Today, the internationally acclaimed, Raleigh-based alt band The Connells released their live album Set The Stage. This is the first official live record in the group’s 37 year history. The album is currently available for download / purchase here.

Today, Nashville-based band Boy Named Banjo has released their uplifting new single “What Keeps Me Going” via Mercury Records Nashville. Over tender, harmony-laced production, the quintet shares a positive anthem of gratitude that was written following what our world has experienced over the last several years.

Stream “What Keeps Me Going”

Today, multi-GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist/producer Charlie Hunter announced SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree, a new full-length album featuring drummer Corey Fonville and bassist-keyboardist DJ Harrison.

Nashville genre-bending trio The Arcadian Wild have announced their new album Welcome, to be released on July 21 via Vere Music. Along with the announcement they’ve shared the first single “Dopamine,” a punchy track that confronts the insidious ways that smartphones and social media have hijacked our brains.

Stream “Dopamine” HERE

Today, GRAMMY-winning bandleader, composer, arranger, and pianist Steven Feifke released his new single “Ali Dell'Angelo,” a bold new composition with a soaring trio of standout solos from saxophonist Alexa Tarantino, Feifke himself, and drummer Bryan Carter. “Ali Dell’Angelo” comes on the heels of Feifke’s victory at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards; it is a historic first-time win for Feifke, who became the youngest ever winner for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in the category’s six decade existence.

Saxophonist Dave McMurray returns with Grateful Deadication 2, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2021 tribute album which once again finds the saxophonist reimagining the songs of the Grateful Dead with his gritty and soulful Detroit sound joined by special guests including Oteil Burbridge, Bob James, Jamey Johnson, Greg Leisz, and Don Was. Watch the official video for the lead single “Scarlet Begonias” featuring vocals by Burbridge.

Today Akron, Ohio-based guitarist Dan Wilson shares the first single, “Sticology,” from his forthcoming album. Things Eternal is Wilson’s second album with Brother Mister Productions, his mentor Christian McBride’s imprint under the Mack Avenue Music Group umbrella, following 2021’s Vessels of Wood and Earth. McBride also served as co-producer on the project.

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association’s Wildlife Education Center is the new home of BirdFest, a beloved bluegrass music festival, held on May 5-6, 2023 in Pinewood, South Carolina. This year’s BirdFest is headlined by the well-known bluegrass ensemble Steep Canyon Rangers on Friday and Saturday nights. Other acts include Town Mountain, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters, Seth Walker, and Henhouse Prowlers. Purchase tickets and learn more at BirdfestMusic.com.

Today, Pete Francis releases his new single “Can’t Get On With It,” a psychedelia-tinged meditation on the mental health struggles that dogged him throughout much of his adult life, from forthcoming album PTRN SKY!, out May 12 via Noble Steed Music. The record is Francis’ first full-length solo release since his 2019 departure from Dispatch, the alternative roots powerhouse he helped form in 1995.

Today, Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has shared his gritty, swamp rock-inspired single “Devil’s Kettle,” the next offering from his upcoming studio album Siren Songs, out April 21 via Grand Phony (US) / Rootsy (EU).