I have to admit, I was surprised to see the lineup at such a relatively unknown festival called Festy this year. Where else can you see Americana stalwarts Josh Ritter and Justin Townes Earle on the same day? And when my wife and I waltzed in to the show at a hair past noon, I […]
Americana 2016: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. SHANE NICHOLSON I caught Australian singer-songwriter Shane Nicholson three times over […]
Shakin’ with Session Americana
Every once in awhile, there is an artist whose album is so anticipated by the Twangville Posse that a couple of us pile on for a team review. Session Americana, who has just released a new album called Great Shakes sits firmly in that category. MAYER’S TAKE Session Americana stretch out on their latest album. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Stay Gold by Butch Walker The opening guitar riff of the lead-off track sets the tone right out of the gate: Butch Walker is ready to rock. His last album, 2015’s Afraid of Ghosts, was a somber and moving reflection on the loss of his father. After the catharsis that came […]
Nate Nelson of White Violet Talks Time Spent at the 40 Watt Club and Touring with “Moby” and “Pri-Pri”
Nate Nelson of Athens, GA/Nashville, TN band White Violet recalls the D.I.Y. stage decor he used at his first gig and talks about how the band saves money on guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – A Newport Folk Festival Trifecta
One of the coolest things about the Newport Folk Festival are the frequent impromptu collaborations that occur, making the festival an artists’ affair in the truest sense of the word. Here is a trifecta of highlights from this year’s event. And in honor of the Olympics currently underway, we’re going to make it a pass […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Cold Snap by Anthony D’Amato Singer-songwriter Anthony D’Amato stretches out on his latest release, his second for New West Records. An acoustic guitar may still be his instrument of choice but the arrangements are robust and more orchestrated, reminiscent of Josh Ritter’s more recent work. Cold Snap was recorded in Omaha, […]
The Twangville 2016 Release Preview, Back Half Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2016. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? REAL by LYDIA LOVELESS(19 August on Bloodshot Records) It’s hard to believe that it has […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 2
This has already been quite a year for songs. Here are just a few of my favorites from the first half of 2016. Shadow in the Window, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records release Willow Springs) McDermott reflects on his father’s recent passing, building the song from a tender acoustic opening to an impassioned […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 1
This has already been quite a year for songs. Here are just a few of my favorites from the first half of 2016. Unbroken Hearts and Call the Doctor, Austin Lucas (from the Last Chance Records release Between the Moon and the Midwest) Lucas tells his tale of life in the music business, set to […]