independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
At Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, Regina Spektor kept the room in awe of her virtuosic piano playing, her songwriting wit that frequently surpasses the listener’s ability to keep up, her regal stage presence that commands your attention, and her pool of creativity that never seems to run dry.
Veteran southern rockers, Blackberry Smoke, brought a raucous party to the Ryman, feeding off the energy of the sold out crowd!
At Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl, Holly Humberstone made sure to touch on several of the songs we knew while leaving us hungry for more.
At Nashville's Hight Watt, Katelyn Tarver balanced vulnerable introspection with growth, empowerment, and resolve. The result was an evening full of sad songs which was a whole lot of fun.
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 →
