The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
John Smith on Nick Drake and Spending More Time with the Pen
Songwriter and guitarist John Smith talks about working in a comic book shop and a boozy tour bus breakdown while on the road with David Gray.
Hillary Grace Fretland on Gas Station Taquitos and Working at a Wine Bar
Singer-songwriter Hillary Grace Fretland of Fretland talks about finding leftover snacks in the band’s rehearsal space, stealing lyrics from Drew Barrymore.
Monday Morning Video – William Prince
I’ll admit that I’m a late-comer to William Prince’s music. While in Nashville two years ago for the Americana Conference, I arrived at a venue early in anticipation of catching a favorite artist (Terra Lightfoot, if you must know). The sounds that greeted me, courtesy of Prince, were astonishing. While I can’t recall with any […]
Readers’ Pick: Zach Schmidt – Raise a Banner
You picked Zach Schmidt – Raise a Banner as your favorite new release for the week of April 16, 2020. 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 Winter & Spring 2021 Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn […]
The Shootouts – Bullseye
Not long after Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakum and their ilk starting reclaiming authentic roots music, a band formed out of a chance meeting in a bar took the idea a step further. BR549 was honky-tonk, rockabilly and Texas swing; and an attitude your mom told you to fear. Needless to say they developed a […]
Grace Pettis – Working Woman
As the daughter of singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis and poetry scholar Dr. Margaret Mills Harper, it is no surprise that Grace Pettis turned out to be a powerful songwriter herself. Raised in both the rural mountains of Mentone, Alabama and the suburbs of Atlanta, her music reflects both traditional roots and modern styles. Her powerful voice […]
Vanessa Peters on Coffee and Saying No to a Paid Gig
Singer-songwriter Vanessa Peters talks about the relationship between audience demographics and merch sales and recalls touring with “Charlotte” and “Mercurio”.
Zach Schmidt on Pandemic Day Jobs and Building a Rehearsal Space
Nashville (by way of Pittsburgh) singer-songwriter Zach Schmidt talks about Mama Jo, his luxury touring ride, and keeping his focus on the songs.
Monday Morning Video – Celebrating Levon Helm at the Ryman
Levon Helm is an Americana, hell, an all-around music legend who we lost nine years ago today. Here are two celebrations of the man at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The first is a Levon Helm’s Ramble show from 2009 and features the man himself, as well as John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Miller, Sam […]