Rising American folk singer, songwriter, and musician Ken Pomeroy’s anticipated new album, Cruel Joke, is out today—her first in partnership with Rounder Records. Stream/purchase here.

In celebration of the release, Pomeroy recently sat down with The Line of Best Fit and Rolling Stone to discuss the project, which is already receiving critical acclaim:

Globally acclaimed music phenomenon Africa Express is back with a new studio album. Africa Express Presents… Bahidorá, recorded in Mexico, is set for release on July 11 via World Circuit Records.

Regina Spektor has reissued five of her acclaimed albums on limited edition color vinyl, all available everywhere today. More info/purchase HERE. Ahead of these reissues, she has earned a host of new RIAA certifications—Begin to Hope is now RIAA Platinum-certified, Far is RIAA Gold-certified, amongst other notable achievements. Further below.

Monday’s episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show gave fans a rare treat: Sierra Hull on acoustic guitar performing “Spitfire” from her latest album, A Tip Toe High Wire. Rare in that she’s most known for her mandolin playing, as she was the first woman to win Mandolin Player of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards (IBMA), a category she’s won six times to date.

Austin-based Americana folk-rock band Briscoe share their take on “Hold On” by Alabama Shakes and the Blaze Foley classic “Clay Pigeons” which was made famous by legendary singer-songwriter John Prine. The songs are accompanied by a behind the scenes look at the recording process of “Hold On” live from the studio.