Tue, 04/30/2019 - 5:34 pm

"We Are One, Broke In Two, Out In This Strange Place, Who Are You?" The opening lines of the title track raise this question. So, who is Grant Farm, and what are they trying to tell us?

Grant Farm is a brotherhood with a song to sing and a story to tell. The upcoming double-vinyl release, Broke In Two (June 14, 2019), delves deep into the human relationship with the mystic, furthering the story lines and characters introduced on Kiss The Ground (2016). A testament of empathy for the working people in this demanding modern world, Kiss The Ground was "an appropriate soundtrack to an era that bred Bernie Sanders and widespread societal discontent." - Kiran Herbert (Relix Magazine). Broke In Two is an evolution of this concept, developing Archetypal characters such as The Innocent One and The Wanderer in the song "Arjuna The Believer", Nester the Condemned and The Monarch King in "Nester", and introducing The Rebel in "Life Of Riley" and the Caregiver in "Tumbleweed". Real life experiences interplay with these characters, especially in "River Styx" and "The Salmon Song", both of which reflect true experiences of loss and lessons passed on to the bereaved. The depth and breadth of the songs and stories on Broke In Two are punctuated by the band's virtuoso musicianship, clever arrangements, and top-notch group vocals.

Grant Farm was established in 2010 by guitarist/vocalist Tyler "The Champ" Grant, a National Flatpicking Champion and former member of the Emmitt/Nershi Band, Adrienne Young and Little Sadie, and Abigail Washburn. The original lineup featured Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon) and Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident). Bassist/vocalist Adrian "ACE" Engfer, a veteran of West-Coast touring groups Hot Soup and Dukes of Ted, joined in 2011, just in time for the band's eponymous debut album, released in 2012 on Grant Central Records. Drummer Sean "Magic" Macaulay signed on in 2013 after touring the world with Donovan Frankenreiter, bringing a new energy and refined sound, as heard on the sophomore release Plowin' Time (2014). The final piece of the cohesive Grant Farm unit of today was the addition of keyboardist/vocalist Kevin "Money" McHugh, a popular dueling piano entertainer and session musician. Kevin's pitch-perfect singing solidified the vocal trio with Tyler and Adrian, and the meteoric evolution of Sean's songwriting, along with the other three established composers, were the elements that crystallized into a true collective where the whole exceeds the sum of the parts.

Hard work and ambition are key elements of the Grant Farm ethos, as are love, community, and connection, which the band describes as "Farmily". A landmark collaboration with the band Fruition spawned the Meeting On the Mountain EP (2014), which included the campfire classic "Meet Me On The Mountain", a co-write between Fruition's Jay Cobb Anderson and Tyler Grant. This theme was so intriguing that the band created their own video broadcast series, The Meeting on the Mountain LIVE Broadcast, which aired eleven episodes between 2015 and 2018, and resulted in Grant Farm's stellar 2018 album Meeting On The Mountain LIVE, Vol.1, a collection of the finest performances from the broadcast series, featuring musical guests such as Todd Sheaffer (Railroad Earth), Andy Hall (Infamous Stringdusters), Megan Burtt, Reed Foehl, and John Magnie (Subdudes).

So that's who Grant Farm is, but what do they sound like? You'll have to listen to find out, but the genre bending outfit has developed the tag "Cosmic Americana" to appease curious definers. With firm grounding in American Roots Music (especially Rock and Roll), a skilled and seasoned air of professionalism, a bent ear to the spirit of the fresh and new and a keen interest in the divine, Grant Farm has created their own unique sound which has helped them build a strong following of Farmily across the country. Years of touring the Festival and Club circuit, along with real life joy, hardship, and tragedy, has brought this band of brothers as close as kin. Togetherness brings greatness, as is built into the band name - a lighthearted spin on the industrious "Ant Farm".

