Thu, 02/21/2019 - 6:52 pm

Cliffs + Caves announce the release of their EP, Capsize, on all major streaming platforms on February 15, 2019. Partnering with producer Chris Jacobie (Penny and Sparrow, Jarrod Dickenson, Duncan Fellows), the duo has created a five song exploration of the musical ingenuity that is created when artistry runs in the family.

“Capsize” is the most transparent and honest music that Claire and I have made together. We’re much more exposed emotionally and sonically with this new EP."

— LindseyJustice on the release of Capsize

Cliffs + Caves, the mother-daughter duo of Lindsey and Claire Justice, unabashedly share their deeply personal and relatable stories through songs that resonate with listeners of all generations. Best known in their home state of Texas for their unique blend of indie-folk music, the pair are delivering their best record yet with the release of their highly anticipated EP, Capsize. The original songs are a team effort with Lindsey creating most of the lyrics and melodies while Claire, a multi-instrumentalist, composed the music for the tracks. Undoubtedly their most dynamic release to date, Capsize reveals the depths of their skills as songwriters and instrumentalists with intimate lyrics lilting intrinsically over smooth musical progressions

Thu, 03/28/2019 - 9:27 am

Fresh off of his UK tour alongside Jarrod Dickenson where he released the album Waiting on You, JP Ruggieri has surprised fans with yet another release…. This time a music video for his single "The Meaning".  The lead single from Ruggieri’s recent album perfectly captures his unique styling, groovy guitar riffs, and sultry smooth vocals.  Taking an almost island-esque sound, “The Meaning” is a seamless introduction to the masterfully produced and arranged album that brings out the raw distinctiveness of Ruggieri’s music.

The music video for "The Meaning" was filmed by Jesse Perry, an actor/writer/filmmaker based in Nashville.  The video follows an artist (Erinn McPeak) from start to finish as she works through the visual representation of the song. Perry claims that "this was an easy shoot, thanks to Jon-Paul, who had a distinct vision for the video. Erinn nailed the drawings in a single take, and the end result is hopefully as compelling and hypnotic as the song itself."

Waiting on You is a concise and stunning record, packed with more unique songwriting, tight grooves, and the kind of tasteful musicianship that is represented in this single. The album was produced by Chris Jacobie (Penny & Sparrow) and gives fans a glimpse of the masterful productions that are to come from the young singer-songwriter who has been honing his craft for the past decade.

Sat, 04/27/2019 - 12:43 pm

Hayley Reardon announces the release of her newest EP, Where I Know You, available on all major platforms. Where I Know You is a storybook of five songs from the singer-songwriters personal vault. The project offers a deeply personal reflection on the way in which stories allow us to know parts of people that are no longer there and contains an understated depth and wisdom that has far more in common with the likes of Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, and Tracy Chapman than many of today’s young pop singer/songwriters. Through her soft guitar picking and distinctively rich voice, Reardon eloquently recalls the folk tradition of yesterday with an unmistakably modern acoustic sound. It is her gift for relatable songwriting that enables her to hold listeners in the palm of her hand with intimately vulnerable and contemplative lyrics.

Hayley Reardon

The idea behind Where I Know You was born after Hayley embarked on a unique tour of intimate spaces and non-traditional venues across the UK in 2017. With the help of London based production company, Webb Street Studios, Reardon created “The Handwritten Sessions,” subsequently releasing a candid live video series and tour documentary. “On that tour there was nothing to hide behind,” Reardon explains, “it was just me in a living room or a barn or a backyard, sometimes even without amplification. All I had were these stories of my life and the people who have shaped it — and for the first time that felt like enough.”  Once back in the US, Reardon collaborated with longtime friend Ryan Hommel at a beautiful studio in rural Vermont to bring these intimate, personal songs to life. The full EP, Where I Know You, will be available on all platforms in March of 2019.

Thu, 06/06/2019 - 2:49 pm

Dave Tamkin announces the release of his single "Bleeding Orange" on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Inspired by a unique combination of Tom Petty songs and the great Monarch butterfly migration, "Bleeding Orange" is an uplifting song about finding your passions in life while disguising the truth about what it really takes to achieve your dreams.  "I was driving from Omaha to Kansas City and my windshield collided with an unusual amount of butterflies [due to the Monarch butterfly migration]. After pulling over and cleaning off the dreams of what seemed like hundreds of butterflies I turned on my radio and "Running Down a Dream" by Tom Petty filled my speakers. I thought about how running down my dream as a songwriter I'm running down the dreams of all these butterflies trying to find their way home. " 

"Bleeding Orange" is available on all major streaming platforms.

Singer - Songwriter, Dave Tamkin, has a style that is hard to resist. Unabashedly honest lyrics coupled with his own unique style of rhythmic-acoustic sounds and fresh musical vision, showcases the undeniable passion that Tamkin has for playing music. Tamkin has shared the stage with Guster, Brendan James, Rusted Root, Donavon Frankenreiter, Butch Walker, Freddy Jones Band, Eric Hutchinson, Willy Porter, Daphne Willis, and Peter Mulvey, to name a few. His recent single "Caught in Amber" garnered 30,000+ spins from his 8,800+ monthly Spotify listeners.

