Ben Sparaco and The New Effect, the Nashville-based indie-rock trio fronted by songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Ben Sparaco, have announced their national spring tour which includes headlining shows as well as direct support slots with G. Love & Special Sauce. Tickets for all dates are on sale today (2/15). For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Ben Sparaco and The New Effect will hit the road on their 26-date tour with the inaugural show Friday, March 1 in Boulder, CO at Fox Theatre as direct support for G. Love & Special Sauce. An additional six dates in the tour’s coast-to-coast itinerary will accompany G. Love & Special Sauce while the others will be headlining engagements.
“When we're opening for G. Love we’ll be doing 45-minute sets which is short for us, says Sparaco. “Those shows will be all about making the best impression we can in a relatively short time. We’ll probably stick to a similar setlist with pre-determined transitions whereas our headline shows will be a little more improvisational and have more setlist variation.”
The tour will make additional stops in Denver, Aspen, Nashville, Athens, Richmond, Washington D.C., New York City, Asbury Park, Indianapolis, Asheville, and many others before wrapping in Alpharetta, GA at Matilda's on Saturday, June 1.
“Some of these shows are our first theater shows ever which is super exciting for us and we get to go to some of our favorite places on this tour; Colorado, New York City, etc.,” adds Sparaco. “We’ll be stepping it up a notch for these bigger audiences by incorporating a lot of new sounds into our set that we’ve never had in our music before.”
To wrap the band’s 2018 year, they released their latest single, “Scared of The Dark,” on November 30. The song—which delivers the band’s alternative vibe with a jam element, built from Sparaco’s notable lead guitar chops—has been steadily grabbing attention as it’s now logged over 130,000 Spotify streams to date.
“I’m playing a lot less lead guitar on this song than I normally would,” says Sparaco. “It’s funny that it worked out that way because the song is about my younger self and a lot of the insecurities that came with growing up and trying to be a musician. When I was younger, I was all about being a guitar player. As I’ve grown up, I've become more focused on songs. This song really shows where I’m at right now with my songwriting, while referencing a past version of myself the whole time.”
The band is also putting the final touches on their debut full-length album which is expected to be released in the fall (all details TBA).
Kiefer Sutherland is set to release his sophomore full-length album, Reckless & Me, worldwide on Friday, April 26 via BMG. The 10-track Reckless & Me delivers Sutherland’s Americana and country rock-infused songwriting style and highlights his gift of soulful storytelling. Pre-order is available now, here.
The new album holds beautifully arranged ballads and authentic country rockers such as the album’s lead single, “Open Road,” and latest offering, “This Is How It’s Done” – all delivered with Sutherland’s distinctive, whiskey-soaked and gravel-laced voice.
Click here to watch a video incorporating tour footage for “This Is How It’s Done.”
Sutherland’s three-decade, award-winning acting career has made him a familiar face around the globe, but his other passion is music. “I asked myself, says Sutherland, “‘what is the thing that I love about acting, and music?’ ‘What is the common denominator?’ For me it's storytelling and music is a very different way of doing it.”
Produced by Jude Cole, Reckless & Me marks the follow up to Sutherland’s critically acclaimed debut album, Down In A Hole (2016), which had Jill Lawless of Associated Press identifying Sutherland’s “…unexpected, unvarnished authenticity as a singer/songwriter.” Consequence of Sound’s Collin Brennan simply raved Down In A Hole is a “…boozy, bad-ass country album.”
Now returning with Reckless & Me, Sutherland wants to keep touring and sharing these songs with his fans. Though he loves writing and recording, the stage holds a special place in his heart, and for the last three years, he’s toured extensively earning a reputation as a relentless road warrior.
"I couldn't have imagined the depth with which I have fallen in love with touring,” says Sutherland. “To have the opportunity to convey intimate, personal stories to an audience has proven to be priceless.”
U.S. tour dates are expected to be announced soon.
The San Bernardino-based R&B and funk-infused pop trio Royaljag, fronted by twins Jay and Roland Garcia and longtime best friend David Ajoku, have teamed with Buzzbands.LA to debut the music video for their forthcoming single, “909.” The song is set for a public release tomorrow, March 29 on all DSPs.
Click here to watch the “dance-instructional-themed” music video directed by Alex Gilbert of the Nomad Film Co. Buzzbands’ Kevin Bronson notes, “Moves? Inland Empire trio Royaljag has a few. And they show off some of them in the video for the new song ‘909’ — an homage to the area code they call home and a video so endearing your face might get cramps from smiling so hard…Royaljag…have spent months making friends in the 213 with their addictive style of music. They call it ‘chameleon pop,’ a blend of sleek, synth-strafed R&B, funk and disco.”
“909,” an ode to the band’s hometown, is the lead single from their forthcoming sophomore EP, I Don’t Know How I Got Here. The six-song collection is set fora summer 2019 release and follows their 2017 Chameleon EP and debut single, “Jungle,” from 2015.
To celebrate release of “909,” Royaljag are set to perform the new single in front of a sold-out crowd as they open for The Marías along with Loyal Lobos at The Regent Theater tomorrow night (3/29).
The group told Buzzbands: “For ‘909,’ we wanted to make a fun video that both showcased different pieces of us while also illustrating how all three of us are often on the same wavelength. This song was inspired by our frequent long drives back to the 909. With more opportunities in music outside of San Bernardino, we find ourselves making long drives to L.A. a lot and drifting into our thoughts and dreams. It was so much fun making this video and can’t wait to come up with more cool concepts for videos as we prepare to release our second EP this summer.”
Managed by mija mgmt, Royaljag are architects of Chameleon Pop--a self-defined genre describing versatile pop that blends R&B, new jack swing, funk, psychedelics, disco and more. Growing up in San Bernardino, a Southern California region well known by the 909 area code, the trio grew up idolizing pop greats Stevie Wonder, Supertramp, Prince, ABBA, and Michael Jackson. By high school, Jay, Roland and David had formed Royaljag and began collaborating on music and crafting a sound uniquely their own with self-produced synthesized hooks, infectious melodies, and unified harmony.
Track listing for I Don’t Know How I Got Here:
“909”
“Put You On”
“Foreign Exchange”
“Feelin’ Right”
“Dangerous”
“Division”
Royaljag will be announcing their summer touring plans soon.
Kiefer Sutherland has announced his initial U.S. touring plans for 2019 with a run of shows in support of his sophomore album, Reckless & Me, which is out worldwide this Friday, April 26 via BMG.
The tour will kick off in Austin, TX at 3Ten Austin City Limits Live on Wednesday, May 29 with additional stops confirmed for Fort Worth, TX, Kansas City, MO, Franklin, TN, Boston, MA and New York, NY, among others. The routing will also include a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN on Friday, June 7 and an appearance at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 8 on the Budweiser Forever Country Stage. See all dates below.
Tickets for all confirmed U.S. tour dates go on sale this Friday, April 26. Additional dates are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sutherland’s 10-track sophomore full-length album, Reckless & Me, is highlighted by the singles “Open Road,” “This Is How It’s Done” and the recently-released “Something You Love.” Throughout Reckless & Me, Sutherland offers his Americana and country rock-infused songwriting style and features his gift of soulful storytelling – all delivered with his distinctive, whiskey-soaked and gravel-laced voice. Pre-order for the album is available now, here. Stream “Something You Love” here via Spotify and click here to watch what CMT calls “the singer’s rowdy new music video” for “This Is How It’s Done.”
Sutherland’s three-decade, award-winning acting career has made him a familiar face around the globe, but his other passion is music. “I asked myself, says Sutherland, “‘what is the thing that I love about acting, and music?’ ‘What is the common denominator?’ For me it's storytelling and music is a very different way of doing it.”
Produced by Jude Cole, Reckless & Me marks the follow up to Sutherland’s critically acclaimed debut album, Down In A Hole (2016). Now returning with Reckless & Me, Sutherland wants to keep touring and sharing these songs with his fans. Though he loves writing and recording, the stage holds a special place in his heart, and for the last three years, he’s toured extensively earning a reputation as a relentless road warrior.
"I couldn't have imagined the depth with which I have fallen in love with touring,” says Sutherland. “To have the opportunity to convey intimate, personal stories to an audience has proven to be priceless.”
Nashville’s Callie McCullough, a modern songwriter inspired by timeless bluegrass and old-school country music, has released the gently-rolling “Five Dollar Pearls.” The song which debuted earlier this week with The Bluegrass Situation is the lead single from her forthcoming After Midnight EP which is expected to be released in winter (exact date TBA).
Click here to listen to “Five Dollar Pearls” which highlights McCullough’s remarkable sound that’s anchored by her gorgeous voice and showcases an Alison Krauss-worthy tone.
“The idea for this song came to me late one night after someone I was dating hesitated to introduce me to his parents,” Callie told The Bluegrass Situation. “The melody and the second verse spilled out in a matter of seconds but when I sat down about a week later with my songwriting buddy Ryan Sorestad to bring it to life, it became deeper than that. It’s that secret fear we have all felt; that some part of who you are or where you come from is not good enough, or won’t measure up in the world. I’ve always been the loud, bold girl with a bit of a wild streak and never the ingénue or the sweet, shy, perfect girl. It’s something I’ve struggled with in learning to be myself.”
Callie has chased her unique muse for years, making contemporary roots music that nods to the legends who came before her. With After Midnight, McCullough makes her debut as a solo artist. The record was tracked in her adopted hometown of Nashville, where she resettled after spending nearly a decade on the road with other projects. Emotional and eclectic, After Midnight also features first-class picking from members of the Grammy-winning bluegrass band Union Station and western-swing super-group the Time Jumpers. The result is a collaborative and intimate EP that laces McCullough's voice with touches of dobro, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and acoustic guitar, mixing the fresh energy of a rising star with the finesse of a hotshot backing band.
Born third generation in a musical family, her childhood home was filled with inspiration, and it wasn't long before McCullough was contributing to the family business, landing gigs at 14 years old, and forming a duo with her Mom at 16. Armed with an unforgettable voice, she headed to Europe skipping the college graduation ceremony, to play festivals for oversized crowds night after night.
"When I first moved to Nashville, I didn't know what I was going to do," admits the singer/songwriter, whose love of expressive, swooning ballads was inspired by artists like Krauss, Parton, Eva Cassidy, Keith Whitley and Don Williams. "I was writing songs for other people and playing gigs so I could pay the rent. I was taking time to figure out who I was."
To bring those songs to life, McCullough turned to Nashville-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Dustin Olyan, who helped assemble a top-tier studio band whose members included Grammy-winning banjo/guitar player Ron Block, upright bassist Barry Bales, dobro player Brent Burke, drummer Billy Thomas, accordion and piano player Jeff Taylor, and celebrated fiddler Stuart Duncan. Recorded in iconic Nashville-area studios like the Tracking Room and the Sound Emporium (as well as Olyan's home studio, the Tone Distillery), After Midnight blends hushed, nocturnal soundscapes with traditional influences, contemporary twists, sharp songwriting, and the expressive singing of a front-woman who's truly found her own voice.
Jesse Cook—the internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and producer—has announced fall dates for his “Follow The Road” U.S. tour. Kicking off on October 9 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Byham Theatre, the 33-date headlining trek will take Cook and his vibrant band across the country with stops in New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Denver, CO, San Diego, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Sacramento, CA, among many others. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Next year, Cook will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut album, Tempest (1995, Narada). The JUNO Award-winning musician shows no signs of slowing down, but rather expanding on his musical appetite. Cook’s latest record, Beyond Borders (2017, eOne Music), explores a sonic landscape unfettered by geography, ethnicity and musical styles to forge a unique world music hybrid. Beyond Borders is the most sonically diverse and distinctive disc in hisvast and varied catalog, which has earned him 11 JUNO nominations and one JUNO win in the Best Instrumental Album category for Free Fall (2000, Narada) – which has its 20-year anniversary in 2020. After 11 albums and over two million albums sold to date, Cook also continues to progressively build numerous amounts of listeners on the DSPs as well as gather loyal subscribers to his YouTube channel where he releases original and creative content.
Fans can check their local PBS station listings to watch an airing of Cook’s special, “Beyond Borders.” Directed, edited and mixed by Cook himself, the special captures footage from his 2017/2018 “Beyond Borders” tour and specifically highlights a different song from each night of the tour. Click here to watch the special’s trailer.
Kiefer Sutherland’s sophomore album, the 10-song Reckless & Me, arrived earlier this year on a wave of praise and today he’s announced a deluxe edition of the album is set for a September 27 release via BMG. Reckless & Me Special Edition includes the original album along with a bonus disc featuring Sutherland’s full concert in Berlin. Recorded on March 1, 2019 at SchwuZ in Berlin, Germany, the live disc captures an energetic and dynamically-tight set from Kiefer and his band. Click here to watch a live performance of “Something You Love” from the show.
Reckless & Me delivers Sutherland’s Americana and country rock-infused songwriting style and highlights his gift of soulful storytelling. On the bonus disc, Live In Berlin, Sutherland gets to dive deeper into storytelling and reveals some personal anecdotes behind the songs.
“We’ve played so many shows over the past five years, to have one of them recorded, so that fans who couldn’t make a show because we didn’t play in their particular town or city, is very special to me,” says Sutherland. “I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed playing it”.
Reckless & Me holds beautifully arranged ballads and authentic country rockers such as the album’s lead single, “Open Road,” “This Is How It’s Done and “Something You Love” – all delivered with Sutherland’s distinctive, whiskey-soaked and gravel-laced voice. Produced by Jude Cole, Reckless & Me marks the follow up to Sutherland’s critically acclaimed debut album, Down In A Hole (2016).
The official music video for “Something You Love” can be watched here.
Click here to watch a video incorporating tour footage for “This Is How It’s Done.”
Sutherland recently wrapped his U.S. tour which included special performances at the Grand Ole Opry and CMA Fest in Nashville, TN. While in New York City for his headlining show at Irving Plaza, Sutherland stopped by NBC’s “TODAY” for a performance of “Something You Love.” Watch here.
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Robert Francis has released Amaretto, his seventh full-length studio album, today via Aeronaut Records. The 11-song Americana-leaning album from the prolific artist features top-tier guests Ry Cooder, Marty Stuart and Terry Evans on multiple tracks. Francis partnered with American Songwriter yesterday to give fans an early listen to the album.
Recorded mostly in Nashville, TN and completed in 2018, Amaretto faced hurdles due to complications in manufacturing and distribution causing the two-year release delay. Following his temporary move to Nashville, Francis built a recording studio in the basement with an 8-track MCI Tape Machine, one mic for each instrument and no headphones, all intentionally structured for live takes. The result is a raw and skillfully etched collection. Above mentioned trailblazing musicians Ry Cooder, Marty Stuart and Terry Evans lent their talents to Amaretto in a separate session to round out an album filled with inspired, off-the-cuff performances.
The album delivers flavors from the full-spectrum of alt-country and Americana. Heart-tugging ballads with soaring harmonies and infectious phrasing are found in tunes like “How Long”—a song penned after the passing of his father—to uptempo burners like “Country Bar” which delivers blazing mandolin picking by Stuart and precision riff delivery from Ry Cooder. Other standouts include the title track which Francis says, “became the beginning of the whole album. When I was eight or nine, I took art lessons from the brilliant painter, John Brosio. The first still life I ever attempted was of an Amaretto bottle my Dad kept on the kitchen counter. When I moved to Nashville, I didn’t know a single soul. I was out there totally alone. One of my first afternoons there, the sky lit up a boozy, amber color and that still life popped into my head.”
Track listing for Amaretto:
1. “Other Side Of Heaven”
2. “How Long” ft. Ry Cooder & Marty Stuart
3. “Amaretto”
4. “The Way I Know How”
5. “Mendocino”
6. “Dreaming Man”
7. “First Time”
8. “Snakes In The Grass” ft. Terry Evans & Ry Cooder
9. “Country Bar” ft. Ry Cooder & Marty Stuart
10. “Other Side Of Heaven” ft. Terry Evans & Ry Cooder
Prolific Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Robert Francis has released Vol. 1, the new full-length album under Robert Francis + The End Times. The 10-song collection– full of guitar solos, bombastic percussion, harmonies and the amplified chemistry of Francis’ End Times bandmates–is out everywhere today via Aeronaut Records on all DSPs (listen here).
It was during a cross-country drive from Nashville to Los Angeles that Francis began crafting the rock & roll anthems that fill Vol. 1. The album’s lead single, "Boy Like That," rides a cool, unhurried groove, with Francis delivering the song from the perspective of an ex-girlfriend. Glide Magazine noted, “with its infectious synth line, mellow guitar lines, and soulful, funky percussion and background vocals, the song [‘Boy Like That’] carries a melancholy, nostalgia-driven rock and roll sound. Compared to the roots and Americana sounds Francis is often known for, this song marks a departure with its combination of indie rock and throwback soul.”
"I'd been doing a lot of listening to the records I grew up with, from the Replacements to the Gin Blossoms," Francis says of the album's rock-inspired sound. "I was going down memory lane and falling in love with that kind of music all over again, without letting my insecurities get in the way. I wasn't wondering if the new songs sounded too country, too rock, or too Americana. I was just embracing this form of heart-on-sleeve, nostalgia-driven rock & roll."
Robert Francis + The End Times' Vol. 1 is an album built for highway driving. It's a soundtrack for the road, filled with songs that evoke the rush of open windows and the glow of sun beaming through the windshield. Tommy Marz of Sound Vapors advised, “when the album is released, I would recommend spending some time alone with it and quite possibly losing yourself in the spectacular songwriting and musical craft on the record. You’ll be hard-pressed to find many albums that are mixed better than this one.”
Vol. 1 may have been written in isolation, but its 10 songs are the work of a fully-formed band. Accompanied by guitarist Drew Phillips, bassist Shane Smith, drummer Brad Cummings, harmony vocalist Cori Elliott, and multiple guests, Francis booked several weeks of recording time at Total Annihilation, a punk-rock studio in L.A.'s Lincoln Heights neighborhood. There, he produced the bulk of the album himself, with all the musicians playing together in the same room. Several months later, while visiting Nashville to perform at the Americana Music Festival, the band cut two additional tracks with producer Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff) at the iconic Bomb Shelter studio.
Track listing for Vol. 1:
“Somewhere Trains”
“Paradise”
“Boy Like That”
“Coast”
“Copy Comic”
“Built To Last”
“Down The Line”
“What It’s Like”
“Loose Conditions”
“House Cat”
Vol. 1 arrives on the heels of his recent surprise Amaretto album release (May 1, Aeronaut Records). The Americana-leaning Amaretto was unveiled on American Songwriter and features trailblazing musicians Ry Cooder, Marty Stuart and Terry Evans on multiple tracks. The 11-song album delivers flavors from the full-spectrum of alt-country and Americana. Heart-tugging ballads with soaring harmonies and infectious phrasing are found in tunes like “How Long”—a song penned after the passing of Francis’ father—to uptempo burners like “Country Bar” which delivers blazing mandolin picking by Stuart and precision riff delivery from Cooder.
A Note Two Self--the musical moniker of Mike Richards--is releasing his new alluring single, “Love Drunk,” on Friday, December 4.
A Note Two Self is a native to Alexandria, VA and his musical roots run deep in the soil. His interest in music began as a young child to escape the boredom of sitting in a classroom. “I hated math and science in 3rd and 4th grade,” says Richards. “I saw some kids going to band or orchestra instead so I joined those classes learning violin and clarinet, because anything was better than the alternative. Eventually I picked up a guitar and became obsessed with learning my favorite songs on the radio.”
From learning music in school and joining alt-rock band, The Offset; Richards eventually found his sound within a solo career. “My guitarist quit, a mate got married and my drummer moved to New York. I started working on my own because I wanted to continue playing, and felt it has always been something I'm meant to do.” Following his instincts, Richards chose A Note Two Self to be his music’s identity. “A Note Two Self was almost a reminder to me that when I took the step toward music, that I was gonna treat it like a language and immerse myself in it in order to learn the ins and outs. I was going to sort out how I was going to turn this into my livelihood and never settle for less.” Since A Note Two Self’s creation in 2017, Richards has released multiple singles, an EP and has had many local touring opportunities. A Note Two Self’s main influence is to allow the music to speak for itself and getting to the heart of life’s matters.
Set for Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET, “For The Crew,” presented by NoCap and in collaboration with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, will feature performances by Jeff Schroeder of The Smashing Pumpkins, Kevin Rudolf and Tommy Marz. Proceeds from the event will be going directly to support members of the live music industry; the road crew who are the backbone of every show, night-after-night, that have been devastated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets are on sale now via the NoCap website here.
"The whole of the music industry has been hit hard by Covid-19,” says Schroeder. “One particular segment of the industry that is often overlooked and/or forgotten is road crews. It's quite simple: without our crews, there would be no shows. These are the women and men behind the scenes who help bring our music to you. With this online benefit show, our hope is to raise both money and awareness for our crews."
"With so many people in our business out of work due to Covid, I'm happy there is a little something we can do to raise money and maybe bring a smile,” shares Rudolf.
Marz adds: "During this pandemic there have been times where many people have felt helpless, myself included. As the opportunity arose to raise money for people whose incomes have been affected by Covid-19, the road crews became a focus of that opportunity. The road crew teams are an important part of the live show experience and have been affected greatly. We are excited and grateful to be partnering with Sweet Relief to try and bring some relief to members of the road crew."
Fans can expect to watch solo-sets from Schroeder, Rudolf and Marz.
About Sweet Relief Musicians Fund:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. In other words, Healing Musicians in Need. We all have received so much out of music, it's time to give a little back!
“For The Crew,” presented by NoCap and in collaboration with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, have announce Americana artist--and member of The Smashing Pumpkins’ live band--Katie Cole has been added to the event’s list of performers. Cole will join Jeff Schroeder of The Smashing Pumpkins, Kevin Rudolf and Tommy Marz.
Proceeds from the streaming event that’s set for Saturday, March 6 at 7pm ET will be going directly to support members of the live music industry; the road crew who are the backbone of every show, night-after-night, that have been devastated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets are on sale now via the NoCap website here.
“This pandemic has been challenging for many industries, but has been entirely devastating for those in the touring world,” says Cole. “While recording artists and musicians can adapt and pivot to an online format, those who work as production and road crew are completely without work now. Happy to shine a light on those behind the scenes people who make shows and touring possible. This moment is for you!”
"The whole of the music industry has been hit hard by Covid-19,” says Schroeder. “One particular segment of the industry that is often overlooked and/or forgotten is road crews. It's quite simple: without our crews, there would be no shows. These are the women and men behind the scenes who help bring our music to you. With this online benefit show, our hope is to raise both money and awareness for our crews."
"With so many people in our business out of work due to Covid, I'm happy there is a little something we can do to raise money and maybe bring a smile,” shares Rudolf."
Marz adds: "During this pandemic there have been times where many people have felt helpless, myself included. As the opportunity arose to raise money for people whose incomes have been affected by Covid-19, the road crews became a focus of that opportunity. The road crew teams are an important part of the live show experience and have been affected greatly. We are excited and grateful to be partnering with Sweet Relief to try and bring some relief to members of the road crew."
Fans can expect to watch solo-sets from Schroeder, Rudolf, Marz and Cole.
Between hearing the phrase “Middle C” as a kid learning piano in Arkansas to growing up and raising two children of his own, Sailor and Pearl respectively, it’s quite fitting that Baton Rouge-based Americana artist Reece Sullivan named his third full-length studio album Middle Sea. Slated for an April 2 release, the eight-track album ebbs and flows between folk, Americana, and at times, free-spirited guitar-driven jams that deliver the songs from the middle of the ocean to conclusion on shore.
With the new album, Sullivan purposely went about choosing songs that veered towards pop, more than folk in comparison to his 2018 Wordsmith album. “The biggest difference between the last album and this one is that with Middle Sea, since I was recording this with my Lafayette band (Matt Cobb, Justin Broussard and Jim McGee), I chose songs differently than I normally would. For those interested in what I do, this will hopefully be a nice change.”