Tracks:
1. Morning Train (Tyler Grant) 3:59
2. The Golden Charioteer (Sean Macaulay) 3:00
3. Arjuna The Believer (Sean Macaulay) 4:29
4. Forward On (Adrian Engfer) 4:36
5. River Styx (Sean Macaulay) 7:54
6. Nester (Sean Macaulay) 6:06
7. Love And Pain (Tyler Grant) 4:10
8. Tumbleweed (Adrian Engfer) 6:23
9. Life Of Riley (Tyler Grant) 5:28
10. Salmon Song (Sean Macaulay) 4:37
11. Broke In Two (Adrian Engfer) 9:56

Sun, 04/18/2021 - 4:24 pm

Craig Cummings is a celebrated singer/songwriter who performs throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His country-tinged, Americana portraits are infused with a pop sensibility, born of many years listening to chart topping stalwarts such as The Beatles and Willie Nelson, and more recently, Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, and Chris Stapleton. His 2019 release, Absolute Surprise, was voted a finalist for Best Americana/Country Album by the Washington Area Music Association (The Wammies) and reached #29 on the national Roots Music Chart.

Craig’s newest release, The Gulf Between Us features songs that explore the barriers that keep us apart – our social and political views; the challenges of a global pandemic; an economic system that divides the rich from the poor; the demise of romantic relationships and those we love. These are heady themes that match the seriousness of our times, but Craig’s upbeat musical accompaniment suggests that difficult topics can still be joyously explored. Craig’s approach is observational. He invites the listener to peer into the personal lives of his characters and consider how the insights gained might make us better people.

Craig’s powerful voice and rhythmic guitar stylings bring crowds to his live performances. On this, his 5th studio album, Craig continues to show why he is among the most accomplished singer/songwriters to come out of the mid-Atlantic region.

Tracklist:
1. The Gulf Between Us 
2. The Southern Wall 
3. Momma and Me
4. Like Thieves
5. Sleeping Alone
6. Living Without You 
7. Save

Thu, 02/10/2022 - 3:24 pm

Today the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival has released the second wave of performers set to appear at this year’s festival. The festival held from May 26th to June 12th is their 50th Anniversary. This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most diverse and impressive in the festival’s storied history.

Today’s lineup announcement is:

Ray Wylie Hubbard

Jackie Venson

Shinyribs

John Elliott

Green Mountain Grass

The Brother Brothers

Sara Hickman

Gina Chavez

Stephanie Urbina Jones & The Honky Tonk Mariachis

Michael Martin Murphey

These artists join the previously announced group that included such names as Kathleen Edwards, Eliza Gilkyson, Darrell Scott, Kyshona and more (view all announced  lineup here). More exciting lineup reveals are planned throughout this month.

The Kerrville Folk Festival is a long standing pillar in the folk community both in Texas and in the country as a whole. Among the longest continuously running music festivals in the country, Kerrville is an event that many artists and fans plan their entire year around. Having helped launch the careers of such luminaries as Robert Earl Keen, Anais Mitchell, Lyle Lovett and many more, Kerrville’s dedication to the singer and the song is unparalleled. Held on the sprawling 50 acre Quiet Valley Ranch, the 18 day festival becomes a thriving community every spring. People from all corners of the country descend on the ranch, renewing friendships both old and new, celebrate the music they love and lose themselves in an atmosphere that is unlike any other. Whether this is your first or your 50th trip to Kerrville you will be greeted with the customary “Welcome Home”.

Currently full 18 day tickets are available on Kerrville’s website. Weekend and one day passes will be put up for sale later this year.

Sat, 04/09/2022 - 12:46 pm

Impressions is a 10-track album of cover songs written by various Folk songwriters that have been influential to James Lee Baker’s emergence as a writer and recording artist. While several songs were written by acclaimed troubadours like Bob Dylan, David Gray, Anais Mitchell, a few songs were written by friends in the songwriting community such as Rick Todd, Steve LaSala, and Kevin Faherty. Rick co-led an open mic event for several years in Amarillo, Texas where James Lee grew up and cut his teeth learning to play the songs of artists he would later cover on this release. James Lee crossed fortunate paths with Kevin and Steve at songwriting retreats like Camp Ned, run by Darryl Purpose, and the New England Songwriter’s Retreat, established by Ellis Paul.

