The Biggest Takeaways from SXSW 2025
You don’t enjoy SXSW—the annual musical gathering in Austin, Texas every mid March. You endure it. You survive it. Here are Saving Country Music’s biggest takeaways from SXSW 2025.
Brennen Leigh
Old Salt Festival Announces 2025 Lineup, Unique Experience
It’s about food. It’s about land stewardship. It’s about sustainable ranching practices. And it’s also about music. It’s the Old Salt Music Festival. It’s a small festival, but one with a very big music lineup.
Ags Connolly Pays Tribute to Mentor James “Slim” Hand
Whether you’re intimate with the James Hands catalog or not, you’re happy to see an album like this being made, especially knowing Ags Connolly’s story. Ags went from a starry-eyed fan of James Hand to a friend.
Live Performers Country Festivals Should Not Overlook for 2025
To make sure important names don’t go overlooked, here’s a sample of some of the other independent country performers who are guaranteed to deliver top-caliber performances patrons will remember.
Artists Not to be Overlooked for the 2025 Grammy Awards
Since the Grammy Awards are one of the few awards that weigh artistic merit over commercial success, it makes it a bit more important to pay attention to for fans and advocates of independent artists.
Sagebrush: One of the Last Remaining Pieces of Real Deal Austin
Sagebrush has been a music venue, bar, and business for over 70 years. The building was first built in the 1940s as an army barracks. It later became “Gil’s Club” in 1955.
2024 Ameripolitan Awards to Air on AXS TV
It was one of the ages at Austin, TX’s Moody Theater on February 18, 2024 for the 10th Annual gathering of the Ameripolitan Awards founded by Dale Watson along with his wife Celine Lee.
Robert’s Western World Celebrates 25 Years on Lower Broadway
It was 25 years ago on August 5th 1999 when young Nashville Lower Broadway performer, Jesse Lee Jones, finalized one of his most important decisions, to buy Roberts Western World from its founder, Robert Moore.
Honky Tonk Tuesday Nights Moves On from American Legion Era
For nine years, “Honky Tonk Tuesday Nights” organized by Nashville musicians Brendan Malone and Kevin Martin of The Cowpokes has been the small local gathering with massive international impact on country music.
Album Review – Melissa Carper – “Borned In Ya”
On “Borned In Ya,” Melissa Carper leans into her strengths even more by worrying less about genre, and more about era, while emphasizing what is quietly brilliant about her approach to songwriting.
Melissa Carper Announces New Album “Borned In Ya”
“People call me retro or throwback, and I’ve been OK with that,” Carper says. “But, I feel like I’m still creating something new. I’m taking styles and blending things in a way that maybe hasn’t been done before.”
Album Review – The Wonder Women of Country – “Willis, Carper, Leigh”
Texas music songwriter and performer Kelly Willis, bass player and throwback marvel Melissa Carper, and country traditionalists/killer guitar player Brennen Leigh have been an occasional tour bill over the last couple of years.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#136)
It’s an embarrassment of riches on the latest playlist update, with the list once again bursting at the seams and being extended from 25 to 28 just to make room for all the great songs being released at the moment.
Ameripolitan Comes Into Its Own in 2024, Offers a Better Way Forward
In 2024, everything that Dale Watson must have dreamed up as his ideal fantasy of what the Ameripolitan Awards could become was finally realized when it returned to Austin where it was originally held.
The Wonder Women of Country are Here!
Do you feel a ripple in the space/time continuum? It’s because three of the most super powered women of country have joined forces to save country music and vanquish the forces of evil.
Saving Country Music’s 2023 Essential Albums List
Welcome to Saving Country Music’s most comprehensive guide to music in a given year: The Essential Albums List. It’s a resource not just for 2023, but for future generations who may want to reflect back on this year in country music.
Saving Country Music’s 2023 Single of the Year Nominees
Often picking the Song of the Year frustrates folks who just want to hear songs that are enjoyable and also happen to be well-written. That’s what a Saving Country Music Single of the Year is for.
Artists Not to be Overlooked for the 2024 Grammys
For sure, the big names that the Grammys tend to favor will get theirs. But let’s make sure that the names that don’t enjoy media darling status and might get overlooked in the process also receive attention.
Gov’t Won’t Address Pill Epidemic, But Country Music Will
Where it often seems like certain elements of the government are uncaring about the pill epidemic if not outright facilitating it through close ties with Big Pharma, country music is stepping up to address the crisis, and head on.
Stars & Family Mark Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday at Hall of Fame
Many stars turned out to tribute Hank, including Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell, Suzy Boggus, and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. A healthy dose of independent and up-and-coming stars also appeared.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#122)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right now in country music. Available on all major streaming platforms.
Album Review- Brennen Leigh’s “Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet”
Many can mimic old sounding country songs. But to do something that will withstand the test of time just like those old songs did, you need the talent and acuity that Brennen Leigh brings to the table.
Album Review – The Malpass Brothers – “Lonely Street”
As a true country music fan, you’re used to dealing in close approximations when seeking out modern musical choices. With The Malpass Brothers though, this isn’t necessary.
Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for 2nd Half of 2023
We have reached the point of insanity these days with the amount of albums coming out each week in the greater country and roots realm. It’s like a full-time job just keeping track of it all, let alone navigate through the sea of releases to try and find what may be appeal to you.