The United States’ Bible Belt and the strongholds of American country music share a lot of geographical overlap. Virginian John Francis O’Mara, with his Theology degree and collaborations with Nashville’s finest, including Kenny Vaughn and John Carter Cash, likewise stands firmly planted in both camps. He has a new record out, his third full-length effort, […]
Daniel Donato Talks About the Difference Between “Playing” and “Thinking”
Daniel Donato reveals a key source of songwriting ideas and talks about holding band meetings in the Blue Flame Lounge, located in the back of his tour bus “The Snowman”.
Rosy Nolan – Main Attraction
Back in the 1930’s and 1940’s country music started building a national following, helped by the growing adoption of radio and popular shows like The Grand Ole Opry. Hollywood added their weight with westerns featuring singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Bob Wills. The latter became even more well known for morphing those appearances into […]
Join the Tribute To Dallas Good
If you’re a fan of the roots rock/alternative country style that’s one of the mainstays here in Twangville, you’ve undoubtedly heard The Sadies. Their sound is unmistakeable, owing in no small part to the twin lead guitars of brothers Dallas and Travis Good. Over the years they’ve put out 20+ records, either on their own […]
Josh Fortenbery – Tidy Memorial
I’ve been writing about music for over 20 years now. I would have said I’ve heard every angle imaginable about how a songwriter approaches their craft. I would have been wrong. Alaskan Josh Fortenbery has a new album out, Tidy Memorial, and the ten songs are all written as a eulogy to something or someone. […]
Video Premiere: Brennen Leigh’s “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”
I caught Brennen Leigh and pedal steel genius Kevin Skrla for a day set at Americanafest a few weeks back and it did not disappoint. Classic Hank-era country with Brennen’s sharp playing and playful croon. What she does best is showcased in “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”, the title track from her new […]
Rosie Flores & the Talismen – Impossible Frontiers
I don’t know when I first saw Rosie Flores perform. She’s just always been part of the fabric of the music I favor, from the early days of cowpunk to rockabilly to revival of some of the classic old country styles. She was front and center at last month’s Americana Music Festival, where she celebrated […]
The Far West – Everything We Thought We Wanted
The great Joe Strummer once said, “rock and roll ain’t about playing all the right notes.” It was a comment on the passion and showmanship that made his, and others, success in the 80’s and 90’s. I’d argue that while the passion is still essential, the showmanship that was once necessary has evolved to become […]
AmericanaFest 2025, Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
SOPHIE GAULT Sophie Gault kept busy at AmericanaFest this year. I managed to catch her three times—solo, with the SiriusXM house band, and with her own crew—each performance more electrifying than the previous. There’s something about an artist finally making music on her own terms, and the new songs she previewed suggest her 2026 album […]
AmericanaFest 2025, Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
kirby baby Two sets from Brooklyn’s kirby baby meant double the proof that his razor-edged indie rock songs are built for live performance. Whether solo or with his full band—I saw both—the material from his new album crackled with the same intensity. JADE BIRD Bird’s magnetic presence commanded Third Man Records’ legendary Blue Room as […]