independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Soul singer/songwriter and guitarist David Ryan Harris has had a steady and storied musical career; since the 1980s, Harris has been in several bands on various labels, produced artists like India.Arie and Dionne Farris, written and performed with a star-studded roster of musicians, was John Mayer's touring guitarist from 2004-2012, and released his fourth LP, Lightyears, in 2014.  Even... Continue Reading →
"I've always had a thing for lyrics," says Son Little, the artist formerly known as Aaron Livingston and literal son of a preacher man, who recently released his self-titled debut album on label ANTI- Records. "I've written a lot of songs in the last few years, and had done a lot of work where there... Continue Reading →
Nashville-based soulful pop artist Charlie Oxford released his self-titled debut album last Friday; we were fortunate enough to snag some time with him recently, and he graciously performed his song "Speak Out" for us. Â So, without further ado, East of 8th presents "Speak Out" by Charlie Oxford. Â Enjoy it, y'all!
Texas-raised, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Charlie Oxford creates his own blend of modern soul on his self-titled debut due for release this Friday, September 25th.  It's been a long road for Oxford and this album, which almost never saw the light of day; "It was a classic situation of artist signs with record label, things don't pan out... Continue Reading →
Have you ever heard a song that grabbed your heart, invaded your soul, held onto both for dear life, and made you feel things you forgot you could even feel? Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have created an entire album of songs that do exactly that, a self-titled debut on Memphis, Tennessee's renowned label Stax Records, home of... Continue Reading →
New York-based blue-eyed soul man Caleb Hawley was in the Music City recently to perform at Musicians Corner, a weekly free music festival, and we were able to snag some time with him and his band to film an exclusive performance just for you! Â If you follow East of 8th (and if you don't, you... Continue Reading →
Nashville's independent radio institution, Lightning 100, hosts a weekly live musical broadcast called Nashville Sunday Night from local venue 3rd & Lindsley, also an institution around these parts, and I was lucky enough to attend last week when Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, one my of favorite bands, was featured. I can't say this enough, and y'all... Continue Reading →
I really dig surprises; surprise parties, long lost friends coming to visit, getting an unexpected note in the mail from someone. Â I especially like musical surprises, like when I hear a band that sounds like an sonic army and there are only two people playing (ahem..Royal Blood). Â When I heard Sister Sparrow & The Dirty... Continue Reading →
If you are familiar with Nashville, you've probably heard of Grimey's, a.k.a. Grimey's New and Preloved Music (owned and operated by Mike Grimes and Doyle Davis), my favorite local record store, located in a big, old, creaky house on 8th Avenue South...and if you've heard of Grimey's, chances are you've heard of The Basement, the... Continue Reading →
I was at Mercy Lounge last week, on a mission to see southern soul septet St. Paul & The Broken Bones, from Birmingham, Alabama.  I say "on a mission" because that's what it feels like when I set my sights on a show I want to attend; I gear up for it by "spreading the gospel"... Continue Reading →
