Johnny Flynn

You only need to listen to a minute of Johnny Flynn's songwriting to hear the influence of literate, melodic folk innovators like Richard Thomson and John Fahey, but the depth of his detailed lyrics and intuitive melodies is also evidence of a compelling back story. Flynn was born in South Africa, first performed in the boys choir of a Brit boarding school and was a professional Shakespearian actor in his early 20s. With his first band, Sussix Wit, he released a number of singles before issuing a debut in 2008, A Larum (Old English for "Alarm," of course). The collection of roguish neo-traditional Brit folk appeared under his name only and found a home in the states on Lost Highway.