Hey Dallas-Fort Worth, we’re back! We’re hosting a pair of great shows next month in Dallas-Fort Worth. Come join us! On Sunday, May 4th we’ll gather at 4pm in Lower Greenville for the 12th edition of our Twangville Sunday Social. Joining us for an afternoon of songs and stories are a trio of Twangville favorites: […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 3
ST. VINCENT It’s hard to beat a surprise set by St. Vincent, all the more so when it takes place at a Rivian showroom. The set was short but potent, including a few from her most recent album. And thanks, Rivian, for the limited edition vinyl of said release. WILLI CARLISLE Although he’s been on […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 2
BABY SAID I saw sisters Veronica and Jess Pal deliver two blistering sets of rock and roll, sweetened by their catchy pop melodies and perfect sibling harmonies. Even those two times was not enough – here’s hoping they return soon for a proper tour. JOELTON MAYFIELD My favorite Americana discovery was Nashville by way of […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 1
JOHN FOGERTY “I just got my songs back and I’m gonna play every one of them,” said Fogerty at the start of his show, celebrating the return of his song publishing rights. He wasn’t kidding. He and his band cranked through hit after hit, culminating with a bruising “Fortunate Son”. The icing on the cake? […]
“I Love You, I Need You” – a Premiere from GA-20
A recent personnel change didn’t slow New England’s GA-20‘s bluesy stride. Singer-guitarist Cody Nilsen joined the group, teaming up with powerhouse drummer Joshua Kiggans and group co-founder guitarist Matthew Stubbs. Still no bass player to be found, but it doesn’t matter – the group’s musical interplay gives their songs a rhythmic swagger. “I Love You, […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2024, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
“Dropped the Ball” – A Premiere from Matthew McNeal
2024 isn’t quite over but it’s not too early to start thinking about 2025. Fort Worth’s Matthew McNeal, alongside his long-time collaborator Andre Black, tease an album to be released next year with a gem of a song. A sublime melody, the wail of a pedal steel guitar, and McNeal’s plaintive vocals come together to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024, Part 2
Behind The Eight/Count Your Blessings, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records releases East Jesus and Lighthouse on the Shore) For nearly a decade, Michael McDermott has been on a creative tear, releasing more albums in that period than many artists create during their entire careers. And apparently he’s not interested in slowing down; rather, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024
Give It To Me One Last Time, Jeremie Albino (from the Easy Eye Sound release Our Time in the Sun) Canada’s Jeremie Albino traveled to Nashville to record an album steeped in Memphis and Muscle Shoals soul. In Nashville, Albino teamed with Dan Auerbach to create an outstanding album that has a retro feel without […]
“Big Dreams” – a Video Premiere from Tyler-James Kelly
Tyler-James Kelly is known to many as the former singer/songwriter/guitarist for late, great Providence, Rhode Island rock band The Silks. With his debut solo release, however, Kelly takes his talent in an entirely different musical direction. Dream River hearkens back to the days of Willie and Waylon, a glorious collection of classic country songs brought […]