The album’s lead single, “Pretty Carry,” rides a highway line that evokes equal parts Bob Dylan-styled character descriptions and instrumentation that conjures selects from The Beatles experimental period. The sum of its parts arrive at a southern Americana sound infused with unique Louisiana musical flair. “I’ve lived in both Lafayette and Baton Rouge,” notes Sullivan. “I consider both great, hidden musical places for very different reasons.”
“I wrote ‘Pretty Carry’ about 17 years ago on Spring Street in Little Rock, AR when I was trying to reinvent myself musically -- It was a partial success,” admits Sullivan. “In my twenties I wrote a lot of art-rock that normally couldn’t be played live, strange as that may sound, because so much was so produced. So I was trying to write more songs that could be played live simply with an acoustic guitar, but I was also trying to improve my craft and lyrics. Looking at it now, it still sounds more like the material I wrote in my twenties.”
“Blood,” the raw sophomore single from Middle Sea, sits deep in a groove that showcases his bandmate Jim McGee’s proficiency on guitar as the song follows that groove to a dynamic jam-laced ending. “The lyrics came from the fact that I was in a phase of thinking about the historical importance of blood lines and how that’s so rarely talked about today,” adds Sullivan. “Jim’s probably my favorite electric player I know or have played with. So all that awesome guitar playing is his!”
In a prolific stride, and with more material already in the can, fans can expect additional releases in late 2021. Meanwhile, Sullivan is anxiously awaiting the full return of live music following the pandemic.
“I think the real goal of playing live is to impact someone past simply songwriting or playing itself. My first experience hearing zydeco – by an unassuming man named Jeffrey Broussard – made me feel like I’d been to church, so to speak. I told people afterwards that I walked in one person and walked out another. It impacted me more deeply than simply being impressed by someone’s musicality. That’s the goal for me when things open back up.”
North Carolina-based folk-rock artist Ashley Virginia has released, “Apathy Blues,” the latest single from her forthcoming debut full-length album, And Life Just Goes On Living due out Friday, August 13.
The alluring, sweet soft vocals on “Apathy Blues” act as an entrancement for the deep strong lyrics surrounded in a ‘60s rock production. Offering a word-to-the-wise message to awaken one’s voice and stand up for something, Virginia penned “Apathy Blues” during 2018 in the midst of the Trump presidency and was activated by a quote she heard in a movie: "If you get shown a problem, but have no idea how to control it, then you just decide to get used to the problem."
“This song was my way of processing all of that was going on during that time, and really, it's the advice I needed to give myself,” says Virginia. “I love ‘60s music and the culture in general during the ‘60s and ‘70s. The music of that time was really rooted in protest and cultural change, which I find very inspiring. The times we are living through now really aren't all that different.”
Evident across the 11-song And Life Just Goes On Living is Virginia’s honesty about her battles with mental health in having been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and complex-PTSD. “This album is basically my diary,” says Virginia “In general I tend to have big feelings and writing music and being creative is therapeutic for me.”
An artist that exudes counter culture vibes, marches to the beat of her own drum and is a reckless lover of people, Virginia concludes, “This album, I think, very well encompasses and represents my life over the past few years. It has been my journey of healing through that trauma and pain.”
The Wonderfool—the recording project of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Matt Vinson—has released “Cool Shade.” Marking the lead single of his fourth full-length studio album, Shiner, the song showcases an inviting vintage, sun-baked shimmer. Click here to listen to “Cool Shade."
American Songwriter unveiled The Wonderfool’s single earlier this week raving that “Cool Shade” “evokes a hypnotic dream state…a shimmering texture, creating more melodic depth to the summertime song…‘Cool Shade’ furthers his folk agenda, moving with ease into a dynamic new soundscape.”
Notably one third of the chart-topping folk group CAAMP, Vinson says: “‘Cool Shade’ is a song about finding a nice quiet place in your mind & observing all the good in the world around you. We all share the feeling sometimes of thinking that there’s more work to be done; love to share - But chances are everyone around you probably thinks you’re doing just fine!”
Out Wednesday, August 11 via Gjenny Records, the nine-track Shiner is a soundtrack for early mornings and late nights mixing the organic with the synthesized, the intimate with the collaborative, and folky with the pop-inspired.
Vinson was stuck indoors by the pandemic after the band had to cancel their touring plans. Vinson found himself with ample time on his hands and turned that isolation into an opportunity to create something new: a combination of modern folk melodies, forward-thinking production, and lyrics about fighting off one's inner demons.
"The album has a blend of happy, poppy songs that are filled with themes of personal betterment," Vinson explains, "and moody songs with a sonic space that lets the emotion of the song ring true. It's something you can listen to in the morning, before you go to bed, or while sitting in a hammock. It's reflective music. With Shiner, I finally encapsulated that feeling."
Shiner Track Listing:
“Much Better”
“Time (Done Being Late)”
“Shake the Dust”
“Cool Shade”
“Counterweight”
“The Man You Knew”
“Truth of the Matter”
“Young & Able”
“The Day Before Your Last”
Vinson encapsulated The Wonderfool during 2015 while studying at Ohio University. From there he solely worked alone recording, producing, and writing. However, as Shiner took shape, the record proved to be something quite different, full of guest appearances from fellow road warriors (including CAAMP frontman Taylor Meier) and fueled by Vinson's sharpest songwriting to date.
San Francisco-based singer-songwriter EllaHarp has released the latest single, “Sunshine and Roses,” from her upcoming full-length album Screaming Into The Void (out September 17). The song, while having a bright, positive title, was actually penned about EllaHarps ongoing battle with depression.
Watch the music video for “Sunshine and Roses” here.
The dark and meaningful lyrics of “Sunshine and Roses,” prove that there is much more to harpists than the stereotypical image. “I think all harpists are chased by the stereotype of harps being some happy, heavenly thing played exclusively by angels on clouds with copious glissandos and overly flourished arpeggiation,” states EllaHarp. “'Sunshine and Roses' is my version of a buck to the stereotype, at first glance it appears to fit the bill but in fact centers on my ongoing battle with depression.”
The single was unveiled on The Bluegrass Situation last week and EllaHarp discussed how the song was the first she wrote on the harp that she built. The need to build her own harp came from travelling. Regular harps are not designed to fit in overhead storage on planes, so naturally the DIY artist improvised. “I started drawing cardboard cutouts and convinced a friend in metal fabrication that an aluminum harp was a good idea, despite neither of us having any experience on the matter and no example of one having been built,” recalled EllaHarp.
EllaHarp’s sophomore album, Screaming Into The Void, is out everywhere Friday, September 17. The new album offers a unique blending of folk and Americana with pop sensibilities, highlighting dark, thoughtful lyrics with memorable hooks.
Screaming Into The Void Track Listing:
“Screaming Into The Void”
“Bittersweet”
“Better”
“Whiskey Garden”
“Sunshine and Roses”
“Shotgun Sadie (ft. The False Bottom Band)”
“Late Summer”
“Black Road”
“Madd Love”
Andy McKee — one of the world's finest acoustic guitarists — has released “Chattanooga,” the third offering from Symbol, his first new collection of studio recordings in nearly a decade.
Originally released by acclaimed guitarist Preston Reed, “Chattanooga,” has heavily inspired McKee’s playing style. “In my opinion, ‘Chattanooga’ by Preston Reed is one of the finest fingerstyle guitar pieces ever written,” says McKee. “It’s just loaded with texture, harmony, percussion, and melody. I love the key changes and chromaticism between some of the chords.”
The six-song Symbol EP is set for release on Friday, September 17 via Mythmaker Records in conjunction with Cruzen Street Records. The collection is filled with inspired renditions of compositions from artists that deeply influence McKee and song’s that connect to his musical past. He pulls from the catalogues of greats like Michael Hedges, Billy McLaughlin, Prince and others.
“These are my interpretations of tunes that really inspired me,” says McKee. “I wanted to give listeners a chance to hear what I hear when I listen to this music. I also wanted to branch out a bit and include music that isn’t originally for acoustic guitar.”
Jesse Cook — the multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning and internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and guitarist — has announced this 11th studio album, Libre, will be released worldwide on Friday, December 3 via Outside Music/Redeye. The album’s title track is out everywhere today.
The 10-track Libre combines Cook’s iconic Spanish guitar flair with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem, modern trap rhythms and 808 beats. “I wrote and recorded Libre during the pandemic when, like most people, I was longing for freedom,” Cook shares of the new project. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm that was swirling outside.”
Eager to get back on the road, Cook’s “Tempest II” tour is set to touch down in the U.S. with the first date being January 19 in Spokane, WA at the Bing Crosby Theater. Subsequent dates have Cook touring through the west coast and Midwest with more shows expected to be announced. View the complete tour itinerary here.
The inspiration for Libre came from a long summer-day drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favorite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired. I loved them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”
He wasn’t short on material to draw from; it’s been more than 25 years since the internationally-lauded virtuoso first stepped onto the scene with his now-iconic release, Tempest. In the time since, he’s come to hold ten Gold and Platinum studio albums with a combined sales of 2+ Million copies, five concert DVDs and live discs, five PBS specials, and multiple awards — a JUNO win, 11 nominations, three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, a Gemini, and an Acoustic Guitar Magazine Player’s Choice Silver Award.
The digital convergence of the past several years has also resulted in Cook’s music streamed in rather impressive numbers across a series of platforms; by September 2021, his Spotify stats had surpassed 55+ Million, and plays on Pandora soaring beyond the 300+ Million milestone. YouTube’s universally visual appeal has also grown steadily for Cook’s connection with audiences, with his channel accumulating upwards of 25+ Million views since 2010.
It was this ready-set relationship online with his legions of fans worldwide that inspired Cook through the unexpected over the course of the past 18 months. With gear cases locked and loaded, about to set off on a national 25-date tour marking Tempest’s monumental anniversary just as COVID-19 shuttered stages, and beyond, Cook made use of the time since through a series of creative experiments — including re-visiting hits like “Wednesday Night at Etric’s, “Tempest,” and more — unveiling them in relative real-time across his social profiles.
But while it may sound like a new style for both long-time fans and those newly gathered across Cook’s thousands of concerts and millions of livestream views the world-over, reconnecting with an 808 sound takes Cooks all the way back to his beginnings.
“I was in Grade 10 when the Roland TR808 drum machine was first released,” Cook says. “I remember pooling my money together with friends in order to rent one for our mad basement recording sessions. We were spellbound; all of its drum sounds were made by an on-board analogue synthesizer, which gave it this other-worldly quality.”
Track listing for Libre:
“No. 5”
“HEY!”
“Boom”
“Libre”
“Onward Till Dawn”
“Solace”
“Jaleo”
“Updraft”
“Oran”
“One World, One Voice”
Acclaimed guitarist Andy McKee has released Symbol, his first new collection of studio recordings in nearly a decade, via Mythmaker Records in conjunction with Cruzen Street Records. In addition to the album, McKee is releasing his cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” complete with a music video.
In 2012, McKee played alongside Prince in his band on the “Welcome 2 Australia” tour with the song being one of the setlist highlights. This release of “Purple Rain” will celebrate the 37th anniversary of the song’s September 1984 original street date.
“I had originally come up with the ‘Purple Rain’ arrangement to open the shows while I was on tour with Prince in Australia,” recalls McKee. “I have played it occasionally since then while touring and figured I should finally get a recording of it down. One thing that I learned from Prince while we were on the road is that we both really admire Joni Mitchell. I used that as a reference when trying to describe what I do. Although some of what I do on the guitar is technically demanding, I don’t ever really want that to overshadow the music.”
While Symbol is a collection of inspired renditions, they are important song choices; artists that deeply influence McKee and songs that connect to his musical past. He pulls from the catalogues of greats like Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin and others.
“These are my interpretations of tunes that really inspired me,” says McKee. “I wanted to give listeners a chance to hear what I hear when I listen to this music. I also wanted to branch out a bit and include music that isn’t originally for acoustic guitar.”
Other standouts from Symbol are Mckee’s take on “Chattanooga” by acclaimed guitarist Preston Reed and “Rocky IV Medley.” McKee, like many, was infatuated with the Rocky IV soundtrack, specifically the Vince DiCola compositions “War” and “Training Montage.” For Symbol, McKee and DiCola joined forces to craft “Rocky IV Medley.”
Symbol Tracklisting:
“Ragamuffin” originally by Michael Hedges
“Chattanooga” originally by Preston Reed
“Clockshop” originally by Billy McLaughlin
“Purple Rain” originally by Prince
“Streets of Whiterun” originally by Jeremy Soule
“Rocky IV Medley” written by and featuring Vince DiCola
It takes an artist with a soul to understand the soul of a city. Nashville-based soul/pop artist Elliott Blaufuss has done just that with his new single, “Nashville.” Out today, “Nashville” arrives with a music video that portrays an authentic and fitting representation of a city dealing with massive expansion and migration. Blaufuss composed the video as a visual montage, capturing many of the city's vibrant neighborhoods.
The song embodies the melting pot of melodious styles, genres, and personalities that Music City lives and breathes. Whether it’s the hipsters in East or the boujee business professionals in the Gulch, “Nashville” incorporates it all.
The single was influenced by list-form and stream-of-consciousness writing from the likes of Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac. “I've been observing my neighborhood for years now and wanted to tell some of that story, but mostly I wanted to give an honest portrait of my time here in Nashville,” says Blaufuss.
“The track is one of the more unique songs we’ve heard this year,” says Jake Craney of GroundSounds. “It serves as a kaleidoscopic portrait of Nashville. It’s straightforward and easy to follow, but there’s so much detail packed in – you’ll definitely want to watch it more than once.”
Recorded at Southern Heat Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, Blaufuss constructed the song and played all the instruments himself. Bringing in Minneapolis natives Pat Nelson [drums] and Adam Schmitt [pedal steel] to help record the single, “Nashville” meshes Blaufuss’ hometown roots and admiration for Music City to create a pop anthem for residents of the metropolitan area.
While serving as a sideman and musical director for Gavin DeGraw, Eric Hutchinson and Philip Philips, Blaufuss learned to lean into his passion for music. “Watching them spread their light and love through their own stories has emboldened me to do the same,” says Blaufuss. “It's also something inside that has been gnawing at me since I wrote my first song and will never go away. It could be ego or genuine love, but I also really just want to move people's molecules and make ‘em dance.”
This passion can be found in the roots of influences such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The Allman Brothers, James Taylor, Ray Charles, and other music left of center like a Barnum & Bailey’s Circus record Blaufuss used to play all the time as a kid. “The funk is deep in my blood, but I've always loved Telecasters and great country songs. It's all in me,” says Blaufuss.
Jesse Cook — the multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning and internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and guitarist — has announced the first leg of his U.S. “Tempest II” tour. Launching in Spokane, WA on January 19 at Bing Crosby Theater and spanning 28-dates, the trek will take Cook and his band through the West Coast and into the Midwest. View the complete tour itinerary here to find more information and to purchase tickets.
Out today is the official music video for “Oran” along with another new single, “Updraft,” from Jesse Cook’s 11th studio album, Libre (pre-save here). Out Friday, December 3 via Jesse’s own Coach House label imprint, distributed by Outside Music/Redeye, the 10-track album combines Cook’s iconic Spanish guitar flair with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem, modern trap rhythms and 808 beats. “I wrote and recorded Libre during the pandemic when, like most people, I was longing for freedom,” Cook shares of the new project. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm that was swirling outside.”
The inspiration for Libre came from a long summer-day drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favorite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired. I loved them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”
He wasn’t short on material to draw from; it’s been more than 25 years since the internationally-lauded virtuoso first stepped onto the scene with his now-iconic release, Tempest. In the time since, he’s come to hold ten Gold and Platinum studio albums with a combined sales of two+ million copies, five concert DVDs and live discs, five PBS specials, and multiple awards — a JUNO win, 11 nominations, three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, a Gemini, and an Acoustic Guitar Magazine Player’s Choice Silver Award.
The digital convergence of the past several years has also resulted in Cook’s music streamed in rather impressive numbers across a series of platforms; by September 2021, his Spotify stats had surpassed 55+ million, and plays on Pandora soaring beyond the 300+ million milestone. YouTube’s universally visual appeal has also grown steadily for Cook’s connection with audiences, with his channel accumulating upwards of 25+ million views since 2010.
Street Singer Productions has announced their latest film, John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling. The feature-length documentary film — directed by Trevor Laurence and produced by Laurence and Woody Mann — is a profile of John Monteleone, one of the world’s greatest guitar builders and a living artist on permanent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“It was like meeting Stradivari,” recalls acclaimed musician Mark Knopfler who partakes in the film alongside the likes of musical luminaries David Grisman, Ben Harper and Frank Vignola, among others. Making its film festival debut on November 23 at the Tiburon International Film Festival at 4:00pm PT, John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling looks beyond the technical aspects of the cherished lutherie and examines the life, passion, talent and unique approach Monteleone takes to his art.
“It is a great privilege and honor to be documented in this very special way,” John Monteleone recently told Guitar World. “I am also deeply humbled by it.”
“John’s love for life and passion, whether it be food, music, art or architecture, just all goes into the instrument,” says Ben Harper. “He is a fearless luthier as hopefully you are a musician.” Jason Kerr Dobney of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City frames Monteleone as “a living master of the highest quality.”
Starting with his early interest in the craft at age 10 , Monteleone repaired the dilapidated family piano, then smashed a cheap guitar so he could see what was inside. John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling follows him through his realization as a young man that building instruments was actually a job, and on to his launch of a career repairing some of the world’s finest instruments.
Largely self-taught, Monteleone used his background in repair to begin building instruments, both mandolins and guitars, in the traditional style. Once he mastered this he began to innovate and design his own models. The film examines John’s influences including his father and uncle’s artwork, his own interests in Art Deco, architecture, cars, trains and the work of industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Branching out further, Monteleone drew on these influences to create one-of-a-kind themed guitars with names like the “Radio City,” “Sun King,” “Orange Blossom Special,” the “Radio Wave” and many others.
John’s family and creative roots are in Italy, where the film follows him to the northern forests to find the perfect wood for his next projects, and then on to Cremona, known as the city at the heart of violin building. John takes us on a tour through the Museo del Violino where the violins of Stradivari and the Cremonase masters are on display, and explains what can be learned from the old masters’ approach to building, and what must be learned on your own.
John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling is expected to have a full public release in 2022 (exact date TBA).
Colorado-based alternative rock artist, No Signal — the moniker for Riley Schmelzer — takes genre-defying risks across Venus, the new conceptually complex EP that’s executed with musical proficiency. At the age of 19, Riley takes No Signal to new sonic heights with the five-track Venus, due out Friday, February 4, 2022.
Blending experimental elements from Tesla coil, Theremin, EKG monitor, two-way radios, Moog synthesizers and members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Venus has masterful musical arrangements and elevated production values that reinforces No Signal’s distinctive sound. “When I was younger, I realized that all the biggest bands in the world are in that position because they sound like nobody else; they've created something new and unique,” says Riley. “This is what I’m doing with No Signal...I’m trying to break new sonic ground.”
The lyrically intense lead single, “Tantrum,” touches on the push and pull of rage. Guided by heavy percussion which provides the song’s distinct heartbeat, “Tantrum” leans into Riley’s productional aspirations. Accompanied by defined guitar riffs and entrancing vocal reverb, Riley introduces a new auditory avenue for No Signal. “What I like about ‘Tantrum’ is that it’s the first No Signal song in a while that I’d label as upbeat and energetic,” shares Riley. “It reintroduces those aspects of energy that I noticed were missing for a while.”
Reminiscent of early 2000s mainstream alt-rock, “Kope” nails No Signal’s arena-ready signature sound. With a light synth presence, vocal distortion and mind-bending choral transitions, the single showcases a wide palette of rock music’s greatest characteristics. Whether drowning in jealousy or realizing someone is no good for you anymore, “Kope” addresses what it’s like to be lost and alone after dealing with greed and lies.
No Signal’s third single off Venus, “Aphelion,” provides an easy ingestible option for those who may not consider rock as their first love. Alluding to missing someone and hoping to be reunited again, this buoyant single leaves much to be interpreted. Best described as a cross between Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and Evanescence’s “My Immortal,” the lyrical story-telling strength and whimsical, yet haunting, composition of “Aphelion” teleports you to a deep illusionment of floating through time and space.
“I think it's important that people know that music isn't just sound — that it shouldn't be the only thing going on,” says Riley. “Instead of a three-minute pop song that sounds good to the ear, it should be an experience.”
Using extensive storyboarding tactics, Schmelzer sculpts every concept through heavy visuals and precise details in order to solidify the specific story that every song tells — and how his projects are narrated throughout. Riley concludes that “every project is a specific color, a specific number, a specific scent and taste and smell. Everything must fit, even down to the ordering and titles of the songs.”
Through sonic storylines and progressive rock tones, No Signal’s music is an immersive experience. The overarching concepts — whether sonic or thematically — guide listeners through chapters of No Signal’s story and outlines what’s to come.
No Signal’s Venus EP is expected on Friday, February 4, 2022.
Jesse Cook — the multi-Platinum/Gold award-winning and internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and guitarist — has released his 11th studio album, Libre. Out today via Jesse’s own Coach House label imprint, distributed by Outside Music/Redeye, the 10-track album combines Cook’s iconic Spanish guitar flair with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem, modern trap rhythms and 808 beats.
Libre arrives alongside the album's stand out track, “Number 5,” and its music video.
“I wrote and recorded Libre during the pandemic when, like most people, I was longing for freedom,” Cook shares of the new project. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm that was swirling outside.” The inspiration for Libre came from a long summer-day drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favorite playlists, much of which were trap and 808-inspired. I loved them too, and a question was planted in my mind: ‘what would my music sound like mixed with those sounds?’”
Cook also recently announced the first leg of his 2022 U.S. “Tempest II” Tour. The tour was originally set to take place in 2020 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed debut album, Tempest. Launching in Spokane, WA on January 19 at Bing Crosby Theater and spanning 43-dates, the trek will take Cook and his band through the West Coast, Midwest and the Northeast. View the complete tour itinerary here to find more information and to purchase tickets.
It’s been more than 25 years since the internationally-lauded virtuoso first stepped onto the scene with his now-iconic release, Tempest. In the time since, he’s come to hold ten Gold and Platinum studio albums with a combined sales of two+ million copies, five concert DVDs and live discs, five PBS specials, and multiple awards — a JUNO win, 11 nominations, three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, a Gemini, and an Acoustic Guitar Magazine Player’s Choice Silver Award.
The digital convergence of the past several years has also resulted in Cook’s music streaming in rather impressive numbers across a series of platforms; by September 2021, his Spotify stats had surpassed 55+ million, and plays on Pandora soared beyond the 300+ million milestone. YouTube’s universal visual appeal has also grown steadily for Cook’s connection with audiences, with his channel accumulating upwards of 25+ million views since 2010.
Earth Day ready, join your favorite not-so-average single-use plastic utensil, Spoon, on a heartfelt adventure through an urban wilderness. Los Angeles-based Americana artist David Rosales’ forthcoming single, “Spoonful” (out April 22), will arrive with a visually stunning music video telling the story of Spoon in search of a new home. “Spoonful” marks the second single from Rosales’ new 12-track sophomore LP, REVIVE (out July 22). Complete with a cast of zany characters and imaginative landscapes, “Spoonful” weaves an environmentally conscious message into a riveting story that is sure to charm audiences both young and old.
Hitting with a dynamic backing of brassy horns, “Spoonful” opens up the sonic palate of REVIVE even wider than the album’s lead single "Turn It Around," giving the listener a bona fide sense of the sound to come.
