What’s the Matter, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds) Even in the shittiest of years – and the past two years have been beauts – new music from James McMurtry is always a bright spot. In fact, given the songwriter’s infrequent album releases – The Horses and the Hounds is […]
Hank Erwin – The Copper Album
“Having cancer and recovering from surgery was great. It was a distraction from the severe depression.” Taken from Hank Erwin’s website bio, that was my first hint that the inspiration for Erwin’s new album, The Copper Album, was captured from his own, less-than-fluffy, life experiences. Indeed, that bio serves as commentary on several of the […]
Dallas Burrow on “Sweet Home Alabama” and the Redbird Listening Room
Texas country singer Dallas Burrow talks about one of his main music business expenses and winning his 8th grade talent show.
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren on Tour Snacks, Bruno Mars, and Flying Cars
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren talk about relationship, rather than van, breakdowns and not being able to predict the future.
Monday Morning Video – The 2021 Americana Music Awards
UPDATE: The full show video is no longer available so we’ve added a brief highlight clip. One of the most memorable experience of the annual Americana Music Association conference is the awards show. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, it is a tremendous celebration of music and musicians as well as host to some memorable […]
Readers’ Pick: Joshua Ray Walker – See You Next Time
You picked Joshua Ray Walker – See You Next Time as your favorite new release for the week of October 8, 2021. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2021 James McMurtry […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
2021 Americana Music Awards
It was good to be back. The annual awards show, held at the fabulous Ryman Auditorium, is always a highlight of my musical year. First, how can you not favor any show at the Ryman. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the decor, it would make any event special. Second, although showcases have starting creeping in ahead […]
Tony Kamel on Why He Loves Touring Solo and His Downsized Home Rehearsal Space
Tony Kamel talks about working in healthcare before launching himself into music and what happened when a friend told him to relax when he played his first gig.
Sean Rowe on Tour Foraging and Trusting His Instincts
Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe talks about finding inspiration in Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and why he doesn’t like the sound of new guitar strings.