FEATURED ALBUM I Was Hurt Today But I’m Alright Now, Robert Vincent (from the self-released In This Town You’re Owned) Robert Vincent has a few things to say. In This Town You’re Owned is an expansive meditation that finds the Liverpool-based songwriter reflecting on religion, war, relationships, and struggles in a way that is both […]
Newski Tells It Straight: A Twangville Premiere
One of the joys of Twangville is having a somewhat front row seat to watch the arc of an artist’s career. We’ve been fans of Brett Newski and his music for many years now. We’ve watched him transition from a solo musical nomad, touring relentlessly with acoustic guitar in hand, to a more seasoned road […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2020, Part 1
FEATURED ALBUM Trouble Don’t Follow Me, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the Anti- Records release Best of Luck) Christopher Paul Stelling has never been much of a conformist. While many artists are expressing anxiety and frustration with the state of the world, Stelling has decided to celebrate harmony and contentment. It’s all the more noteworthy for […]
Texicana Share a “Little Bit of Love” – A Twangville Premiere
It’s time like these when music can really soothe the soul. All the better when it’s from an artist that you’ve probably never heard – or even heard about – before. Meet Texicana, purveyors of a fresh new rock sound emerging from Dallas, Texas. Like many a good band, the group came together at a […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
You, The Dog and Johnny Cash: A Premiere from Goodnight Texas
It’s always a treat when a favorite artist surprises you with new music. All the better if it’s for a good cause, but more on that in a bit. Goodnight, Texas, the group anchored by songwriters Avi Vinocur and Patrick Dyer Wolf, follow up the July release of The Senseless Age with a rollicking new […]
Dallas After Midnight – A Special Twangville Playlist
Glass Bottles, Ottoman Turks (from the State Fair Records release Ottoman Turks) Ottoman Turks, the album, is a debut release that was 10 years in the making. The band’s back story is simultaneously typical and refreshing – four long-time friends who bonded over a love of music. That shared enthusiasm and exaltation resonates across the […]
A Special Premiere: Get Lucky with Dinty Child
Ringo Starr famously sang “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Well, Ringo ain’t got nothing on Dinty Child. I’ve gotten to know Child as a longtime member of Session Americana, where he has been known to shift effortlessly from the party anthem “Beertown†to the poignant melancholy of “One Good Rainâ€. […]
Bonnie Bishop on Chevy Vans, Lemons, and Why the Journey is the Destination
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Bishop talks about her favorite day job, how a jar of pickled eggs helped her land her first gig, and why it’s important to keep it moving.
Bring Back the Boston Rag – A Special Boston Playlist
Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]