“Recently on a few gigs, I was talking with the audience about ‘Spoonful’ and came to the conclusion, an epiphany really, of what this song truly means,” explains Rosales. “When you dig down to its roots, ‘Spoonful’ is about nurturing something you love — helping it to be as strong, healthy and happy as it can possibly be.”
The song’s music video was produced over the course of one year by Zach Zombek — a frequent creative collaborator with Rosales and practical effects magician — who skillfully utilizes stop motion animation, kinetic puppetry, live action dance choreography, and much more for a truly ambitious handcrafted mixed media showpiece.
Following his acclaimed 2018 debut, Brave Ones, and subsequent tours, Rosales settled into MAPS Studios in Fullerton, CA to record REVIVE in late February of 2020 with his friend, co-producer and touring drummer, Mike Willson. With the addition of a 'Memphis Horns' style brass section to his group of backing musicians, Rosales makes it clear that his sound has grown since the release of Brave Ones.
“I had wanted to keep the album's production within my circle. It had to feel worn in and comfortable,” explains Rosales. “Mike and I had spent countless hours touring on the road and surfing, discussing a sound and a vibe that needed to be captured. I leaned on the rich, soulful influence of Al Green, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke throughout my writing process. I found that it really fits where I am, what I feel this world needs, and how I'm engaging musically with the healing and unity that I want to bring with my music.”
The majority of tracking was completed during a two week session and with REVIVE finished, Rosales and his Band of Scoundrels were set to hit the ground running in 2020 with tours planned both domestically and abroad. Then, COVID and the lockdown hit.
Rosales is more than just a musician. He is an outdoorsman, family man and does everything he can to give back to the community. Seeing how scared and stretched his community was due to the pandemic, he took to playing weekly neighborhood “Driveway Hop” concerts so people could have a release and feel socially connected. Additionally, through his non-profit charity, BraveOnes Foundation, Rosales was able to distribute PPE's and Meaningful Meals to various in-need families and health care heroes throughout his local community.
“People need people and I saw an opportunity to help,” acknowledges Rosales. “Whether we were filling bellies with food through BraveOnes Foundation or filling souls with music, it was all about spreading good vibes and making a positive impact during a rough period. This music is all about hope, positivity & inclusivity. However bad it's been, I feel like you can always turn it around.”
REVIVE was designed to flourish in the vinyl format with each side of the LP sequenced in such a way to have a beginning, middle and end. Side A kicks off with the upbeat ear-candy of “Ask Her to Dance” — a song that jumps out of the speakers and right into the summer Kool-Aid of love. It's a single that begs you to dance the night away with a fresh and contemporary Sam Cooke flair. Flip the record over, and drop the stylus on Side B for “Down the Line,” which immediately lures the listener in close with Rosales’ whiskey soaked resonance before he and his Band of Scoundrels explode into a dynamic blues rock laden anthem fit for a highway roadhouse.
Set to hit the road this summer, David Rosales & His Band of Scoundrels bring to stage an uplifting and spirited live performance that pairs well with contemporaries they have shared the stage with in Ben Harper, Brandi Carlile, Matt Costa, The White Buffalo, Donavon Frankenreiter, Pokey LaFarge and Steep Canyon Rangers. “I can’t wait to let these songs live and breathe with an audience,” reveals Rosales. “They have the magic in them to change the world one stage at a time.”
Rooted in Americana and bathing in West Coast sunshine, Los Angeles-native David Rosales aims to provide a light at the end of the Pandemic Tunnel with REVIVE. “Strange times need good vibes,” says Rosales. “I’m ready to give the world a much needed dose of positivity.”
REVIVE track listing:
“Ask Her To Dance”
“Spoonful”
“Turn It Around”
“Some People”
“Joyride”
“Goodbye Paradise”
“Down the Line”
“Beautiful Waste”
“Every Now n' Then I Could Use A Friend”
“Wine Country”
“Bride & Groom”
“My Love”
Every few years, musicians arrive on the scene with an undeniably fresh approach to a tried-and-true genre. Showcasing this with unparalleled proficiency is the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Americana band, The Americans. Today, they turn up the heat on their instantly infectious new single, “Born With A Broken Heart.” The gritty and driving song marks the second single from their forthcoming 11-song, sophomore studio LP, Stand True, set for release on Friday, May 6 via Loose Music.
The overall touchstone of the band’s forthcoming Stand True is devotion in the face of loss. And with that, the album’s sophomore single, “Born With A Broken Heart,” solidifies that concept as it showcases an edgier side to the band; a gravelly ode to the way romantically wounded people sometimes find one another. “Driving home from gigs, Zac would tune into a Navajo AM radio station out of Window Rock, AZ,” recalls Patrick. “Parts of the song came from some of that music. It feels like driving through Los Angeles at night.”
The Americans are composed of Patrick Ferris (vocals/guitar), Jake Faulkner (bassist) and Zac Sokolow (guitarist). Combined, they have a goal to deliver a moving collection that lands somewhere between Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Nathaniel Rateliff. UNCUT magazine recently agreed with that sentiment saying they’re “the sweet spot between Springsteen and The White Stripes.” (March 2022 issue).
Some might recall the band being featured in the PBS special, American Epic, which had revered producer T Bone Burnett raving, calling The Americans “genius twenty-first century musicians that are reinventing American heritage music for this century. And it sounds even better this century.”
The album’s lead single and title track caught the attention of The Boot saying “the song [‘Stand True’] starts with old-time strings, but by the end The Americans have built into a rolling tide of roots rock…The Americans use a mighty arsenal to bring home their heartland rock epics.” For Americana Highways, Bill Bentley celebrated the band, noting: “they have a sound that comes right out of the nation’s soul…such a powerful presence in their songs…this is a band that has deep roots and righteous pedigrees.”
Their live show, honed over many hundreds of performances, is something to behold. Ron Wray (No Depression) writes, "they’re led by lead singer, guitarist Patrick Ferris, looking like James Dean but even better...Jake Faulkner, with his dark black beard and jaunty hat, dances across stage, lifting his stand-up bass like a dancing partner." Steve Wildsmith (Daily Times) admires their "anthemic guitar hooks and a heartland sense of urgency that’s tailor made for road trips and late-night parties beneath a field of brilliant stars."
Track listing for Stand True:
“Stand True”
“Born With A Broken Heart”
“Give Way”
“The Day I Let You Down”
“Farewell”
“Guest Of Honor”
“Romeo”
“Sore Bones”
“What I Would Do”
“Orion”
“Here With You”
Recently announced as an inductee into the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave Stewart — the award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, innovator and Eurythmics co-founder — has released the title track from his forthcoming project, Ebony McQueen. The song, which arrives with a music video featuring illustrations by Kathryn Robertson, is an introduction to Ebony McQueen, the fictional voodoo blues queen and living embodiment of the blues music that inspired Stewart’s entire career. Stream the single here.
“She is basically my entry point into music and the title track is the entry point to this story,” shares Stewart. “Ultimately, it's a story about destiny. There’s a point in your life when something's put before you and you can either choose this path or that path. If you’re open to it, the right path chooses you. And the whole story is about how that awakening happens.”
Ebony McQueen, the 26-track opus — which will be released digitally and as a deluxe multi-format box set on Friday, May 20 via Bay Street Records — can be pre-saved/pre-ordered here.
The deluxe multi-format box set features the complete triple album on 3x vinyl LP alongside two additional vinyl EPs, two cassettes, and an expansive photo book that includes typed lyrics as well as Stewart’s original film “scriptment.” Stewart is currently in the process of developing Ebony McQueen into a film and stage musical (details TBA).
The joyful, rousing Ebony McQueen brings together Stewart’s seminal early inspirations — his father’s Rodgers & Hammerstein records, Robert Johnson’s blues, and the mind-blowing sounds of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones — all filtered through his own inimitable creative lens of richly orchestrated pop, rock ‘n roll, psychedelia, musical theater, even the distinctive rake-and-scrape sound of his beloved colorful Junkanoo carnival. Deeply personal yet wholly universal, Ebony McQueen is more than Dave Stewart’s own story — it’s for everyone whose lives have been steered by the redemptive magic of music and mysterious power of love.
A teenage boy in the northern city of Sunderland, England is visited by a living, breathing voodoo blues queen, setting into motion an extraordinary journey. Ebony McQueen is among the most ambitious and autobiographical works of Dave Stewart’s remarkable life and landmark career, an exhilarating, original musical fable about music and young manhood, finding hard-earned wisdom and true love with the girl next door. Written and produced by Stewart, Ebony McQueen was recorded at studios including Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studio and his own Bay Street Recording Studio in the Caribbean, with contributions from an array of top vocalists, session players, and a 60-piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
In addition to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Stewart — among his extensive list of accomplishments and accolades — will also be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City this June.
Distinguished bluegrass artist and instrumentalist Michael Cleveland is unequivocally nothing short of extraordinary. Today, the 12-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year and GRAMMY Award-winner delivers “For Your Love” feat. Billy Strings and Jeff White. “For Your Love” marks the third installment from Cleveland’s forthcoming album — LOVIN’ OF THE GAME — set for release on Friday, March 3 via Compass Records.
Stream / Download “For Your Love” here. Listen on YouTube here.
Pre-Order LOVIN’ OF THE GAME here.
Throughout the new track, Cleveland lets us in on a masterful exchange between fiddle and guitar with Billy Strings — a 2021 GRAMMY Award-winner and two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year — delivering an inspired jamgrass rendition of the 80s rock classic. “For Your Love” follows the October 2022 release of lead single “Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again)” which continues in heavy rotation on SiriusXM’s “Bluegrass Junction,” along with the LP’s title track “The Lovin’ Of The Game” released last month.
American Songwriter — who exclusively unveiled “For Your Love” yesterday — remarked that, “‘Lovin’ of the Game’ will see a departure from the traditional, and an arrival into something else entirely, a genre-spanning display of true musicianship.”
Built upon a rock-solid foundation of bluegrass prowess, LOVIN’ OF THE GAME (produced by Jeff White, Cleveland and Sean Sullivan) showcases the power of fusion, bringing truth to the phrase “greater than the sum of its parts.” Marking Cleveland’s sixth studio album, LOVIN’ OF THE GAME positively hums with energy across the 12 tracks finding appearances from the likes of Béla Fleck, Billy Strings, Charlie Starr, Jeff White, The Travelin’ McCourys and Vince Gill, among other notable talents.
With collaboration serving as the bedrock of the album, LOVIN’ OF THE GAME has Michael Cleveland seizing his opportunity at this one wonderful life and swings for the rafters. Not beholden to one specific genre or pigeonholed label, it showcases Cleveland’s inclusive musical nature — placing value in the process over the output. It is in this release of control that we find something truly sublime: the sound of artists working together in the act of creation without regard for any preconceived notion of what “should” be. The sound of genuine musicianship. “People know me as a traditional bluegrass fiddle player, which is what I love to do,” says Cleveland, “but this album is more than just the pure tradition. It’s a little bit of a departure for me.”
Cleveland’s blistering prowess and technical fluency have since marked him as a sought-after musician, leading to performances with Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, and in recent years, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and Billy Strings. However, it wasn’t until 2006, when Michael formed his own band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, that he found the right vehicle for his musical vision, and he hasn’t rested since, constantly looking for new ways to push himself and his music forward.
“He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes no prisoners but he plays with restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon.” Clearly, the IBMA agrees as he’s their most awarded Fiddle Player of the Year with 12 wins, has won Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year six times, and fronts their 7-Time Instrumental Group of the Year.
On top of it all, Cleveland is also a 2018 Inductee to the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, as well as the subject of the feature-length documentary “Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story” (released in 2019), which gives a glimpse into the backstory and everyday-life of the acclaimed musician who has led an otherwise fairly private life. Today, Cleveland continues to make his way around the country performing, delighting audiences and leaving them with jaws dropped in complete amazement. “It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow,” continues Gill. “He’s untouchable.”
LOVIN’ OF THE GAME will be released via Compass Records on March 3, 2023.
Tracklisting for LOVIN’ OF THE GAME:
“Thousand Dollar Holler”
“Luxury Liner” – feat. The Travelin’ McCourys
“Five Points” – feat. Cody Looper and Ronnie McCoury
“For Your Love” – feat. Billy Strings and Jeff White
“I Wish I Knew Now What I Knew Then” – feat. Vince Gill
“Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again)” – feat. Jeff White and Dan Tyminski
“Contact” – feat. Bela Fleck, Cody Kilby and Barry Bales
“Temperance Reel” – feat. Luke Bulla and Tim O'Brien
“Empty Pocket Blues” – with Flamekeeper, feat. Bryan Sutton
“Now She’s Gone” – with Flamekeeper, feat. Jerry Douglas
“One Horse Town” – with Flamekeeper, feat. Charlie Starr
“The Lovin’ Of The Game” – feat. Flamekeeper
Today, the multi-talented Noah Riley Teal releases his debut 10-track self-titled album. At just 18-years-old, singer, songwriter, and guitar slinger Noah is a southern rock triple threat. His empathy as a lyricist and a vocalist, coupled with his fretboard flare, evoke the presence of a well-seasoned artist, with wisdom three times his age. Produced by ace Zac Brown Band multi-instrumentalist Coy Bowles, Noah Riley Teal is a vibrant collection of songs threaded together with touches of southern and classic rock, Americana, blues, and country.
The record’s focus track, “Georgia Eyes,” is the quintessential southern rock song. “They say ‘last but not least,’ and ‘Georgia Eyes’ is a great example of that,” Noah explains. “It was the final song we wrote for the album and it was the first love song, but also doubles as a love letter to the place I call home. Out of all the songs, I feel this song really is the perfect mashup of my writing, singing, and guitar playing.”
V13 Magazine showed early praise of the young rocker’s debut album stating, “It often takes artists time to grow and evolve, but Noah Riley Teal has blossomed much faster than most. The evidence is on his self-titled debut album [Noah Riley Teal]... he displays a musical maturity well beyond his years as a singer, a songwriter, and an impressive guitar player. His songwriting style is diverse, with moments of pumped-up rock n’ roll, more traditional country rock, and some obvious blues-infused guitar playing.”
The project’s lead single, “Shoulda Seen the Other Guy,” released April 14 and exclusively unveiled by New Noise Magazine, showcases Noah’s cool, laidback drawl as he flexes some tasty guitar work, while Mainstreet Nashville praised the track in their “Music Spotlight” feature saying: “‘Should Have Seen The Other Guy’ [is] an edgy blues-rock anthem that belies his young age.” The song’s burly riffage and scene-setting lyrics conjure the ominous thrills of a good old-fashioned bar fight. The music video is a teenage take on the bar fight scene, spotlighting Noah and a fellow guitarist dueling for the girl, where Noah’s sights are set on the guitar in the end.
Coming off the release of his debut single Noah delivered another look into Noah Riley Teal with his sophomore single, “I’m Coming Around,” released May 26. The track is a country-infused surprise from a blues-burner, showcasing another side to his talents.
Ghettoblaster Magazine exclusively unveiled the single along with the sweet and playful official music video yesterday, Thursday, May 25. Set at a carnival, the video paints a nostalgic picture of young love with the song coaxing the story along. A fun-loving music video for a high-energy song, it will have you reminiscing on your teenage years, while offering further insight into just who Noah Riley Teal is, both as an artist and a young man coming into his own.
Noah’s effortlessness at whipping up muscular rock’n’roll, groovy twanging-country, and searing blues-influenced guitar, recalls the era of when bellbottomed rock legends ruled the airwaves. But his sharp contemporary edge puts him right in line with song-oriented modern artists.
He is nothing short of determined. “I’ve always had one goal in life, to play music on the largest stage there is,” Noah shares, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to reach that lifelong dream. It was this pestering level of persistence to have a life in music that caught ZBB’s Coy Bowles’ attention. He is the one who also challenged Noah to write songs.
“Playing guitar was my strong suit, but I didn’t have experience writing songs. With the mentorship of Coy, I finally got it, and that’s when we started to talk about making an album,” Noah recalls. Again his determination paid off and Clay Cook and John Hopkins of ZBB, Tyler Greenwell of Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Benji Shanks from Blackberry Smoke threw their hats into the ring and joined the project.
Noah may be an old soul, but he’s not set in his ways. Constantly evolving as an artist, he sees his debut as a primer for what he’s capable of as a musician. Noah finalizes, “the goal of this album is learning how to connect as a writer and this is the first step into finding myself as an artist not just a guitar player, and I can’t wait to see where else this journey leads me.”
Today, acclaimed singer, songwriter, visionary and fierce guitarist Hannah Wicklund releases her most personal song yet, “Witness.” Marked as the sophomore single from her forthcoming 10-track album, The Prize (due October 13), the song is about claiming heartbreak, embracing it and using that to heal through some of the toughest times in life.
Perhaps one of the most satisfying songs she’s ever written, “Witness” is a song she says truly helped heal her. “Getting into your first relationship as a strong, driven young woman, it’s very difficult to experience someone dim your light, but even harder to recognize it,” Hannah confesses. “Insecurities within young people play out in terrifying ways, and it’s very hard to not absorb other people’s darkness. Witness was the awareness I found in myself that it is not my responsibility to save anyone.” The single arrives accompanied by another of Hannah’s whimsical oil paintings as the single cover art. “With the artwork behind ‘Witness’, I wanted to capture the release of someone from your life; that last look before they are gone,” Wicklund shares “So clearly the castle is my space, and watching ‘him’ go from the front steps, as he saunters back into the world he came from, feels to me like a reclamation of my heart, mind and peace.”
Due out on Friday, October 13, The Prize — produced by Sam Kiszka, marking the Greta Van Fleet bassist’s first producer credit outside of his band — finds Wicklund coming into her own following the debut LP she released in 2018. This project showcases personal development translated through intentional musicianship all pointing to the thesis of the record: passing the baton from girlhood to womanhood. “I hope this record lyrically, musically, and artistically paints a picture of what raw feminine power and determination look, feel and sound like,” Hannah says. The empowering album features Kiszka on bass, keys and organ, while fellow Greta Van Fleet member, Daniel Wagner, holds it down on drums. The 10 songs on The Prize serve as a rock ‘n roll roadmap to a crossroads that Wicklund has been unknowingly gravitating towards for over a decade.
“Working with Hannah was an incredible experience that glowed with inspiration all the way through the process,” Kiszka shares about working on The Prize. “With the help of Daniel on drums, we were able to craft a fully realized album that tells Hannah’s story in the exciting vernacular tradition of rock n’ roll. I’m proud of this album, The Prize, for Hannah, as an incredibly gifted musical artist, and I’m delighted I was able to help capture that lightning in a bottle.”
X marks the spot where the weary girl, speeding towards the woman she will become, meets in a fiery head-on collision. On this album, we hear from the woman rising from that wreckage. The woman who’s scarred but smarter, holds compassion for the girl who carried her here, and with wide-open eyes, unflinchingly stares down the future.
The Prize sonically parallels the experiences behind each lyric, working together to create an entire world within the record and highlighting the musical diversity Hannah brings to her music. Ethereal texturing, smokey falsetto vocals, string section surprises and guitar solos that carry equal parts pain and joy are woven tastefully into what Hannah says is, “A record that just sounds like ME.” “Musically, I’ve always had a very strong sense of self, especially with a guitar in my hands, and I have never had to reach very far to express what I’m feeling,” she admits. “Lyrically, however, this record encapsulates something new, or at least more evolved within myself. The life I have lived has not been easy, or stagnant, but it has offered me ample opportunity to learn and grow, even if it’s been the hard way.” Staying true to her own vision throughout this process, she’s remained grounded in the belief that how you do one thing, is how you do everything; “I’m messy, creative, emotional, and very, very passionate… If I can inspire one soul to follow their personal legend, I consider that a victory.”
Much like the paintings Hannah Wicklund has become known for — she’s also an accomplished artist with a brush and palette — each song on her sophomore offering is intricately entrancing and honored with two things seemingly lost in today’s world… patience and time. This record is rooted in embracing the femininity once shied away from, and exploring what becoming a woman has entailed. “Romantic relationships, business relationships, but most importantly the relationship I have with myself, all played their role in building this new world of mine,” Hannah declares. “A world in which I get to celebrate this beautiful peace I’ve finally found within myself; indeed, The Prize.”
Today, Americana powerhouse — Nefesh Mountain — led by the dynamic husband and wife duo of Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg announce the release of their forthcoming seven-track EP, The Cabin Sessions, will be released February 2, 2024. The EP features seven tracks, including two originals and five covers, each reflecting the values that have shaped the band throughout the years.
Along with this announcement comes their timely, culturally needed single “The Narrow Bridge,” in which Nefesh Mountain plans to donate a portion of the song’s proceeds to help the victims of Israel. On Monday, Americana Highways exclusively revealed the track, expressing the necessity of this song in relation to the Israel-Hamas war.
Stream “The Narrow Bridge” here. Watch the YouTube visual below.
Doni and Eric share: “In light of the terrorist attacks on Israel and subsequent war in the Middle East, the sentiment that we share in our song ‘The Narrow Bridge’ couldn’t be timelier and more needed in the world. Our hearts are breaking and pounding with fear, love, and prayer, and we are devastated by these barbaric attacks on innocent souls. We are heartbroken.
This is an extremely dangerous time. On one hand we are witnessing the heinous and senseless killing of hundreds of unarmed innocent souls, and at the same time we also hear and feel the hateful speech and opinion that is freely exchanged all around us and on social media. From all sides we are seeing some of the most insidious forms of antisemitism that we have encountered in our lifetime. From the outright praising of terrorist groups to utter silence and indifference. Make no mistake, this is all antisemitism. The sheer silence from within even our own Americana/Bluegrass/Folk communities are deafening. Most of The United States was complacent during the Holocaust and we are seeing exactly that same behavior today.
Just to be clear, we fully recognize that the politics and situation between Israelis and Palestinians is more than complicated, and this statement is not a reflection of any political agenda, ideology, or commentary on the matter. But to justify these heinous attacks and assert that innocent Jews deserve to be kidnapped, raped, tortured, or killed because of Israeli politics is profoundly wrong and inhumane. This is open proof of how antisemitism thrives and grows in today’s world. We are seeing people of all backgrounds and political beliefs band together like swarms of birds, and through strength in numbers condone their silence or their contribution to the ocean of hateful speech against Jewish people.
The brutal ugly truth that just guts us is that there are millions of people all around the world who believe that the killing of Jews is justified. It’s been so deeply rooted, systematically and for so long, that even the activists of the world fall prey, backing the exact same antisemitic rhetoric that has been passed on for centuries.
As Americana musicians and as Jewish people, we want to express that this is a profoundly isolating and devastating time. We hope this message lands with the love that we always have in our hearts for all those willing to hear it. Much love everyone, and may the war, grief, and senseless killing end soon for everyone,” they conclude.
“The Narrow Bridge” draws inspiration from a centuries-old Jewish teaching by Rabbi Nachmam of Bresolve. It explores the precarious nature of life and living, weaving a mystical allegory that captures the essence of the human experience. Originally recorded for their 2018 album, Beneath The Open Sky, the band has sought to revitalize the track by essentially doing a cover of their own music. The result is a fresh and captivating take on this thought-provoking masterpiece about letting go of fear and control to trust in the unknown, which is universal and relevant to everyone.
According to Doni and Eric, the goal was to offer a new glimpse into the introspection and subtlety of this song by recording it in a new time and place in their lives, bringing it from its strictly acoustic/bluegrass origins into the wider sonic world of Americana/roots that is celebrated throughout the entire EP.
Nefesh Mountain pulls on acoustic bluegrass heartstrings, soars with electric soul, and celebrates diversity, hope, and radical love. For the first time, the band dove into the music of their past, unearthing a wonderfully unique and personal selection of covers that reflect not only where they’ve come from but also where they’re headed. Through this EP, the band pays homage to the music that has influenced them from Wilco to Coltrane and embodies their growth both sonically and artistically.
