How about something a little different this week? Tracy Bonham revisits her 2000 track “Jumping Bean” with a striking new video that pairs her band and a string section with the Eugene Ballet. Filmed live at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the reimagined performance amplifies the song’s defiant spirit, turning it into a […]
Monday Morning Video – Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band
Alejandro Escovedo pays tribute to Ian Hunter by inviting Hunter’s band to perform a trio of legendary Mott the Hoople songs: “All the Way From Memphis”, “Drivin’ Sister”, and “I Wish I Was Your Mother”. This is some serious classic rock and roll.
Marina Rocks – S.O.S. Texas
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in the case of Houstonian Marina Rocks; when in Texas, be a Texan. The Austin-born guitarist/singer/songwriter has long embraced the musical styles she heard around her, and in the process developed a unique sound that nonetheless ties her to the Lone Star State. So it was […]
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 – […]
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.
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 […]
Shane Alexander on European Hotels and Being Entrepreneurial
Los Angeles musician Shane Alexander talks about the song that he wrote for his grandmother, the robbery at his old rehearsal space, and time spent shaping Christmas trees.