The record was primarily recorded at Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley, Texas by engineer Chris Bell (The Eagles, U2) and produced by James Lee Baker and Roscoe Beck (Leonard Cohen, Eric Johnson). Chris Johnson (The Fray) recorded Steve LaSala’s song Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Denver, Colorado at Mighty Fine Productions.

With this project, James Lee’s focus was to bring to life the emotion of the messages in these songs while balancing the feel from the original writer with James Lee’s own fingerprint. The result is a collection of songs rich in audio landscape, diverse in mood and tempo, and replete with beautiful stories from the best Folk writers in the industry.

All songs recorded at Blue Rock Studios except for Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll, which was recorded at Mighty Fine Productions In Denver, Colorado

All songs recorded by Chris Bell and Nathan Walters except Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll, which was recorded by Christopher J. Bloom

Produced by James Lee Baker & Roscoe Beck

Sat, 03/25/2023 - 3:12 pm

Once again The Quiet Valley Ranch outside of Kerrville, Texas will be turned into a music lover’s utopia for 18 days this spring. Beginning on Thursday May 25th and running through June 11th, this year’s Kerrville Folk Festival promises to be one to be remembered.

A lineup of over 100 artists will perform during the festival on different stages and settings. Headliners include, Anais Mitchell, Mary Gauthier, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Brother Brothers, Good Looks, John Fullbright, Darrell Scott, The Milk Carton Kids and many many more (see full lineup here). Attendees can choose from many different ticket options ranging from the full 18 days with camping to single day and weekend passes.

Another huge attraction at the festival is the Grassy HIll New Folk Competition. Held every year on the first weekend of the Festival the competition highlights some of the country’s brightest emerging songwriters. It’s not only the winners of the competition (though that list is astonishing) but any one of the finalists that perform who may become a breakout star in the folk world.

Ask anyone that has attended the festival in the past and they will tell you without question that it is an experience you will never forget. The music and festival is not contained to what is presented on the stages. All over the campground you will find song circles around campfires, many of whom have been mainstays at the festival for decades. It is commonplace to hear some of the best established and unknown songwriters who will blow you away around these circles.

Learn more about the festival at www.KerrvilleFolkFestival.org

Ticket info can be found here.

Thu, 10/26/2023 - 3:39 pm

SXM Festival is the world's most stunning mix of music, art, culture and tropical getaway – and it is back in 2024 for an immersive week that puts you in full control of your festival experience. The Festival takes over both sides of the gorgeous Caribbean island of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten with a world of cultural delights, escapist day trips, unique island experiences and many more surprises to complement the carefully curated soundtrack.

Phase One of this year’s line-up is a mouthwatering list of world class and carefully curated names including Adam Ten, AJ Christou, Anja Schneider, Chus, Dana Ruh (live), Doc Martin, Eli & Fur, Fleur Shore, Harry Romero, Ilario Alicante, Kevin Saunderson, Loco Dice, Robag Wruhme, Roy Rosenfeld, Shimza and Tiefschwarz amongst many more.

Since its debut back in 2016, SXM Festival has remained focused on curating lineups that unite legendary names and emerging acts alike from far-reaching corners of the globe. Some of clubland’s most celebrated selectors and live acts descended on St. Martin and that will be the case again in 2024.

This year, the week-long SXM Festival will elevate the festival experience to all new heights. Attendees are invited to design their own experience for three to seven days of magical memories. SXM Festival is a place where individuality is embraced and you’re free to reflect your own unique spirit as you discover this tropical island getaway with an electrifying electronic soundtrack that plays out day and night next.

Crafting a harmonious blend of partying and island exploration, SXM Festival has perfected the art of tailoring your experience. Immerse yourself in the lush tropical wonders - from invigorating hikes and cultural excursions to captivating day trips - until your heart and soul are utterly enriched.

