Two of indie-folk’s most acclaimed voices—“exceptional” duo Viv & Riley (No Depression) and “wonderful” singer-songwriter Rachel Baiman (Paste)—have joined forces under the playful banner kissing other ppl. Their self-titled debut arrives today on Peacedale Records, anchored by a shimmering first single: a revelatory take on Dr. Dog’s cult favorite “Where’d All the Time Go.” Listen/watch here: https://youtu.be/L3C44FHmIyo.

Hilary Hawke is a genre-blending banjoist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose sound is as rooted as it is boundary-pushing. Originally from upstate New York and now a longtime staple of the NYC music scene, Hilary brings warmth, charisma, and grit to every stage she steps onto. Whether fingerpicking with precision or digging into clawhammer grooves, her style radiates a rare combination of technique and heartfelt authenticity. 

Fire & Honey, the long-awaited debut album from Wild Mountain Mystics, will be released August 1st, 2025 via L.A.’s Americana-roots label Blackbird Record Label. A heartfelt and joy-filled collection of original songs, the album is a culmination of over a decade of musical partnership between Rick and Lisa, the duo behind the name.

20 years after his passing, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson, whose piano work graced so many of Chuck Berry’s classic recordings, will have a new album, I’m Just Johnnie, releasing August 1st on Missouri Morning Records, featuring special guests including Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Rivers and John Sebastian. The two-CD set also includes a second disc of interviews with Johnson and Radio Hall of Fame and SiriusXM DJ Pat St. John discussing Johnnie’s career in one of the last interviews before his passing on April 13, 2005.

While in the studio wrapping up sessions for the Fervency trio album, guitarist Pasquale Grasso found himself with two extra days booked and no fixed plan. At the suggestion of his producer, Grasso sat down alone with his guitar and let the music flow. The result is Solo Be-Bop!, a virtuosic, deeply personal solo guitar album that honors the complexity, soul, and swing of Bebop’s piano greats. Listen Here.

Listen to Terry Hanck sing and play sax and you’ll hear his personality coming through loud and clear. Grease to Gravy, his new CD release on Little Village, showcases a deep groove drenching with soul on each track. The music is varied—from soul to blues to New Orleans second-line funk to rock ’n’ roll—and yet each comes straight from Hanck’s soul.

In response to the unfortunate cancellation of Bonnaroo Music Festival due to severe weather, Northlands Music & Arts Festival announces a special offer for displaced attendees. Any Bonnaroo ticket holder with a 2025 wristband will receive FREE admission to Northlands on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15.  Valid for single day entry *both* days (main concert field only- no camping, no campground access).

Bertha brought all the glitz, glamour, and Grateful Dead grooves to the Mishawaka Amphitheatre last night. Bertha is a Grateful Dead drag tribute band way beyond description; they have improvisational psychedelic musical skills that would make Jerry smile—and probably blush a little, too.

This isn’t some distant, cautionary tale from a far-off land. This is happening here. In America.

We were raised on slogans: “liberty and justice for all,” “freedom of speech,” “equal protection under the law.” Yet, we are watching those ideals unravel.

Troops rolling down our streets. Protesters silenced. Journalists surveilled. ICE raids happening in grocery stores, churches and Home Depot. A sitting U.S. Senator, Alex Padilla, thrown to the ground and handcuffed for asking questions, doing his job.

Reggae-influenced alternative rock band Iration released their new single “Say Goodnight” with Little Stranger today, June 13, via Three Prong Records. Recorded at Sound Design Studio in Santa Barbara, CA, the feel-good anthem paints the picture of care-free summer nights and living life in the moment with a laid back, easy groove. 

Open up a cold one for the ride 

Take another shot just to feel alive