Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Americana Music Awards – 2018 Edition
As has become tradition in the middle of September, the Americana Music Festival rolled into Nashville earlier this month.  The opening of the festival used to be the Awards show at the fabulous Ryman Auditorium, but over the past couple of years the festival has outgrown its 4 day window and this year you could start […]
Monday Morning Video – Sam Morrow “Paid By the Mile”
They say write what you know. Sam Morrow has spent most of the year cruising the highways playing shows in support of Concrete and Mud, his latest album. Among the stand-out tracks is “Paid By the Mile,” which could otherwise pass as a musician’s lament. If I had a nickel for every song I tried […]
Bill and the Belles Talk Fun Day Jobs and The Band’s Quest for the Best Cheese Puff
Bill and the Belles reflect on avoiding gas stations and dollar menus while touring, the hound dog that guards their rehearsal space and the difference between a full-time job and a full-time salary.
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2018, Part 2
Immortal Americans, Austin Lucas (from the Cornelius Chapel Records release Immortal Americans) Immortal Americans feels like the album that Austin Lucas was destined to make. The road there certainly wasn’t easy as he overcame a series of challenges, both personal and professional, along the way. It ultimately led him back to his roots in Indiana […]
Newport Folk Festival 2018: Stars Rising Higher
While this year’s Newport Folk Festival included lots of new acts, it also included those who are dependably brilliant artists for years. Jason Isbell is almost single-handedly elevating country/Americana music to new heights. Sturgill Simpson has brought unabashedly thoughtful country to the discerning listener. Jenny Lewis has a long history of critical acclaim including her […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018: New Arrivals
At Newport Folk Fest 2018, the lineup included both established artists and up-and-coming artists. The up-and-comers were particularly compelling this year. Brand new artists, those coming together as a new band, and those with a totally new sound. This year’s committee did a great job of finding acts coming into their own and all of […]
Carolina Story – Lay Your Head Down
While the economy, meteorology, and isolation of living in rural America is what gets the headlines, there are some good things that come out if, too.  A strong character built on self-dependence while still having a sense of community are what immediately comes to my mind.  It’s those values and emotions that find their way into the […]
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview, Summer/Fall Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2018. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? TILT AND SHINE by KEVIN GORDON(27 July on Crowville Media) Gordon returns with another scruffy […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]