Says SXM Festival’s Julian Prince, “With great excitement and anticipation, we present Phase One of the 2024 lineup, marking the beginning of our seventh edition. This launch sets the stage for an incredible journey of music, art, and unity. The carefully crafted lineup is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for our festival-goers. It is a celebration of the limitless creativity and passion within the electronic music community. Together, we will weave a tapestry of emotions, where joy, exhilaration, and pure euphoria converge beneath the Caribbean sun. Join us as we ignite the spirit of SXM Festival and unleash the magic that has made it an extraordinary event”

The island boasts a stunning array of beaches, lush rainforest dancefloors, beautiful villas, boat parties, and beach clubs so your non-stop fun runs from sunrise to sunset. The music plays out at a variety of unique venues filled with mesmerising hand-crafted decor and arty design.

Although there are brand new and exciting venues coming this year, the famous centre of SXM Festival is Happy Bay from Wednesday to Sunday. It is a secluded private beach nestled in the jungle and home to the iconic Arc Main stage and the immersive Ocean stage. Other highlights are a series of day parties to choose from
including Boho Beach, the infamous Villa Party on Saturday and limited capacity Satellite Parties, including the Boat Party with DJs soundtracking the epic voyage, along with the now world renowned Panorama party, where party at the peak of Sint Maarten's highest mountain with breathtaking 360-degree views. More day parties will be announced soon, with secret villa parties to be discovered.

This edition brings a  special partnership with the globally renowned Anjunadeep who will be hosting an epic sunrise party on the shores of Boho Beach on March 14th. Zero NYC, the city's renowned party promoter, is also teaming up with SXM Festival to bring you a truly enchanting sunrise party at Boho Beach on March 17th.

SXM Festival has two ticket types - the 3 or 7-day EPIC Experience which includes access to all main events including Happy Bay, Boho Beach and more, or the 3 or 7-day PREMIUM Experience including everything the EPIC Experience offers plus exclusive access to the infamous Villa Party on Saturday, priority access to limited capacity Satellite Party events and best table access, expedited wristband pick-up, closer parking, ultra-mod washrooms, covered areas, additional bars, lounges and surprises.

Discover the SXM Festival Villa Collection with special benefits when you book such as a private transfer from the airport, a welcome gift, access to the Ultra VIP parking area at Happy Bay for closest proximity to the main entrance, full concierge service, top island experiences dedicated concierge, all available through sxmfestival.com/villa.

The countdown is now on once more to this most dreamlike and unique musical, travel and culture getaway in a truly breathtaking location.

Get on the waitlist now for the next presale coming soon at sxmfestival.com. Tickets on sale November 2, 2024.

Mon, 01/08/2024 - 9:38 am

Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz have just made their debut album. A curious fact, given they’ve played a few hundred shows together over the past decade, and have recorded five records together in the company of their musical comrade Peter Cooper.

But with Simple Motion, Eric and Thomm launch the next leg of their varied and impressive careers. They each made their way to Nashville more than 20 years ago.

Eric moved to Music City from Washington D.C. with his acclaimed root-rock band Last Train Home. In Nashville he launched the Red Beet Records label, which became home to his duo with fellow music journalist and songwriter Peter Cooper.

Thomm grew up in Germany, but dreamed of Nashville, and after winning the “green card lottery” he moved there. Thomm quickly became an indispensable sideman to the likes of Nanci Griffith, Mary Gauthier, David Olney, Kim Richey, and others, while also building a studio and a reputation as a producer and songwriter. After producing two albums for Eric and Peter, Thomm joined the duo, and the new trio gave the world two stellar albums, Profiles in Courage, Frailty, and Discomfort, and Riverland.

When Peter Cooper died in December, 2022, the music world lost one of its brightest and best. And Thomm and Eric lost a musical brother whose creative spark had always inspired them and sent them down new paths together. The question was before them as 2023 dawned: “What next?” And the answer came easily: Make music. And so they did. Eric and Thomm began writing songs together, booking gigs, hitting the road, and spending time in Thomm’s recording studio.

