There’s a famous lyric from Hank Williams, Jr., that asks “why must you live out the songs that you wrote.” In the case of Nashville’s Ron Pope, his signature move is the reverse: to write songs about the life he’s lived. You can argue that’s what many songwriters do, but in Pope’s case he has […]
“Beautiful Mess” – a Premiere From Olivia Ellen Lloyd
After taking a hiatus from music, Olivia Ellen Lloyd returned to music a few years ago. And it’s a damn good thing that the she did. The Brooklyn by way of West Virginia singer-songwriter is a special talent. She’s fearless in her songwriting, a refreshing reminder of what country music can be. “Beautiful Mess”, her […]
Ron Pope on BBQ, Natty Light, and The Last Great Watering Hole
Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope talks about rough times at his earliest gigs, working security at an overpriced jeans store, and learning from whom – and from whom not – to accept suggestions.
Monday Morning Video – Jellyfish
I’m fortunate to have gotten to see many of my favorite artists perform live. Of course there are a few that slipped through the cracks. One of them was Jellyfish. The group crafted perfect pop songs, all enriched by their glorious harmonies. They only released two albums – Bellybutton and Spilt Milk, both of which […]
Big Richard – Girl Dinner
A couple of years ago, one of the bands generating the most buzz at Old Settler’s Music Festival was a new group out of Colorado, Big Richard. They caused a stir at an early afternoon set in Telluride the summer before and now people were excited to see if the magic was still there. It […]
“Can You Feel It?” – a Video Premiere From DB Edmunds
Sometimes one needs an escape from reality and what better way to do it than by losing oneself in a glorious power pop song. It’s a sentiment that North Carolina-based DB Edmunds apparently took to heart with his latest video. It finds Edmunds and his band blasting into the future with spaceships and a landscape […]
Joel Timmons on Diversification and Teaching Geology
South Carolina reared, Nashville-based Joel Timmons talks about roadside tour van repairs and building long lasting relationships in the music business.
Bonus Monday Video – Jeremie Albino
Jeremie Albino released one of my favorite albums in 2024 and he’s taking it on the road in 2025. I caught night two of his US tour and it lived up to the high expectations set by the record… and then some. Albino and his band delivered a show that was raw, raucous, and a […]
Monday Morning Video – Garth Hudson and The Band
We lost a giant last week with the passing of Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band. The group The classically trained multi-instrumentalist was a quiet force within the group, one whose contributions helped define their sound. Here are a few choice Garth moments. First, “The Genetic Method/Chest Fever” where Hudson’s expansive solo […]
Joel Timmons – Psychedelic Surf Country
I’m generally a fan of debut albums. Without the pressure to follow up an earlier record, or put something out to satisfy the label, an artist can cull from their life’s best work. Sometimes that can go awry, though, when a musician has worked their way through a variety of styles on their way to […]