Rolling Stone said it best; “Nefesh Mountain preaches peace, understanding, and acceptance with musical muscle.” As masterful songwriters and instrumentalists, they are a beacon of hope for uncertain times. American Songwriter has called their music “arguably some of the best bluegrass ever made,” while Bluegrass Today describes it as “infectious, exuberant, and infused with pure melodic prowess.” No Depression has also praised Nefesh Mountain’s music as “crisp, clear, and magical.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Nefesh Mountain for the first time, their music is sure to touch your heart and leave you feeling truly inspired.
As free-spirited troubadours and cultural innovators, Nefesh Mountain is a band at the frontlines of pushing boundaries in Americana music, drawing from a wide range of influences including American roots, bluegrass, jazz, and folk. Their sound and message is truly unique and unforgettable. Nefesh Mountain promotes fellowship and togetherness among people of all backgrounds. They believe that everyone has more in common than they think and that differences should be celebrated rather than dwelled upon. The band encourages people to focus on their achievements and similarities rather than their grievances with one another. In a world where divisions seem to be growing, Nefesh Mountain's message of unity is more important than ever.
Dave Stewart — the highly acclaimed Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriter Hall of Famer, UK Music Hall of Famer, GRAMMY Award, Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award-winning musician — has formed a new creative collective, The Time Experience Project. Along with Stewart, who is also a successful music and television producer, and all-around creative force, The Time Experience Project is made up of writers, actors, filmmakers, composers and performers.
WHO TO LOVE, a modern rock opera delivered with a long-form video and album, is the first project to be released by The Time Experience Project and is set to premiere on October 19 at the Rome Film Festival. With WHO TO LOVE (LP out October 20 via Bay Street Records), Stewart writes a new page in his incredible career which also includes being a Golden Globe Award winner and Eurythmics co-founder. For this project, Dave Stewart called to his side the great Italian television, stage, and film actress, Greta Scarano and legendary Italian band Mokadelic for this adventure that inextricably joins music and images — weaved together with a strong emotional impact that investigates the deepest folds of the human soul through music, memories and nightmares that intertwine in an alienating journey.
“The songs on this album are centered around the elusive nature of time, how it seems to speed up or slow down depending on your mental state,” shares Dave Stewart. “Through the music and lyrics we try to interpret this feeling and how life’s journey can become serpentine and surreal as we wander through moments of sadness, melancholy, love addiction and pure ecstasy.” Stewart adds: “The short film revolves around a character who is struggling with anxiety and loneliness, reflected in both the music and the actions of the protagonist.”
“Brings Me Home,” the lead single and accompanying music video for WHO TO LOVE, is equally musically stunning as it is visually gripping. “It’s a song about the power of real love; about how something as simple as holding someone’s hand or seeing their face can make us feel at home, even amid chaos,” says Stewart. “In a world that is constantly changing and moving at a rapid pace, it is important to slow down and connect with others in a meaningful way. This song reminds us that we all need a place to call home, both physically and emotionally.”
WHO TO LOVE TRACK LISTING:
“Time Is A Masterpiece”
“Electrified”
“Not The Sweetest Taboo”
“Brings Me Home”
“Diamond Eyes”
“Who To Love”
“Time Flies”
“Talk To Me”
“Human”
“Surrender”
The film was written by and stars Dave Stewart, Greta Scarano and Mokadelic. Additionally, the film — which is expected to see a public release in 2024 — is directed by Giorgio Testi and produced by Dave Stewart Entertainment and Grøenlandia.
Dave Stewart — the highly acclaimed Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriter Hall of Famer, UK Music Hall of Famer, GRAMMY Award, Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award-winning musician — has released Cloud Walking. The nine-song cool jazz / jazz blues album was co-written and co-produced between Stewart and pianist Hannah Koppenburg, and features additional top-flight musicians. The album is available now digitally across DSPs and will see a subsequent limited vinyl release (details TBA). Listen to Cloud Walking here.
“I love jamming with Hannah,” shares Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart. “We turned a couple of our jam sessions into these jazz/bluesy tunes and decided we loved them. This turned into a lot of fun working with great horn players and writing melodies that lend themselves to improvisation. It really was a joy to make this album.”
“I loved working on this album with Dave, we just got together in the studio with no plans and started jamming,” says Hannah Koppenburg. “Once we had our ideas recorded we had these incredible horn players coming in who started improvising over it. Those were some of my favorite studio days because it all just came together so spontaneously and easy. Also the music is so uplifting, so we were all just in such a good mood the whole time. The title track is my favorite track of the album. I remember I was at the studio a little before Dave and just started playing on the piano in the corner. Eventually I came up with that little piano melody. Dave had the idea of ‘cloud walking’ which is such a great concept and perfectly describes the entire album: abstract, fun and light.”
Directly on the heels of his well-received modern rock opera album, WHO TO LOVE, and its companion film (which premiered at the Rome Film Festival last month), Stewart just saw the debut of his musical, The Time Traveler’s Wife, in London.
Currently, Stewart is captivating audiences across Europe on his “Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary Tour.” Marking the first time in more than 23 years fans can see a touring show of Eurythmics hits, the tour features Dave alongside an all-female band of virtuoso singers and musicians; the tour promises to take fans on a nostalgic and electrifying musical journey spanning four decades of the iconic musical partnership’s groundbreaking hits. Additionally, Stewart will be taking Eurythmics Songbook on the road opening for Bryan Adams in 2024. Click here for all tour dates and to purchase tickets.
CLOUD WALKING TRACK LISTING:
“Cloud Walking”
“Echoes of You”
“Speechless”
“Soho Secrets”
“Bar Italia Blues”
“Wandering Down Wardour Street”
“Dean Street Swinger”
“Drury Lane”
“Closer To You”
ABOUT DAVE STEWART:
With a career spanning four decades and over 100M album sales worldwide, award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer and Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart is among the most respected and accomplished talents in popular music history. Stewart co-wrote and produced each Eurythmics album in his world-famous duo with Annie Lennox. He has also produced albums and co-written songs with Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Gwen Stefani, Damian Marley, Stevie Nicks, Daryl Hall, Bryan Ferry, A.R. Rahman, Katy Perry, Sinead O’Connor, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Joss Stone, and many others. In 2022 Dave Stewart released Ebony McQueen, one of his most ambitious and autobiographical works of his remarkable life and landmark career.
His wide-ranging work has earned Stewart a long list of prestigious honors, including over fifty ASCAP and BMI Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards for “Best Songwriter,” four BRIT Awards for“Best Producer” (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), a Golden Globe Award, and a GRAMMY® Award. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics was recently inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame® and U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry, in recognition of its qualitative and historical significance. Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox were among the 2020 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, inducted by St. Vincent, with the ceremony taking place in 2022. Also in 2022, with an inspired induction by U2’s The Edge, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation welcomed Eurythmics as inductees for their profound impact on music.
Stewart is also a renowned film and TV producer (including NBC’s hit songwriting competition series, Songland), author, photographer, public speaker, and entrepreneur. In 2010, Stewart established Dave Stewart Entertainment (DSE), linking creative ideas to a host of projects in music, film, television, books, theatre, and new media.
Michael Cleveland — the most awarded fiddler of all time — shares statement on his recent GRAMMY® nomination for his latest album, Lovin’ Of The Game, which has earned recognition in the “Best Bluegrass Album” category at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards®.
Michael Cleveland shares: “I want to express my deep gratitude for the incredible journey of Lovin’ Of The Game. The beginning of this project coincided with the pandemic, a time of uncertainty when we questioned if normalcy would ever return, especially in our ability to collaborate in-person in a studio. Learning ProTools became a silver lining, and the result was ‘Contact,’ a track recorded ironically in an era of limited contact — having to send files back-and forth digitally to other musicians. Thanks to Cody Kilby, Barry Bales and Béla Fleck for being part of my learning process with ProTools, for making this song a reality and the kickoff to the recording of this album.
Shortly after, the talented songwriter Greg Poulos invited me to contribute to his original piece, ‘Sunny Days (Are Comin’ Once Again)’ — I knew immediately I wanted to record it. The song encapsulates the challenges of the pandemic, and gave me hope for that return to normalcy.
I’m immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to fulfilling my childhood dream of making music. This journey has exceeded my wildest imagination, offering opportunities to meet, learn from, and collaborate with musical heroes who've deeply influenced my passion. The unwavering support of the music community during a challenging industry period is something I truly appreciate. Each contributor to Lovin’ Of The Game, including my Flamekeeper bandmates — Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Jasiah Shrode, and Chris Douglas — deserves this GRAMMY® nomination. Their unwavering support and exceptional talent were pivotal throughout the entire process.
I deeply thank Billy Strings, Vince Gill, Charlie Starr, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, The Travelin’ McCourys, Bryan Sutton, Dan Tyminski, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Luke Bulla, Cody Looper, Béla Fleck, Justin Moses, Cody Kilby, Barry Bales, and Larry Atamanuik for their exceptional musicianship on this project. A special acknowledgement to Jeff White and Sean Sullivan, invaluable allies in the recording process, whose presence was a privilege and a crucial element in bringing Lovin’ Of The Game to life.
Last but not least, a big thank you to The Recording Academy for validating my dedication and inspiring me to push musical boundaries. Your continuous recognition is truly appreciated, and I’m forever grateful for your celebration of the artistic endeavors that enrich our lives.”
Ahead of the upcoming GRAMMY® Awards, holstering an “Album of the Year” nomination for his engineering efforts on Jon Batiste’s latest album (2023’s World Music Radio), Marc Whitmore releases his sophomore album, mirages, today.
Whitmore has long established himself as a sought-after engineer, producer, and mixer due to his fervent dedication to musicality. Within his unique Santa Fe, New Mexico studio the fragrance of burning incense fills the air as lava lamps cast a warm glow on his GRAMMY® perched atop a vintage amplifier. Musicians, drawn from both near and far, experience a studio session characterized by the relaxed, amiable, and knowledgeable demeanor of Whitmore.
He is eager to give the world mirages, a 13-track experimental instrumental album that draws inspiration from the expansive beauty of the New Mexico wilderness. Leveraging his proficiency in multiple instruments, Whitmore crafts an immersive auditory journey. Percussion echoes the sounds of distant rattlesnakes, and the raspy guitar propels the listener’s adventurous spirit into uncharted territories, guiding them through a stunning, sun-drenched landscape.
Recently, Whitmore secured his second GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Album of the Year” for his engineering work on Jon Batiste’s latest album, World Music Radio (2023) — an accolade he previously won in 2022 for his contributions to Batiste’s WE ARE (2021). Continuing to showcase his talents, Whitmore engineered the track “Jon Batiste Interlude” on Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd album, which has also received a nomination for “Album of the Year” GRAMMY® this year.
“mirages, draws the listener into a series of previously unexplored sonic territories. The listener, thrust into this hazy, fuzzed-out desert dreamland, will experience experimental and unconventional soundscapes,” Whitmore elaborates. “This guitar-driven concept album not only explores a vast array of genres and production styles, but is an experiment in the fidelity, harmony, and space of recorded music. I intend for the mirages to escape one’s stereo and fill the room with an undeniable intensity and strength.”
mirages TRACKLISTING:
“heat hazer”
“flora fatale”
“lost in ojito”
“sundown wind”
“bandits”
“string beans”
“yellowsunshine”
“coyotes”
“hopper”
“serpents”
“khat!”
“diablo canyon”
“cosmonauts”
Inspired by the straightforward recording techniques of the early 1970s, Whitmore favors the hands-on feel of operating a mixing console over working with a screen. This preference is reflected in his contribution to Jon Batiste’s WE ARE (2021). In a limited timeframe, Whitmore harnessed the ambiance of the transformed historic church, now Esplanade Studios in New Orleans, to infuse the album’s title track, “We Are,” with creativity, particularly during the chorus and outro recording sessions.
Describing his and Batiste’s collaborative process, Whitmore reflects, “Even though we have worked together a lot, each time was a bit of a mystery as to why or what we were there to do, but that’s how we work best together. We typically show up with a very vague idea of what we’re going to do, with the intent to capture whatever emerges from the space.”
Whitmore prefers to capture live takes in unusual locations, recording using analog tapes and mixing on vintage consoles. For his work on World Music Radio, Whitmore aimed to capture Batiste’s ability to jam in a traditional live band setting, resulting in the recording of approximately 40 songs in just one week, a seemingly unorthodox process for modern times. Moreover, Whitmore played a pivotal role in bringing Jon Batiste’s inaugural solo project, Hollywood Africans, to fruition in 2016, overseeing the entire engineering process.
“Every time I’ve worked with Jon, it has been very intense, in a good way,” Whitmore continues. “The pace, focus, and intention in the way he conducts himself around music is very unique. He is able to create an energy in the room where everyone is performing as their truest self with no fear of experimentation. It is often a very spiritual experience to create music with Jon.”
Embark on a journey down memory lane through radiant musical waters with Yacht Rock Revue. Today, these masters of smooth grooves unveil their live album, Between the Moon and New York City. The new 15-track collection is the audio companion of the band’s recent PBS Special that graced the airwaves on November 24, 2023. Captured on the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on July 7, 2023, this album transports audiences to the golden era of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Offering a reprieve from the daily hustle, it guides listeners on a musical odyssey through timeless hits.
Reminiscing on the concert special, lead vocalist Nicholas Niespodziani praised, “The vibe was epic that night, and I’m proud (while totally unsurprised) that our performance was as breathtaking as the setting. I can’t wait to be flipping through the channels in a random hotel room and come across myself crushing some Doobies in front of the Brooklyn Bridge.”
The powerhouse 10-piece band — Nicholas Niespodziani (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion), Peter Olson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion), Greg Lee (Bass, Vocals), Mark Dannells (Guitars, Vocals), Mark Bencuya (Keyboards, Vocals), David B. Freeman (Saxophones, Keyboards, Flute, Piccolo, Percussion, Vocals), Keisha Jackson (Vocals, Percussion), Kourtney Jackson (Vocals, Percussion), Jason Nackers (Drums), Ganesh Giri Jaya (Drums) — is set to tour through May, with additional dates to be announced soon.
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported on her first-hand account of the free-flowing vibe the band injects into an audience, witnessing fans that “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s by Yacht Rock Revue.” Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs” while Joseph Hudak of Rolling Stone deemed them the “world's premier soft-rock party band.”
Inspired by the golden era of soft rock, Yacht Rock Revue has mastered the art of recreating the breezy and laid-back tunes that defined a generation. From the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to the velvety harmonies of Hall & Oates, their repertoire spans an ocean of beloved hits that evoke memories of palm trees, ocean breezes, and carefree summers. Since their formation in 2007, the band has amassed a devoted following, drawing fans from all walks of life to their extraordinary live performances. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity transport audiences to an era when yacht parties and smooth sailing were the norm.
Beyond the stage, Yacht Rock Revue’s infectious energy extends to their fans, creating a community that celebrates the joy of music and the timeless allure of yacht rock. Their concerts transcend mere shows; they are immersive experiences leaving audiences yearning for more.
However, Yacht Rock Revue is more than just a tribute band; they are musical alchemists seamlessly blending their distinctive style with the iconic yacht rock vibe. Their original compositions, such as the debut record titled Hot Dads In Tight Jeans, showcase the band’s complete range of skills, simultaneously transporting listeners to a more modern era. While the first single, “Step,” is a lively number with falsetto and thumping bass, the rest of the album resonates with the contemporary vibes of bands like Phoenix or Air, which adapted Yacht for a younger audience.
Whether you’re a longtime aficionado of the yacht rock era or a newcomer to its smooth grooves, Yacht Rock Revue promises an unforgettable journey across the azure waters of musical history. So don your captain’s hat and set sail with Yacht Rock Revue for a melodic adventure like no other.
TRACKLISTING FOR BETWEEN THE MOON AND NEW YORK CITY:
Gangstagrass, trailblazers in a distinct musical genre of their own design, just dropped their newest groundbreaking song “The Only Way Out Is Through,” featuring the acclaimed Jerry Douglas. Douglas, a 15-time GRAMMY winner and three-time CMA winner of “Musician of the Year,” contributes his remarkable talent to this release. Additionally, fans can expect an official music video for the track to be released next week.
Listen / Share “The Only Way Out Is Through” here.
Unveiled exclusively on Bluegrass Today, this new track continues Gangstagrass’s work of illuminating the unity among seemingly disparate groups. In this joint effort, Jerry Douglas skillfully explores the wild side with his dobro, further narrowing the gap between bluegrass and hip-hop. The composition combines expert banjo artistry with dynamic production, propelling the vocals through an exhilarating and inspiring chorus, complete with the Lowdown Brass Band on horns.
“I’ve always been a collaborator, so I am naturally attracted to other collaborators,” shares Jerry Douglas. “Gangstagrass is definitely in that category. For a while now, I was constantly asked if there is any type of music that I haven’t been involved in. For the longest time, my answer was ‘rap.’ Until I heard Gangstagrass, I didn’t know how it would work out. When they asked if I would sit in with them at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, I jumped at the chance. ‘The Only Way Out Is Through’ is not only a huge box checked for me but a leap forward for me in my musical education. I love the song. I love the heart and soul these guys project onto the listener, and I am so thankful to be taken into the Gangstagrass family.”
Gangstagrass has been praised in various outlets such as Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, Vice, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as a nationally broadcast feature on PBS. With more than a decade of shattering barriers and global touring, this rebellious collective has achieved unparalleled success in crafting an innovative sound rooted in historically significant heritage.
Conceived as a studio endeavor 15 years ago by Rench, a Brooklyn-based producer handling vocals, guitar, and beats, Gangstagrass has evolved into a vibrant and improvisational band, forging camaraderie from the most unexpected of origins. The group harmonizes the unwavering array of skills from Rench, R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC), and Dolio the Sleuth (MC, Vocals), in addition to featuring Dan “Danjo” Whitener (Banjo, Vocals), and B.E. Farrow (Fiddle, Vocals), among other brilliant instrumentalists. With roots across the country, the ensemble has skillfully blended the traditional sounds of fiddles and banjos with contemporary hip-hop beats. This unique blend and creative innovation have propelled the band to worldwide success.
Gangstagrass — trailblazers in a distinct musical genre of their own design — announce that their new 10-track album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, will be released on Friday, June 14. The Blackest Thing on the Menu marks the band’s seventh full-length album, and embodies the zest and flavor that Gangstagrass infuses into the realms of bluegrass and hip-hop as they delve into the foundational elements of each genre.
The conception of the album’s title came about last year while the band was eating dinner at a “blues-themed restaurant in my hometown,” MC and vocalist Dolio the Sleuth explains. “There was a Juneteenth-themed menu that had a bunch of ‘blackened’ spicy items. One of us asked the server for ‘the blackest thing on the menu,’ and it turned out to be blackened shrimp and cheese grits… which, of course, we all ordered.”
Brought up again while on the road a few months later, “That ‘eureka’ look struck over all of our faces, the rain stopped, and I kid you not, TWO rainbows appeared in the sky,” Dolio continues. “We then had no choice but to acknowledge that the heavens were blessing the moment that the title appeared.”
As time passed, the title acquired an entirely new significance, “especially at this moment of conversation about race and country music, after we have played so many bluegrass and folk festivals where the Black influence on country music was not represented except by us,” Rench details. “We were trying to find an album title for a while, to the point where we were really throwing in all kinds of funny ideas, and this one seemed funny for being so brash at first, we were in the tour van laughing. But then we stopped laughing and it sunk in how appropriate it is.”
Dolio concludes, “We recognized that when we’re at festivals we are indeed the spiciest thing on the menu, the one with the most intense flavor. This album is bringing the heat, the spice, the flavor and the down-home cookin’ all in one.”
In addition to this announcement, they released TODAY the album’s sophomore single and its official music video, “Good at Being Bad”. Co-produced by the GRAMMY-Award winning Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, TN, the track, with masterful mandolin playing, dynamic production, and energetic vocals, seamlessly blends funk with Gangstagrass’s distinctive fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop. Stream “Good at Being Bad” HERE.
“Working with Gangstagras was awesome,” Boo Mitchell details. “I had been hip to them for a few years and was really diggin’ what they were doing. Mixing bluegrass with hip hop! Quite out of the box thinking. A lot of worlds coming together. I have always been a fan of bluegrass and have worked on a few records. When we got in the studio I thought the band was exceptionally talented. Also, I was a rapper myself in the late 80’s and early 90’s, so this scratched my classic hip hop itch with a new school twist. So, to record these amazing lyricists with a live smackin’ band… what more could you ask for!!”
R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC) reminisces on the experience of creating this song, beaming, “If you’d told me I’d EVER make a record like this I’d have said you were crazy. But the magic of the Gangstagrass squad mixed into the funk cauldron that is Royal Studios, overseen by the Wizard Boo Mitchell, helped cook up some soul sorcery the likes of which the world has never seen!”
“I wanted us to take on the challenge of writing a fully funky hookup song that was centered on things like consent, enthusiasm, communication, and care,” Rench shares.
The music video — exclusively revealed on the group’s Kickstarter page — showcases the performers in a classic “sexy music video” setup: Dolio the Sleuth lounging on velvet sofas and pink fur chairs, R-SON the Voice of Reason supporting him on a backlit stage, and featured fiddler/vocalist B.E. Farrow in a claw-foot tub.
With 5 days left, the campaign is the #1 most funded music project currently live on Kickstarter, having exceeded its initial funding goal in its first week. The project page offers various support options, from putting a gallon of gas in the tour van to enjoying a private performance. The most popular choice is treating the crew to a milkshake — an indulgence they notoriously love so much that fans have even delivered coffee milkshakes to them on stage. As Rench explains, “Each pledge brings us one step closer to making this amazing new album! Every bit helps bring this message of unity and dope music to the world.”
THE BLACKEST THING ON THE MENU TRACK LISTING:
“The Only Way Out Is Through”
“Good at Being Bad”
“Obligatory Braggadocio”
“Up High Do or Die”
“Mother”
“Gone Gone”
“Avenue Boy”
“Palette”
“It’s Alive”
“Sankofa”
On February 2, the lead single from the album made its debut on Bluegrass Today. Titled “The Only Way Out Is Through,” the track features Jerry Douglas, a 15-time GRAMMY winner and three-time CMA “Musician of the Year” recipient. The accompanying music video, directed by TOUGH DUMPLIN & MZ.ICAR and polished with post-production by Someplace Called Brooklyn, had its exclusive premiere via The Bluegrass Situation. Listen to “The Only Way Out Is Through” here.
Watch “The Only Way Out Is Through” official music video below:
Gangstagrass has been praised in a wide variety of leading outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, Vice, HipHopDx, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as a national broadcast feature on PBS. With more than a decade of shattering barriers and global touring, this rebellious collective has achieved unparalleled success in crafting an innovative sound rooted in historically significant heritage.
Above all, Gangstagrass emphasizes the value of education, frequently conducting workshops for K-12, college students, and adults of diverse backgrounds. Whether through engaging Q&A sessions, historical lessons, or spontaneous music tutorials, the group staunchly advocates for imparting well-rounded knowledge to everyone.
As part of a busy festival season this summer, Gangstagrass will take center stage as Friday’s headliner at the Philadelphia Folk Festival (August 16 - August 18), and will be leading a workshop spotlighting the Jim Crow-era origins of American music genres.
Dave Stewart — the highly acclaimed Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriter Hall of Famer, UK Music Hall of Famer, GRAMMY Award, Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award-winning musician — recently formed a new creative collective, The Time Experience Project. Today, they have released a limited run of vinyl for their inaugural project, WHO TO LOVE, a 10-song modern rock opera via Bay Street Records.
Available everywhere today, the special turquoise vinyl pressings are limited to only 1000 units and can be purchased here or found at select local record stores worldwide.
