Breaking Slow, Anthony D’Amato (from the Blue Rose Music release At First There Was Nothing) Anthony D’Amato is on a creative tear. Fresh from the this summer’s debut of Fantastic Cat, the songwriter collective of which he is a founding member, D’Amato has released an album that ranks among the finest of his on-going career. […]
“Forget” – a Premiere from The Half Guided Hearts
There’s something special about a melancholy pop song. Sure, a happy song now and then never hurt anyone. But the real emotions – and the power of music – emerge when things aren’t so great. Which brings us to “Forget”, the latest single from The Half Guided Hearts. Anchored by singer Raquelle Langlinais and guitarist […]
Bonus Monday Video – A Dallas House Show Preview
Twangville continues our Sunday Social concert series in Dallas, Texas this coming Sunday, October 16th (details here and rsvp here). Joining us are three incredible artists – Mando Saenz, Isaac Hoskins, and Carter Sampson. As we eagerly await an afternoon of songs and stories, here is a video playlist to whet our appetites: Mando Saenz […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Drayton Farley – Walk Home
Before I get into his excellent new EP, let me reflect on the near meteoric rise of singer-songwriter Drayton Farley. His is a true DIY story and proof that talent, not publicists, sometimes win the day. He started out recording in his home studio with no publicists or street team and no label. He persists […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022, Part 2
Nobody’s Coming to Get You, Fantastic Cat (from the Blue Rose Music release The Very Best of Fantastic Cat) It takes some chutzpah to call your debut album “The Best Of” but Fantastic Cat darn sure deliver the goods with their first album. The group’s four singer-songwriters, each talented in their own right, come together […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022
Clean Getaway, Caroline Spence (from the Rounder Records release True North) Caroline Spence looks at relationships from a myriad of perspectives on her wonderous new True North. “Blue Sky Rain” and “Clean Getaway” focus on their failure with a thoughtful clarity. “You never see it coming, only see it pass,” she sings on “Blue Sky […]
A Little Boston in Your Attitude – A Special Boston Playlist
Follow, Susan Cattaneo (from the Jersey Girl Music release All Is Quiet) It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Susan Cattaneo taught songwriting at Berklee School of Music for many years. Her songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with meaning and musical grace. Her latest album may be stripped down in terms of arrangements, […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2022 (So Far), the Songs
Meant to Be, BER & Charlie Oriain (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That) A wonderful discovery at this year’s SXSW… and one of my favorite songs so far this year. But I think you’re the one for someone else And that shit’s hard to say It’s okay, you feel the same and I can […]
Million Miles – a Premiere from Ole Kirkeng
It’s been quite a year for Oslo Norway’s Ole Kirkeng. Last February he released his impressive debut EP Rocking Chair. Several months later it was recognized with the Spellemann Award, Norway’s Grammys, for Country Record of the Year. Not a bad start to a career. Since then, he’s been releasing a few singles, including the […]