The resulting 14 tracks capture the duo in different ways. There are songs with just the duo, two voices and two acoustic guitars. There are songs with a full band of brilliant players (bassist Mark Fain, drummer Lynn Williams, fiddler Tammy Rogers, banjo players Richard Bailey and Justin Moses, mandolinist Mike Compton). But however they’re arranged, the songs are full of life and love and beauty and sadness, and convey the joy of being alive in tandem with the deep blue of loss that these past few years have marked us all with.

1 - FROST ON THE SOUTH SIDE (3:56) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
2 - BURN (2:40) by Finn Goodwin-Bain & Thomm Jutz
3 - SIMPLE MOTION (3:18) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
4 - OUTSIDE VIEWS (3:02) by Mike Compton & Thomm Jutz
5 - JUST A MOMENT (4:13) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
6 - CAN’T CHANGE THE WEATHER (3:52) by Peter Cooper & Thomm Jutz
7 - ANYWHERE BUT HERE (4:14) by Eric Brace
8 - WHEN LONDON WAS THE WORLD (3:25) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
9 - ADAM & EVE (3:51) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz & Bert Van Mourik
10 - WHAT YOU GET FOR GETTING OLDER (3:09) by Tammy Rogers & Thomm Jutz
11 - RAMBLE (2:41) by Eric Brace
12 - ARKANSAS (3:47) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
13 - NASHVILLE IN THE MORNING (3:26) by Trey Hensley & Thomm Jutz
14 - SEA FEVER (2:48) by Eric Brace & John Masefield

Eric Brace: Guitar and vocals
Thomm Jutz: Guitar and vocals
Mark Fain: Bass Lynn Williams: Drums
Tammy Rogers: Fiddle
Mike Compton: Mandolin Richard Bailey: Banjo (1, 5, 7, 10)
Justin Moses: Dobro, banjo (3, 8)
Jeff Taylor: Accordion, tin whistle (9)
Produced by Thomm Jutz and Eric Brace

Sat, 06/15/2024 - 2:34 pm

When his bandmate and lead singer fell ill before a music festival in early 2024, Ryan David Green faced a pivotal decision: perform solo or cancel the set. He chose to step on stage alone, offering the audience something unexpected by leaning heavily on his original solo guitar compositions. The final notes were met with a standing ovation. “That’s when I had this great feeling,” Green recalls, “that there were others out there like me, who were moved by this kind of music too.”

A longtime member of the acoustic duo Ryanhood (with whom he’s toured and shared stages with Jason Mraz and Train), Green now makes a bold and confident entry into the captivating world of solo guitarists with his album, Off and Running. Filled with virtuosic guitar that is remarkably accessible, the album features eight instrumentals and three vocal pieces, offering moods both otherworldly and surprisingly intimate.

The album showcases Green's versatility, from the joyful fingerstyle opener “The Journey” to the poignant vocal ballad “Afterlife” (amusingly based on a transcendental conversation he had with his 3-year-old son). There’s a seamless interplay between instruments, featuring guests like drummer Jordan Perlson (Adrien Belew, Kaki King), dobro player Abbie Gardner (Red Molly), and Juno Award-winning violinist Ben Plotnick (The Fretless), who all add depth and texture to the songs on which they appear.

Unlike many in the virtuoso instrumentalist field, Green’s intricate guitar work feels purposeful and emotive, aiming to connect rather than just impress. And while he may prefer to let the music do the talking most of the time, his spoken words carry a compelling yet gentle conviction.

Album Credits:

    The Journey (2:52)
    Afterlife (3:07)
    Reina de la Noche (2:56)
    Looking Back (4:51)
    Off and Running (3:21)
    Time Is Not What You Think It Is (2:19)
    In a Dream (2:14)
    Song for Beth (3:06)
    I Fell (2:23)
    After the Rain (2:35)
    Was It Always Like This? (2:39)

Production Details: Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by Ryan David Green Tracks 1, 2, 5 & 9 mixed by Ryan Alfred Mastered by Philip Shaw Bova Cover Artwork by Jessica Gonzales Photography by Taylor Noel Photography

Guest Musicians:

  • Drums on track 1 by Jordan Perlson
  • String arrangements, violins, and violas by Ben Plotnick
  • Cellos by Kaitlyn Raitz
  • Dobro by Abbie Gardner

 

About Ryan David Green: A graduate of Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music, Ryan David Green has performed on four continents, been profiled in Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and twice been named "Best Guitarist" in the Tucson Music Awards (where he currently resides).

