The man, the traveler, the folk singer-songwriter you got to check out is Chance Emerson. Shifting his time from Concord, NH to Hong Kong to Providence, RI, and beyond this artist has crafted a sonic journal of his travels titled The Raspberry Men, and wow does it tell a story. The new record has a worldly feel from the start as “How Can I” showcases toxic rhythms often found in Africa and some parts of Latin America; Emerson’s rich choruses are grandiose and provocative. Songs like “Annabelle” are rooted in modern melancholy: the feeling of missing someone real among the many faces in our various phone apps. “Coming to Japan” is an atmospheric tour of Emerson’s experience abroad as well as a confession, as he says, “No, I’m not from anywhere, I’m a nowhere man at heart.” Each song is a fantastic chapter in the life of an artist that dares to see the world for what it is, and he for what he could be in it. Stream the laid-back and oh-so-honest track “It Won’t Be Pretty” below for the midweek vibe you deserve. - Rene Cobar