Upon the WHO TO LOVE digital release (October 2023), Lyndsey Parker of YAHOO! ENTERTAINMENT noted, “Dave Stewart conjures sweet dreams with ecstatic new rock opera [WHO TO LOVE],” while additional international praiseworthy coverage poured in from outlets like NME, AMERICAN SONGWRITER, HOT PRESS, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, and more.
Along with Stewart, who is also a successful music and television producer, and all-around creative force, The Time Experience Project is made up of writers, actors, filmmakers, composers and performers. For this project, Dave Stewart called to his side the great Italian television, stage, and film actress, Greta Scarano and legendary Italian band Mokadelic for this adventure that inextricably joins music and images — weaved together with a strong emotional impact that investigates the deepest folds of the human soul through music, memories and nightmares that intertwine in an alienating journey.
WHO TO LOVE will also have a movie — which was written by (and stars) Dave Stewart, Greta Scarano and Mokadelic and premiered last year at the Rome Film Festival — to accompany the album. The film also appeared at Cinequest Film & VR Festival, and is set to appear at three additional film festivals: It will make its US debut at the 21st Oxford Film Festival, will screen at Seeyousound International Music Film Festival, as well as Queens World Film Festival, where it is also nominated for an award in Best Experimental Film. Additionally, the film — which is expected to see a public release later this year — is directed by Giorgio Testi and produced by Dave Stewart Entertainment and Grøenlandia.
With WHO TO LOVE, Stewart writes a new page in his incredible career which also includes being a Golden Globe Award winner and Eurythmics co-founder. “Brings Me Home,” the lead single and accompanying music video for WHO TO LOVE, is equally musically stunning as it is visually gripping. Meanwhile, the album’s pulsating focus track, “Electrified,” that’s backed with an official music video starring Greta Scarano, captures Stewart’s unparalleled songwriting and production that the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is known for, coupled with Mokadelic’s signature sounds.
Dave Stewart shares: “This album is a unique collaboration of artists who were willing to take a leap of faith and work together on a conceptual piece of film and music because it felt right, not only as a project, but because we believed in each others intentions to make something special — away from the constraints of ‘the industry’ — and I love it. I also love my collaborators on the album Mokadelic and Greta Scarano, if you get a chance check out the long form video version, I love that too.”
Mokadelic adds: “WHO TO LOVE is both a soundtrack and an album simultaneously, focused on the concept of time. A one-of-a-kind creation, co-written with one of the most influential musicians on the global scene. We collaborated remotely for many months, then Dave came to Rome and we met, jamming together, from which ‘Electrified’ was born. This embodies the essence of the entire project, which flourished in a dynamic and organic flow.”
“The vinyl is the physical proof of an incredible experience where music, words, instruments and performance created something unique,” says Greta Scarano. “I will always be grateful to Dave and Mokadelic for making this possible.”
Listen to the WHO TO LOVE album on digital streaming services here.
“The songs on this album are centered around the elusive nature of time, how it seems to speed up or slow down depending on your mental state,” shares Stewart. “Through the music and lyrics we try to interpret this feeling and how life’s journey can become serpentine and surreal as we wander through moments of sadness, melancholy, love addiction and pure ecstasy.” He adds: “The short film revolves around a character who is struggling with anxiety and loneliness, reflected in both the music and the actions of the protagonist.”
Acclaimed multi-platinum selling alternative rock bands, Gin Blossoms and Toad The Wet Sprocket, have announced their co-headlining summer tour. The 15-date trek kicks off Thursday, August 1 in Wisconsin and will see the “Hey Jealousy” and “Walk On the Ocean” hitmakers, respectively, take amphitheaters and theater stages across the Midwest and East Coast. Additionally, they’ll be joined by special guest alternative rockers Vertical Horizon, the multi-platinum band known for their chart-topping songs such as “Everything You Want,” among others. Ticket on-sales begin Friday, March 15 at 10am local time.
Visit Gin Blossoms’ website or Toad The Wet Sprocket’s website for more information and to purchase tickets.
“We have a lot of history with Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon, and it’s always fun to perform with them,” says Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms. “I know our fans and theirs will enjoy the shows. I’m looking forward to an awesome summer of fine rock.” Jesse Valenzuela of Gin Blossoms continues, “The summer tour with our fabulous pals Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon will simply be the greatest night of your life!”
Toad The Wet Sprocket shares, “In August of 1992, we embarked on our first headlining shows where we got to pick an opening band for the whole tour. There was a tremendous amount of buzz about a band from Arizona called Gin Blossoms. A mutual friend had given us an advance copy of their first EP Up and Crumbling back in 1991, and we all loved it. That tour was the beginning of over 30 years of us playing shows together. There was always a spirit of friendly competition between our two bands, and also wonderful support for each other as the audience for this music continued to grow. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our album Dulcinea, it is fitting that we mark this milestone with some of the best friends we made along the way.”
Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon adds, “We’ve had so much fun touring with our dear friends Gin Blossoms in the past, and we’re thrilled to be invited back out on the road with them again this summer. It will also be wonderful to finally play shows with Toad The Wet Sprocket after so many years of loving their music.”
TOUR DATES:
DATE
CITY / STATE
VENUE
Thursday, August 1
Oshkosh, WI
Waterfest Concert Series Riverside Park – Leach Amphitheater
Gangstagrass — trailblazers in a distinct musical genre of their own design — unveil “Up High Do or Die,” the third single off their forthcoming album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu. Scheduled for release on June 14, The Blackest Thing on the Menu released via Rench Audio marks the band’s seventh full-length album. It embodies the dynamic fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop that Gangstagrass is known to inject into their music, exploring the foundational elements of both genres with zest and flavor.
Pre-save / add The Blackest Thing on the Menu HERE.
Accompanied by a music video, the track encapsulates the band’s signature blend of genres with precision and flair. Showcasing melodies infused with groove, crisp MC flow, and captivating bluegrass instrumentals, the anthemic “Up High Do or Die” cleverly interpolates elements from “Jerusalem Ridge,” labeling it as a co-write with Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass.”
Rench, the band’s founder and producer, describes it as an “uprising jam that gets your blood pumping, barreling at you like a comet.” This infectious energy permeates the entire song, making it impossible not to move along with Gangstagrass. Rench continues, “Lowdown Brass Band met up with us in Chicago to lay down horn parts and the sound is just huge. I feel like this will be a great song for psyching yourself up to kick ass at whatever you are about to do… Bill Monroe may be rolling in his grave but we are dancing in the street.”
The album’s sophomore single and official music video — “Good at Being Bad” — was released alongside the album announcement on March 1. Co-produced by the GRAMMY-Award winning Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, TN, the track, with that sexy mandolin, dynamic production, and energetic vocals, seamlessly blends funk with Gangstagrass’s distinctive fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop. Stream “Good at Being Bad” HERE.
Yacht Rock Revue, deemed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band” and the masters of smooth grooves, reveal their forthcoming release of two original tracks: “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” both unveiling on Friday, May 24.
Arriving just in time for the commencement of “Yacht Rock season,” these melodies are poised to provide the perfect soundtrack for waterfronts throughout the entirety of the Memorial Day weekend. The double single also sets the tone for more original music to come from Yacht Rock Revue, culminating in a project that will serve as the sonic backdrop for sunsets and ocean breezes — embodying the essence of embracing life’s simple pleasures.
PRE-SAVE / PRE-ADD “TROPICAL ILLUSION” and “PASSENGERS” HERE.
“Tropical Illusion” — co-written and featuring Elliot Lurie from the legendary band Looking Glass along with Nicholas Niespodziani, lead vocalist of Yacht Rock Revue — pays homage to the 1972 Memorial Day weekend success of Looking Glass’s groundbreaking hit, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” Regarded as the inaugural Yacht Rock anthem, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” soared up the charts during that holiday weekend, and Yacht Rock Revue’s “Tropical Illusion” further encapsulates that serene, laidback love song.
“The best escape isn’t a place — it’s escaping into a feeling with someone you love, and that’s what ‘Tropical Illusion’ is about,” Nicholas Niespodziani explains. “I collaborated on this song with Elliot from Looking Glass, known for writing and being the lead vocalist on ‘Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl).’ The song got its start when we played a show together in Jamaica, and I think you can hear that tropical vibe in the track.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Elliot Lurie elaborates, “I played my first gig with YRR about 12 years ago. I didn’t know who they were then, but there were 5,000 people in a park in Atlanta groovin’ to a killer band. I sang Brandy with them and I was an instant YRR fan. It’s great to now have co-written a tune with Nick for their new album.”
“Passengers,” which acts as the B-side to “Tropical Illusion,” effortlessly glides through waves of nostalgia, embodying the quintessential windows-down anthem for carefree summer days. Ethereal vocals and dreamy guitar melodies intertwine with rhythmic drum beats, enchanting listeners with fleeting moments of pure bliss.
“‘Passengers’ is a song about how sometimes you’re just ready to let someone else take the wheel for a while. And sometimes when you let go in that profound way, it takes you back to the place you’ve been trying to get to,” Nicholas elaborates. “So much of what we do as a band is wrapped up in memory and nostalgia, this is the currency we trade in — which makes this song as authentic to our band vibe as you can get!"
Earlier this year, Yacht Rock Revue revealed they will be joining iconic hitmakers Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support for this summer’s co-headlining tour — the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. The 44-city tour kicks off on July 8 in Somerset, WI at Somerset Amphitheater, making stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up on September 11 in Phoenix, AZ at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre.
Nicholas Niespodziani expresses excitement, stating, “Every song by all three bands is gonna be a raucous sing-along! Holy sh*t that’s a lot of hit songs in one lineup. As a singer, I’m excited to watch Kevin Cronin and Patrick Monahan every night. Those guys are both wildly talented vocalists and I’m gonna soak in as much wisdom and technique and as many crowd control tactics as I can.”
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her firsthand experience of the band’s liberating energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
The powerhouse 10-piece ensemble — Nicholas Niespodziani (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion), Peter Olson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion), Greg Lee (Bass, Vocals), Mark Dannells (Guitars, Vocals), Mark Bencuya (Keyboards, Vocals), David B. Freeman (Saxophones, Keyboards, Flute, Piccolo, Percussion, Vocals), Keisha Jackson (Vocals, Percussion), Kourtney Jackson (Vocals, Percussion), Jason Nackers (Drums), Ganesh Giri Jaya (Drums) — are more than just a tribute band; they are musical alchemists, seamlessly blending their own unique style with the iconic yacht rock vibe.
As preparations are underway for another busy concert season at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Quincy, WA, unreleased footage from the widely acclaimed documentary film, ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY — featuring Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, Lake Street Dive, Shakey Graves, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Steve Miller and others — has been released, finding acts creating comedic viewpoints on how the topography of The Gorge could have been formed. The reel is a compilation of these humorous outtakes starting with Dave Matthews who is gearing up to headline The Gorge with another installment of his three-night engagements this summer (more info here).
ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY was directed by Nic Davis and produced by Tim Jack, CEO of JACKTV and 4:08 Productions, both earning an Emmy Award for their work on the film. Additionally, ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY secured multiple film festival awards, and found critical acclaim from The New York Times and Rolling Stone during its theatrical release.
ABOUT ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY
It’s a story of unlikely beginnings and beautiful accidents that no one saw coming. ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY chronicles the evolution of a family-owned Washington winery — with a makeshift plywood stage — that eventually became “The Gorge,” an internationally-renowned concert venue that has attracted over seven million fans, and the world’s biggest musicians, to a patch of rural farmland “150 miles from nowhere.”
Despite the long trek (and perhaps because of it), The Gorge has become “a pilgrimage for the artist and the audience,” according to Jason Mraz, who first played at the amphitheater in its parking lot during one of Dave Matthews’ epic three-day shows. And if you’ve ever been to The Gorge, you know exactly what he means. The setting is breathtaking, the performances are unparalleled, and the community among its fans is undeniable.
From origins to impact, this heartfelt documentary weaves together personal stories from music legends Dave Matthews, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Jason Mraz, Dierks Bentley, and Steve Miller, with the emotional narratives of audience members that have built their lives around the venue. These stories reveal how a simple stage at an upstart winery ascended to become “The Gorge,” a Billboard, Pollstar and ACM-winning music venue.
Trailblazers in a genre of their own design, Gangstagrass delivers “Mother” (featuring Reef the Lost Cauze), the impactful fifth single from their forthcoming album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu. The official music video for "Mother" is also out now. Released via Rench Audio, this 10-track album is set to drop on Friday, June 14th, and showcases Gangstagrass's signature fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop, exploring the foundational elements of both genres with zest and flavor.
Stream “Mother” HERE. Pre-order The Blackest Thing on the MenuHERE.
Royalties from “Mother” will benefit Friends of the Congo (FOTC), a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization established in 2004 to partner with Congolese citizens to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Facing human rights abuses, humanitarian crises, forced labor, and ecological devastation, Friends of the Congo addresses these enormous challenges. Fans are encouraged to stream the track and use the song in their videos on TikTok and Instagram to contribute to the relief efforts.
Highlighted in The Bluegrass Situation, “Mother” features a smooth beat paired with poetic lyrics that address serious global issues. Speaking on the inspiration for the track, MC and vocalist Dolio the Sleuth explains, “It started as a poem I wrote one day on tour in the north of France. I was sitting under a tree thinking about the world, our place in it, and the changes we need to ensure humanity's survival. My family has a long history of military service, so there's always concern about why our country is involved in aggression while committing violence against its own citizens. I shared it with the crew, and Rench created a haunting piece.”
Producer, founder, and vocalist Rench adds, “It was a great stretch of our musical muscles to dissect banjo notes and fiddles into something with such a spacious sound. Unexpectedly, we got fast rolls in a whirlwind jam. Influences of hip-hop and bluegrass can be fused in a million ways, and we approached this one differently.”
Gangstagrass has been praised in leading publications like The New York Times, Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, Vice, HipHopDX, and The Wall Street Journal. With over a decade of breaking barriers and global touring, this rebellious collective continues to craft an innovative sound rooted in historically significant heritage.
The conception of the album’s title, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, came about last year during dinner at a blues-themed restaurant. The title acquired new significance in the conversation about race and country music, highlighting the Black influence on these genres.
Glide Magazine praised the album’s fourth single, “Obligatory Braggadocio,” while the third single, “Up High Do or Die,” cleverly incorporates elements from “Jerusalem Ridge.” The sophomore single, “Good at Being Bad,” was co-produced by the GRAMMY-Award-winning Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell. The lead single, “The Only Way Out Is Through,” features Jerry Douglas and debuted on Bluegrass Today.
The Blackest Thing on the Menu Track Listing:
The Only Way Out Is Through
Good at Being Bad
Up High Do or Die
Gone Gone
Mother
Obligatory Braggadocio
Avenue Boy
Palette
It’s Alive
Sankofa
The album release party will be at Pearl Street Warehouse in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 11th. Gangstagrass will headline three major international festivals this summer: Montelago Celtic Festival in Italy on August 2, Philadelphia Folk Festival on August 16, and the UK’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival on August 23.
For a complete list of upcoming shows, visit Gangstagrass's website.
Gangstagrass emphasizes education through workshops for K-12, college students, and adults. Fans can text the band at (+1) 504-224-7700 to share their thoughts or just say hi.
About Gangstagrass:
Conceived 15 years ago by Brooklyn-based producer Rench, Gangstagrass blends traditional sounds with contemporary hip-hop beats. The band features Rench, R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC), Dolio the Sleuth (MC, Vocals), Ricky “Banjo Daddy” Mier (Banjo, Vocals), Dan Whitener (Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals), and B.E. Farrow (Fiddle, Vocals). Gangstagrass's unique synergy has led to worldwide success, a Billboard Bluegrass Chart #1 spot, and a UNESCO “International Innovator” award. Their theme song for FX's Justified earned a 2010 Primetime Emmy nomination. Gangstagrass also appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2021, reaching the quarter-finals.
Today, Yacht Rock Revue have announced their upcoming original album, Escape Artist, will be due out November 29. This 21-song concept album, spanning four sides of vinyl, showcases the band’s evolution beyond a mere tribute act, seamlessly integrating their unique style with the iconic yacht rock vibe.
Tonight, the band embarks on the 44-city tour with Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour at Somerset Amphitheater in Somerset, WI. They’ll make stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more, wrapping up on September 11 in Phoenix, AZ at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre.
Escape Artist will be released in two parts: the A-side and B-side on October 4, and the C-side and D-side on November 29. This ambitious ode to yacht rock captures waves of emotion, paying homage to the vinyl era and transporting audiences back to the sun-soaked anthems of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
On July 12, Yacht Rock Revue will release sophomore singles “Lost In The Meantime” (focus track) and “Steal Away.” Nicholas reflects, “Some of my clearest memories aren’t major milestones or significant global events, like where I was when I heard Prince passed away. They’re random snapshots from everyday moments that stick in my head for some reason. That’s the essence of ‘Lost In The Meantime’— it explores how the true essence of a relationship often lies in those ordinary, in-between moments.”
“Steal Away,” a reimagined ukulele rendition of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 track, serves as the album’s sole cover. “I’ve been a fan of Yacht Rock Revue since first seeing their show 10 years ago at a small club in New York City,” Robbie Dupree shares. “They’re a national group now! Their new music is brilliant and their rendition of my song, ‘Steal Away,’ is fresh and delightful.”
PRE-SAVE “LOST IN THE MEANTIME” AND “STEAL AWAY” HERE.
The lead singles, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” debuted on May 24. “Tropical Illusion,” co-written by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass and Nicholas Niespodziani of Yacht Rock Revue, honors Looking Glass’s 1972 hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
Speaking on the collaboration, Elliot Lurie elaborates, “I played my first gig with Yacht Rock Revue about 12 years ago. I didn’t know who they were then, but there were 5,000 people in a park in Atlanta groovin’ to a killer band. I sang Brandy with them and I was an instant Yacht Rock Revue fan. It’s great to now have co-written a tune with Nick for their new album.”
STREAM / SHARE “TROPICAL ILLUSION” and “PASSENGERS” HERE.
Escape Artist captures the desire to escape modern society, using music as a primary tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” Yacht Rock Revue’s lead vocalist Nicholas Niespodziani explains. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nicholas continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
ESCAPE ARTIST TRACK LISTING:
Escape Artist
Make You Miss Me
Separate Grooves
Waves
Reverse Sunset
Lost In The Meantime
Sail On
Steal Away (Robbie Dupree Cover)
Tropical Illusion (feat. Elliot Lurie)
Passengers
Triangle of Combustion
Lonely For You
Inverse Sunrise
San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)
Things Look Different
Monkeys Always Swinging
Bad Decisions
Worse Decisions
Here For the Feeling
Four in the Morning
What A Year
After a successful 2023 tour with Kenny Loggins, Yacht Rock Revue’s debut as direct support for iconic hitmakers Train and REO Speedwagon on a 44-city tour marks a monumental moment for a band redefining the limits of what a cover band can achieve.
Nicholas expresses excitement, stating, “Every song by all three bands is gonna be a raucous sing-along! Holy sh*t that’s a lot of hit songs in one lineup. As a singer, I’m excited to watch Kevin Cronin and Patrick Monahan every night. Those guys are both wildly talented vocalists and I’m gonna soak in as much wisdom and technique and as many crowd control tactics as I can.”
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her first-hand experience of Yacht Rock Revue’s liberating on-stage energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
The highly acclaimed musician, JERRY DOUGLAS, is not just the preeminent master of the resophonic guitar, he’s also a 16x GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, band leader, producer, composer, and member of Alison Krauss and Union Station since 1998, among many other accolades. Today, the American music luminary has announced his first album in seven years, The Set. The 11-track album, comprising five new offerings and six revitalized songs from his catalog, is set for a September 20 release via Nolivan Records across the DSPs in addition to physical CDs and 180-gram vinyl.
Out today, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” marks the lead single from The Set. This emotive rendition of the Beatles’ 1968 classic highlights the raw talent of The Jerry Douglas Band, featuring Douglas (dobro), Daniel Kimbro (bass), Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle), and Mike Seal (guitar).
“I love how easy it was to play the song,” says DOUGLAS, the 30x International Bluegrass Music Association Award recipient. “It just lays perfectly for the dobro. It gives you all the latitude you need to play the whole song from end to end, in different octaves. That melody always got me, but I never tried to play it. And when I did, it was like, ‘Wow! Why haven’t I done this before?’” Listen to the track via streaming services here.
WATCH/SHARE A PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF “WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS” BELOW:
As a session musician with an estimated two thousand studio albums and tracks to his credit, DOUGLAS is an unrivaled master of versatility. With 12 solo albums and two with The Jerry Douglas Band, a vast catalog of material is available to draw from. In a similar manner, The Set mirrors what you might hear at a Jerry Douglas Band show, almost like a companion piece to the concert.
Years ago, DOUGLAS and the band worked up an instrumental version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a song that Douglas said he’d known forever. When he performed it in London during a Transatlantic Sessions tour, Eric Clapton joined him onstage for a reunion of sorts. They had previously collaborated on a 2012 recording of R&B artist Chris Kenner’s “Something You Got,” with Clapton on vocals, that appeared on Douglas’ Traveler (2012). The song reappears on The Set, this time more lighthearted and uptempo with Douglas taking lead vocals.
For the new album, DOUGLAS also turned to his bandmates for material, including Mike Seal’s “Renee,” Christian Sedelmyer’s “Deacon Waltz,” and Daniel Kimbro’s “Loyston.” In addition, the four musicians collaborated on “The Fifth Season,” a concerto commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation. The Set tracklisting concludes with two instrumentals, “Pushed Too Far” and “Sir Aly B.” “When people leave,” shares DOUGLAS, “they have a certain song in their head. And we always play ‘Sir Aly B’ last as the final encore. That’s the last thing people hear, so I wanted that to be there, too.”
“I’m proud of it. I’ve left no stone unturned,” finalizes DOUGLAS about The Set. “I’ve been producing records for a long time, so I really, really put on that hat for this record. Usually, I like instrumentalists to have free rein in whatever they do. It’s the way they speak. If anybody had an idea, we chased it down to the end. I feel like it’s really finished. I’m really happy with the outcome of this whole experience.”
TRACK LISTING FOR THE SET:
“Gone to Fortingall”
“Renee”
“What Might Have Been” featuring Aoife O’Donovan
“From Ankara to Ismir”
“Something You Got”
“Deacon Waltz”
“The Fifth Season”
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
“Loyston”
“Pushed Too Far”
“Sir Aly B”
DOUGLAS, the ever-ready performer and 3x CMA “Musician of the Year” winner, will be touring and taking festival stages throughout the summer and fall, including the astounding Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Montana Folk Festival in July, Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival in August, and Bourbon & Beyond and The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in September. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
CATCH JERRY DOUGLAS LIVE:
DATE
CITY
VENUE / FESTIVAL
Thursday, July 11
Jackson, WY
Silver Dollar Showroom Session
Friday, July 12
Butte, MY
Montana Folk Festival
Saturday, July 13
Butte, MT
Montana Folk Festival
Sunday, July 14
Morrison, CO
Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/ The String Cheese Incident*
Thursday, July 25
London, England
Union Chapel*
Saturday, July 27
Cambridge, England
Cambridge Folk Festival w/ Transatlantic Sessions*
Sunday, July 28
Cambridge, England
Cambridge Folk Festival*
Tuesday, July 30
Skibbereen, Ireland
Skibbereen Arts Festival*
Wednesday, July 31
Dublin, Ireland
Pavilion Theatre*
Thursday, August 1
Ennis, Ireland
glor*
Saturday, August 3
Wickham, UK
Wickham Festival*
Saturday, August 10
Park City, UT
Amphitheater at Canyons Village w/ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band*
Tuesday, August 13
Grand Junction, CO
Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park w/ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band*
Sunday, August 18
Manchester, VT
Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Tuesday, August 20
Boston, MA
City Winery
Wednesday, August 21
Boothbay Harbor, ME
The Opera House
Thursday, August 22
Fall River, MA
Narrows Center for the Arts
Friday, August 23
New York, NY
City Winery
Saturday, August 24
Sellersville, PA
Sellersville Theater
Friday, August 30
Mill Spring, NC
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival w/ The Earls of Leicester*
Saturday, August 31
Mill Spring, NC
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival w/ The Earls of Leicester*
Sunday, September 1
Mill Spring, NC
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival w/ The Earls of Leicester*
Acclaimed multi-platinum alternative rock bands Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket are set to embark on a 15-date co-headlining summer tour. Kicking off on Thursday, August 1, in Wisconsin, the tour will bring the “Hey Jealousy” and “Walk on the Ocean” hitmakers to amphitheaters and theaters across the Midwest and East Coast. Joining them as a special guest will be Vertical Horizon, the multi-platinum band known for their chart-topping hit “Everything You Want” and more.
