Well, here we are. Ten years into the existence of Twangville, something I started while living with friends when my family and I were looking for a new home. It’s been quite a ride. For those new to Twangville, welcome. For those that have been with us for some portion of these ten years, thank […]
Matthew Ryan Talks the Economics of Touring, His First Gig and the Value of Having a Gang
Matthew Ryan talks about life on the road and why healthy eating is a priority, when and why he purchases new instruments and gear (and what it costs), plus the friction between being wildly self-conscious and not giving a shit.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2014
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2014 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. An Anthem for the Broken and A Song to Learn and Sing (Until Kingdom […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Boxers, by Matthew Ryan Boxers is an album of discontent. Life, love, work — you name it — the characters that inhabit this collection of songs are dissatisfied. There is rage, resentment and restlessness. Through it all, however, Ryan manages to find a glimmer of hope — sometimes it’s a lyrical […]
Americana 2014: The Sounds, 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 four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. MATTHEW RYAN This was, hands-down, the highlight of the week for […]
Twangville Fall Release Preview
Yup, the fall release calendar is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are just a few that we at Twangville are excited to hear. SWIMMIN’ TIME by SHOVELS AND ROPE(25 Aug on Dualtone Records) SINGLE MOTHERS by JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE(9 Sept on Vagrant Records) RYAN ADAMS by RYAN ADAMS(9 Sept on Pax Am/Blue Note […]
Monday Morning Video: Matthew Ryan “The World Is”
I generally focus on live performance videos for our Monday Morning Video series however I’m going to make an exception this week. Longtime Twangville fave Matthew Ryan will be releasing a new album on October 14th. We’re beyond excited for it but, not surprisingly, the anticipation has sent us back into his archives. “The World […]
Bonus Video Playlist — Upcoming Shows in Boston
It’s an embarrassment of riches this week in Boston! As noted earlier, we’re kicking things off with Lydia Loveless and the Old 97’s tonight. Tuesday we’ve got the long overdue return of Matthew Ryan (Atwood’s Tavern). Thursday we’ve got the Curtis Mayflower (Atwood’s Tavern) and The Suitcase Junket (house concert). Friday is the equally long […]
Music With a Purpose — Matthew Ryan’s “An Anthem for the Broken”
Let me get straight to the point. Buy this song. Buy it not because it is a great song, although it is. Buy it because when you do, you’ll be supporting a fellow music fan and longtime friend of Twangville who is waging a fierce battle with ALS (otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Click […]