You’ve all heard the saying about death and taxes. Many a songwriter has written a story about someone’s journey to make the most of life given the inevitable end. Grammy-nominated Austin musician (and former front man for Wood & Wire) Tony Kamel took that a few steps further and centered his new album, We’re All […]
On the Promenade – A Video Premiere from Bird Streets
I like to think I’m a patient guy. But really I’m not. So when I say that I’ve been patiently waiting for new music from New York’s Bird Streets, you know that ain’t true. But yes: Two and a half years since he released the outstanding album Lagoon, Bird Streets – aka John Brodeur – […]
Ashleigh Flynn on Her Start in Songwriting and Savoring the Golden Moments
Portland-based Americana artist Ashlynn Leigh talks about avoiding corporate food chains, working for a health and housing non-profit, and “The Willie Way”.
Adam Reed of Michigan Rattlers on Oil Painting and Hometown Gigs
Bassist Adam Reed of Michigan Rattlers talks about the time the band’s van got robbed and the importance of likes and follows.
Monday Morning Video – Margo Cilker
Margo Cilker’s Valley Of Heart’s Delight was a favorite release from 2023. Here’s a mighty fine live version of “Beggar For Your Love”, an album stand-out. You can get a good feel for where you belong only sometimesYou can get a good line to hold up a song if the rhyme’s rightI’ve been looking at […]
SXSW 2025: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2025. I’m from the Brian Eno school of music. What is out of tune? It’s just choices. St. Vincent If you can’t tell, I have my […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 3
ST. VINCENT It’s hard to beat a surprise set by St. Vincent, all the more so when it takes place at a Rivian showroom. The set was short but potent, including a few from her most recent album. And thanks, Rivian, for the limited edition vinyl of said release. WILLI CARLISLE Although he’s been on […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 2
BABY SAID I saw sisters Veronica and Jess Pal deliver two blistering sets of rock and roll, sweetened by their catchy pop melodies and perfect sibling harmonies. Even those two times was not enough – here’s hoping they return soon for a proper tour. JOELTON MAYFIELD My favorite Americana discovery was Nashville by way of […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 1
JOHN FOGERTY “I just got my songs back and I’m gonna play every one of them,” said Fogerty at the start of his show, celebrating the return of his song publishing rights. He wasn’t kidding. He and his band cranked through hit after hit, culminating with a bruising “Fortunate Son”. The icing on the cake? […]
SXSW 2025: The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW conference and festival in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,000 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music […]