His original compositions have received numerous film and TV placements, including shows on E!, Lifetime, and ABC Family/Freeform. His acoustic duo Ryanhood (with musical partner Cameron Hood) has performed with a wide range of artists including Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, and Train, and were named the "Best Group/Duo" in the International Acoustic Music Awards.

National Flatpicking Champion Peter McLaughlin describes Green’s playing as “powerful, unpretentious, tasteful, inspirational, and evocative”. Peppino D’Agostino (voted ‘Best Acoustic Guitarist’ by Guitar Player Magazine) adds, “Green's touch on the guitar is delicate and intentional, adding nuance to already captivating melodies”. Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls Green “A Berklee-trained player capable of full-on shredding”.

Sun, 09/15/2024 - 10:02 am

Award-winning singer-songwriter Billy Coulter returns with his signature blend of Americana roots and melodic British power pop in his latest EP, 5INGLES. Known for his dynamic performances and fearless storytelling, Coulter's music delivers a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. The EP features a collection of his latest digital single releases, showcasing his best work to date.

Coulter has made his mark performing at some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most renowned venues, including The Birchmere, Rams Head, Strathmore, The Hamilton, and several regional festivals. His distinctive voice, compelling songwriting, and high-energy performances have earned him 20 Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) Awards, including Album, Song, and Songwriter of the Year. His writing has also garnered accolades from both Billboard and the Mid-Atlantic Song Contests, where he won the 2023 Grand Prize.

Drawing on a wide range of influences from Tom Petty to David Bowie, Coulter creates an authentic and unique sound with nods to the classic rock that inspired him. His new EP 5INGLES has been praised for its standout tracks, such as the power-pop anthem “A Million Pieces” (Grand Prize winner) and the infectious “Haven’t You Fallen In Love With Me Yet?” Coulter’s roots are on full display with the humorous and heartfelt “Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time,” penned by John Eddie, while the raw, punk-inspired “Ready, Fire, Aim” and the introspective “Never Better” show his versatility as both a songwriter and performer.

Praise for Billy Coulter
“Billy’s a pro, he does Roots Rock about as well as it can be done.” — WashingtonPost.com
“Combines tuneful and dynamic rock with seemingly hard-earned, emotional maturity.” — Music for Grownups
“Deliciously earthy songs.” — Washington Post Express
“I have your CD in the Volvo. Nice one!” — Ian Hunter, lead singer of Mott the Hoople

Track Listing

    A Million Pieces – 3:38
    Haven’t You Fallen In Love With Me Yet? – 3:53
    Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time* – 3:44
    Ready, Fire, Aim – 2:32
    Never Better – 3:49
    *Written by John Eddie

Musicians
Billy Coulter: Vocals, Guitar
Max Evans: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Brian Simms: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Arch Alcantara: Bass, Backing Vocals
Doug Tull: Drums, Percussion (Tracks 3, 4, 5)
Andy Hamburger: Drums (Track 2)
Carson Groenewold: Drums (Track 1)
Bill Williams: Backing Vocals (Track 2)

Production Credits
Produced by: Billy Coulter, Scott Smith (Tracks 1 & 2)
Mixed by: Eric Ambel (Tracks 3, 4, 5), Scott Smith (Tracks 1 & 2)

All tracks are FCC clean.

Billy Coulter continues to captivate audiences with his fearless expression of love, loss, humor, and hope. His unique fusion of Americana and British power pop offers a fresh take on timeless themes, making him a must-watch artist in the indie rock scene.

Sun, 09/15/2024 - 10:26 am

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Pierce unveils her highly anticipated new album, Blessed By The West, out now on Berkalin Records. The 13-track collection showcases Pierce’s deep connection to the American West, offering an authentic glimpse into the life, landscapes, and legends that have shaped the region's rich history.

