There’s something special about a melancholy pop song. Sure, a happy song now and then never hurt anyone. But the real emotions – and the power of music – emerge when things aren’t so great. Which brings us to “Forget”, the latest single from The Half Guided Hearts. Anchored by singer Raquelle Langlinais and guitarist […]
Michael Paul Lawson – Love Songs For Loners
Aside from tributes and fund-raisers, the idea of concept albums fell out of favor about the time disco came into vogue. Sometimes though, there’s a theme that runs through a record. It doesn’t necessarily drive what gets put on disk, but it ties the songs in the project together. That’s the case with the sophomore […]
Chris Canterbury on His Covid Pivot and What Inspired His First Song
Louisiana-reared songwriter Chris Canterbury talks about buying guitar strings on clearance, designing his own marketing materials, and why he doesn’t write at home.
Bonus Monday Video – A Dallas House Show Preview
Twangville continues our Sunday Social concert series in Dallas, Texas this coming Sunday, October 16th (details here and rsvp here). Joining us are three incredible artists – Mando Saenz, Isaac Hoskins, and Carter Sampson. As we eagerly await an afternoon of songs and stories, here is a video playlist to whet our appetites: Mando Saenz […]
Monday Morning Video – Loretta Lynn
Country music, well, the entire music world, lost a legend last week with the passing of Loretta Lynn. In a career that spanned more than six decades and more than 50 albums, Lynn was both a trailblazer and an inspiration to the countless artists who followed in her footsteps. Here are a trio of songs […]
The Ransom Brothers – Resurgence
There’s much to be said for being old enough that something you loved as a kid has become cool again. In this case I’m talking about the multiple lead guitars with fiddle or pedal steel fed by a driving rhythm section that became known as Southern rock. Several new albums heavy on that style have […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Drew Lawrence of The Dales on Broken Piano Keys and Committing to the Long Haul
Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Drew Lawrence of the Dales talks about perseverance and follow-through and the band’s home studio decorations.
Cory Branan on “Jean Claude Damn Van” and What the Flatpickers Know
Singer-songwriter Cory Branan talks about lowering his standards on the definition of coffee and shares a songwriting tip .
Monday Morning Video – The Explorers Club
South Carolina-reared popsters The Explorers Club make a long overdue return to the road this fall, hitting select cities on the East Coast. If you like classic 1960’s-style pop songs that are dripping with harmonies, you’ll wanna check ’em out. Here’s a taste – “Run Run Run” from 2012’s Grand Hotel. While I generally stick […]