independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Hinterland 2025’s final day brought perfect weather, a sold-out crowd, and unforgettable performances from Orla Gartland, Wyatt Flores, Sierra Ferrell, Bleachers, Lana Del Rey, and more. From early afternoon rock energy to a late-night set at the Campfire Stage, Sunday closed the festival in spectacular style.
From string-snapping energy to heartfelt storytelling, Paul McDonald’s So Long to the Dark Side release show at Skinny Dennis was a celebration of light, love, and letting go.
Some of the strongest bonds can be formed in an instant—this is the backstory of Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall--otherwise known as alt-pop band Flora Cash. It’s such a palpable bond that even the most vodka-infused audience member could feel it during the duo’s recent stop at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom. Watching the pair share knowing... Continue Reading →
There are some principles that we know to be true. Space is curved. Every action in nature has an equal and opposite reaction. We get to eat pie each year on March 14th. However, one of the great unsolved mysteries is how rock duos manage to consistently outplay and outperform prototypical, stage sprawling bands. Seeking... Continue Reading →
One of the unexpected challenges of writing concert reviews when the artist is the offspring of an iconic musician is determining whether the rising artist is trying to embrace the legend of the parent or hoping to bury any familial comparisons. Ironically, most musicians seem to be internally struggling with the same thing. Fortunately, The Devon... Continue Reading →
A short time ago, a friend sent me a Spotify link and told me to check out an artist named Lennon Stella. The link came with almost no details except that Stella’s background included being a cast member on the TV show Nashville. It was around this same time that I discovered I may be... Continue Reading →
Haw River Ballroom was recently treated to a double-billed funk invasion featuring Turkuaz and Lettuce—these vastly talented groups bring the promise of hard-hitting basslines, sizzling horns, and jazzy guitar riffs. The mixed crowd spanning a few decades in age came ready to dance in the venue tucked away in small Saxapahaw, North Carolina. Turkuaz opened... Continue Reading →
It’s no longer a secret that Nashville’s music scene is more than a love-hate relationship with its country music stereotype. With indie and alternative rock now a dominating force, the music floods out of concert venues, clubs, and bars nightly. While there are numerous faces in the crowd of the city’s emerging rock acts, there... Continue Reading →
“In the beginning, the land was pure”….a spoken word excerpt borrowed from The Jacksons’ 1980 tune “Can You Feel It” opened the show at the High Watt this week for Keuning, the solo project of Dave Keuning, lead guitarist and co-founder of world-famous rock band The Killers. As words turned into funky beats, Keuning took... Continue Reading →
There is something special developing in the music festival scene and it’s coming out of Memphis, Tennessee. Back for its second year, the 2018 Mempho Music Festival boasted a lineup that was impossible to resist. Last year, the festival showcased Memphis flavor by bringing together a healthy dose of blues and soul legends, indie rockers, local favorites,... Continue Reading →