Praise for Sarah Pierce:

  • “Sarah’s voice and music are constantly an emotional treatment, pensive, persuasive & immersed in sincerity. Her vocal presence in songs like ‘The Cowboy Way (Tied To the Ride)’ and ‘Ropin’ In the Wind’ is magnetic.” – John Apice, Americana Highways
  • “Pierce writes and sings songs filled with western imagery and circumstances that appeal not only to those who have lived the life but those who love the idea and romance of it.” – Donald Teplyske, Fervor Coulee
  • “Fans of classic country music will enjoy Pierce’s Western fare, and new listeners are bound to be captivated by her timeless style.” – Maurice Hope, The Rocking Magpie
  • “Her voice is charming, and the band is tight on every note. This album is a must for your music collection.” – Jim Allford, Steel Notes Magazine

 

About the Album:
Blessed By The West is a vivid journey into the heart of the West, celebrating its expansive deserts, towering mountains, and the resilience of its people. Produced by Merel Bregante and Sarah Pierce, the album is rich in storytelling and musical depth. Pierce’s love for the West is evident in tracks like the title song, “I Wanna Go Home,” and the self-proclaimed “Trilogy”—three songs that pay homage to the bold, trailblazing women of the American frontier. “The Librarian,” “The Messenger,” and “Rough Stock” tell tales of women who defied societal expectations, carving out paths of courage and independence.

"The West is more than a place; it’s an experience,” Pierce says. “From the creatures that roam the land to the weather and landscapes, it’s a world that gives us a chance to be part of something extraordinary.”

Tracklist:

    I Wanna Go Home (3:54)
    The Cowboy Way (Tied To The Ride) (4:19)
    Blessed By The West (4:36)
    Any Place That’s Wild (4:42)
    I Fly Our Flag (3:45)
    Ropin’ In The Wind (4:33)
    The Librarian (4:50)
    The Messenger (5:49)
    Rough Stock (4:06)
    I’d Start Over (4:21)
    White Dog Revenge (4:28)
    There’s Some Things A Cowgirl Just Knows (3:36)
    A Dream As Big As Texas (4:00)

Focus Tracks: “I Wanna Go Home,” “Blessed By The West,” “The Librarian,” “The Messenger,” and “Rough Stock.”

Produced at The Cribworks Digital Audio by Merel Bregante and Sarah Pierce, the album features impeccable musicianship, with recording contributions from renowned engineers and studios across the U.S.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sarah Pierce will bring her storytelling and music to audiences across the West this fall with the Blessed By The West tour. Highlights include:

  • 10/4/2024 – Durango Cowboy Gathering, Durango, CO, 2 pm, Open Mic Stage
  • 10/10/2024 – Marble Falls Festival, Marble Falls, TX, 8:30-10 pm, Songwriter in the Round with Terri Hendrix and Susan Gibson
  • 10/27/2024 – Gruene Hall, New Braunfels, TX, 12:30-4:30 pm, CD Release Party!
  • 11/13-16/2024 – IWMA Convention, Albuquerque, NM, Showcase 11/15 at 3:45 pm
  • 11/21/2024 – The Buffalo Grass Music Hall, Panhandle, TX
  • 11/22/2024 – The Chalice Abby, Amarillo, TX
  • 11/23/2024 – Rt 66 Music Hall, Shamrock, TX
Sat, 09/21/2024 - 10:30 am

Three years after the release of her debut album, Grenadine & Kerosene, acclaimed Denver-based folk and Americana artist Carolyn Shulman returns with her highly anticipated second album, Heart on a Wire. The new release offers a rich tapestry of ten original songs that reflect a more seasoned artist, diving deeper into her creative voice and expanding the scope of her songwriting. Heart on a Wire once again sees Shulman collaborating with producer John McVey at Cinder Sound Studio in Longmont, Colorado.

