Several years ago Twangville had a cousin blog that ran an artist interview series called “Why It Matters”. The interview questions were somewhat light-hearted but served a real purpose: to shine a light on the investments and sacrifices that artists make to build sustainable careers and why fan support matters. More than 80 artists participated […]
2 Shrinks & 3 Ex-Girlfriends Can’t Be Wrong – a Premiere from Leland Sundries
There are worse ways to start the week than with a drinking tune. Brooklyn-based Leland Sundries unleash a fun one with “If You’re Gonna Drive, I’m Gonna Drink” a digital single scheduled for release this Friday (with an equally entertaining cowboy folk song cover as the b-side). The song is a welcome addition to the […]
Monday Morning Video – Rod Picott and Slaid Cleaves
Rod Picott and Slaid Cleaves have one of the more enjoyable – and long-standing – partnerships in Americana. The two are childhood friends who grew up (and played in bands) together in Southern Maine. In the years since they’ve collaborated on some wonderful songs that capture the blue-collar life with both charm and honesty. It’s […]
Tanked Up on Elm Street – a Special Dallas Playlist
Polite Conversation, Cut Throat Finches (from the Hand Drawn Records release Polite Conversation) The best music offers a thoughtful, and often marked, point of view. In that context, the Cut Throat Finches latest hits pretty hard, lambasting the social upheaval that grips our world today. The make their point quite clearly on “New Age,” the […]
Monday Morning Video – Brent Best and Matthew Ryan
There’s something special about seeing artists share a stage for a song swap. It becomes all the more magical when the artists are clearly enjoying themselves as much – if not more – than the audience in attendance. Such was the case when Twangville brought together Brent Best and Matthew Ryan for a special house […]
Monday Morning Video – Vintage Lucero
Seeing Lucero live is always a good time. The band’s sets are freewheeling, guitar-driven and electrifying. Here’s a vintage performance from 2004, filled with Lucero classics like “Nights Like These”, “Drink ‘Til We’re Gone”, “Tonight Ain’t Gonna Be Good” and “Ain’t So Lonely.”
Americana 2018: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. Thanks for inviting us. At least I think they invited us. We just showed up. Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin If I […]
Americana 2018: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Americana 2018: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Monday Morning Video – the John Moreland Band
Oklahoma singer-songwriter John Moreland typically tours as a solo artist or with accompanist John Calvin Abney, so it’s a special treat to see him fronting a full band. Here’s “I Need You To Tell Me Who I Am,” a favorite from 2013’s In the Throes. How about a full band live album, John? Pretty please?