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. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. WILLIAM PRINCE A couple of songs at the Yellowstone round wasn’t enough so […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Americana 2018: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
SXSW 2015 — the Sounds, Part 2
THE STONE FOXES This San Francisco-based rock band added a new drummer since the last time that I saw them. The change enabled original drummer Shannon Koehler to step out as the band’s primary front-man. It’s a role that suits him well as he fired up an afternoon crowd, bounding around the stage and through […]
Folk Alliance Conference 2015 – The Scene and The Sounds
Twangville made its first trip to the annual Folk Alliance Conference a few weeks ago. The event brought hundreds of musicians to Kansas City for four days of music. And more music. And more music. Folk Alliance is unlike any other festival or conference one can attend. Sure, like most conferences it features topical sessions […]
Monday Morning Video: Drivin' N Cryin'
I just got finished watching “Scarred But Smarter,” a cool documentary about Atlanta rockers Drivin” N Cryin”. The film delves into the band”s rich history, thoughtfully considering why the band did and didn”t find success. From the ups and downs of label deals to a revolving cast best online casino of band members, the tale […]
Music with a Purpose: A Compilation for Nuci’s Space
This post continues our series about music that serves a higher purpose. Beyond pure listening enjoyment, these releases raise awareness about important issues that impact countless people in their day-to-day lives. Our friends at Country Fried Rock have just released an awesome new compilation. The release supports Nuci’s Space, a not-for-profit that provides mental health […]
SXSW 2013: The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for SXSW. With upwards of 2,500 bands and 20,000 attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it […]
Coming Soon: Lucero, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Tom Russell
We’re getting into the fall release season and there are some good ones on the horizon. Here are a few for your consideration. 1372 Overton Park, Lucero This may be my most anticipated release for the fall. The boys from Memphis have long been known for their raucous live shows and whiskey-soaked songs. (Although whiskey-soaked […]