“Having cancer and recovering from surgery was great. It was a distraction from the severe depression.” Taken from Hank Erwin’s website bio, that was my first hint that the inspiration for Erwin’s new album, The Copper Album, was captured from his own, less-than-fluffy, life experiences. Indeed, that bio serves as commentary on several of the […]
Dallas Burrow on “Sweet Home Alabama” and the Redbird Listening Room
Texas country singer Dallas Burrow talks about one of his main music business expenses and winning his 8th grade talent show.
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren on Tour Snacks, Bruno Mars, and Flying Cars
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren talk about relationship, rather than van, breakdowns and not being able to predict the future.
Monday Morning Video – The 2021 Americana Music Awards
UPDATE: The full show video is no longer available so we’ve added a brief highlight clip. One of the most memorable experience of the annual Americana Music Association conference is the awards show. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, it is a tremendous celebration of music and musicians as well as host to some memorable […]
Readers’ Pick: Joshua Ray Walker – See You Next Time
You picked Joshua Ray Walker – See You Next Time as your favorite new release for the week of October 8, 2021. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2021 James McMurtry […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
2021 AmericanaFest – Shawn’s Favorites
After taking last year off for the pandemic, AmericanaFest was back in (almost) full swing again. A few artists decided not to do their show, the number of venues was scaled back, and vax requirements were in effect. However, combined with most attendees exercising common sense and respect for fellow music lovers, the overall vibe […]
2021 Americana Music Awards
It was good to be back. The annual awards show, held at the fabulous Ryman Auditorium, is always a highlight of my musical year. First, how can you not favor any show at the Ryman. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the decor, it would make any event special. Second, although showcases have starting creeping in ahead […]
Tony Kamel on Why He Loves Touring Solo and His Downsized Home Rehearsal Space
Tony Kamel talks about working in healthcare before launching himself into music and what happened when a friend told him to relax when he played his first gig.