Wed, 06/19/2019 - 1:45 pm

Matthew Pinder announces the release of his first full-length album, Give Me Some Time. Produced by Chris Jacobie (Penny & Sparrow), the ten tracks of the album seek to find answers and slow the world down while ranging in themes from fighting through heartbreak to striving for hope. Recorded in the same year as the passing of Pinder's mother, Give Me Some Time is an intimate look into Pinder's journey of grappling with fear and finding hope and comfort, all of which is conveyed to listeners through the poignant album. Give Me Some Time is available on all major music platforms.

The Bahamian singer-songwriter previously released three singles from the album to widespread praise. Pinder's release of "Break My Heart and Let Me Go" garnered attention on the Spotify curated playlist Folk & Friends and premiered in Atwood Magazine alongside his previous release "Golden Hour" which is proving to be most popular among fans with 250,000+ Spotify streams that steadily continue to rise. Most recently, Pinder released a music video for the single "St. Paul" which was hailed as a, "refreshingly real, honest and inviting musical creation..." by Wolf In a Suit.

Thu, 08/08/2019 - 2:28 pm

Corey Kilgannon has released the track "As Above, So Below" in anticipation of the upcoming August 23rd release of his album by the same name. Arguably the most politically charged album of his discography yet, Kilgannon unabashedly addresses a variety of human issues: depression, oppression, feminism, social justices, LGBQT, racism, and many other cultural topics. In "As Above, So Below" Kilgannon remarks on the tragedy of unnecessarily taking a human life: "My black friend got shot for running a stop sign, when he reached for his insurance the cop killed him outright. This clown we elected couldn't call it a crime, should make every decent man cry." This single showcase the brutally honest, raw, and emotionally evocative lyrics that Kilgannon displays throughout the entirety of the album. "As Above, So Below" is available for listening on all major platforms.

Featured among heavy weights of the folk music scene in three of Spotify's Acoustic playlists, Kilgannon boasts over 350,000 monthly listeners. The therapeutic process behind each song is clear as his rich, yet conversational voice soars over lyrics set against a backdrop of acoustic and atmospheric textures.  Kilgannon's gift for evocative melody and emotionally intuitive songwriting has led him to share stages with artists like JOHNNYSWIM, Jon Foreman, John Paul White, JOSEPH, Penny & Sparrow, David Ramirez, and the late Dr. Ralph Stanley, among others. The emerging indie-folk artist has built up a considerable fanbase in cities across the country becoming known for radically stripped-down sets under bridges to room-quieting performances in packed out venues.

Thu, 10/03/2019 - 3:55 pm

Mother/Daughter duo Cliffs + Caves announce the release of the music video for their lead single "Defiance", recently featured on their critically-acclaimed album release Capsize. Stepping away from their traditional Indie-folk blended sound, Cliffs + Caves create a fierce indie-rock song that breaks the silence of anyone who has been victimized or silenced before. Written as a battle cry, standing up for the powerless who can't speak up for themselves, the song was originally inspired by an interview from a victim of sexual violence. The song takes on different meanings for every person who listens - breaking the silence and speaking out against any type of oppression no matter how big or small it may seem. Overall, Cliffs + Caves aims to say "we won't be quiet anymore" and hopes that the lyrics of "Defiance" will empower others to speak out and speak up to help others who may be being silenced by their own oppressors or bullies.

"Defiance" is available for streaming on all major platforms.

In an era of female empowerment, mother-daughter duo Lindsey and Claire Justice are unabashedly sharing their voices to empower others through their unique blend of indie-folk music.  The duo has worked with well-known producers Jamie Candiloro (R.E.M., The Eagles) and Chris Jacobie (Penny & Sparrow, Duncan Fellows) to develop their musical style that showcases the depths of their skills as songwriters and instrumentalists with intimate lyrics lilting intrinsically over smooth musical progressions. Balancing powerful harmonies with delicate acoustic soundscapes, their newest EP, Capsize, explores the musical ingenuity that's created when artistry runs in the family.

For More Information, Visit www.cliffsandcaves.com

Thu, 04/02/2020 - 1:20 pm

Veteran singer-songwriter Dave Tamkin, along with his band Dave Tamkin & Co., announce the release of the new single “SHOES”. “SHOES” will be exclusively available for download/streaming at www.davetamkin.com/music until the worldwide release on April 7th where it will then be available on all major streaming services.  Dave Tamkin joins forces with Brad Huffman & Chad “Chadzilla” Johnson to create a unique style of melody driven, acoustic sounds that is based around a fresh musical vision for Dave’s newest single “SHOES”. He tells a story about embracing the road in front of you with all it has to offer while not judging the characters that cross your path or join you on your journey. These introspective lyrics come with a fast paced tempo, creative harmonies, smoking guitars, a driving deep backbeat and playful piano and horn instrumentations. “I brought “SHOES” to the band a while ago as I was struggling with not being on the road and touring more often. I was also struggling with seeing the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in Boulder, CO. A new shelter opened up where a guitar shop used to be down the street from us. With each passing week, the line would grow with people waiting for an opportunity to sleep under a roof with some heat. As winter moved in we heard that shoes were one of the hardest thing to come by. So we plan on trading some new music for a pair of shoes that need a new adventure and could help a someone further their journey to a safe and more secure life,” says Tamkin.

Tamkin has plans to tour Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming in support of the release and to collaborate with local shelters in providing shoes for the homeless. Originally scheduled for April, the tour has been postponed and will be rescheduled this fall, dates to be determined. With the world dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Tamkin & Co. will be staying in touch with fans through social media and their newsletter while they finish the new album due out later in 2020.

“Start looking at your shoes, stop looking at mine. This is our story, it’s what we leave behind”

Recorded at The Huffkin Files Studio in Boulder, CO, mixed by Tim King in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mastered by Jim Wilson (Gregory Alan Isakov, Yawpers, Charlie Crockett, Bob Mould, Richard Thompson), “SHOES” was a collaborative effort from Dave Tamkin & Co.. “I’m fortunate to share this song with Brad Huffman and Chadzilla,” says Tamkin.  “Brad Huffman spent a lot of time orchestrating the instrumentation, it was fun watching him work. The two of us had many discussions in front of the console deciding which direction we wanted to take this song. After playing it a few times with Chad, it was clear his energetic approach would guide a feel we all could be proud of.”

About Dave Tamkin:

Dave Tamkin’s shows vary from intimate solo acoustic performances to a full band experience (Dave Tamkin & Co.) encapsulate a mixture of personal lyrics and skilled songwriting set against a high-energy percussive with an Indie Americana, guitar driven backbone. Tamkin has shared the stage with Guster, David Ryan Harris, Donavon Frankenreiter, Butch Walker, Stephen Kellogg, Brendan James, Eric Hutchinson, Willy Porter, Daphne Willis and Peter Mulvey to name a few. Tamkin has a style that’s hard to resist. His lyrics are unabashedly honest and his passion for playing is undying. 

Sat, 05/30/2020 - 9:42 am

New Orleans band, Mighty Brother, has released their music video “Summer Road” - the second installment of their upcoming double album (The Rabbit. The Owl.), releasing on June 29th. Premiering on Music Mecca, “Summer Road” is “a summery, upbeat tune that’s tinged with rosy nostalgia and a hint of bitter sweetness” (Music Mecca) as it sees the band on the open road of tour - something every musician is missing during the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The music video follows the band’s 2019 ‘Summer Road Tour’ across the country, from New Orleans to Denver, onward through Chicago and down the East Coast and captures the ‘simple fortunes’ of the open road, juxtaposing the camaraderie and friendships forged with the demands of touring. The music itself captures the band's genre-bending sound of contemporary Folk Americana mixed with upbeat funk elements and instrumentation.  “Summer Road” beautifully encapsulates those innumerable hours of reflection one might find gazing out the window on any long drive, the mind caught somewhere between going and finding, and leaving and lost.

Mighty Brother’s upcoming third album, The Rabbit. The Owl., is a prime showcase of the band’s unique musical flair and serves as an introspective look into Mighty Brother’s exploration of sound, concepts, and ideas. Exploring the emergent theme of duality in the band’s writing, many of the songs pose different perspectives to the same questions. Traversing concepts of introversion/extroversion, light/dark, day/night, spontaneity/meticulous calculation, action/reflection, and the colloquial/poetic, Mighty Brother ultimately challenges the listener to simultaneously both reflect on and look introspectively into one’s own conscience to understand the duality of intent and impact. Musically, The Rabbit. The Owl. poses two different versions of the band with soundscapes balancing between folk/funk and experimental adventures into new sonic territory. The first half, The Rabbit., is the folk/funk influenced half of the double album, exploring familiar classic rock styles with a tip of the hat to St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Avett Brothers, Decemberists, Rosebuds, Bob Dylan, Marcus Fetch, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Fleet Foxes, Beck, and many more. Described as a “fun summer, day-drive album” The Rabbit. showcases the band’s musical roots and ingenuity that has allowed them to evolve. The Owl. is a sonic adventure into new territory exploring the less conventional, boasting subtle arrangement choices, and thoughtfully approaching poetic content. The Owl. is the more cinematic and patient member of the pair nodding to influences like Alabama Shakes, Pink Floyd, Feist, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, Alt-J, Radiohead, and Black Keys, among others.

Based in New Orleans, Mighty Brother has hit the musical stratosphere with a genre-bending repertoire of upbeat originals comprised of an americana-indie-rock essence and 90’s alternative flavor. The 5-piece band carves a unique space in today’s modern soundscapes with a distinct mashup of styles that has been described as a “blend of Avett-Americana and Radiohead-esque art rock” (Offbeat Magazine). Straddling the lines between folk and funk, rock and alternative, Mighty Brother’s soaring harmonies and striking melodies knit an eclectic sound, guiding the listener through unconventional grooves and adventurous lyricism. Mighty Brother started as a songwriting duo in 2015, comprised of Nick Huster and Ari Carter. Eventually growing to a five-piece indie rock outfit to include band members Jonah Devine Tarver (Saxophone), Quinn Sternberg (Bass), and Nicholas Solnick (Drums), Mighty Brother was quick to carve out two musical successes with Jettison. Reprise. (2015) and The Vibe EP (2017). The band, who describes their sound as groovy and flavorful, has been influenced and inspired by the likes of Grizzly Bear, Radiohead, Bon Iver, The Decemberists, Avett Brothers, Alt-J and several other musical acts. This menagerie of influences led to Mighty Brother’s indie-rock sound that also pays tribute to folk, singer-songwriter, funk, and alternative soundscapes. Having toured the globe on tours spanning from the United States to New Zealand, Mighty Brother performs as if they were actively conversing with the crowd, drawing listeners in for an engaging experience. This energy is translated into their music, proven through the new tracks of their most mature album yet - The Rabbit. The Owl..

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 5:55 pm

Indie-Folk artist Max Helgemo is stepping on the scene with his new single “Uncovered” releasing July 31, 2020. Helgemo’s smooth vocals combined with his dreamy contemporary folk soundscape allows listeners to escape to their daydreams with an ethereal soundscape and reflective lyrics. “Uncovered” is a song of empowerment through change as Helgemo announces his arrival in a new city and embraces the change of a new home without fear. “I had just moved and was adjusting to a new place… Trying to make it feel like home in my head before I started getting busier–I needed to feel empowered to do what I wanted and to have no fear of change,” says Helgemo. “Uncovered” is in itself a sonic personification of a daydream as Helgemo imagines himself streaking through the streets announcing his arrival. Bringing along the feelings of wanting to belong in a new place through meditative lyrics and calming guitar strums, it’s not long before Helgemo explodes into an ethereal wall of sound during the chorus, musically symbolizing his peace with a new beginning.

“Uncovered” will be available for streaming on all major platforms on July 31, 2020.

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Nashville contemporary folk artist Max Helgemo began his career in music as a musician in residence for hospitals, playing songs for patients. His musical style grew to embody the intimacy of these often one-on-one performances, with a stripped-down sensibility that is present through his acoustic stylings. Helgemo began touring in 2019, opening at Variety Playhouse, headlining Heartwood Festival, and performing at the famed Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. Through these experiences, Helgemo found himself opening for and collaborating with artists such as The Hails, Corey Kilgannon, and Cicada Rhythm, allowing him to continue developing as a new artist in the ever-evolving music industry. With a handful of single releases under his belt, Helgemo creates music from the idea of wanting to exist out in the world with other people and less in his own head. His lyrics revolve around the hope of growth, love, and becoming the person he wants to be, resulting in his music being described as “a healing journey” by indie tastemaker Stereofox. His 2019 single “New License” was widely received by fans garnering over 85,000+ Spotify streams and launching him to a feature on the critically acclaimed Nashville station Lightning 100. Drawing comparisons to Father John Misty and Gregory Alan Isakov, Helgemo’s full-bodied music is best showcased in an intimate live setting where the lyrics have the freedom to fully marinate in their emotions. Overall, Helgemo continues to surprise fans with new singles and hopes to produce a debut album in the near future.

Sun, 08/02/2020 - 3:41 pm

Americana artist Sunny Gable brings fans her new self-produced EP, Little Things. Written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Little Things is a simple reminder to find beauty in the midst of all that life throws at you.

The album Little Things was conceived shortly after the pandemic hit the United States and musicians were realizing we were not going to be playing shows or festivals any time soon. Like many artists, I slowly came to terms with the fact that the changes we were seeing were not temporary. So in the spirit of forging on despite difficult circumstances, I decided to record and produce an EP of songs that were written right before and during quarantine. Having lost all income, it was necessary to learn to produce my own music, and doing so has opened up world of possibilities, turning a negative into a positive. The title track speaks to my state of mind while creating this album – finding the beauty in the little things in life can bring much needed joy in the darkest times. - Sunny Gable

The five-track EP starts with the title song “Little Things”, a gentle breeze that reflects on living in the moment and appreciating life for what it is and what we have. Written the day after legendary songwriter John Prine died, Gable says, “it got me thinking about how quickly our legacy can be cut short and our friends and family left with a gaping hole in their heart.” Similarly, the following song “Seventeen” is another reflection on life providing a relatable retrospective moment on how hard life used to seem as a teenager despite how simple things were in reality. “Nevermind The Moon” is a song of acceptance and showcases Gable’s beautiful string arrangements against the quintessential acoustic-folk backdrop. “Love Me Not” follows - a personal favorite of Gable’s. “I wrote this song for my daughter,” says Gable. With lyrics comprising a cautionary tale, Gable explains, “In this song I recall, in an abbreviated sense, the world of dating and being led on by someone you weren’t even sure you were into. I’ve watched my daughter date and am reminded of my own difficulties in the world of looking for love.” The closing track, “Crooked Lines”, is a soothing song that imparts a sense of connectivity - between two people, but also amongst all aspects that create and maintain life on Earth. Overall, Little Things is the perfect culmination of the simple acoustic Americana music that Gable is becoming known for throughout Colorado. Her musicality and songwriting abilities shine in this self-produced album that takes us deeper into Gable’s vault of personal stories.

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sunny Gable lives and creates in the hills of Southwest Colorado, finding solitude and quiet to be the perfect accompaniment to her growing catalog of original music. Her sound harkens back to a simpler time, often telling stories you might find in history books while evoking emotions that are real and universal. Whether playing with a full band or just herself and a guitar or mandolin, Sunny pours her heart and soul into every lyric imparting an intriguing and captivating performance every time.

Sat, 08/29/2020 - 10:23 am

Singer-songwriter Jacob Everett Wallace released his newest single, “Wanderer,” on August 28. With a style reminiscent of the best acoustic folk writers, Wallace has captured numerous stories of his journey throughout his musical career, and this single is no different. “Wanderer, you don’t have a gypsy soul,” Wallace sings above a gripping guitar. “You might be lost now, but you have a home.”

Following his previous 2019 EP Arrows, this song continues Wallace’s narrative approach while introducing a profound new perspective. The singer-songwriter’s voice is deep and calming, yet it creates an invitation for listeners to be captivated by the flow of the music. Wallace wrote “Wanderer” a few years ago by a campfire in the woods of Oregon. He says the song has become more than simply music for him. “It's a song that has been the anthem of my journey,” Wallace said. “It immediately became a cornerstone of my identity as a singer-songwriter, my setlists, and my shows.”

Jacob Everett Wallace is a burgeoning singer-songwriter from Texas. He sings stories and asks questions; those deeply intimate, somewhat scary questions best explored through song. Jacob’s dynamic acoustic-driven indie-rock style engages introspective thought. With a creative motto of “find your vulnerability,” Jacob’s candor and burning honesty paves the way to join him in his journey. After serving on staff as a worship pastor for churches in Dallas-Fort Worth, he now pastors as an international traveling minister with a heart for teaching and leading worship in the church and on the streets. He is currently spearheading establishing a house of prayer in central Oregon. Jacob is passionate about serving the community and partners with several national disaster response organizations, most recently as a first responder during Hurricane Harvey. Jacob's creative projects are often fueled by his travels and experiences and enjoys honing his craft as a storyteller to convey his own heart and story. Fans can look forward to new music from Jacob in August 2020

Sat, 09/19/2020 - 1:51 pm

Singer-songwriter John Lensing announces the release of his single “Talk To Me” on September 21, 2020. Hailed as "an artist to watch" by No Depression, Lensing is a burgeoning songwriter who pens lyrics of quiet confidence. With much of his music stemming from topics of mental health, Lensing allows listeners to experience an intimate and vulnerable confidence that allows room for being thoughtful. "Talk To Me" follows in that vein with a soundscape that walks the line between folk and acoustic pop. "This song is about communication. A lot of the choruses are reminders to myself.  The things you have to push through to keep trying," says Lensing. "Sometimes you just need to remind yourself that everything takes time. I think a lot of people struggle with that idea."

A lover of stories, John Lensing writes songs for the same reason he street performs: to make people care. About themselves, about others, and about things that sometimes hurt to care about. He has toured and street performed in six different countries around the world from North America to Europe, sharing his introspective music and connecting with people in a meaningful way. Lensing’s candid lyrics are set perfectly against a soundscape that blends alt-folk with bedroom pop and incorporates elements of hip-hop and traditional acoustic songwriting side by side. Finding his voice in the space between genres, Lensing blurs the line around what acoustic music is in similar styles as that of Noah Gunderson and Dermot Kennedy. “I want to create more beauty in the world and reduce the stigma around expressing the pain we feel,” says Lensing. “I can’t help thinking vulnerability is contagious."

“Talk To Me” will be available on all major platforms on September 21, 2020.

Tue, 11/24/2020 - 1:30 pm

Folk band Burris have released their latest album Over You Pt. 1 on November 13. Over You is a two part album that tells the story of a break-up and the whirlwind of emotions that follow. It starts with the heavy hitting "Under The Ash Tree," an angry song about the gut-wrenching end to a relationship. The album then continues on to depict the ups and downs of getting over someone. It relays the feelings we all know and can relate to like sorrow, regret, forgiveness, longing, and confusion.

“To me, this album represents lost love,” says Chris Hochkeppel, the band’s founder and frontman. “Most of these songs were written after my first real heartbreak. It was a pain I had never felt before and still am learning from to this day.” Each track on the album will be paired with a music video, each set to release over time after the album is out. Hochkeppel hopes that Burris has created a work of art that not only comforts, but also inspires those who have or will endure heartbreak. “There is always a period of grief and pain, but eventually those emotions are complimented by strength, knowledge, and growth,” says Hochkeppel.

Burris is made up of founding member and vocalist, Christopher Burris Hochkeppel, and a rotating cast of collaborators. Originally formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at the LSU School Of Music, the roots-rock group is now based in New Orleans. Burris can be seen playing all over the city as an acoustic act as well as a full-fledged, six piece rock band. Burris pulls influences from old soul to modern jazz, but the band centers it's eclectic sound around gritty New Orleans tradition and southern-folk music. As a band, the nationally touring act has performed at French Quarter Fest, Festival International, Bethlehem's Musikfest, Northgate Fest, Live After Five and more. Following the release of Burris' debut album "Meant To Be" in 2015, the group has since swept the south with new and innovative sounds. They will be releasing a sophomore album in 2020 with the help of legendary producer/engineer, Chris Finney. Members of Burris have shared the stage with George Porter Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, Snarky Puppy, FORQ, The Revivalists, Louisiana’s Leroux, Grace Potter, GIVERS and many more.

Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:35 pm

Folk singer-songwriter Cole Scheifele has released his latest single “All The While” on January 14. Premiering in The Bluegrass Situation, the song is about living in the present moment and focusing on things that invigorate your life while you still have the opportunity - a mindset we could all use given this year’s events. “All The While” takes Scheifele’s singer-songwriter style and incorporates a fresh spin with rock n’ roll influences. “This is one of the only songs I’ve ever written that really breaks open and gets big,” says Scheifele. “We made it that way on purpose. I wanted it to feel like that feeling of really cracking your heart open and letting go of all the things in life that weigh you down and just going for it.” Paired with a string quartet, the music alone ignites a feeling of relief and freedom. 

Much like other artists and writers these days, most of this track was created over quarantine. Scheifele says he had the first verse done years ago and found the inspiration to polish it up in recent months. Scheifele rarely - if ever - bows down traditional formats. “I just let the song unfold and go wherever it tells me to go,” he says. After dealing with mental and physical health problems over the years, Scheifele transformed into a mature and honest artist, writing only from the deepest parts of himself. “All The While” seemed to push its way through the darkness as the artist sat in a seemingly stagnant state with the rest of the world in 2020 - the lyrics poured out and quickly illuminated the path of inspiration. “It’s funny how it works out that way,” says Scheifele. “I hope we captured some of that feeling.” “All The While” is a tease to Scheifele’s upcoming album The Hideaways, releasing in 2021.

Wed, 03/10/2021 - 2:27 pm

Colorado americana artist Sunny Gable is releasing her next album Contagious on March 20. The album is a continuation of Gable’s quarantine recording sessions, created entirely in her basement studio. “It is a mixture of new songs, written since my last release, and a few songs I've been playing with the band for a few years,” says Gable. The project was a team effort for the Colorado native as she collaborated with a few other musicians, including a drummer all the way in Connecticut. “It's been a real learning experience piecing this album together with other musicians at a safe distance,” says Gable. “But a deeply satisfying one.”

The title track “Contagious” is a statement of what the album is themed around. The connection and energy we give and receive to the universe and the great beyond are elements that heavily influenced Gable’s creative process. Listeners will find notes on her connection to the moon’s phases, finding a deeper connection through love, missing the connection between friends during this isolating time, and much more. Unlike her previous releases, Contagious pushed Gable to step away from her typical deep folksy, singer-songwriter style.

Gable says while focused energy played a large part in the creation of the album, her intuition was just as important for the end product. The album’s topics were ideas that Gable heavily thinks about and experiences for herself. “This album is a culmination of many musical ideas melding into one group of songs that may surprise our fans,” says Gable. On top of the album release, her single “Until We Meet Again” will also release with a music video the week prior.

Sunny Gable is an Americana artist at the core, having known from the first time she touched an instrument that music was her calling. Gable grew up playing violin (among other instruments) and singing and started reading music at the soft age of 4. Cultivating her musical gift through lessons, open mics, and playing regularly in bands, Gable continued to find her voice and purpose in the form of music as she got older. Her first break came when she joined UCD Denver's Paramicci - a gypsy swing subgroup of the school's famed Claim Jumpers. Since then, Gable has fronted her own gypsy swing project ‘A la Cote’ from 2013-2015, performed as part of The Great Contention for a few years on fiddle/mandolin/vocals, and finally crafted her own band Sunny & The Whiskey Machine. Sunny & The Whiskey Machine released their first EP New American Dream in August of 2017 as well as the EP Live at the Tucson Folk Festival in October of 2019. Audience of One served as a seamless transition for Sunny to step into a solo spotlight of her own, leading her to the most recent release Little Things in 2020 - also written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wed, 06/30/2021 - 11:47 am

Colorado roots-rock-americana artist Erik Lunde is teasing his upcoming album Water From The Stone with the release of the lead single “Long Time Overdue” on July 16th. A song of many layers, “Long time Overdue” pays tribute to the Colorado “band of brothers” that helped Lunde create this album, speaks to the truth of the creative process behind Water From The Stone, and touches on the feeling of longing that many people experienced during the pandemic. “I'm really stoked to release “Long Time Overdue” as the lead single from my upcoming full-length album release Water From The Stone because finishing this album really was like trying to get water from a stone - and in my mind, it's a record release that is a long time overdue,” says Lunde. “Since the pandemic is ending, there are a lot of things that are a long time overdue, like family reunions, long-distance relationships, seeing your mother or father in a nursing home. I think this song - both the lyric and the keening, yearning almost desperate energy of the performance - really taps into that feeling we all feel now.”

The light-hearted, uptempo single brings a sense of hopefulness - something that Lunde has found in the local Fort Collins music community in what he dubs his “band of brothers”. Six local musicians - Jeff Finlin, Ryan Lennartson, Justin Roth, Eric Straumanis, Bob Montgomery, and Darren Radach - helped Lunde bring this album to life. “I couldn’t have made this song or this record without the generous contribution of time, talent, musicianship, money, and encouragement that these guys gave me,” says Lunde. Having been writing and performing all over North America since 1995, Lunde says it wasn’t until he moved to Fort Collins in 2009 that he found a community that could really push his creative boundaries and help bring to life the songs and music that he knew was within him all along. “Long Time Overdue” - along with the rest of Water From The Stone - is a testament to the power of the Fort Collins Music Community that helped create this record and gave Lunde a place to finally plant his roots.

Lunde’s upcoming album, Water From The Stone, is itself a long time overdue as it took six years and six studios to reach completion. As a passionate and compelling performer that connects with his audience, Lunde set out to translate that infectious energy and rock and roll spirit of his live performance into a record. His collection of “post-modern folk-rock spirituals” draws upon deeply reflective songwriting and Americana soundscapes to create a sound that is truly his own. Northern Colorado’s SCENE Magazine has described Lunde’s songwriting as “lyrics that are haunting and memorable poetry, [...] skipping from dark and minor chord tones that are reminiscent of lonesome backroads and bleak, understated realism.” After hearing the title track “Water From The Stone” SCENE Magazine remarked, “If they could get ten more like “Water From Stone,” they would have an incredible album.” Lunde is eager to let fans hear the full collection of songs this September.

Fri, 07/02/2021 - 2:39 pm

Colorado folk artist Cole Scheifele released his folk-rock single “Turn To You” on July 1 as another tease at his upcoming album, The Hideaways. The song embraces the need to occasionally lean on someone for help, guidance, or comfort. As many people do, Scheifele has found himself lost amidst the streak of bad luck we sometimes encounter in life. He describes the feeling, “you keep digging yourself into a deeper hole, and no matter what you seem to do, you can’t get out on your own, so you need to lean on someone to help you find your way again.” The single embodies those ruts, but it also has a continuous notion of light at the end of the tunnel. Its welcoming, upbeat sound and underlying uplifting sense introduces the song to a perfect balance between vulnerability and hope.

As an artist who strongly pulls influence from the singer-songwriter and folk genres, Scheifele felt the urge to incorporate more of folk rock for “Turn To You.” An electric guitar solo inspires an unfamiliar freshness that is new to Scheifele and his typical music. “I love the way this song feels like a breath of something new in the scheme of this record,” says Scheifele. His upcoming album, The Hideaways, beautifully blends somber, sensitive moments with bright, hopeful hints throughout. “Turn To You” is an inspiring preview to Scheifele’s album that will introduce a new side of his music to fans. 

“Sometimes it takes those really low lows for us to pick our chin up and see what we already have around us, and I think that's what this song is about for me.” -Cole Scheifele

Listen on Spotify

Sun, 08/01/2021 - 4:33 pm

Fresh off the release of their new album Keep On Climbin’, Joe Schicke and his band West Side Joe & The Men of Soul are back with a music video for the title track of the album, released on July 29th. A biographical song that Schicke wrote during lockdown, “Keep On Climbin’’’ discusses the reality behind the American dream today. “I think my generation and younger wants to work at a job they love and make enough to live how and where we want. Society is not really set up that way, though. We’re supposed to just be happy with what we get and fall in line and be a good little consumer. That’s what this song is about. The video shows a version of that story.”

The video is set in Schicke’s hometown of Fort Collins - the city that really inspired the song. As the last piece of their album cycle, it was important to the band to feature the local community that played such a role in the creativity and inspiration behind their work. “I love how "Ft. Collins" the song and video turned out,” says Schicke. “We recorded at Stout, a local studio, and we have two of the most amazing local musicians, Bevin Luna and Saja Butler, singing with us on the song, and we made sure to include lots of Ft. Collins features in the video, like CSU, Old Town, and Horsetooth Reservoir.” The video was directed by local bluegrass musician Chris Weist from the band Woodbelly. “I think Chris did an amazing job,” says Schicke. “We had a local improv-comic named Jessica MacMaster to star in the video, along with my daughter Stella. They had a chemistry that really comes across beautifully.”

For local listeners, the band will be premiering their new music video with a live show at The Lyric Cinema in Fort Collins. More information can be found on their website.