Visit Gin Blossoms’ website or Toad The Wet Sprocket’s website for more information and to purchase tickets.
“We have a lot of history with Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon, and it’s always fun to perform with them,” says Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms. “I know our fans and theirs will enjoy the shows. I’m looking forward to an awesome summer of fine rock.” Jesse Valenzuela of Gin Blossoms continues, “The summer tour with our fabulous pals Toad The Wet Sprocket and Vertical Horizon will simply be the greatest night of your life!”
Toad The Wet Sprocket shares, “In August of 1992, we embarked on our first headlining shows where we got to pick an opening band for the whole tour. There was a tremendous amount of buzz about a band from Arizona called Gin Blossoms. A mutual friend had given us an advance copy of their first EP Up and Crumbling back in 1991, and we all loved it. That tour was the beginning of over 30 years of us playing shows together. There was always a spirit of friendly competition between our two bands, and also wonderful support for each other as the audience for this music continued to grow. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our album Dulcinea, it is fitting that we mark this milestone with some of the best friends we made along the way.”
Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon adds, “We’ve had so much fun touring with our dear friends Gin Blossoms in the past, and we’re thrilled to be invited back out on the road with them again this summer. It will also be wonderful to finally play shows with Toad The Wet Sprocket after so many years of loving their music.
TOUR DATES:
DATE
CITY / STATE
VENUE
Thursday, August 1
Oshkosh, WI
Waterfest Concert Series Riverside Park - Leach Amphitheater
Dave Stewart Entertainment announces the launch of the new musical feature film EBONY MCQUEEN, featuring top international talent, songs by Dave Stewart, and a musical score from Stewart & BAFTA, GRAMMY, and ACADEMY AWARD-winning superstar A.R. Rahman.
Set in Stewart’s hometown of Sunderland, UK, the musical film will feature British, South Asian, and American talent in period Northeast England. The film will be shot on location in Sunderland, which has recently been given the greenlight to build one of the biggest film studios in Europe.
ACADEMY AWARD nominated and BAFTA winning filmmaker, Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth, What’s Love Got to Do With It?) is attached to direct the project, based on a script written by Stewart, Lorne Campbell & Selma Dimitrijevic, and Peter Souter.
Producing alongside Stewart are ACADEMY AWARD and BAFTA winner David Parfitt (Shakespeare in Love, The Father) for Trademark Films and David Jacobson (Lee Daniels’ The Butler, The Falconer) for Dave Stewart Entertainment.
Executive Producing for Whizz Kid Entertainment, a division of Lionsgate Alternative Television, is International Emmy Award-winner, Malcolm Gerrie, (Ibiza: The Silent Movie, Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe).
Attached to star in the titular role is three-time Olivier Award winning icon Sharon D. Clarke, (who collaborated with Stewart as the character Oda Mae in the Stewart-penned Ghost: The Musical) alongside breakout musical talent, Tom A. Smith, also from Sunderland.
Drawing inspiration from Stewart’s early life, the EBONY MCQUEEN musical feature is a semi-autobiographical journey into the Northeast of England as the cultural revolution of the late 60’s meets the social and economic challenges of the early 1970s. The film’s main character, Charlie McGarvey, dreams of being a pro footballer, but his hopes are shattered after a devastating injury. He soon discovers the transformative magic of creating music, which leads him on a journey that awakens the ability to fully pursue what he loves, despite the world falling apart around him. Additional casting is underway and the film is set to commence production in early 2025.
ABOUT DAVE STEWART:
With a career spanning four decades and over 100M album sales worldwide, award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, innovator and Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart is among the most respected and accomplished talents in popular music history. His wide-ranging work has earned Stewart a long list of prestigious honors, including over fifty ASCAP and BMI Awards, four Ivor Novello Awards for “Best Songwriter,” four BRIT Awards for “Best Producer” (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), a Golden Globe Award, and a GRAMMY® Award. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” by Eurythmics was recently inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame® and U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry, in recognition of its qualitative and historical significance. Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox were among the 2020 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Also in 2022, with an inspired induction by U2’s The Edge, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation welcomed Eurythmics as inductees for their profound impact on music. At both monumental ceremonies, Eurythmics brought the house down with their transcendent performances.
In 2022 Dave Stewart released a critically acclaimed triple album vinyl box set, Ebony McQueen, one of the most ambitious and autobiographical works of his remarkable life and landmark career; an exhilarating, original musical fable about music and young manhood, finding hard- earned wisdom and true love with the girl next door.
In addition, in 2023 Dave completed a unique award winning music short film and album titled “Who To Love,” a collaboration between himself, Italian artists Mokadelic and acclaimed actress Greta Scarano, premiering at Rome Festival in October 2023.
In 2023-2024 Dave took his Dave Stewart Eurythmics shows on the road in the UK, Europe and US. Accompanied by his band of virtuoso female musicians, the gigs received huge critical acclaim, with more shows planned.
“An explosive musician, Captain Dave is a dreamer and a fearless innovator, a visionary of high order, very delicately tractable on the surface but beneath that, he’s a slamming, thumping, battering ram, very mystical but rational and sensitive when it comes to the hot irons of art forms..” — Bob Dylan
“He is my hero.” — Stevie Nicks
“Jack of All Trades Master of All of Them” — The Sunday Times
Out today is JERRY DOUGLAS’ latest offering, “Something You Got,” the sophomore single from his upcoming album The Set — his first studio album in seven years. Originally written and performed by R&B artist Christopher Kenner in 1961, “Something You Got” gets a fresh take from DOUGLAS. Listen to the track via streaming services here.
This track reimagines the 2012 collaboration between DOUGLAS and Eric Clapton on DOUGLAS’ Traveler album, now with DOUGLAS taking the lead vocals. Lighter and more upbeat, this revamped version serves as one of the many highlights from The Set.
Relix raved: “the song finds Douglas in the driver’s seat as he takes viewers into the realm of live performance, a pinnacle of his stardom… Douglas embraces a lighter, increasingly upbeat tone, which helps establish the strength of the album’s sonic focal point as pure acoustic splendor.”
The highly acclaimed music luminary JERRY DOUGLAS is not just the preeminent master of the resophonic guitar; he’s a 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, bandleader, producer, composer, and a staple of Alison Krauss and Union Station since 1998. Now in 2024, he earns another accolade as an inductee into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
The Set, an 11-track collection that delivers five new tracks and six revitalized gems from his catalog, is scheduled for a September 20 release via Nolivian Records across the DSPs in addition to physical CDs and 180-gram vinyl.
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” marks the lead single from The Set, with The Jerry Douglas Band delivering a poignant rendition of the Beatles’ 1968 classic. DOUGLAS on dobro, Daniel Kimbro on bass, Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle, and Mike Seal on guitar bring raw talent to the forefront, breathing new life into this timeless track.
“I love how easy it was to play the song,” says DOUGLAS, the 30x International Bluegrass Music Association Award recipient. “It just lays perfectly for the dobro. It gives you all the latitude you need to play the whole song from end to end, in different octaves. That melody always got me, but I never tried to play it. And when I did, it was like, ‘Wow! Why haven’t I done this before?’” Listen to the track via streaming services here.
As a session musician with an estimated two thousand studio albums and tracks to his credit, DOUGLAS is an unrivaled master of versatility. With 12 solo albums and two with The Jerry Douglas Band, a vast catalog of material is available to draw from. In a similar manner, The Set mirrors what you might hear at a Jerry Douglas Band show, almost like a companion piece to the concert.
For the new album, DOUGLAS also turned to his bandmates for material, including Mike Seal’s “Renee,” Christian Sedelmyer’s “Deacon Waltz,” and Daniel Kimbro’s “Loyston.” In addition, the four musicians collaborated on “The Fifth Season,” a concerto commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation. The Set tracklisting concludes with two instrumentals, “Pushed Too Far” and “Sir Aly B.” “When people leave,” shares DOUGLAS, “they have a certain song in their head. And we always play ‘Sir Aly B’ last as the final encore. That’s the last thing people hear, so I wanted that to be there, too.”
“I’m proud of it. I’ve left no stone unturned,” finalizes DOUGLAS about The Set. “I’ve been producing records for a long time, so I really, really put on that hat for this record. Usually, I like instrumentalists to have free rein in whatever they do. It’s the way they speak. If anybody had an idea, we chased it down to the end. I feel like it’s really finished. I’m really happy with the outcome of this whole experience.”
TRACK LISTING FOR THE SET:
“Gone to Fortingall”
“Renee”
“What Might Have Been” featuring Aoife O’Donovan
“From Ankara to Ismir”
“Something You Got”
“Deacon Waltz”
“The Fifth Season”
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
“Loyston”
“Pushed Too Far”
“Sir Aly B”
DOUGLAS, the ever-ready performer and 3x CMA “Musician of the Year” winner, will be touring and taking festival stages throughout the summer and fall, including Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival in August, and Bourbon & Beyond and The Earl Scruggs Music Festival in September. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
It might come as no surprise to her legion of fans that SIERRA HULL, the 2x GRAMMY-nominated and 6x International Bluegrass Music Association Award-winning artist, has released an inspired and introspective rendition of “Mad World,” originally from the new wave group Tears for Fears.
Out today, marking her first new release in four years, HULL previously performed “Mad World” live for a Paste Session in 2022 which quickly took a viral spin, garnering over 2 million views. Considering the high demand for her rendition of the iconic song, HULL was inspired to go into the studio and put her unique musical fingerprint on it, which is streaming across all DSPs today.
“Sometimes there are songs that you feel like you’ve always known, even before you realize how you came to know them,” shares HULL. “‘Mad World’ is that song for me. Though already familiar, I was reintroduced to this song on a TV program about 10 years ago and the melody followed me around nonstop until I finally decided to get out the mandolin and truly learn it myself. It’s been a favorite of mine to cover in live shows ever since and one of our most requested! I never grow tired of singing or playing it and given the nature of our current climate, it felt like the perfect time to release my own version of the song.”
SIERRA HULL is touring heavily throughout the remainder of the year with headline shows and festival appearances across the United States. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
ABOUT SIERRA HULL:
SIERRA HULL is widely regarded to be a master of her instrument; A two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter, recognized for both her most recent projects, 25 Trips (2020) and Weighted Mind (2016), she is also the 6x recipient of IBMA’s “Mandolin Player of the Year,” the first woman to ever receive this distinction. A pioneer for acoustic music throughout her already impressive multi-decade career, she has graced the country's most iconic stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House. Her virtuosic abilities have garnered respect from genre-defining trailblazers, friends, and collaborators such as Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Béla Fleck, Bobby McFerrin, and Brandi Carlile. Originally hailing from Byrdstown, Tennessee, her unique sound is rooted in bluegrass, and she is widely considered one of acoustic music’s most inventive artists.
Music industry luminary and six-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, musician, and producer, CHARLIE PEACOCK, has released his anticipated full-length vocal album, EVERY KIND OF UH-OH. Out today via It’s Time To Art and distributed by Re/Universal Music Group, the album was co-produced with his son, GRAMMY and Oscar-nominated songwriter and producer, Sam Ashworth (H.E.R, Andy Grammer, Leslie Odom Jr.).
The 10-track collection is a masterclass in songwriting — only made possible through the lens of PEACOCK’s profound experience and musical prowess. EVERY KIND OF UH-OH is available across digital streaming services, in addition to a limited-edition release of vinyl and CDs.
“In less than two weeks, I had written 10 songs — artist songs, the kind only I could write and sing,” shares PEACOCK, whose musical talent is also wedged between the grooves of diverse acts such as the acclaimed folk duo The Civil Wars, Amy Grant, Chris Cornell, Switchfoot, The Lone Bellow, and Brett Dennen, among many others. “I wanted the record to feel classic and dynamic with Nashville-centric, mostly acoustic instrumentation,” adds PEACOCK. “Lyric-wise, I hoped to write in such a way that it felt like some wild combination of literary and poetic icons meets Old Testament prophets meets American plainspeak.”
The album’s charming lead single, “Turtle in a Chinese Food Box” (released August 2), is a heartfelt ode that beautifully captures the story of his first date with his wife, Andi. The track not only serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic voyage awaiting on the project, but it also highlights PEACOCK’s remarkable ability to weave together memorable melodies with evocative narratives. Produced and directed by PEACOCK and filmed at Ocean Way Nashville Studio, the music video is a visual delight, skillfully blending studio footage, whimsical animation, and nostalgic photographs of Charlie and Andi, all of which beam with positivity.
WATCH THE “TURTLE IN A CHINESE FOOD BOX” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:
PEACOCK’S tranquil and transcendent sophomore single from the album, “Get Yourself Some,” radiates warmth and contentment. His vocal delivery merges effortlessly with the soft gospel background vocals and harmonies, crafting a soothing, enveloping soundscape where time seems to slow down and worries drift away.
“Of the ten songs on the album, ‘Get Yourself Some’ has evolved into one of my absolute favorites,” shares PEACOCK. “Ruby Amanfu, Darwin Hobbs, Sam Ashworth, Vicki Hampton, and I had so much fun (delight, really) creating all the gospel background vocals. I can hear the joy in it. And, lyrically, the song surprised me. It’s the most explicit in terms of Christian profession that I’ve created in decades, and how it came about is completely unorthodox! Part of my treatment for central sensitization (a neurological disorder) is the occasional, doctor-monitored ketamine treatment. The love of God — the letting go — receiving of goodness and peace — became so much a part of these treatments, and I would write down what I remembered. It was one of those scribbles that made it into the chorus of this song. If it hadn’t been so pure and sincere, I probably wouldn’t have included something so explicit. But for me, in that moment, it was beautiful and life-giving.”
PEACOCK, an eclectic artist whose 50-year career includes GRAMMY Awards, solo albums, chart-topping productions, and everything in between, reflects on his remarkable journey from past to present in his upcoming memoir Roots & Rhythm: A Life In Music (2.4.25 via Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing). This autobiographical account chronicles the life of an artist-dreamer born at the crossroads of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and the nascent singer-songwriter movement. The back half of 2024 was meant to be spent preparing for the book’s unveiling — you know, podcasts, interviews, marketing meetings. Then it happened — again. Music, that is.
There will be the inevitable push toward the release of the memoir, but not before PEACOCK experiences, once again, the goodness of making music and offering it to the world. PEACOCK’S life in music is far from over. His musical journey continues unabated, exemplified by EVERY KIND OF UH-OH, a testament to his seasoned songwriting prowess and enriched perspective.
From his pioneering contributions to gospel rock and the Americana/Folk movement of the 2000s to his jazz explorations with legendary bassist John Patitucci, PEACOCK is more than a connoisseur of American music; he’s part of its DNA, leaving his unique mark while earning Top-40 pop hits across three consecutive decades. EVERY KIND OF UH-OH is one more chapter in this long story of contributing to the American music canon. This time out, PEACOCK chose to lean into his earliest singer-songwriter influences, with his patented six degrees over-from-the-norm imagination.
TRACKLISTING FOR EVERY KIND OF UH-OH:
“Turtle in a Chinese Food Box”
“Stand in One Place Too Long”
“Get Yourself Some”
“Grace Wrapped in Thorns”
“The Only Remedy”
“Someone About to Get Sent”
“One Small Pebble”
“Less About When”
“Damnation”
“Forgive Me”
EVERY KIND OF UH-OH delves deep into PEACOCK’S literary, folky singer-songwriter and gospel roots to craft an Americana masterpiece. Assisting him in getting the feels just right on the album is a righteously creative cast of characters: Sam Ashworth and Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar), Aaron Sterling (drums), Brent Milligan, Scott Mulvahill, and Tommy Sims (electric bass, with Scott on upright bass too), Jerry McPherson (electric guitar), Andy Leftwich (fiddle), Eric Darken (percussion), Charlie McCoy (harmonica), and Dan Dugmore (pedal and lap steel). Joining PEACOCK on vocals are his daughter-in-law, singer-songwriter Ruby Amanfu, granddaughter Bridget Ashworth, Sara Groves, Sam Ashworth, Vicki Hampton, and Darwin Hobbs.
ABOUT CHARLIE PEACOCK:
Charlie Peacock is a multi-genre Billboard chart-topping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He is responsible for developing and producing the Americana-folk duo The Civil Wars and the bands Switchfoot and The Lone Bellow. Named by Billboard’s Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important producers in popular music history, Charlie has produced music for film and television, including A Walk to Remember, Chris Cornell’s “Misery Chain” from the soundtrack of 12 Years a Slave, and “Hush,” the title theme to the AMC drama Turn: Washington’s Spies, featuring Joy Williams and The National’s Matt Berninger. Charlie has released solo vocal and instrumental recordings in several genres, including jazz, singer-songwriter, and gospel. His songwriter credits include two multi-platinum evergreen songs, “Every Heartbeat” (Amy Grant) and “In the Light” (DC Talk). In addition to his GRAMMY wins, Charlie is a three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Association’s Producer of the Year award. Notably, Charlie’s songs and productions exceed 25 million sales. Wm. B. Eerdmans will publish his memoir, Roots & Rhythm, on February 4, 2025.
Today, Yacht Rock Revue—hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band”—delivers the first half of their original album, Escape Artist. Now streaming across DSPs, Disc 1 serves up smooth grooves and good vibes to close out the summer, as the band prepares for headlining shows following their final five performances with Train and REO Speedwagon.
Slated for release on Friday, November 29, the entire 21-song concept album (Disc 1 and Disc 2)—spanning four sides of vinyl—showcases Yacht Rock Revue’s evolution beyond being a mere tribute act. This ambitious collection blends the band’s distinct style with classic yacht rock vibes, capturing waves of emotion and paying homage to the vinyl era. It’s a sun-soaked journey back to the anthems of the ’70s and ’80s.
Escape Artist reflects the desire to escape modern society, using music as a tool to break free from the worries of daily life. “Look out into the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” explains Yacht Rock Revue’s lead vocalist Nicholas Niespodziani. “We see it every night on the road—an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s also the literal layer—I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nicholas continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism, sadness, fear, and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
The latest release from Yacht Rock Revue features a rich collection of singles that showcase their signature yacht rock sound. The August 9 release included a double single featuring “Waves” and “Sail On.” “Waves,” with its gentle synthesizers and steady bassline, features ethereal vocals from Kourtney Jackson, who navigates lyrics about life’s ebbs and flows. Meanwhile, “Sail On” offers a Caribbean-inspired melody and island ambiance, with Peter Olson delivering reflective lyrics about simple life lessons.
Prior to this, the band released “Lost In The Meantime” and “Steal Away” on July 12. Nicholas describes “Lost In The Meantime” as a tribute to the understated yet profound moments in relationships, while “Steal Away,” a cover of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 hit, has been praised by Dupree himself for its fresh and delightful take. The album also features the lead singles “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” which debuted on May 24. “Tropical Illusion,” co-written by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass and Nicholas Niespodziani, pays homage to Looking Glass’s classic “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
Elliot Lurie reflects on his collaboration with Yacht Rock Revue and their growing national presence: “I played my first gig with Yacht Rock Revue about 12 years ago,” he says. “Seeing them perform to a massive crowd was unforgettable. Co-writing ‘Tropical Illusion’ with Nick for their new album is a full-circle moment and a testament to their enduring appeal.”
ESCAPE ARTIST TRACK LISTING
Disc 1:
Escape Artist
Make You Miss Me
Separate Grooves
Waves
Reverse Sunset
Lost In The Meantime
Sail On
Steal Away (Robbie Dupree Cover)
Tropical Illusion (feat. Elliot Lurie)
Passengers
Disc 2:
Triangle of Combustion
Lonely For You
Inverse Sunrise
San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)
Things Look Different
Monkeys Always Swinging
Bad Decisions
Worse Decisions
Here For the Feeling
Four in the Morning
What A Year
The band has spent the summer redefining the limits of what a cover band can achieve, supporting Train and REO Speedwagon on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Yacht Rock Revue’s Nicholas Niespodziani and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin shared their enthusiasm for the tour. Additionally, Yacht Rock Revue offered an exclusive peek into life on the road with a candid tour diary for V13, while Music Connection featured the band with tips on “How to Be Original in a Cover Band.”
Beyond their summer-long tour, Yacht Rock Revue will close out the year headlining stages like NYC’s The Rooftop at Pier 17, Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ, Roadrunner in Boston, MA, and more. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her first-hand experience of Yacht Rock Revue’s liberating on-stage energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
YACHT ROCK REVUE TOUR DATES
DATE CITY / STATE VENUE
Friday, September 6 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre ^
Saturday, September 7 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre ^
Sunday, September 8 Inglewood, CA The Kia Forum ^
Tuesday, September 10 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
Wednesday, September 11 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^
Friday, September 20 New York City, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17 %
Saturday, September 21 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summer Stage %
Sunday, September 22 Boston, MA Roadrunner %
Friday, September 27 Indianapolis, IN Everwise Amphitheater at White River %
Saturday, October 5 Atlanta, GA Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park %
Saturday, November 9 Denver, CO The Mission Ballroom %
Friday, November 15 Niagara Falls, ON Fallsview Casino Resort %
Thursday, January 23 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts %
Wednesday, May 14 Charlotte, NC The Amp Ballantyne %
^ = with Train and REO Speedwagon
% = Headlining Show
American music luminary and preeminent master of the resophonic guitar, Jerry Douglas, is set to release his first album in seven years, The Set, this Friday, September 20th, via Nolivian Records. The 11-track album features five new compositions alongside six revitalized songs from Douglas’s storied catalog, showcasing his unmatched versatility and artistry. The Set will be available across all digital streaming platforms, as well as in physical formats including CDs and 180-gram vinyl.
The lead single from The Set, a breathtaking rendition of The Beatles’ classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” highlights Douglas’s iconic dobro playing, supported by his long-standing bandmates Daniel Kimbro (bass), Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle), and Mike Seal (guitar). This evocative cover breathes new life into the 1968 song, offering a deeply resonant and modern take on the timeless melody.
“I love how easy it was to play the song,” shares Douglas, a 30-time International Bluegrass Music Association Award recipient. “It gives you all the latitude you need to play the whole song from end to end, in different octaves. That melody always got me, but I never tried to play it before. And when I did, it was like, ‘Wow! Why haven’t I done this before?’”
WATCH/SHARE A PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF “WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS” BELOW:
On August 16th, Douglas released the album’s second single, “Something You Got,” a fresh take on the R&B classic written by Christopher Kenner. This track reimagines the 2012 collaboration between Douglas and Eric Clapton on Traveler, with Douglas taking the lead vocals. The revamped version offers a lighter, more upbeat feel, showcasing Douglas's stylistic range.
Relix Magazine praised the track: “Douglas embraces a lighter, increasingly upbeat tone, which helps establish the strength of the album’s sonic focal point as pure acoustic splendor.”
WATCH THE “SOMETHING YOU GOT” PERFORMANCE VIDEO BELOW:
For The Set, Douglas also tapped into the creative prowess of his bandmates, including Mike Seal’s “Renee,” Christian Sedelmyer’s “Deacon Waltz,” and Daniel Kimbro’s “Loyston.” The album includes their collaborative composition, “The Fifth Season,” a concerto commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation. Rounding out the collection are two instrumental pieces, “Pushed Too Far” and the fan-favorite encore, “Sir Aly B.”
