For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for SXSW. With upwards of 2,500 bands and 20,000 attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

I expect that most of us have been inspired by a song lyric at one time or another. From the Beatles’ “and in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make” to the Lumineers’ “the opposite of love is indifference,” these lyrics offer distinct perspectives on the lives that we [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

As we begin to gather our Editors’ Picks for best of the year, we’d love to hear from you first. Throughout the year we host a weekly poll in which you can vote for your favorite new release of the week. From that list we’ve taken the albums that you voted for the most plus [...] more »

by Tom Osborne

Lydia Loveless performs as part of the Twangville Showcase at the New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, SC It’s that time of year where sinners all over America gather to give thanks to all kinds of things – some simple, some complex, and some that defy explanation. It’s no different here at Twangville where this year we’re [...] more »

by Tom Osborne

A special benefit was held last week in New Jersey to raise funds to preserve Helm’s farmhouse studio in upstate New York and continue his tradition of Midnight Ramble performances. Alas, I wasn’t at the show, but all reports indicate it was a truly special evening. Guest included Mavis Staples, Roger Waters, John Hiatt, Gregg [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Brooklyn by way of Texas duo The Mastersons will unleash Birds Fly South, their debut release on Tuesday. To celebrate the release, The Mastersons will be visting Twangville for a live online Q&A and performance tomorrow. Visit Twangville tomorrow at 2:30pm et for this exclusive event. And you can get in on the action! Have [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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by Mayer Danzig

Don’t forget our special Twangville showcase this Saturday. If you live in — or can get to — Columbia, SC, come join us for an incredible night of music. Performing that night are Lydia Loveless, Kasey Anderson, Mooncussers and Columbia outfit American Gun. All top notch, all Twangville-endorsed. You can find the full details, plus [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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by Mayer Danzig

Rock and roll lost a legend on Friday with the passing of Etta James. An oft-troubled life didn’t prevent James from a remarkable career that inspired several generations of artists. And how many artists can lay claim to having been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Rockabilly Halls of Fame, not to mention a [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Rock and roll lost a friend and a brother on Friday when Tommy Ardolino of NRBQ passed away. Our video this morning is a tribute to Tom and his musical legacy. As Terry Adams says in the video below, “Gimme a beat! Gimme what I love, that beat baby!” more »

by Mayer Danzig

As Twangville completes it’s 6th year in existence, it’s only right that we pause and raise a glass to all who have made this little site possible again for one more year. It’s artists like Jason Isbell, Will Hoge, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch and Old 97s who continually inspire us to write reviews. The under-the-radar [...] more »

by Tom Osborne

One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals is the crazy things that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. I know that it is time to get back on the road when I run out of those little shampoos. Road Manager Phil Kaufman I don’t get Twitter. [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

The hands-down highlight of the Conference was the annual Americana Music Awards. In this instance, the words for such a magical evening are hard to come by. Set aside any the speeches and performances, the event was held in the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Originally built for religious revivalist meetings, it achieved great fame as the [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

This year, Twangville made it’s first trek to Nashville for the annual Americana Music Conference and the 10th Annual Americana Music Awards. Over the next week I’ll be highlighting some the moments, musical and otherwise, from this year’s event. WHAT’S IN A NAME? The running joke all week was how to define Americana. The context [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig