Feb 25

Feb 25 Premiere | Massing: Daisies

In the Spring of ‘21 the West Virginia based Massing dropped their Nothing To Fear EP. Since then the West Virginia natives have been steadily increasing their awareness. The EP was a fantastic exploration in songwriting and catchy eye opening, ear grabbing hooks.

This Friday 2/25 the group will release their first music video for the song “Daisies,” a fantastic song that focuses on the familiar “she loves me, she loves me not” concept, with a twist that I won’t ruin for you. Enjoy this slow march of a track that has some captivating melodies and harmonies.

It’s a fun and interesting thing to see bands explore the format of a music video, something that you see less of these days. Take some time and check out “Daisies” by Massing by clicking below. Once you’re done I recommend a dive back through the entire Massing catalog.

Feb 24

Feb 24 Eric Bolander: Can't Get There From Here

Ryan Bush

Soul-driven and home-crafted with master precision, Eric Bolander is quickly becoming a glowing jar of foothill muse. With his latest collection, Can’t Get There From Here, Bolander offers an alluring peek into his beautiful spellbook, behind a 12-track collection of gritty bliss.

“The Wind was an album that, for the first time, I felt it sounded like me and what I wanted a complete album to be,” stated Bolander, referencing his 2019 release. “The new album is about taking chances and pushing boundaries from within myself. I wanted these songs to move the listener through a journey that they, themselves, find on their own; I’m just the tour guide leading them through this space that is inside my mind.”

It’s the smooth, warm blade engrained in Bolander’s voice, along with the expert instrumentation from the band – elements that are paramount throughout each piece – that serve as hardened-proof that Bolander is continuing to grow his sound and prowess at a magical rate.

Feb 23

Feb 23 Premiere | David Quinn: I Just Want to Feel Alright

Melissa Payne

It’s always exciting to be able to premiere a new single from an artist and we’re thrilled to be able to offer readers the first listen of David Quinn’s new single, “I Just Want to Feel Alright.”

“This song is really about wanting to feel better. Sometimes I can get stuck in my head about past mistakes I've made and things in life that are tough to deal with. I have a hard time letting all of it go. I have always been affected by the weather - rainy days and dark nights - that's when I really start thinking about all of it - especially late nights. This song is about trying to move on, find some peace, and hoping I'll wake up in the morning with a clear head.

Feb 22

Feb 22 Premiere | Hannah Bethel: Godspeed, Los Angeles

Melissa Payne

Today we have the privilege of premiering the new single, “Godspeed, Los Angeles,” from singer/songwriter, Hannah Bethel. No stranger to the music scene, Hannah has been making the rounds in Nashville since she moved there at age 18. Since that time, she’s released three albums and her video for the song, “Train,” was featured on CMT. Don’t try to pin Hannah down into any one genre though, as she blurs lines between country, Americana, folk, rock, and pop. Described as a “fiercely independent, wild, free, and untamed spirit,” her music blends elements of the many genres and styles that have influenced her writing and creative expression. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, she grew up in Houghton, Michigan, listening to country and Seventies rock and drawing inspiration from Tom Petty, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Willie Nelson, and others.

Feb 21

Feb 21 Sarah Shook and the Disarmers: Nightroamer

Derek Scudder

Sarah Shook’s voice demands your attention. The first time I heard “Nothin’ Feels Right But Doin’ Wrong,” (from the debut Sidelong record in 2017) it turned my head around. The combination of raw energy and punk attitude, coupled with the Disarmers’ lean approach to drum-forward, guitar-heavy country had me hooked. Now they’re back with their third album and it is going to be a game-changer.

Producer Pete Anderson is best known for his work with launching Dwight Yoakam’s career using a fresh sound of twangy guitars and a rock n’ roll approach. That same sensibility serves this Nightroamer album (released 2/18/22 on Thirty Tigers) quite well. The sound of the new record softens some of the rougher edges of both the band and Shook’s vocals while maintaining the same energy and attitude of the previous releases. The Disarmers’ core lineup stays the same with Eric Peterson on guitar, Aaron Oliva on upright bass, and drummer Jack Foster, but now adds pedal steel ace Adam “Ditch” Kurtz and the results are fantastic. The ten songs are all written by Shook and continues their tradition of solid lyrics with a message that encourages you to see another side without beating you over the head. The band keeps things interesting with appropriate accompaniment; they rock when needed and can serve up some serious country as well, with the tracks being divided equally.