“I’m proud of it. I’ve left no stone unturned,” says Douglas about the album. “I’ve been producing records for a long time, so I really put on that hat for this record. I feel like it’s really finished, and I’m very happy with the outcome.”
TRACK LISTING FOR THE SET:
Gone to Fortingall
Renee
What Might Have Been (featuring Aoife O’Donovan)
From Ankara to Izmir
Something You Got
Deacon Waltz
The Fifth Season
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Loyston
Pushed Too Far
Sir Aly B
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
Jerry Douglas will be supporting The Set with a series of live performances:
Thursday, September 19 – Nashville, TN – CMA Theatre at The Country Music Hall of Fame
Friday, September 20 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond
Saturday, September 21 – Hiltons, VA – Carter Family Fold
Sunday, September 22 – Hagerstown, MD – Live at Hub City Vinyl
Saturday, September 28 – Buena Vista, CO – Billy Strings' Renewal 2024
Sunday, October 6 – Eureka Springs, AR – Hillberry Music Festival
Monday, October 7 – St. Louis, MO – City Winery
Tuesday, October 8 – Chicago, IL – City Winery
Thursday, October 10 – Kent, OH – The Kent Stage
Friday, October 11 – Yellow Springs, OH – Foundry Theater
Saturday, October 12 – Livingston, KY – The Moonshiner's Ball
SIERRA HULL, the 2x GRAMMY-nominated and 6x International Bluegrass Music Association Award-winning artist, has announced her roots-laced rendition of “Black Muddy River” — which has been a recurring gem in her live set for years — will be released on Friday, September 27.
Originally released in 1987 by the legendary improvisational psychedelic rock group Grateful Dead, HULL’s version doubles down on earthy sonic tapestry and bluegrass-tinged musicianship. Fans can pre-order/pre-save the song here.
‘“Black Muddy River’ is the first song that really made me stop and truly appreciate the music of the Grateful Dead,” shares HULL. “There are so many Dead songs that folks cover and you kind of come to know a lot of them without even trying to some degree, but this beautiful song really made me pause and want to learn and sing it myself. It then led me to listen to the studio albums and explore and appreciate their music on a whole new level. ‘Black Muddy River’ has been one of my favorite songs to sing live for the past couple years and I’m so happy to have our own version recorded now.”
The eclectic artist released another re-creation last month (8/23), new wave group Tears for Fears’ “Mad World.” The release marked HULL’s first new release in four years. She had previously performed “Mad World” live for a Paste Session in 2022 which quickly took a viral spin, garnering over 2 million views. Considering the high demand for her rendition of the iconic song, HULL was inspired to go into the studio and put her unique musical fingerprint on it, which is streaming across all DSPs now.
SIERRA HULL is touring heavily throughout the remainder of the year with headline shows and festival appearances across the United States. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
On the heels of the release of his first album in seven years, The Set (September 20), JERRY DOUGLAS — the highly acclaimed and celebrated American music icon — will be inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame this Thursday, September 26.
Known as the preeminent master of the resophonic guitar, he’s earned 30 IBMA Awards, 16 GRAMMY Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards, 3 CMA “Musician of The Year” awards and received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Americana Music Association, among many other notable accolades. A renowned musician who’s credited on well over 2,000 songs, DOUGLAS is also an artist, band leader, producer, composer and a member of Alison Krauss and Union Station since 1998.
Reflecting on his nomination, DOUGLAS shared: “I joined the IBMA at its inception and have enjoyed the yearly experience of being with so many friends, old and new at each of these conventions and the many live shows that are spawned from its existence. This year the IBMA has given me the ultimate award, inducting me into the Hall of Fame, where some of my peers, heroes and the originators of Bluegrass Music reside. It’s hard to believe that I was just a kid leaning on the side stage rail listening to all the music I had dreamed about. Suddenly, I’m one of those musicians onstage playing to the kids leaning on the rails.
Thank you to all the voting members of the IBMA for these wonderful years of inspiration and enjoyment. I am humbled by your honors.”
Additionally, DOUGLAS just released his first new album in seven years, The Set, (September 20 via Nolivian Records), receiving widespread early praise. The Set finds the American music luminary showcasing five new offerings and six revitalized songs from his catalog. Available on all DSPs as well as in physical formats including CDs and 180-gram vinyl, DOUGLAS says he’s “proud of it. I’ve left no stone unturned.” Adding: “I’ve been producing records for a long time, so I really, really put on that hat for this record. Usually, I like instrumentalists to have free rein in whatever they do. It’s the way they speak. If anybody had an idea, we chased it down to the end. I feel like it’s really finished. I’m really happy with the outcome of this whole experience.”
The groundbreaking genre-bending group Gangstagrass has once again blazed a trail, as their latest album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, debuts at #1 on the Billboard “Bluegrass Albums” chart. This marks the group’s second time topping the chart, solidifying their role as pioneers who have redefined the boundaries of bluegrass and hip-hop. Widely recognized as a “hip-hop group,” this new achievement reinforces their ability to transcend musical genres, with The New York Times declaring, “This is the music America needs.”
Producer and vocalist Rench reflects on the significance of this achievement, stating, “We deal with plenty of skepticism about our bluegrass cred, our authenticity, and whether we even count as bluegrass. Topping the bluegrass charts is a statement. Collaborating with legends like Jerry Douglas, performing with Dan Tyminski at IBMA, and now, with another #1 charting album, the skeptics don’t have a leg to stand on. We belong here, and our incredible fans and collaborators continue to prove that.”
MC and vocalist Dolio the Sleuth shares his gratitude for the fans: “This is incredible! A huge thanks to everyone who contributed—whether you bought, streamed, or came to a show. We appreciate every bit of support. Come holler at us when we’re in your town!”
Co-producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, who worked on “Good at Being Bad,” added, “Wow! My first number-one bluegrass record! I never imagined this happening in this genre. It’s a surreal, full-circle moment for Royal Studios, where we aim to have an impact across all genres.”
Released on June 14, 2024, The Blackest Thing on the Menu serves up 10 tracks of fiery fusion, blending the soulful roots of bluegrass with the powerful beats of hip-hop. As No Depression noted, “While 2024 may be the year of ‘Cowboy Carter,’ Gangstagrass has been pioneering the junction of country and rap since 2007.”
This latest album marks the band’s seventh full-length release, continuing their decade-long journey of breaking barriers and earning global acclaim. Their seamless fusion of banjos, fiddles, and hip-hop beats has garnered praise from The New York Times, Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, and Vice, among others, with national features on PBS.
Critical Acclaim for The Blackest Thing on the Menu:
“Gangstagrass is certainly among the most engaging and provocative acts in and around bluegrass music. It may be jarring at first, but their skillful mashup of bluegrass and hip-hop works on both levels.” — John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
“Melding bluegrass and hip-hop, urban and rural, fiddles and rhymes, Gangstagrass creates something that sounds like a completely new genre.” — Chris Griffy, No Depression
“This isn’t just about combining genres. Gangstagrass does it with such sharp musical chops and fire-spitting flows that their appeal crosses all boundaries.” — Glide Magazine
“The world’s foremost outfit combining bluegrass with rap, hip-hop, and more… Gangstagrass continues to prove their brilliance.” — Bluegrass Situation
Album Inspiration:
The title, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, originated from a joke made over dinner in MC Dolio the Sleuth’s hometown. While the joke initially referred to blackened shrimp and grits, the title evolved into a statement on race and country music’s history. “We’re often the only Black representation at bluegrass and folk festivals,” says Rench. “We realized we’re the spiciest thing on the menu, and this album brings the heat.”
Track Listing:
The Only Way Out Is Through (feat. Jerry Douglas)
Good at Being Bad
Up High Do or Die (feat. LowDown Brass Band)
Gone Gone
Mother (feat. Reef the Lost Cauze)
Obligatory Braggadocio
Avenue Boy
Palette
It’s Alive (feat. Saul Paul)
Sankofa
Catch Gangstagrass Live:
September 27 – St. Louis, MO – Cultural Week of Action
September 30 – Asheville, NC – Bluegrass Hip-Hop Fundraiser
October 2 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
October 5 – Lynchburg, VA – Academy Center of the Arts
Today, SIERRA HULL — the 2x GRAMMY-nominated and 6x International Bluegrass Music Association Award-winning artist — has released her roots-laced rendition of “Black Muddy River” — which has been a recurring gem in her live set for years. Originally released in 1987 by the legendary improvisational psychedelic rock group Grateful Dead, HULL’s version doubles down on earthy sonic tapestry and bluegrass-tinged musicianship.
Relix supported the song, raving: “For Hull’s interpretation, ‘Black Muddy River’ finds a home in the roots ether, percolating an underlining current of the folk tradition while flexing her puissant bluegrass-lean. Performed at a gentler pace than the Dead’s original, the song channels the essence of a lullaby, swaddling the listener in acoustic instrumentals that marry the songbird’s heartfelt, introspective take on the Robert Hunter-penned lyrics, harmoniously dispatched in retro-spirit.”
‘“Black Muddy River’ is the first song that really made me stop and truly appreciate the music of the Grateful Dead,” shares HULL. “There are so many Dead songs that folks cover and you kind of come to know a lot of them without even trying to some degree, but this beautiful song really made me pause and want to learn and sing it myself. It then led me to listen to the studio albums and explore and appreciate their music on a whole new level. ‘Black Muddy River’ has been one of my favorite songs to sing live for the past couple years and I’m so happy to have our own version recorded now.”
The eclectic artist released another re-creation last month (8/23), new wave group Tears for Fears’ “Mad World.” The release marked HULL’s first new release in four years. She had previously performed “Mad World” live for a Paste Session in 2022 which quickly took a viral spin, garnering over 2 million views. Considering the high demand for her rendition of the iconic song, HULL was inspired to go into the studio and put her unique musical fingerprint on it, which is streaming across all DSPs now.
SIERRA HULL is touring heavily throughout the remainder of the year with headline shows and festival appearances across the United States. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Today, Yacht Rock Revue, dubbed the “world’s premier soft-rock party band” by Rolling Stone, delivers “San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight).” The groovy new single offers a first glimpse into Disc 2 of their ambitious 21-track concept album Escape Artist, set to drop on Friday, November 29.
“‘San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)’ is the party track on Escape Artist,” shares Yacht Rock Revue’s lead vocalist Nicholas Niespodziani. “The ‘San Junipero’ episode from Black Mirror, Season 4 is my favorite TV episode ever and (spoiler alert) it’s about people transferring their consciousness into a virtual world for eternity after they die. They live the same night over and over, but it’s a perfectly awesome night in 1980s California. It made me cry… so melancholy yet life affirming, raising questions without providing all the answers. It did all the things I wanted to do in my art.”
“I wanted to paint a picture of that virtual world in this song, and the ‘80s vibe of our music hits it,” continues Nick. “The song’s 3 distinct musical sections were written by three different writers in the band — Monkeyboy, Nackers and me. When I put them together, I found the central phrase ‘Every Night Like Tonight’ and I knew what the song was about.”
“It took several days to perfect the pulsing synth vibe on ‘San Junipero,’” concludes Nick. “That’s not software, it’s old-school MIDI programming through the Chroma Polaris synth. Once I finally got it working, I was able to mess with the filters as the MIDI played through the synth to create the constantly modulating vibe on the final track.”
On Friday, September 6, the band unveiled the first half of Escape Artist, now streaming on all major platforms. Disc 1 brings smooth grooves and laid-back vibes, the perfect soundtrack to wrap up the summer. As the season winds down, Yacht Rock Revue is gearing up for a handful of headlining shows after recently wrapping up the 45-city tour with Train and REO Speedwagon.
The band has spent their summer redefining the limits of what a cover band can achieve on the tour with Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Yacht Rock Revue’s Nicholas Niespodziani and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin shared their enthusiasm for the tour. Additionally, Yacht Rock Revue offered an exclusive peek into life on the road with a candid tour diary for V13, while Music Connection featured the band with tips on “How to Be Original in a Cover Band.”
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her first-hand experience of Yacht Rock Revue’s liberating on-stage energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
The entire 21-song concept album (Disc 1 and Disc 2) — spanning four sides of vinyl — showcases Yacht Rock Revue’s evolution beyond a mere tribute act. This ambitious collection blends the band’s distinct style with the classic yacht rock vibe, capturing waves of emotion and paying homage to the vinyl era. It’s a sun-soaked journey back to the anthems of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Escape Artist captures the desire to escape modern society, using music as a primary tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” Nick explains. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nick continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
The new project from Yacht Rock Revue features a rich collection of singles showcasing their signature yacht rock sound. The August 9 release included the double single featuring “Waves” and “Sail On.” “Waves,” with its gentle synthesizers and steady bassline, features ethereal vocals from Kourtney Jackson that navigate lyrics about life’s ebbs and flows. Meanwhile, “Sail On” offers a Caribbean-inspired melody and island ambiance, with Peter Olson delivering reflective lyrics about simple life lessons.
Prior to this, the band released “Lost In The Meantime” and “Steal Away” on July 12. Nick describes “Lost In The Meantime” as a tribute to the understated yet profound moments in relationships, while “Steal Away,” a cover of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 hit, has been praised by Dupree himself for its fresh and delightful take. The album also features lead singles, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” which debuted on May 24. “Tropical Illusion,” co-written by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass and Nicholas Niespodziani, pays homage to Looking Glass’s classic “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
Elliot Lurie, reflecting on his collaboration with Yacht Rock Revue, recalls his first experience with the band and their growing national presence. “I played my first gig with Yacht Rock Revue about 12 years ago,” he says. “Seeing them perform to a massive crowd was unforgettable. Co-writing ‘Tropical Illusion’ with Nick for their new album is a full-circle moment and a testament to their enduring appeal.”
Today, the supercollab rock ensemble THIS WILD DARKNESS releases "The Wild Darkness," the second single from their forthcoming five-track concept EP, The Notorious Memphis Rains, set to drop on October 25. Fans can also look forward to a limited-edition vinyl version accompanying the digital release.
Featuring Scotti Hill of Skid Row fame, known for his heavy metal expertise, the track sees Hill trading his shredding skills for evocative slide guitar melodies that echo the ambiance of classic Western cinema. "The Wild Darkness" places the EP's main character, Memphis Rains, at a critical juncture, with lead vocalist Tommy Marz conveying the character's internal dilemmas through powerful vocals. The song artfully blends intricate guitar work, contrasting gentle acoustics with sharp electric riffs.
"I couldn't have been more flattered when Tommy asked me to contribute to this record and project," shares Scotti Hill. "It's been so much fun!"
United by a moment of musical brilliance, THIS WILD DARKNESS—helmed by musical alchemist Tommy Marz—is a collective born from the sheer joy of creation. The group brings together legendary musicians from diverse backgrounds to craft something both poignant and dynamic. The lineup boasts talents like Arion Salazar (Third Eye Blind), Chuck Bartels (Sturgill Simpson), Jack Hues (Wang Chung), Jeff Schroeder (The Smashing Pumpkins), Scotti Hill (Skid Row), and Slim Gambill (Lady A), all contributing their vast experiences to this powerful EP.
Debuting on September 18 with support from Guitar World, the EP's lead single "Dawn Rider" offered the first glimpse into the narrative of Memphis Rains. The track features a mesmerizing guitar solo from longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder.
"'Dawn Rider' represents the journey and realization of Memphis's actions and mistakes. It's him trying to make a run for it, uncertain if escape is possible," explains Tommy Marz.
The project's title hints at the profound themes explored within, drawing inspiration from the historic tragedies of Memphis, TN, and West Memphis, AR. Events like the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the passing of Elvis Presley, and the haunting story of the West Memphis Three served as a foundation for Marz in crafting the character "Memphis Rains," symbolizing the collective sorrow of these moments.
"The entirety of this project is a concept based on searching for something you desire and being willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it," says Tommy Marz, who also produced the EP. "It also delves into the unforeseen consequences of those actions during the pursuit."
The collaboration's roots trace back to a 2021 charity show, "For The Crew," covered by Rolling Stone, Guitar World, and others, aiming to raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Jeff Schroeder, Scotti Hill, and Tommy Marz concluded the event with an electrifying jam of KISS's "Cold Gin." The show, which raised over $15,000 for road crew members affected by the pandemic, also highlighted collaborations between Schroeder and Salazar, as well as Hues and Marz. These connections laid the groundwork for a group that would reunite and create together in the years following. Marz and Schroeder have since collaborated on multiple tracks, achieving four entries on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Mainstream Radio Airplay and Digital Sales charts.
"Tommy made it easy to be relaxed and creative," reflects Chuck Bartels on the collaborative process. "I felt like nothing was off the table, part-wise." Nashville-based guitarist Slim Gambill, known for his work with Lady A, adds with enthusiasm, "Finally! I get a rock track sent to me where I get to take the gloves off!"
Yacht Rock Revue, dubbed the “world’s premier soft-rock party band” by Rolling Stone, delivers their final single “Bad Decisions.” The track will lead into the arrival of their ambitious 21-track concept album Escape Artist, with Disc 2 of the project dropping Friday, November 29.
“Bad Decisions” kicks off with a slinky bassline dripping in groove, tight and rhythmic, locking in with crisp snare hits and a punchy guitar riff. As the groove unfolds, it starts to shimmer with David Bowie-esque glam, weaving in spacey synths and a haunting, atmospheric vocal delivery. The chorus swells with cosmic energy, a blend of swagger and psychedelia, echoing Bowie’s experimental flair from his Young Americans era. It’s a soul-charged, otherworldly ride that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, where funk meets glam rock in a seamless, stylish collision.
“‘Bad Decisions’ is about behaving badly to get noticed, but not actually getting noticed,” shares Yacht Rock Revue’s lead vocalist Nicholas Niespodziani. “If there really aren’t ANY consequences, why even try to be good? Everyone gives in to that fuck-it mentality sometimes. Some of us give in daily. This song goes out to the Patrick Bateman devil on your shoulder.”
Nick continues, “I tried to use that grimy synth pulse as a counterweight to the retro smooth chords that get almost old-timey in places. I wanted to keep the lyrics simple and honest, and I felt like I learned something about myself as the song unfolded.”
On Friday, September 6, the band unveiled the first half (Disc 1) of Escape Artist. The entire 21-song concept album (Disc 1 and Disc 2) — spanning four sides of vinyl — showcases Yacht Rock Revue’s evolution beyond a mere tribute act. This pioneering collection blends the band’s distinct style with the classic yacht rock vibe, capturing waves of emotion and paying homage to the vinyl era. It’s a sun-soaked journey back to the anthems of the ‘70s and ‘80s. As the summer season comes to an end, Yacht Rock Revue is gearing up for a handful of headlining shows after wrapping up the 45-city tour with Train and REO Speedwagon.
The band spent their summer redefining the limits of what a cover band can achieve on the tour with Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Yacht Rock Revue’s Nicholas Niespodziani and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin shared their enthusiasm for the tour. Additionally, Yacht Rock Revue offered an exclusive peek into life on the road with a candid tour diary for V13, while Music Connection featured the band with tips on “How to Be Original in a Cover Band.”
Reporting her first-hand experience of Yacht Rock Revue’s liberating on-stage energy, Sarah Bahr of The New York Times observed fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
The forthcoming collection, Escape Artist, captures the desire to escape modern society, using music as a primary tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” Nick explains. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nick continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
The new project from Yacht Rock Revue features a rich collection of singles showcasing their signature yacht rock sound. Prior to “Bad Decisions,” the band delivered the groovy “San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)” on October 4. The August 9 release included the double single featuring “Waves” and “Sail On.” “Waves,” with its gentle synthesizers and steady bassline, features ethereal vocals from Kourtney Jackson that navigate lyrics about life’s ebbs and flows. Meanwhile, “Sail On” offers a Caribbean-inspired melody and island ambiance, with Peter Olson delivering reflective lyrics about simple life lessons.
The band released “Lost In The Meantime” and “Steal Away” on July 12. Nick describes “Lost In The Meantime” as a tribute to the understated yet profound moments in relationships, while “Steal Away,” a cover of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 hit, has been praised by Dupree himself for its fresh and delightful take. The album also features lead singles, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” which debuted on May 24. “Tropical Illusion,” co-written by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass and Nicholas Niespodziani, pays homage to Looking Glass’s classic “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
Today, Yacht Rock Revue, dubbed the “world’s premier soft-rock party band” by Rolling Stone, delivered Disc 2 of their ambitious 21-track concept album Escape Artist. Now fully released across four sides of vinyl, the project highlights Yacht Rock Revue’s evolution into something far greater than a tribute act.
STREAM ESCAPE ARTIST HERE. PURCHASE THE ESCAPE ARTIST VINYL HERE.
Disc 1 of the project was released on September 6, offering a glimpse into this pioneering collection. The album blends the band’s distinct style with the classic yacht rock vibe, capturing waves of emotion and paying homage to the vinyl era. It’s a sun-soaked journey back to the anthems of the ’70s and ’80s.
Escape Artist explores the desire to escape modern society, using music as a tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” explains Yacht Rock Revue’s lead vocalist, Nicholas Niespodziani. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nicholas continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The Escape Artist song lyrics tell that story.”
Jed Gottlieb of The Boston Herald praised, “Yacht Rock Revue excels at escapism. If you want to steal away into the night or are in need of a cool change, Yacht Rock Revue is your band. But the members of the group aren’t just the world’s greatest AM gold and Top 40 band; they are artists… The album’s song titles evoke classic yacht themes… The lyrics have an introspection, an existentialism… The arrangements and production have as much in common with indie acts Animal Collective and the Flaming Lips as Boz Scaggs (so dreamy, so shimmery)… That incongruous mix of pop and angst pushes Escape Artist to be a great album.”
Above: Yacht Rock Revue; Credit: Perry Julien Photography
The latest release from Yacht Rock Revue features a rich collection of singles showcasing their signature yacht rock sound. Previous single “Bad Decisions” (released November 1) kicks off with a slinky bassline dripping in groove, tight and rhythmic, locking in with crisp snare hits and a punchy guitar riff. As the groove unfolds, it starts to shimmer with David Bowie-esque glam, weaving in spacey synths and a haunting, atmospheric vocal delivery. Preceding “Bad Decisions,” the band delivered the groovy “San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)” on October 4.
The August 9 release included a double single featuring “Waves” and “Sail On.” “Waves,” with its gentle synthesizers and steady bassline, features ethereal vocals from Kourtney Jackson that navigate lyrics about life’s ebbs and flows. Meanwhile, “Sail On” offers a Caribbean-inspired melody and island ambiance, with Peter Olson delivering reflective lyrics about simple life lessons.
Prior to this, the band released “Lost in the Meantime” and “Steal Away” on July 12. Nicholas describes “Lost in the Meantime” as a tribute to the understated yet profound moments in relationships, while “Steal Away,” a cover of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 hit, has been praised by Dupree himself for its fresh and delightful take. The album also features the lead singles “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers,” which debuted on May 24, landing the band the cover of Spotify’s Yacht Rock Revival playlist. “Tropical Illusion,” co-written by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass and Nicholas Niespodziani, pays homage to Looking Glass’s classic “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).”
ESCAPE ARTIST TRACK LISTING:
DISC 1:
Escape Artist
Make You Miss Me
Separate Grooves
Waves
Reverse Sunset
Lost in the Meantime
Sail On
Steal Away (Robbie Dupree Cover)
Tropical Illusion (feat. Elliot Lurie)
Passengers
DISC 2:
Triangle of Combustion
Lonely for You
Inverse Sunrise
San Junipero (Every Night Like Tonight)
Things Look Different
Monkeys Always Swinging
Bad Decisions
Worse Decisions
Here for the Feeling
Four in the Morning
What a Year
The band spent the summer redefining the limits of what a cover band can achieve during their 45-city tour with Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support on the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Yacht Rock Revue’s Nicholas Niespodziani and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin shared their enthusiasm for the tour. Additionally, Yacht Rock Revue offered an exclusive peek into life on the road with a candid tour diary for V13, while Music Connection featured the band with tips on “How to Be Original in a Cover Band.”
