Catalog of Songwriting Legend Mickey Newbury Finally Being Reissued
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Mickey Newbury is one of the most criminally-overlooked, though critically-important songwriters in American history. Though he’s most often associated with country music, his songs and influence span across multiple genres.
Album Review – Lilly Hiatt’s “Trinity Lane”
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With her third record, second generation alt-country performer Lilly Hiatt has offered up a career-defining album full of songwriting gems and inspired performances that is spirited to the heights of infectious listening by smart and considerate production. This personal and galvanized work finds the full realization of Lilly Hiatt’s vision, voice, and potential as a […]
Jason Isbell Postpones Multiple Dates Due To Death in Band Member’s Family
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Jason Isbell has postponed four upcoming tour dates mere days before the shows were scheduled due to a death in the family of his bass player and heart of his backing band, The 400 Unit. Jimbo Hart, a lifelong friend of Isbell and long standing member of the band suffered the tragedy recently.
New Americana Radio Chart Hopes To Add More Transparency / Accountability to Format
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As the Americana genre continues to expand market share for the independent industry, and is aided by the success of big stars such as Jason Isbell, so expands the need for better infrastructure and accountability in the format. On January 1st Americana will implement an automated system to count all the songs played in the format.
Album Review – Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”
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Thomas Rhett’s got nothing. Each performing artist, whether it’s in the independent realm or the mainstream, has at least one thing they can hang their hat on that makes them unique and interesting in the entertainment marketplace. But with Thomas Rhett, it’s none of the above.
Willie Nelson Covers Hank, Hank, Hank & Hank on New Album With “The Boys”
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We’re plenty well satiated on new music from Willie Nelson after the release of his latest album God’s Problem Child in May. In fact it might be one of Willie’s best recordings in many years, and certainly one of the better selections since signing with Sony’s Legacy imprint some years back. But there’s no rest for the wicked.
Beloved Drummer Gets Big Boost from 2017 AmericanaFest
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You may have not known his name or who he was, but it would be hard not to notice the tall, lanky, dreadheaded dude in big white glasses behind the drums backing up a dozen or so different independent country artists from Nashville over the years as they toured through your town, and doing his best to not just keep the beat, but bring the energy.
Billy Joe Shaver Falls, Smashes Face, Hospitalized – Still Makes Show in Long Beach
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There may be nobody tougher to ever write a song or perform on stage in this history of country music, or have as many stories to tell than Billy Joe Shaver. And now he’s got another good one, and even more scars to show. The country music Outlaw legend was scheduled to headline the Long Beach Folk Revival Festival on September 17th..
Seriously, Lay Off Dolly Parton for This Emmy Awards Stuff
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Dolly Parton, appearing in the capacity of one of the primary cast members for the 1980 smash comedy 9 to 5, took the stage with fellow leads from the movie Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, to hand out the evening’s Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries award. Lily and Jane decided to use the platform to launch into our fair President.
Zephaniah OHora Impresses at AmericanaFest
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The life of the classic country fan living in the modern world is all to often one of disappointment. Of course there are plenty of the old records to reminisce back upon, or artists who attempt their best interpretations of the old modes for a new generation of fans. But there’s a sense of ownership […]
Chris Shiflett & Chris Stapleton Talk Saving Country Music on “Walking The Floor” Podcast
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On Episode 97 of Chris Shiflett’s Walking The Floor podcast, the Foo Fighters guitarist and part-time Americana solo performer interviewed Chris Stapleton, and the topic of Saving Country Music came up in the context of criticizing music in mainstream country.
“King of the Roadies” Ben Dorcy Has Passed Away
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One of the oldest, and most beloved roadies in all of country music and beyond has has taken flight to that big tour bus to the sky. Ben Dorcy III, also known as “Lovey” or the “King of the Roadies” has passed away. The 92-year-old original roadie who began working in the business in 1950…
Album Review – Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers “After You’ve Gone”
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Most great art, regardless of the medium, is the stuff that is able to suspend a deep, roiling human emotion in a captured moment. After You’ve Gone is inspired by the heartbreak of JD Wilkes, and takes a decidedly Shack Shakers approach to extricating the pain from Col. JD’s rib cage in blistering, candid honesty.