Feb 18

Feb 18 Josh Mitcham: Nobody Asked For This

David Overstreet

Singer-Songwriter Josh Mitcham, best known for his work with his former band, Jericho Woods, which sadly broke up in 2021, has set about working on his first solo project that seeks to solidify his style and move into the next phase of his career. The new album is titled Nobody Asked For This.

The album was recorded in the 100-year-old barn on his family farm, with help from friends like Josh Rinkel (Po Ramblin Boys), Aaron Biblehauser (Wolfpen Branch), Anna Blanton (Colter Wall, Jericho Woods), Aaryn Martin, Will Johnston (Elvie Shane, Jericho Woods) and cousin Paul Priest.

Unlike the more upbeat and fun style that typified the majority of Jericho Woods songs, Nobody Asked For This has a more serious feel in both tone and subject matter. And this, definitely, isn’t a bad thing as it demonstrates his maturing growth as a songwriter. Another interesting aspect about this album is that, sonically, it’s like a double release. Along the same lines as what Cody Jinks did back in 2019 with “After The Fire” and “The Wanting,” but instead, Josh does it on one album. The new album has 11 tracks that, by the way they are laid out, gives this record nearly two distinct sides. The "A" side has a decidedly country feel while the "B" side is considerably more rock-oriented. But the two sides, while different, are not so disparate, that there is a sharp or distinct cut. The songs on the country “A” side are ordered in a way that the transition is nearly seamless.

Feb 17

Feb 17 Shovels and Rope: Manticore

Phillip Ring

Shovels and Rope is a husband and wife duo that skirt the edge of a few musical styles. There’s a tinge of punk rock that weaves its way through the duo’s music and energy. Manticore in some ways evokes an image that’s a description of the work of the duo as a whole. The face of a man, body of a lion, and tail of a scorpion, each piece seemingly not to fit with the next, somehow making something recognizable that evokes an emotional response.
The duo’s soulful shine on the record is pushed against serious topics to make something that has depth and substance, as well as some sonic content, that make the album an interesting listen. It’s also worthwhile to dig into the lyrical content of the album hitting on both personal and social topics, including our fascinations with the cults of personality that permeate our lives in every medium, as well as family, love and strife.

Feb 14

Feb 14 Frank Turner: FTHC

Phillip Ring

If you could pour emotions in a bottle, save them for when you’ve forgotten the events that made them, keep all of that anger, rage, joy, shame, excitement, hope and fear on a shelf to pull down when you need it, would you? FTHC is a great way to start to answer that question and others. FTHC is a deeply introspective, personal album, and in some ways a departure from what many people think of as a Frank Turner record, and in others the only logical step for the self deprecating “skinny half-assed English country singer.”

Throughout the records that make the deep catalog of Frank Turner there’s a tying bond, usually some healthy mix of punk rock, folk, pessimism, optimism, and a tongue in cheek refusal to grow up somehow put together in a package that represents a level of maturing. This album isn’t different in that sense, but the FTHC logo that’s adorned albums and merch throughout the years has now clearly made its way full circle. This is a punk record, the kind your parents probably didn’t want you to hear, and it’s glorious.

Feb 11

Feb 11 Jen Tackett: If I Told You

Phillip Ring

It’s easy when someone is on the rise to attach your support to them. It’s like a credibility stock market. If you can get in while the “stock is low” and stay on board as it rises, you can be a tastemaker and a trendsetter. Alternately, you can be a beacon of support for the scene around you. You can choose to be the smiling face clapping in the audience for your friends. You could choose to be like Jen Tackett.

Jen is a champion for everyone around her trying to make it work. Supporting the people around her, shining the light she can on the people who need it, creating avenues for exposure, not as a self-aggrandizement, but as a means to be a part of rising tide that pulls up all ships. It’s admirable she’s admirable. She’s also extremely talented as a writer and performer.

Feb 11

Feb 11 Jade Brodie: Open Roads

Jolene Horihan

Southwest of Elko, Nevada, in the northeastern portion of the state, you’ll find an exceptionally picturesque area along the Humboldt River. With sheer rock walls to the east, there is space for railroad tracks cut through the pink and red rocks of the terrain. The nearby settlement called Palisade (formerly Palisades) is considered a ghost town now, but once boasted a lively and abundant mining and railroading economy before the turn of the 19th century. The beauty of this area serves as a muse to singer-songwriter, Jade Brodie, in her latest release, “Open Roads.”

