I saw Abby Hamilton as part of last fall’s Underwater Sunshine Festival in NYC, where she and her band were among the weekend’s highlights. A little rock, a little acoustic country, and a whole lot of goodness. Here are two videos that showcase her talent, the electrified “Change Things”, filmed at an Arts Center in […]
Emily Nenni – On the Ranch
I listen to more music driving than I do just about anywhere else. That’s where the music comes alive to me. Any music. Different genres invoke a different feeling sitting behind the wheel. As far as country music goes, it’s highly visual in its telling of a story. What I see looking out of my windshield and windows becomes […]
The Panhandlers – Tough Country
I love discovering the oceans of great music that exist without the support of mainstream media. It’s like being let in on a secret that is only meant for a few sets of ears. There is immense richness in its tone, coupled with a composition that makes me think, “How are these guys not more […]
Pony Bradshaw on Avoiding Cover Band Shows and Making a Living Under the Radar
Singer-songwriter Pony Bradshaw talks about his pain the ass tour van, rehearsing across the street from a Federal penitentiary, and why music isn’t a one-size-fits-all career.
The Shootouts – Stampede
I’d venture a guess there aren’t many people walking around thinking of Akron, Ohio, as a hotbed of country music. Chrissie Hynde, Devo, The Black Keys: none of those really scream TWANG. Sometimes, though, you need to step outside the guts of the machine to see the big picture. It seems like Ryan Humbert and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2023
Missing Someone, Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N Roll Records/Thirty Tigers release Boomerang Town) Harris’ eagerly awaited sophomore release has arrived – and it’s a beauty. What makes it even compelling is that its beauty isn’t easy. Harris fills her songs with difficult topics and troubled characters, digging into them with a thoughtful perspective. The […]
Matt Hillyer Premiere – You Gotta Keep Moving
In the summer of 2021, Matt Hillyer and long-time bandmate Steven Berg decide to bring an end to their beloved band Eleven Hundred Springs. The group was a Dallas institution and credited with playing a big role in putting some edge back in the north Texas country scene. But certain things in life run their […]
Drayton Farley – Twenty on High
The rapidly growing fanbase of Drayton Farley is about to need to put a double-decker on the bandwagon. Farley will be releasing “Twenty on High” via Hargrove Records/Thirty Tigers on March 3rd. Up until now his records have been one man DIY releases. However, that hasn’t stopped him from amassing millions of streams on Spotify […]
Melissa McClelland of Whitehorse on Touring in a Van Named Clarice and Rehearsing in the Rat Space
Melissa McClelland of the Canadian duo Whitehorse talks about playing open mics as a teenager, working in a covid world, and enjoying the journey.
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.