Inside the Creative World of Good Habits: Folk Powerhouse Unpacks New Album and Domestic Life

British folk-fusion powerhouse Good Habits has captured the attention of contemporary roots music enthusiasts with the release of their latest studio album, Better for Now, out now via Colour Plum Records. Known for blending festival-ready trance-folk with intimate acoustic balladry, the core songwriting duo of Bonnie Schwarz (cello, vocals) and Pete Shaw (accordion, synths)—bolstered in 2025 by powerhouse drummer Jen Walinetski—is currently on a high-profile tour across the United Kingdom. As the trio commands stages from Sheffield to the Netherlands, Schwarz and Shaw recently invited media into their personal lives through an exclusive, artifact-based feature, shedding light on the domestic inspirations that fuel their critically acclaimed musical output.

Musical Evolution and Critical Reception of Better for Now

Released on digital download, CD, and vinyl, Better for Now marks a significant outward journey for Good Habits. Music critics have praised the record for pushing the boundaries of the British folk scene, seamlessly fusing traditional sensibilities with modern, rhythm-driven intensity. Thomas Blake, reviewing the album, highlighted its distinct sense of movement and travel, noting that the trio pairs high-level technical accomplishment with a raw, infectious vitality.

Central to the album’s narrative is their latest single, Reading Song, accompanied by an official music video filmed during a severe heatwave in late May 2026. Directed and edited by Lydia Taylor, the video captures the laid-back yet meticulous creative ethos of the band. Featuring unadorned vocals from Schwarz—whose regional accent anchors the lyrics in authenticity—alongside a loping bassline, crisp drumming from Walinetski, and jaunty accordion arrangements from Shaw, the track explores themes of nostalgia, family, and the intellectual engagement found in literature.

Off the Shelf: Ten Domestic Artifacts That Shape the Band

In the midst of an intense touring schedule, Schwarz and Shaw paused to participate in the ongoing cultural series Off the Shelf, which tasks artists with selecting ten household objects that reflect their daily lives, creative practices, and the intersection of the two. Through these items, the duo offered a candid glimpse into the philosophy that underpins their nomadic background and newly established permanent home.

The concept of meaningful art sparked gentle domestic debate between the couple. One early artifact, a butterfly embroidery sourced from a charity shop, embodies this dialogue. Initially purchased by Schwarz purely for its color palette, it was later customized with the embroidered phrase "I DECLARE IT MEANINGFUL" and presented to Shaw as a birthday gift, transforming a decorative item into a cherished personal milestone. Similarly, a whimsical cockatoo painting created by Australian singer-cellist Monique Clare during a summer artist residency hangs in their kitchen, serving as a testament to the community of touring musicians and neighbors that populate their lives.

Bridging the Gap Between Isolation and Connection

The band’s history of extensive global travel—most notably being stranded in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic—has profoundly influenced their appreciation for domestic stability. Living out of a converted van for a year taught the duo resilience, occasionally reducing their diet to pub chips and microwave rice. Today, these experiences manifest in deeply grounded domestic rituals, such as maintaining a meticulously labeled pantry stocked from Sheffield’s whole food markets, locally known as the "lentil belt."

Physical wellness and environmental connection also play a vital role in their creative process. Shaw’s running shoes symbolize an essential outlet for clearing creative blockades. Despite the initial reluctance required to step outside during harsh winter months or transition away from computer screens, running provides a vital mental reset. This blending of indoor and outdoor spaces is further emphasized by their home’s stable door, which allows the pair to practice the German tradition of lüften—clearing the indoor air every morning while listening to the surrounding woods, streams, and railways.

Heirlooms, Humor, and the Creative Process

Good Habits’ home is equally defined by playful items and family heirlooms that bridge past generations with their current artistic pursuits. Among these are Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear, two plush toys that originally sat on the piano of Schwarz’s late grandmother, a Dorchester-based music teacher who provided her earliest cello and piano instruction. These items now sit on the family piano, welcoming visiting children and maintaining a generational link to musical education.

Humor remains a cornerstone of the duo’s dynamic, highlighted by collections of quirky items such as feathered blue hats collected after a festival appearance in the Netherlands, and art prints from Arthouse Unlimited, a charity supporting artists living with disabilities. More personal milestones, such as a "You Got This" sign purchased during a frantic 30-hour film-composition university deadline and a cross-stitch sunflower cushion crafted by Schwarz’s mother using a band press photo, reflect the reality of modern working musicians: a life where professional identity and personal existence are inextricably intertwined.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The release of Better for Now and the band’s willingness to share their domestic environment arrive at a pivotal moment in the UK folk revival. By expanding their lineup to a trio with Jen Walinetski and embracing both high-energy dance rhythms and deeply personal lyricism, Good Habits has positioned itself at the vanguard of contemporary acoustic music.

As their current tour continues through November, stopping in major cultural hubs across the UK, the band demonstrates that artistic longevity relies as much on grounded community roots, humor, and domestic reflection as it does on technical virtuosity. Better for Now is available now via Colour Plum Records, with physical and digital orders accessible directly through the band and Bandcamp.