independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Where an album allows the artist to distill and refine, a concert embraces personal essence. Sure, the videos and recordings of Anna Wise showcase her stunning voice, but after seeing her recent show at Nashville’s Exit/In, I was left in awe of her artistic vision. In concert, Wise is a bit of a mystery. Without... Continue Reading →
This past weekend, folk rock band Dawes played a two-night stand at The Ryman, and I’m not sure I will ever be the same. I can confidently say—and speak for everyone that was in attendance either of those nights--that something magical happened, and it set the bar for live music. Dawes is currently on an... Continue Reading →
“So a little fair warning. We like to talk about weed and sometimes religious stuff. Sometimes we cuss,” SUSTO frontman Justin Osborne cautioned the sold-out High Watt crowd last Friday night in Nashville. It was clear from the approving roar of the crowd that the venue was full of the band’s fans who were already... Continue Reading →
Last Saturday was that most special of unofficial holidays--Record Store Day--which has transcended its initial calling of promoting independent record stores and has morphed into an all-out celebration of music. Music brings people together like no other form of art, so it is fitting that Record Store Day now features parties throughout the country allowing... Continue Reading →
As bodies began to file into the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, April 12th, everything seemed normal--people were chatting about the show, what they do in the world, and the like. As the mother church began to look more and more like a sold out auditorium, the lights dimmed and the opener promptly took the stage.... Continue Reading →
Nestled in a repurposed warehouse district, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is a bit of a Nashville hidden gem. Within the classic-meets-modern bourbon maker is a wonderful concert space, the Oak Room, the exposed brick and concrete of which was the perfect match for a secret show for bluesy rockers, The Weeks. Just last week, the... Continue Reading →
Rising Appalachia is more than just a band--it’s a rallying cry in support of world music, social and economic justice, and cultural preservation. Upon entering the Cannery Ballroom last Thursday, it was apparent that we were about to experience no ordinary show. The normally barren corridors between the entrance and the stage were lined with... Continue Reading →
Nashville-based brothers Michael Ford, Jr. and Ben Ford, who, for years, set the scene ablaze in their previous band The Apache Relay, played for the hometown crowd last week as Airpark, their new musical adventure. The band began the evening’s energetic festivities with "Black Light Blue," a groovy new tune from their recently-released debut EP, Early... Continue Reading →
For folksy rockers The Harmaleighs, their show at the High Watt was a different type of homecoming. About two years ago, the duo of Haley Grant (lead vocals and guitar) and Kaylee Jasperson (bass and harmonies) traded the comfort of their Nashville apartment for the life of touring road warriors. While a lot has changed... Continue Reading →
Touring is a way for a band to expand their musical reach and gain new fans beyond the hometown crowd. A remarkable tour can elevate a band to new heights and build unstoppable confidence; on the other hand, a challenging tour can generate tension and end careers. Nashville psych-rock outfit All Them Witches has certainly encountered obstacles on their... Continue Reading →
