SOMEBODY’S CHILD I do a fair amount of research on the artists attending SXSW in the weeks leading up to the event. Before I arrived, Ireland’s Somebody’s Child were at the top of my artists to see; when I left they were the best band that I saw. The group, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Cian […]
SXSW 2023 – The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for the annual event. With upwards of 1,500 artists and tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, […]
FAI Conference 2023 – Musical Highlights
As I noted yesterday, the Folk Alliance International conference is one of my annual highlights. A big reason for that is the vast offering of musical performances; last year there were over 150 official showcases, and over 1000 private showcases in just 4 days. This year probably topped that. Clearly I didn’t make it to […]
2023 Folk Alliance International Conference
There are a multitude of organizations set up to serve the music industry, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) and their non-profit, MusiCares, to industry organizations for various segments, to local music societies. I’m certain none of them come close to the broad offerings of Folk Alliance International. FAI […]
Bill’s Badly Belated Blues Based Best of 2022
Ok, so it’s February. Kind of late for a year-in-review special. But, I was traveling for my day job, the one I get paid for, so that’s why I’m late. So, I’ve been doing these blues-based years in review for a few years now, and I’m not sure I ever explained the methodology I use, […]
Carolinamericana 2022 Playlist
Before we get too far into the new year I wanted to share a playlist of a few Americana leaning projects that came out of South Carolina in 2022. Most of these are from the Columbia area because, well, that’s where I live. Among the artists you’ll find are Lang Owen, Admiral Radio, Heather Rice, […]
Monday Morning Video – David Crosby
Another great one gone with the passing of David Crosby last week. Let’s celebrate his legacy with a classic performance of his “Almost Cut My Hair” with CSNY back in 1974 and “Wooden Ships” from his appearance with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the 2018 Newport Folk Festival.
Tom’s Faves: 2022
Marcus King had my attention from his earliest records, but none rose to the top quite like Young Blood. Whether it be the production collaboration with Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) or the raw, honest introspection and coming of age of an artist that knows what he’s capable of musically, this was my favorite album by far this year.
Twangville’s 2022 Favorites are…
Cruel Country by Wilco The Twangville pick for Best New Album of 2022 is Cruel Country by Chicago-based band, Wilco. This list combines best of year picks from our Twangville critics plus the Readers’ Picks which you helped us create from our polls throughout the year. Congrats to all the finalists. Bring on 2023! Official Twangville […]
Readers’ Pick: Best Album of 2022
Congratulations to Wreckless Strangers for landing in the top spot of Twangville’s Readers’ Pick of 2022 poll. Full results below. Our annual wrap up is coming soon.