The album showcases Shulman’s musical evolution, with arrangements ranging from traditional acoustic folk and hints of bluegrass to a fuller, more folk-rock and Americana sound. The result is a beautifully warm and textured production, supported by a talented lineup of Colorado’s finest musicians.

Tracklist:

    Heart on a Wire (5:12)
    Bolt Out of the Blue (4:07)
    All Burned Out (3:56)
    Old Farm House (3:58)
    Call My Heart Home (3:52)
    No Sad Songs (3:31)
    Little Sparrow (3:33)
    Sunflower Seeds (4:27)
    Little Reprieve (3:19)
    Eye to Eye (4:35)

Focus Tracks: Old Farm House (Track 4), Little Sparrow (Track 7), and Little Reprieve (Track 9)
All songs are FCC clean.

Shulman’s musical journey is one of determination and passion. Picking up the guitar at nine years old, she always knew music was her calling. After working as a lawyer for seven years in Houston, Texas, she made the bold decision to leave her legal career and devote herself fully to songwriting and performing. Her sound pays homage to the iconic women who helped shape the contemporary folk and Americana genres, drawing inspiration from artists like Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Patty Griffin. Her lyrics are intimate, raw, and full of heart, while her guitar work is a seamless blend of driving rhythms and intricate fingerpicking.

Shulman’s 2021 debut album Grenadine & Kerosene garnered rave reviews and spent three months on the Folk Radio Charts, peaking at number 22. Following its release, she was chosen as a finalist for Planet Bluegrass’s prestigious Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase in 2022.

Heart on a Wire was produced, mixed, and engineered by John McVey at Cinder Sound Studio and mastered by Mark Fuller at Mark Fuller Mastering in Sebastopol, CA.

Wed, 10/16/2024 - 12:28 pm

Dean Mueller is set to release his latest album, Wishes Never Gone, on November 8th, 2024. This highly anticipated project builds on the success of four previously released singles: the reflective "I Don’t Live There Anymore," the nostalgic "Fireflies," the powerful "Teach No Lies," and the soulful "Hold On And Don’t Let Go."

Recorded with Grammy-winning producer Kevin McKendree and long-time members of John Prine’s band, including Jason Wilber on guitar, Wishes Never Gone marks a new chapter in Dean Mueller's journey as a solo artist. The album blends Americana, folk, and blues into a collection of songs that showcase Dean’s signature blend of soul-stirring lyrics, honest storytelling, and musical versatility.

“Wishes Never Gone is a very personal album for me,” says Dean Mueller. “Working with Kevin McKendree and John Prine's band members brought an incredible energy to these tracks. This album is about reflecting on where I've been, embracing vulnerability, and holding on to the dreams that have always guided me.”

Drawing inspiration from his musical hero John Prine, Dean's songs capture life’s ups and downs with warmth, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. His latest singles, "I Don’t Live There Anymore" and "Believe," have already gained momentum on streaming platforms, resonating with fans for their authenticity and relatability. The playful "Fireflies" and the impactful message of "Teach No Lies" highlight the album's diverse themes, ranging from personal transformation to confronting social issues.

Since stepping into the spotlight with his debut solo album, Life Ain’t All Roses (2023), Dean Mueller has been recognized for his ability to tell stories that resonate deeply with his audience. Now based in Bend, Oregon, Dean continues to build on his legacy of creating music with soul and stories with heart, staying true to his Americana roots while pushing his creative boundaries.

Wishes Never Gone will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 8th, 2024. Fans can expect an album that not only showcases Dean’s growth as an artist but also invites listeners to join him on a journey through life’s most meaningful moments.

1. I Don’t Live There Anymore - (2:51)
2. Fireflies -  (2:40)
3. Hold On and Don’t Let Go -  (3:46)
4. Bulleit Train - (3:02) [E]
5. Change -  (2:55)
6. Believe - (3:22)
7. Teach No Lies - (3:30)
8. No Matter What It Is -  (3:05)
9. Get Lost - (2:53)
10. I’ll Be There -  (2:24)
11. I Suppose - (3:17)
12. Lonesome Sky - (3:08)