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her first-hand experience of Yacht Rock Revue’s liberating on-stage energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
Looking ahead, Yacht Rock Revue is gearing up for a handful of headlining shows after wrapping up the 2024 tour with Train and REO Speedwagon. The group will join Train once again on the high seas in 2025, performing aboard the sold-out Sail Across the Sun cruise from February 13–17 — marking their latest return to this beloved lineup.
Dobro virtuoso and celebrated bluegrass musician JERRY DOUGLAS has unveiled the official music video for “The Fifth Season.” Featuring a remarkable collaboration with his band, the piece is a concerto commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation. The track appears on The Set, his first album in seven years, released via Nolivian Records on September 20.
Originally revealed exclusively via American Songwriter, the “musical puzzle” studio performance video—shot on Nashville’s historic Music Row by Joshua Britt and Neilson Hubbard for Neighborhoods Apart—showcases DOUGLAS’s virtuosic playing. Spanning over 10 captivating minutes, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “The Fifth Season,” blending artistry and technical brilliance into a mesmerizing experience.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “THE FIFTH SEASON” BELOW:
After a landmark 2024 that included his induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, the resophonic guitar master continues to cement his legacy. A 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, bandleader, producer, composer, and a core member of Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1998, DOUGLAS boasts an unparalleled career. In 2025, he will reunite with Alison Krauss & Union Station for their first North American tour in a decade—a massive 73-date journey spanning coast to coast.
The Set finds the American music luminary delivering five new offerings and six revitalized songs from his catalog. Available on all DSPs as well as in physical formats (including CDs and 180-gram vinyl), DOUGLAS says he’s “proud of it. I’ve left no stone unturned.” He adds, “I’ve been producing records for a long time, so I really, really put on that hat for this record. Usually, I like instrumentalists to have free rein in whatever they do—it’s the way they speak. If anybody had an idea, we chased it down to the end. I feel like it’s really finished. I’m really happy with the outcome of this whole experience.”
The lead single from The Set, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” features The Jerry Douglas Band delivering a poignant rendition of the Beatles’ 1968 classic. With DOUGLAS on dobro, Daniel Kimbro on bass, Christian Sedelmyer on fiddle, and Mike Seal on guitar, the group breathes new life into this timeless track. Another highlight is the sophomore single, “Something You Got.” Originally written and performed by R&B artist Christopher Kenner in 1961, this fresh interpretation reimagines DOUGLAS’s 2012 collaboration with Eric Clapton on Traveler, now with DOUGLAS taking lead vocals. Lighter and more upbeat, this revamped version stands out among the many gems on The Set.
TRACK LISTING FOR THE SET:
“Gone to Fortingall”
“Renee”
“What Might Have Been” (featuring Aoife O’Donovan)
“From Ankara to Ismir”
“Something You Got”
“Deacon Waltz”
“The Fifth Season”
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
“Loyston”
“Pushed Too Far”
“Sir Aly B”
Eighty years ago, on January 27, 1945, the survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau stepped out of their living nightmare for the first time, marking the camp’s liberation and a turning point in the Holocaust’s tragic history. To honor this anniversary, The Daniel Pelton Collective, in collaboration with Calgary’s National Music Centre, will release Violins of Hope on January 27, 2025. This powerful collection of three compositions captures the profound experiences of the Holocaust, serving as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed and a call to ensure they are never forgotten.
WATCH THE VIOLINS OF HOPE TRAILER (VIA THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE) BELOW:
Created and conceived by award-winning saxophonist and composer Daniel Pelton, Violins of Hope serves as a stark reminder of the experiences of the Jewish people and other victims of the Holocaust. The Daniel Pelton Collective recorded the project using instruments from the “Violins of Hope” collection brought to the National Music Centre by Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein—historical violins that once belonged to Holocaust survivors, were discovered in concentration camps, or were left behind by those who could no longer carry them.
“Working with these instruments was incredibly humbling,” Daniel shares. “Most of the instruments in the collection have incredibly detailed histories attached to them, which were fascinating from a historical perspective, but also emotionally heavy. It could be very hard to keep your head up when confronted with the horror these instruments had witnessed. But it was also incredibly motivating to be a part of their stories and to hopefully contribute to the vision of the collection, and maybe make their previous owners proud.”
Opening the collection is “Klezmer Dances II,” a string quartet that takes its inspiration from Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 in C-sharp minor, a somber response to the firebombing of Dresden during World War II. Pelton’s composition captures the intensity and drama of war, then contrasts it with the joy and vitality of Jewish Klezmer folk music. Traditionally played at celebratory events like weddings, the use of Klezmer motifs serves as a tribute to the humanity of the instruments’ original owners, honoring their lives and legacies beyond the suffering they endured.
Inspired by Heather Morris’s The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Daniel Pelton felt a profound connection to his Jewish heritage and a calling to honor those who came before him. Moved by the story of real-life victims Lale Sokolov and Gita Furman, he transformed their concentration camp tattoo numbers into musical pitches using their 12-tone counterparts on an A-minor blues scale. This process gave rise to the centerpiece of the project, “34902-32407,” where the numbers became hauntingly evocative progressions: Eb–E–A–C–D and Eb–D–E–C–G. By finding layers of meaning within the numbers, Pelton uncovered a thread of beauty within the unimaginable horrors those tattoos represent.
“Given the profound relationship between the real-life characters in the novel, the musical relationship of their tattoos seemed too profound to ignore,” Daniel explains. “The purpose of this piece is to find expression in these numbers/musical motives—an attempt to reclaim the humanity of those who bore the tattoos. The Nazis gave their prisoners these tattoos to dehumanize them, reducing them to a series of easily discarded numbers. I hope to show that even these numbers have a range of emotions and expressions—good and bad, beautiful and chaotic, fun and frightening—nobody can be reduced to one thing.”
“34902-32407” spans 11 minutes of genre-blending exploration, delving deeply into the emotional spectrum and the complexities of the human condition. Pelton built the piece around six notes derived from his tattoo-inspired translation, pushing the boundaries of how far those notes could carry the narrative. Trumpeter Jon Day takes a standout solo, breaking free from the six-note pitch set to embody the sense of liberation that defined the jazz movement of the 20th century, a powerful metaphor for freedom and resilience.
“I imagine Dizzy Gillespie performing in America while the Nazis punished people for listening to his records. Or Coco Schumann, who was forced to play swing music for his Nazi captors in the Theresienstadt camp,” Daniel says. “The solo has a melancholic echo, a yearning for something more, and a hope that peace will come.”
To conclude the collection, Daniel reimagines Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom” as a tribute to the hope and resilience within the Jewish story, highlighting the light that endures amidst the shadow of its past. “To me, it represents the literal freedom of the survivors once the camps were liberated, as well as the more figurative freedoms with regard to jazz and improvisation,” Daniel explains. The composition opens with strings performing the hopeful hymn, gradually evolving into a New Orleans–style group solo that captures the wild energy and exuberance of newfound freedom. It serves as a moment for the instruments to experience light, despite the weight of their history.
VIOLINS OF HOPE TRACKLISTING
“Klezmer Dances II”
“34902-32407”
“Hymn to Freedom”
“I want listeners to imagine the joy of getting your freedom back after it was taken from you, and the duty we have to enjoy ours and do everything we can to maintain it,” Daniel says. “I hope that the instruments enjoyed their time being played in this piece that only acknowledges the light and leaves the darkness behind.”
As time passes, memories begin to fade, and the stories of survivors become less heard. It’s all too easy to forget or downplay what happened, but the persistent rise of antisemitism proves that history’s lessons are often ignored. The instruments in the “Violins of Hope” collection offer a tangible link to the past, serving as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences when hate prevails.
Daniel concludes: “Releasing this album on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is not only a tribute to the victims of the most horrific genocide in history, but also a powerful reminder. We say ‘never forget’ not only to honor the dead, but to warn the living. Eighty years is not a long time. We are not at all different from the people in Germany who became Nazis, or the people who suffered under them. Not repeating their actions is a choice we have to make actively and repeatedly; otherwise, we aren’t counting away from the last horrors, but toward the next ones.”
ABOUT DANIEL PELTON
Daniel Pelton, an award-winning saxophonist and composer, was born in Tokyo and raised in Calgary, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Calgary, he draws inspiration from Frank Zappa, blending boundary-pushing creativity with audience connection. His innovative projects include serving as Composer in Residence at the Calgary Public Library, participating in the Violins of Hope residency, and leading the University of Calgary Jazz Orchestra.
Recognized across genres, Daniel’s work has earned international accolades, including second prize in the Caneres International Music Competition and a Best Independent Canadian Music Video award. His debut album, The Gold Coin Sessions, was recorded during the pandemic, financed by selling a family heirloom. Through determination and collaboration, Daniel Pelton continues to redefine modern music with meaningful, genre-defying artistry.
DAVE STEWART — the highly acclaimed Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriter Hall of Famer, Eurythmics co-founder, producer and renowned songwriter — has announced DAVE DOES DYLAN. Set as a limited-edition vinyl release for Record Store Day, the 14-song homage to Bob Dylan will be available at indie record stores on Saturday, April 12 via Surfdog Records.
The spirit and sonic foundation of DAVE DOES DYLAN is built with live takes, pure and unedited. Featuring just Dave Stewart on vocals and guitars recorded in one take, the album finds him performing inspired renditions of Dylan’s songs — all of which he has adored since an early age.
DAVE STEWART is also set to tape an episode of “Recorded Live at Analog” on March 22 at Analog inside The Hutton Hotel in Nashville. He’ll perform songs from DAVE DOES DYLAN with the addition of strings, pedal steel guitar, and keys. The show will air on PBS in July (exact date TBA). Tickets to attend the taping are available here.
BOB DYLAN HAS SAID: “Captain Dave is a dreamer and a fearless innovator, a visionary of high order, very delicately tractable on the surface but beneath that, he’s a slamming, thumping, battering ram, very mystical but rational and sensitive when it comes to the hot irons of art forms. An explosive musician, deft guitar player, innately recognizes the genius in other people and puts it into play without being manipulative. With him, there’s mercifully no reality to yesterday. He is incredibly gracious and soulful, can command the ship and steer the course, dragger, trawler or man of war, Captain Dave.”
DAVE STEWART SHARES: “When I was first learning the guitar, I was about 14 or 15 years old — which would’ve been like 1964 or ’65. I was insistent on getting into folk clubs, but I looked about 12 years old, so they kept me out for a while. Then one chap, Mick Elliot, took pity and allowed me to play at The George & Dragon which became the center of the folk music scene in my hometown, Sunderland N.E. England, in the 1960’s. It was like stepping into a sacred room where visionaries and rebels converged — actually, it was simply a room upstairs in a pub full of older folk singers, beer, whisky and cigarette smoke everywhere. I was allowed to sing two songs, so I would play Bob Dylan songs from his albums that my brother had left behind when he went to college.
The audience was always a bit shocked that this kid, who looked so young, was singing these lyrics — especially in that kind of folk club. It was mostly old folk music that was being played from the local area about the coal mines and about the shipyards, which I loved too…and Dylan would have loved also. I started to sing and play these Dylan songs anywhere I could; in other folk clubs, even on the street all over the north east of England. From then on, I got every Bob Dylan album — and still do to this day — on Vinyl and in every possible variation.
One day in 1985, I received a phone call from Bob Dylan while I was in the studio in Los Angeles. At first, I thought it was my friend joking when the receptionist said ‘Bob Dylan on the phone for you,’ but I could tell as soon as he spoke, it was Bob. We met up that night and we talked about everything; films, music, life, etc… and we ended up in a great Mexican place in South L.A.
He knew everybody and he said, ‘hey, why don’t we make a video tomorrow or the next day?’ It was already two in the morning, but I agreed and I helped make various videos with him during which we became great friends. Years later, I filmed “Blood In My Eyes,” which is a video I shot on two 8mm cameras — just the two of us walking around Camden town.
I’ve played on stage with Bob in London, L.A. and Tokyo, and I find conversations with him — whether on the phone or when we’re together — really relaxed and easy. As you can imagine, he is full of great observations and wisdom, all wrapped up in a poetic language. I’m so, so grateful for getting to know him personally and to now record this album of songs after years of singing them to friends and to myself. It's been a long road and these lyrics and melodies have kept me company through the best and the worst of times. I hope my album can do the same for Dylan fans out there—who understand the mastery and the mystery Bob has bestowed on us, and still does to this day.”
Effy Harvard, the Texas-based country artist with an old soul, is set to captivate listeners once again with her emotionally charged new single, “Without You Loving Me,” released today. Cowgirl Magazine exclusively announced the release of the single, applauding Effy Harvard for her “soulful voice, authentic storytelling, and unwavering passion,” and noting that she is “breathing new life into honky-tonk while staying true to its roots.”
Following her debut single, “Her Boots,” a cheeky revenge anthem that captured the sass and swagger of honky-tonk with a feminist twist, Effy’s latest track, “Without You Loving Me” is a poignant reflection on the pain of unrequited love and the heartache that comes with being overlooked by someone who doesn’t return your feelings. This powerful dose of classic country heartbreak song, which blends Effy’s signature blend of vintage honky-tonk style with a modern, raw edge, tells the story of a teenage girl grappling with the ache of a first love that was never truly hers. Demonstrating her versatility as a singer-songwriter, she effortlessly navigates the full spectrum of human emotions — from heartbreak to resilience — solidifying her reputation as an emotionally authentic and multifaceted talent.
“I wrote ‘Without You Loving Me’ for my teenage self — the girl who felt the ache of a first heartbreak over someone who wasn’t even mine,” Effy shares. “My humor and laid-back personality weren’t enough to win him over, and you can hear that frustration throughout the song. I even waited for my mom to leave town so I could dye my hair darker — his preferred type — in one last attempt to catch his attention. Alas, no dice.”
Born in Texas and now based in Austin, Effy fuses an old-fashioned style with the emotional depth of ‘60s and ‘70s folk and rock, all while maintaining a modern attitude. The result is a unique, timeless sound for a new generation, embodying the fire and grit of a true country firebrand. Drawing inspiration from legends like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Chuck Berry, and Sam Cooke, she brings their influence into the present with her own distinct voice. Whether delivering a tear-in-your-beer waltz or a rollicking honky-tonk shuffle, she proves that real country music never goes out of style.
Effy’s music has always been rooted in authenticity, with lyrics that draw from her own life experiences — everything from bizarre dating tales to the pain of losing loved ones. With 29 addresses in her past and countless life lessons, Effy’s songwriting is as much about self-discovery as it is about creating space for others to reflect and heal. “Music has always been a way for me to work through my feelings, and if my songs can create that same space for others, then I am fulfilling my purpose,” she notes.
“Without You Loving Me” is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of love lost, a sentiment Effy expresses through every note and lyric. Whether you’re dancing in a honky-tonk or crying into your drink, Effy Harvard’s music creates a space for connection, healing, and reflection. As she moves forward, Effy hopes her songs will serve as a soundtrack to others’ lives, just as music has shaped hers.
Today, soulful, jam-infused American rock band NETHER HOUR releases their highly-anticipated eight-track album MOONSHINE, via Nether Family Records. A relentless melting pot of sound, the band fuses Louisiana’s swampy grooves with Texas-sized doses of funk, blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll — a signature blend showcased throughout MOONSHINE. Every song sounds like it was recorded at the end of a long night — half drunk, fully alive, and teetering between revelation and complete obliteration. So, pour yourself something strong, turn the dial up, and let MOONSHINE take the wheel. Just don’t expect it to take you anywhere safe.
NETHER HOUR has been making serious noise, turning every backroad juke joint into a full-blown musical revival. The Austin-bred, tequila-baptized crew from Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi has bottled its madness into NETHER HOUR, a band soaked in sin, sweat, and the ghosts of every dive bar in Austin. Front man Bobby delivers gritty vocals and razor-sharp guitar riffs, while Bishop unleashes searing lead guitar and mandolin work, with Bercy laying down bass lines that slam right into your gut. With a cosmic twist of fate involving JaRon Marshall of the Black Pumas and 2018’s SXSW, Bobby, Bishop and Bercy, have been carving out a niche in Austin’s music scene, including a stint as the Kill Tony after-party band for over a year.
In conjunction with the album’s release, the band is spotlighting its focus track, “Moonstruck.” “I wrote ‘Moonstruck’ at 18 while in rehab, inspired by a dream of a haunting ‘snow globe’ with ashes falling and a monster at its center,” shares Bobby. “The melody came from that vision and became the song’s main riff. From there, I shaped it into a werewolf-tinged Beauty and the Beast tale about love’s darker side — rooted in my own family’s tragedy. It’s the wordiest Nether Hour song yet, so I hope listeners really take in the lyrics. Love can drive us mad, and I just wanted to write a pretty song about it — one that took over a decade to complete. Hope you all enjoy it.”
The album’s rollout began with lead single “Long As I Ain’t Alone” on November 1, followed by “Look My Way” on December 13 — premiering exclusively with American Songwriter — and the most recent release, “Sex Ed,” which dropped on February 13.
CATCH NETHER HOUR LIVE
Friday, March 28 – Austin, TX – Sagebrush
Thursday, April 3 – Lafayette, LA – Rock'n'Bowl %
Friday, April 4 – New Orleans, LA – Hogs for a Cause Festival
Saturday, April 5 – Atlanta, GA – Mental Awakening Festival
Thursday, April 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse
Friday, April 11 – Charleston, SC – The Pour House
Saturday, April 26 – Denver, CO – Cervantes' Otherside
Friday, June 6 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Van Hala Show *
Saturday, June 7 – Virginia City, NV – The Pipers Opera House ^
Saturday, August 30 – Weston, CO – Caveman Music Festival
Acclaimed Irish bluegrass artist Danny Burns teams up with American bluegrass legend Dan Tyminski on “Brother Wind,” a riveting reimagining of Tim O’Brien’s beloved folk anthem. The track is a haunting and reflective ballad that captures themes of restlessness, resilience, and the search for peace. Infused with Burns’ Celtic soul and Tyminski’s Appalachian fire, the track soars with longing and quiet redemption. Their voices — gritty and golden — intertwine like old friends on a dusty road, breathing new life into a beloved folk anthem.
“Brother Wind” marks the second glimpse into Burns’ upcoming album Southern Sky, out August 22 (via Bonfire Recording Co.).
With warm acoustic guitar, steady banjo, and a driving beat, the instrumentation creates an evocative soundscape. Burns is joined by instrumentalists Cody Kilby (guitar), Billy Contreras (fiddle), Matt Menefee (banjo), Ethan Burkhardt (upright bass), and Jerry Roe (drums), while Tyminski’s unmistakable harmonies bring a weathered depth to the lyrics.
The song quickly caught the attention of The Bluegrass Situation, which featured the track and its official music video in their “You Gotta Hear This” roundup. Reflecting on the collaboration, Danny Burns shares, “‘Brother Wind,’ by the mighty Tim O’Brien, has long been a favorite of mine since coming across it on the Transatlantic Sessions. I couldn’t have been more delighted when my musical brother Dan Tyminski agreed to sing with me — he brought his iconic golden voice to this track.”
Southern Sky has already begun making waves, led by the breakout success of its lead single, “Blue Ridge Blue.” Released on February 12, the track — written by acclaimed songwriter Jim Beavers and featuring bluegrass luminaries Sam Bush and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes — quickly climbed to #1 on both the Bluegrass Today Airplay Chart and the Grassicana Chart, spending multiple weeks at the top. The single has also earned consistent rotation on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, where it remains one of the station’s most played tracks. With its strong chart performance and widespread airplay, “Blue Ridge Blue” stands as Danny Burns’ most successful single on bluegrass radio to date.
Southern Sky is a nine-track journey where Irish roots meet Southern soul, driven by fiddles, dobros, and rich storytelling. Joined by musical legends like Vince Gill, Tim O’Brien, and Ricky Skaggs, Burns crafts soaring melodies that echo the warmth and texture of the American South. “It takes a village,” he says, likening the album’s spirit to Allen Toussaint’s “Southern Nights,” where Appalachian tales blend with deep Southern twang.
Born and raised in Donegal, Ireland, his unique blend of bluegrass, country, Celtic, and folk music has captured the attention of some of Americana’s biggest names, many of whom have joined him on various projects. For the first two decades of his career, Burns honed his craft as a traveling folk singer, sharing the musical traditions of his native Ireland across the United States and captivating audiences with a tapestry of stories and melodies.
About Danny Burns:
Danny Burns is an Irish-born, Americana singer-songwriter whose genre-blending sound fuses bluegrass, country, Celtic, and folk traditions. Raised in Donegal, Ireland, Burns has collaborated with icons like Vince Gill, Tim O’Brien, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, and Steve Earle, earning acclaim from Rolling Stone, CMT, American Songwriter and Billboard. His critically acclaimed 2019 debut North Country and 2021’s Hurricane established him as a rising force in roots music. In 2022, he scored his first #1 on the Grassicana charts and held the top spot on the Gospel Bluegrass chart for thirteen weeks. His forthcoming LP Southern Sky (out August 22 via Bonfire Recording Co.) continues his tradition of cinematic songwriting and all-star collaborations, led by the chart-topping single “Blue Ridge Blue.”
Rooted in the grit of outlaw country and lifted by the soulful harmonies of bluegrass, folk, and Americana, Kentucky native Kyle Ray releases his debut 5-track EP, This Will End In Tears, today. A recent Berklee College of Music graduate and featured performer at the 2024 Bourbon & Beyond Festival, Kyle Ray steps into this new chapter with a refined voice, a clear creative vision, and a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably his own.
Kyle injects a fresh edge into Americana. With a raw, unbridled sound and a pen steeped in both beauty and heartbreak, his music cuts to the core of the human experience — honest, unapologetic, and deeply felt. He moves effortlessly between weary acoustic ballads and raucous, foot-stomping anthems, capturing the full spectrum of grit and grace. Kyle’s songs carry the weight of his upbringing — from the garage to the mountain folk harmonies of his church — and reflect a life lived deep in the music.
“I grew up broke and experienced a lot of tragedy in my early life, so I gravitated to music that was in search of truth and spoke of struggle,” Kyle reflects. “Whether it’s the beauty I’ve found, the hurt I’ve felt, or the comfort I’ve experienced in the Lord, I want it written.”
Released on May 16, Kyle’s latest single from the EP, “River Song,” is a bluegrass-tinged meditation on self-discovery and spiritual reckoning — marking his fifth single to date. Exclusively highlighted by The Bluegrass Situation, featured in Holler’s new music roundup, and added to Spotify’s “All New Country,” Apple Music’s “New in Americana,” and Amazon Music’s “Pickin’ On” playlists, “River Song” emerged from a period of personal upheaval. After leaving a security job and struggling to afford rent in Boston, Kyle returned home to Kentucky and took up tree work to make ends meet.
Released on April 4, Kyle Ray’s single “Love Me Tonight” — a heartfelt take on a “right person, wrong time” situation — quickly resonated with listeners, earning placements on Spotify’s “All New Country” and “Fresh Finds Country” playlists. “I was crushing on a girl who, unfortunately, had a boyfriend,” Kyle shares. “We had a bit of history, and I could tell she liked me back, but she never admitted it. I remember thinking, ‘Well hell, better write about this while the feeling is fresh. Might get something out of it at least.’” That sense of emotional immediacy comes through in his Salt Lick Sessions performance, filmed live at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA and hosted by Sheryl Crow. Backed by a five-piece band, Ray delivers the track with soul and grit, blending country heartache with rootsy swagger.
