ROANOKE Another on my short list of new to me artists for me this year was Roanoke. They bore more than a passing resemblance to the fictional Daisy Jones and the Six in both song and spirit. A good thing in my book. JAKE BLOUNT Jake Blount is a true student of American music. So […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 2
ANNIE HAMILTON A favorite new artist discovery for me – great pop songs wrapped in an indie rock package, delivered by one of the most captivating performers that I saw all week. WILLIAM PRINCE I caught Canada’s Prince two times within twelve hours, first closing out the Canada House line-up at 1am on Wednesday night […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 1
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, […]
Ryan Humbert of The Shootouts on Graphic Design, Streaming Radio, and Cliches
Ryan Humbert of country band The Shootouts talks about being in a band of foodies, selling their old tour vehicle, and lessons learned along the way.
Parker Gispert on an Early Rhyme and Being Present
Parker Gispert, solo artist and co-founder of Athens rock band The Whigs, talks about why he eats neither cheap nor healthy while on tour and shares the story behind his first song – an epic western tale.
Monday Morning Video – Al Green
It doesn’t happen often, but on occasion a cover version can rival the original version. Here’s one of my faves in that category – Al Green laying claim to the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”.
Readers’ Pick: Doug Paisley – Say What You Like
You picked Doug Paisley – Say What You Like as your favorite new release for the week of March 17, 2023.
Greg Hall’s Hungry Heart – A Twangville Premiere
The cover song is a musical tradition. And sure, it’s fun to hear one artist cover a favorite song from another artist. The challenge, however, is that they generally tend to mirror the original. It’s immensely more interesting when an artist reimagines a song. The results can be transformational, bringing new emotion and impact to […]
Mighty Poplar – Mighty Poplar
One of the great characteristics of bluegrass and Americana music festivals is the impromptu jam sessions. Backstage, in the campground, at the hotel, on the tour bus, there’s a lot more great music that gets played than ever hits the stage. Not for the first time, those informal sessions have been the impetus for new […]