Fourteen years ago, newly graduated friends in Saskatchewan were trying to figure out what to do with their lives; none had ever formally played in a band before, but they decided to play music together. “We lived in the middle of nowhere and we wanted to break things off and experience new things,” says Ryan…
As I tiptoe into Nashville’s High Watt during VON GREY’s soundcheck, I expect to hear some delicious synth-infused pop emanating from the intimate stage. I was met with the sounds of fiddle and a harmonious rendition of Dolly Parton classic “Jolene”— I was completely captivated. I soon learned that any attempt to put this band…
Rayland Baxter is an artist whose music falls under the “alternative country” genre, but his unique sound can’t be put in a box. Stylized “rayLand,” the singer and his mustache are about as funky and fun as his music… and for long-time fans, new album Wide Awake is even more abstract, even more incredible, and…
“You can’t stop the bull when he’s on the run, can’t stop the bullet when it leaves the gun,” sings Dan Pellarin of Nashville rock outfit Arc & Stones in their new single “Fire Truck,” released today. In a time when people profess that rock n’ roll is dead, this band is proving the naysayers…
Sunday at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was already upon us. After a year’s anticipation, the preparation, the packing (and unpacking) of camping supplies, the three prior days of music, and all of the new friends and memories made in such a short time, Sunday always has a bittersweet feeling. You know that there…
Bonnaroo has a special healing power that somehow allows you to stay up into the early morning hours to squeeze in every possible show and then jump out of your cot with only a few hours of sleep, hungry for more music. After celebrating the music of Tom Petty until well past 3:30 in the…
No matter what brings you to Bonnaroo, no matter what your favorite genre of music, everyone awaits the announcement of the theme and lineup of the festival’s legendary SuperJam! The Festival has always been known for its collaborative spirit amongst the performing artists, and the SuperJam! has become a semi-organized showcase of collective talent that…
Weeks ahead of time, I had eagerly awaited my Friday schedule at the 2018 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. With the day containing a mix of rising artists I had somehow missed throughout the winter concert season, as well as a few artists that I could not wait to see again, I had assembled the…
Whether it’s from the awe-inducing first year at the festival when the true magic and spirit of the experience washes over you for the first time, the memory of a one-of-a-kind show, the gathering of friends old and new, the head-clearing moments of pure musical joy, or the wild combination of all the above, every…
With the skyline behind the stage and a shimmering oak tree mural backdrop, downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater creates a perfect setting for a night of music. The Revivalists, who headlined the venue recently, had the crowd grooving from the very first guitar riff. This band from New Orleans continues to grow, and with their…
Sometimes, we have to endure the mundane in order to achieve the marvelous. Such is the story of “Going Through The Motions,” the new tune from Dallas-based seasoned songcrafter Salim Nourallah. “Another songwriter I admire once said this about the ‘occupation’ of songwriting: ‘Most of the time to those around you, you don’t appear to…
It’s a family thing y’all–that was the takeaway message from Calexico’s recent performance at Portland’s Revolution Hall. The show was sold out, a formula for some high-level energy. And as Calexico, on tour supporting their latest (and ninth) studio record, played their hearts out, they delivered in spades. Their eclectic style of American pop, mariachi,…
Shangri-La is a distant, imaginary place, one where everything is pleasant and you can have everything your heart desires. Nashville-based art rock duo Fox Grin brings that idea a little closer with their new and appropriately-titled single “Shangri-La,” a tune from their forthcoming album Dusk, due out early next year. “‘Shangri-La is about the escaping feeling…
It’s a deflating experience when it’s supposed to be your special day, but the world just doesn’t cooperate—and we’ve all been there. New York City-based singer/songwriter Nick Cianci, who will release his debut EP, High-Fidelity Depressed next month, introduces us to one such unlucky lady in “Sparkling Jenny,” the first single off the EP. “In…
While her teenage peers were gushing over gossip and “The Gilmore Girls” way back in the day, Jilian Linklater was teaching herself to play guitar. Now, years later, after releasing two EPs garnering her millions of Spotify streams and thousands of YouTube followers, significant placements in Disney movie trailers, television shows, and cuts by other…
"Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." Matthew 6:26
independent thoughts on alternative music
Your front row seat to the Americana music scene
Freelance writer, journalist and photographer based in New York.
photography by kelly teacher
MUSIC CURATION FOR PLAYERS AND LISTENERS
music writings and reviews
Culture, travel, memories and opinions
Your new favorite entertainment site responsible for your daily dose of music reviews, artist interviews, and pizza jokes.
All my favourite singers couldn't sing...
Sharing the joys of great books and great local, indie and live music