As a former train conductor, Brodie found the time and inspiration to write many of her songs. She described that on this particular day, she could enjoy the scenery even more than usual because the locomotive was underpowered and traveling very slow. The hypnotic rhythm of the train pacing along the tracks gives a steady beat that is easily put to verses. While listening to “Open Roads,” you’ll find it hard to resist the swaying two-step tempo she and the band deliver. On this Valentine’s Day, Jade found it appropriate to release a song that she says is the closest to a love song that she’s ever written. A railroading career is difficult on relationships. Lots of time is spent away from loved ones and friends. It can be isolating for both the railroader and their partner. Expressing the longing to return home to that partner, Jade sings:

Jan 28

Jan 28 Ryan Culwell: Run Like a Bull

Melissa Payne

It’s funny how a place calls to us, even when we think we escape it. It invades our dreams, and sometimes appears within our art. The Texas Panhandle can be an unforgiving and desolate place, but it also leaves a mark on those that weather the storms, the droughts, the oil booms and busts. Some never leave; they raise the next generation of homecoming queens and football teams. Others, like Ryan Culwell, escape their small town, strike out on their own and sample what the big world has to offer. Although not a household name, Ryan’s had his share of success: a critically acclaimed second album, with praise from Rolling Stone and NPR. There seems to be no formula that Culwell follows when making albums, as each of his three albums examine a different aspect of his life or the times he’s living in. “That first record was me setting my gaze on where I come from,” says Culwell, “and the second one was me setting my gaze on the country as a whole. This time around, though, I wanted to take a closer look at myself.”

Jan 26

Jan 26 The Train to Birmingham: Americana Re-Discovers Muscle Shoals

Derek Scudder

When Maggie Rose was ready to record what would be her third release, Have A Seat, she made the conscious decision to get away from all of the Nashville distractions and did what so many artists have done in the past…headed to the relative seclusion of Muscle Shoals. Now an independent artist, she could be much more involved in the sound of her new record and the legendary FAME studio was where she wanted to go to capture that funky soul that has always been bubbling beneath the surface of her work. She got David Hood to play bass which reinforced the authentic groove as he was one of the four original “Swampers” that helped establish the “Muscle Shoals Sound” of the 1960s and 70s. Rose was not the first Americana artist to journey to northwest Alabama looking for a hit, just the most recent.

Jan 25

Jan 25 Chris Stewart: A Couple Extra Miles

Jolene Horihan

For the last 12 years, Kansas City, KS, native Chris Stewart has been writing songs, but it took a few years before he found the gumption to play those songs for an audience. He started off like many musicians – singing in the church. Then he began playing with a few jam bands around the Kansas City metro area before graduating into playing solo shows where he performed his own work.

Chris is more of an impulsive songwriter; putting pen to paper when the moment sparks an idea rather than forcing the lyrics to be written. Therefore, his original material is all his own instead of collaborating with another artist to create his catalog. His ideas range from personal experience to thoughtful imagination. Fans of Chris Stewart have been anxiously awaiting recorded music from him. Many across the Midwest and Great Plains have been able to enjoy Stewart’s live performances at venues and at music festivals beyond. He’s shared stages with some of the most prevalent names in independent country and Americana music. Typically, you can experience his smooth and melodious voice in several regular gigs he plays around Kansas City.

Jan 24

Jan 24 Greensky Bluegrass: Stress Dreams

Susan Wood

Most performing artists found themselves at a collective loss when the COVID pandemic brought touring and recording schedules to a screeching halt in 2020, and Greensky Bluegrass was no different. After months of separation, individual notes, ideas, and demos culminated in full band rehearsals and development, ultimately bringing forth Stress Dreams, the band’s eighth studio album.

A new GSBG listener might marvel at the mix and match of sounds, images, and vibes on Stress Dreams. Over thirteen tracks, though, from the first note of “Absence of Reason,” to the final chord of “Reasons to Stay,” the sound is as consuming and recognizable as ever.

