Several days after speaking with Kevn Kinney, I watched a storm roll across the mesas outside Taos, New Mexico. Purple lightning split the sky, eventually forcing Drivin N Cryin’s scheduled outdoor performance indoors. The band adjusted. Instead of the full-throttle rock show one might expect from a group that has spent nearly four decades making […]
Tim Nielsen of Drivin N Cryin on Pop-up Gigs and Merch Sales
Tim Nielsen of southern rock stalwarts Drivin N Cryin talks about how he keeps busy, what sustains the band financially, and what the band’s drummer eats most nights while on tour.
Monday Morning Video – Hard Working Americans
The music community continues to mourn the passing of Todd Snider, with countless stories emerging about how supportive he was of fellow musicians and songwriters. He put that generosity on full display in the early 2010s with the formation of Hard Working Americans, teaming up with Widespread Panic’s Dave Schools, the late guitarist Neal Casal, […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
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 […]