New Discoveries and Biggest Takeaways from SXSW 2026
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SXSW continues to be both an enigma and a mess. But Saving Country Music continues to approach the event like it was initially meant to be: to discover and reveal musical talent that deserves more recognition.
Sturgill Simpson Drummer Miles Miller Announces Debut Album
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You probably know him from being the drummer, bandleader, and harmony singer for Sturgill Simpson during Sturgill’s rise to fame. But if Miles Miller has his way, soon you’ll be regarding him as your new favorite country-flavored singer/songwriter, with his debut album “Solid Gold” on the way.
Album Review – Channing Wilson’s “Dead Man”
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Reaching for Channing Wilson is reaching for the hardest stuff possible in the realm of country music. If this music was alcohol, it’d be the kind of spirits that are illegal in some parts of Alabama—the stuff that dubs as turpentine in a pinch. You want country damn music, straight with no chaser.
February 24th is a Big Release Day. Here’s What Not to Miss
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There have been busier release days in the past year or so with 20+ albums on the Saving Country Music radar hitting the shelves all at once. But it’s who is releasing albums, and what those albums are that makes Friday, February 24th feel like an especially important release day that is worth highlighting.
Lineup for Willie Nelson’s 2023 Luck Reunion Revealed
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Over the last eleven years, one of the major events worth seeking out as a refuge from the madness is Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion held at his ranch just west of town … if you’re lucky enough to be able to get in. Held on the Thursday of SXSW every year (which puts it on March 16th in 2023).
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Announce New Album “Weathervanes”
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The alpha male of Americana Jason Isbell has announced his latest album to be released via his own Southeastern Records distributed by Thirty Tigers, and in anticipation the album has already swept the Americana Awards and been bestowed three Grammys, even though it won’t be released until June.
50 Years Ago: Waylon Jennings Cuts ‘Honky Tonk Heroes’ & It Gets Heated
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The story of both the song “Honky Tonk Heroes” and the album illustrates how sometimes through conflict can come great creativity. If Billy Joe Shaver had never accosted Waylon Jennings in that hallway, who knows what may have happened with the Outlaw movement.
Scenes from Ameripolitan 2023 (& Yes, the Waffle House Dress)
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For two days before the awards show transpired, performances took place at the stately Guesthouse at Graceland in Memphis showcasing some of the greatest up-and-coming and independent talent from country, roots, and rockabilly—or “Ameripolitan” as we call it in this instance.
Major League Soccer Team to Honor Johnny Cash on Uniforms
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Nashville’s Major League Soccer Team will play their season opener against New York City FC on Saturday, February 25th in a nationally-televised game, and in the first ever MLS match at Nashville’s massive Nissan Stadium. And when they do, they will be honoring the Man in Black.
Winners Revealed for the 2023 Ameripolitan Awards
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Under the maxim of “When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” the Ameripolitan Awards were born to promote music with a prominent roots influence often ignored by the rest of the music industry. First held in Austin for a few years before moving to Memphis…
Paying a Visit to Eddie Rabbitt
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Eddie Rabbitt’s career wasn’t just accomplished, it was downright Hall of Fame worthy. But you almost never hear Eddie Rabbitt’s name brought up in the context of the Hall of Fame. In fact, you barely ever hear the name of Eddie Rabbitt in country music at all these days.
Album Review – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley’s “Living In A Song”
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It’s a great time for bluegrass, it’s a great time for traditional country, and it’s a great time for quality songwriting. Bluegrass duo Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley find the sweet spot between all three of these disciplines on their new album “Living In A Song.”
Songwriter Kyle Jacobs, Husband of Kellie Pickler, Dead of Apparent Suicide
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Tragic news out of Nashville as beloved country music songwriter, vocalist, and musician Kyle Jacobs has died in an incident Metro Nashville Police are characterizing as an apparent suicide. Kyle Jacobs was also the husband of country artist and television personality Kellie Pickler.