Jan 21

Jan 21 Aoife O'Donovan: Age of Apathy

Susan Wood

Aoife O’Donovan is a Grammy award-winning artist whose career has spanned twenty some-odd years, and whose musical diversity extends from playing with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, to appearing on Prairie Home Companion, and even writing music for HBO’s True Blood.

Indeed, diversity seems to be a key component of O’Donovan’s upcoming 11-track release, Age of Apathy. While her Irish heritage and childhood summers peep through the lilting musical arrangements, the descriptive lyrics and phrasing belie her influences of early folk legends Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
One song, “Galahad,” combines these elements, and incorporates a nod to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Victorian poet. The song leads the listener on a watercolor dream journey of unrequited love between a modern dreamer and her legendary, possibly imaginary, complement, chiding him in the end for being too late to act.

Jan 20

Jan 20 Lost Dog Street Band: Glory

Phillip Ring

I believe that every piece of art is made for an audience. Sometimes the creator is painfully aware of the audience, sometimes the creator is oblivious to the audience. Truly introspective artists that dig beyond the surface through the comfortable, to the parts of ourselves that we only visit when we’re alone, are rare. These artists have a unique, stressful, and tenuous relationship with their audiences, because while they intend to relay an experience, a perspective, or an idea, they give pieces of themselves that are difficult to recoup. In the case of Glory, by the venerable Lost Dog Street Band, it reads as a warning at times to their audience, with the next breath a roadmap, and the next a story of redemption, change, growth.

Jan 19

Jan 19 The Whitmore Sisters: Ghost Stories

Derek Scudder

“We’ve had a lot of loss, a couple of dead ex-boyfriends, and a lot of friends that have passed on – and writing about the grief, especially working towards this record, there’s been a lot to consider,” Bonnie Whitmore says about Ghost Stories, the new record with her big sister, Eleanor, which releases Friday, January 21st, on Red House Records.

Dec 20

Dec 20 Premiere | Brandi Colt: Unbreak a Heart

David Overstreet

Brandi Colt is getting after it again with her self-produced sophomore album, a follow-up to her Appalachian Hearts. The new album will, ultimately, be a double disk set. It will be aptly called Songs I Wrote and Some I Love Volumes 1 & 2.

The new album will come out as a set of four singles before the rest of Volume 1 will be released in February 2022. The first single will be “Unbreak a Heart,” produced by both Brandi Colt and Andrew Crawford. “Unbreak a Heart” is set to be released on December 30, 2021, with the following single “I Was Only Lonely with You” set to be released on January 20, 2022.

Dec 17

Dec 17 Kelley Mickwee: Don't Miss You At Austin

David Overstreet

Don’t Miss you at Austin is an interesting thought experiment given life through song by Kelley Mickwee. Kelley is one of the Shiny Soul Sisters, the back-up singers for the always audacious Shinyribs and formerly of the legendary all-girl group The Trishas. Along with friend and fellow Austinite, Dan Dyer who, himself, has a rather substantial catalog of songs and is a mainstay in the music scene in Austin and surrounding areas.

The premise of the song was to write about the concept of change. However, the duo chose to approach the subject from an unusual direction. Not entirely through melody and not entirely through lyrics. No, they chose as the medium to convey this idea - the music itself.

The song starts with a simple, folk / traditional country sound with a western/Mexican style of guitar playing in the background as a notable embellishment. The song takes a slight pause then changes both tempo and form into a 1920's speakeasy jazz style with a clarinet that stands out much like the guitar in the previous section did. The song takes another pause then transitions into a more traditional country song with fiddle and mandolin having a stronger influence, but just for the chorus, then it transitions yet again back into the 20’s jazz feel.

The overall idea of the song is both interesting and unique. I am intrigued to see how the fans and listening public, in general, relate to this song and the artistry.

Dec 15

Dec 15 Nick Sizemore Where The Lonesome Roam

Phillip Ring

Country Music continually evolves, especially in the current times. The eclectic blend of influences always produces something just a touch different. Nick Sizemore’s release Where The Lonesome Roam immediately calls to mind true smoky bar, beer bottle honky tonk. With the cadence and feel of a vinyl record spinning in a jukebox behind a pool table, or a full band that looks like it’s been beaten dry and soaked in beer to bring it back to life. It harkens back to a time before psychedelia took over the outlaw country scene. More rowdy roadhouse than countrypolitan, it's built on a solid foundation of pedal steel, a baritone and some old school Midwest country attitude.