20 Years Ago: Country Music Loses Its Rodeo Hero
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We want our country and Western artists to be the real deal. Even if it doesn’t make any bit of difference in the quality of the music, we want to know that they sing what they live, and live what they sing.
Brandi Carlile Caps Off Resurgent 2019 Old Settler’s Music Fest
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For 32 consecutive years, bluegrass fans, folkies, country freaks and outcasts, and a cast of other cool characters from the roots realm and beyond have bivouacked at various locations around the Austin area under the heading of the Old Settler’s Music Festival. 2019 was the festival’s second season at the now permanent site.
Album Review – “State I’m In” by Aaron Lewis
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It really is hard to know just what the hell to do with Aaron Lewis. On the one hand, his music is definitely country, and don’t go citing his former life as the frontman of Staind as some rebuttal to this conclusion. On the other hand, Aaron Lewis comes with a very large amount of baggage.
Hal Ketchum Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Retires From Performing
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Beloved and accomplished singer, songwriter, and performer Hal Ketchum is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and has officially retired from touring. This was the news that was confirmed by Ketchum’s wife, Andrea on Sunday (4-14) afternoon.
Johnny Cash Statue Coming to the United States Capitol
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Johnny Cash’s legacy has already been firmly cemented into American history, and well beyond his contributions to country music. Only fitting that he would become the first country music artist, and one of the few cultural icons beyond the political realm to ever to have his likeness memorialized in the United States Capitol.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Play Rare Acoustic Set at Old Settler’s
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Though some Jason Isbell fans may have balked at the idea of not getting the full, roaring version of The 400 Unit live, at the 32nd Annual Old Settler’s Fest, it seemed even more appropriate than the electric alternative. It gave fans of Jason Isbell and his band an opportunity to see them in a way few have.
Justin Moore’s New Album “Late Nights & Longnecks” Delayed
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Justin Moore fans will have to wait a little bit longer to get their hands on his latest record and fifth release overall, Late Nights and Longnecks. The record was originally scheduled to be released on April 26th, 2019 through Big Machine Records’ Valory Music imprint. No reason has been given for the delay.
Lil Nas X, The Media Echo Chamber, & Shane Morris’s Vile Past
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“Old Town Road” is now the #1 song in all of music. However it wasn’t just the infectiousness of the track that got it there. It was also due to indisputably incorrect and biased reporting by major media outlets, from legacy music magazines such as Rolling Stone, all the way up to NPR and The New York Times.
Album Review – Taylor Alexander’s “Good Old Fashioned Pain”
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You’re gonna want to listen to Taylor Alexander’s ‘Good Old Fashioned Pain.’ You’re gonna want to add it into your heavy rotation, where it will reside for many months and maybe years to come. If and when vinyl copies are made available, you’re gonna want to purchase one, even if it just sits on the shelf, simply to assure yourself it’s there
Cody Jinks Joins Turnpike Troubadours in Matt Carpenter Walk Up Rotation
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For years, St. Louis Cardinals lead off man and franchise face Matt Carpenter has been helping to spread the goodness of the Turnpike Troubadours by featuring their song “Long Hot Summer Day” as his walk up music when he goes to bat. Now he’s added songs by Cody Jinks and the Band of Heathens.
“Thinking Man’s Country” Legend Earl Thomas Conley Has Died
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Earl Thomas Conley, one of the most successful country music artists through the 80’s decade, and known for his “thinking man’s country” style of country where heartbreak, story, and character played a critical role in creating the deep appeal for his music, has passed away. He was 77-years-old.
Miranda Lambert Says New Music Coming Soon Will Take Risks
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Miranda Lambert spoke about the prospects of new music, and seemed to confirm studio time is in her immediate future, and to expect the stuff she’s working on to be bold. She also alluded that we might get to hear some of the new stuff as early as June. “I feel like I’m taking some risks and not being afraid.”
Chuck Mead To Bring Memphis Vibe to “Close To Home”
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From his important work with the throwback country outfit BR549, to his long and productive solo career, to numerous causes and enterprises behind-the-scenes few catch wind of, Chuck Mead has on the front lines of helping to save country music for a quarter century. On June 28th, the country throwback will release his fourth album.