baiman, who released her debut album Shame on Free Dirt Records, joins Mike Wheeler for an intimate collection of acoustic songs and harmonies.