In what’s become a signature event in the roots music scene, the Americana Music Festival was back in full swing this year in the third week of September. Although unofficial events start on Tuesday, the traditional kick-off is the Americana Music Awards held on Wednesday night at the amazing Ryman Auditorium. It’s a chance to […]
Justin Toland Of Dirty Streets on Fast Food Value Menus and Their “Beautifully Boring” Rehearsal Space
Vocalist and guitarist Justin Toland of Memphis-based Dirty Streets talks about breaking down in their old tour van and the band’s first gig – where their future drummer was among the handful of people in the crowd.
Glenn Tilbrook on His Touring RV and Quitting His Last Day Job
Renowned singer-songwriter Glenn Tilbrook recalls a time when a show audience lent him a helping hand and shares the first song that he ever wrote (later recorded by Squeeze on their first EP).
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg is among the artists who released an album in 2021 and is finally able to support it with a tour in 2022. Bragg is about to hit the road through portions of the US and Canada (dates listed below) to showcase songs from The Million Things That Never Happened and, undoubtedly, others from […]
Moontricks – Currents
Imagine you’re driving through a winding valley deep in the mountains of British Columbia when you happen upon a barn along the side of the road. You stop, open the door to investigate, and it’s a full-on rave; keyboards, synthesizers, flashing strobes, and a bass line threatening to turn your insides to jelly. Oh, and […]
Ben Balmer Premiere – I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Ben Balmer plays with a lot of folks around the Austin area and last fall he released an album, Honky Tonk Macbeth, that featured many of them. He has a new record coming out soon under the moniker of Ben Balmer & Friends, so we can assume that it will likewise feature a number of […]
Ali McGuirk on Tour Salads and How Her Approach to Songwriting Has Evolved
Singer-songwriter Ali McGuirk talks about the optimistic first song that she wrote, forming “The Youngins” with her uncle and brother, and the meaningful day job that she does when not on tour.
Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys on the Band’s Rehearsal Space and “Woulda’ Coulda’ Shoulda’, but Didn’a”
Drummer Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys talks about a favorite day job from when he was a kid and time spent blasting records at the band’s rehearsal space during the pandemic.
Monday Morning Video – Loamlands
Hat tip to Lee Bains for introducing me to North Carolina’s Loamlands. The band recently toured with Bains, opening the show and then backing Bains for his set. The band, led by singer-songwriter Kym Register, pack their rock and roll with a simmering intensity. Here’s a taste, “What Kind of Love” from their 2016 release […]
Drayton Farley – Walk Home
Before I get into his excellent new EP, let me reflect on the near meteoric rise of singer-songwriter Drayton Farley. His is a true DIY story and proof that talent, not publicists, sometimes win the day. He started out recording in his home studio with no publicists or street team and no label. He persists […]