There are a multitude of organizations set up to serve the music industry, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) and their non-profit, MusiCares, to industry organizations for various segments, to local music societies. I’m certain none of them come close to the broad offerings of Folk Alliance International. FAI […]
Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams on Tour Meal Strategies and Navigating Their Careers in Music
Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams reflect on getting food poisoning at a show (Williams), being cured of any day job ambition (Campbell), the inspiration for her first song (Williams), and finding economic equilibrium on tour (Campbell).
Alice Howe Premiere – What About You
Say what you will, but there are places in this world that have their own soul. I’ve never been, but I can imagine one of those is the FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals. Bi-coastal songstress Alice Howe certainly felt it the first time she recorded material there in 2019. The presence of all those previous […]
Judgement Day – a Premiere from New Earth Farmers
The latest single from California’s New Earth Farmers is uplifting in both melody and spirit. Sure, the lyrics are somewhat forlorn but not without a sense of buoyancy. The song pays tribute to a life dedicated to music, closing with a sentiment likely shared by artists and listeners alike: “The music’s still going and I […]
JD Clayton on Tour Van Tetris and Committing to His Craft
Arkansas-born singer and songwriter JD Clayton talks about playing for his grandparents at a Starbucks while in college and why he chooses quality over quantity when it comes to tour food.
The Burnt Pines – Don’t Look Down
If there’s one thing the pandemic cemented in the music industry it’s that technology has enabled production of great records without the players ever being in the same room ala the “recording session” process of yesteryear. A fine example of that is The Burnt Pines, an indie folk group with members based in both the […]
Erik Huey on Velvet Elvis Paintings and Roadie Work
Erik Huey of the Surreal McCoys talks about touring in the “Family Truckster”, his happy place (Cowboy Technical Studios), and the mishap that happened at his band’s first gig.
Chip’s Best of Americana 2022
First off, year-end lists are hard to do. Especially rank ordering, which becomes murky as you proceed down the list. That being said number one was a no brainer for me. Marcus King’s “Young Blood” was addictive start to finish with his blues-tinged 70’s arena rock. Below is the rest of my list: 2. Old […]
The Twangville Early 2023 Release Preview
Out of the Heart of Darkness by L.A. Edwards (6 January) L.A. Edwards kick of the year with an often brooding but always engaging song collection. Although the group hails from California, they make a mighty fine heartland rock sound. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying by Whitehorse (13 January) The Canadian duo of Melissa McClelland […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2022, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 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. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]