Mama’s Broke
photo credit : Ash Norman
Mama’s Broke, based out of New Orleans and Halifax, craft a sound that artfully weaves old-time, Quebecois, blues, punk, Celtic, Balkan and doom metal into a hypnotic and energizing tapestry of original music.
The connection between Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria draws the listener in as they effortlessly move through dark, lonesome, and intricate acapella songs to fiery, ripping fiddle/banjo tunes accompanied by foot percussion and driving guitar rhythms. Their debut album Count the Wicked won them a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2017 for ‘Ensemble of the Year’ as well as a nomination for ECMA ‘Rising Star Award.’ Their sophomore album Narrow Line, released in 2022 on Free Dirt Records, was featured in The Bluegrass Situation, Hollar Country, No Depression, Folk Radio UK’s “top ten of the year” as well as being placed on NPR’s taste maker and Tiny Desk host Bob Boilen's “What I’m Listening To Right Now” Spotify playlist. Narrow Line was nominated in 2023’s Canadian Folk Music Award ‘vocal group of the year’ as well as a Juno award (Best Traditional Roots Album of The Year).
In a perpetual state of transience, the duo has spent a majority of the previous decade pounding the transatlantic-tour-trail. They have supported acts such as Nick Shoulders, Sierra Ferrell, Tim Eriksen, and La Vent du Nord as well as co-headlined tours with Matt Heckler, Willi Carlisle and Rufus Nightjar. From notable international folk festivals to DIY punk houses to activist gatherings to opera houses and everywhere in-between, Mama's Broke has garnered a passionate and loyal fanbase in North America, Europe, and the UK.
Mama’s Broke performs as a duo
Now booking concerts + festivals in the USA and Canada
“When Keeler and Maria come together and sing, it’s magic, and they reaffirm how nourishing music can be”
- No Depression
“Mama’s Broke may seem traditional, but their tales of modern life have too much bite to be nostalgic; they are new and unique voices in modern, rootsy Americana that must be heard.”
- Folk Radio UK
“Their songs are weather beaten by dark realities and grey areas. The human condition…It’s brutally honest and evocative, managing to feel otherworldly, albeit with unvarnished truths.”