"West Side'' Joe Schicke was raised in Memphis, TN, and earned his recording and performing credentials with Memphis' Blues Rock Queen Reba Russell. After playing with Reba for five years, Joe started his own group, Minivan Blues Band, which became a staple of the Memphis roots rock scene. He also played gigs with Memphis blues artists Earl the Pearl, Billy Gibson, Larry Lee (guitarist for Al Green), and Big Joe Turner (bassist for Albert and B.B. King). Joe has shared stages with Charlie Hunter, Tower of Power, and James Cotton, and worked in the studio with legendary producer Willie Mitchell. Joe moved to Ft. Collins in 2007 and has since worked with local artists such as Jeff Finlin, Lionel Young, John Magnie, and Al Chesis. Joe currently leads his band West Side Joe & The Men of Soul, who released their first album, Keep On Climbin', in 2021 with a sound drawing comparisons to Los Lobos, Staple Singers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Little Feat. On drums and background vocals is Steve Amedee of Colorado legends The Subdudes. On bass and background vocals is Taylor Tesler, who developed his talents on the road with American Idol alumni Casey Abrams.

Thu, 08/19/2021 - 11:50 am

Stone Cottage Studios is excited to continue their outdoor, summer series, which featured 12-weeks of live and livestreamed music in Boulder, with two more wonderful shows this August.  Coming up on Saturday, August 21, is a special surprise concert, in partnership with KGNU and the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society, with bluegrass band Lovers Leap featuring Billy Cardine. Fans from all over the world will be able to join as the event will also be livestreamed at 1080P video and audio for the highest quality viewing experience. Doors open at 5:30 PM MST, and the show begins at 6:30 PM MST.

Then on Friday, August 27, talented Americana artist Seth Walker, hailing from North Carolina, takes the Stone Cottage Stage both in-person and virtually. Along with headline shows, Seth has opened for The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Raul Malo, Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster, among others. Folks who attend the summer series in person are encouraged to bring their favorite seating – lawn chairs, blankets, pillows – as well as drinks and a picnic. Tickets range from $15-$35 and are available for purchase at www.stonecottagestudios.com/events.

Upcoming shows with Lovers Leap and Seth Walker are sponsored in part by Petals Boulder, owned and operated by female entrepreneur Jennifer Nicolo, who has kindly donated beautiful flower arrangements to Stone Cottage Studios for artists, fans, and friends to enjoy. In September, we look forward to having Brendan James, SF1, Dave Tamkin, Pamela Machala, and others play the cozy and intimate backyard stage for Stone Cottage’s final month of the summer series until 2022.

Thu, 01/06/2022 - 3:55 pm

Folk singer-songwriter Haley Harkin delivers a stunning showcase of vulnerability in her new album, To Heal Her, out January 6th. This collection of 7 heartfelt records paints a colorful picture capturing the full scope of Harkin’s journey inward; the album gives fans a deeper insight into the artist’s experience getting reacquainted with her true nature while she examines herself through honest eyes. To Heal Her fearlessly dives head first into the highs and lows of self-discovery, and embraces truth with wisdom, beauty, and elegance. Harkin caresses her raw lyricism in the comforting warmth of acoustic, strings led soundscapes throughout the album; from bright acoustic guitar, to decadent orchestral strings, to playful banjo, the simplicity of these arrangements allows the music’s inherent beauty to shine through with an unfiltered brilliance. Listeners can expect to hear influences from artists like Rising Appalachia, Fia, and Ayla Nereo in Harkin’s work.

For Harkin, To Heal Her is the artist’s most vulnerable release to date. It represents a direct translation of her inward journey over the past 3-4 years in which she pursued self-empowerment and liberation. From the ethereal introduction on “All Things Grow,” to the heartfelt poetry on “My Love For You,” to the meticulously crafted, textured soundscape on “Vine Of Light,” Harkin effortlessly creates a vibrant world for her stories to come alive exactly how she intended. ‘To Heal Her’ is an album calling to free spirits and folk lovers with open minds and hearts looking to embrace a brighter future.

Thu, 01/13/2022 - 12:58 pm

Alt-Americana band Foxfeather invigorates listeners with their newest single “Too Damn Small,” out January 28th. This energetic feminist anthem embodies self-empowerment and perseverance at its core; for band leaders Laura Stratton (guitar, keyboard, writer/composer) and Carly Ricks Smith (lead vocals, writer/composer), it represents “a reminder of [their] purpose and place in this world and in music, and commitment to continuing to create.” “Too Damn Small” is the lead single from the band's upcoming album, The Nature Of Things, out early 2022. Influence from icons like Stevie Nicks, Brandi Carlile, and Lake Street Dive’s Rachel Price shine through on this track with a contagious groove and powerhouse vocals.

Co-leader and songwriter Carly Ricks Smith wrote this song as the world initially descended into lockdown; “Too Damn Small” delves into the experience of grappling with an unknown world and a highly altered future. The lyrics and structure for this song came to Ricks Smith in an existential panic in the middle of the night, and developed into the epic final product in collaboration with Stratton. Kate Farmer lends her angelic backing vocals to the record, while Blake Smith’s electric guitar sets the track on fire. Jay Elliott’s percussion lays a punchy foundation for the track beefed up by Mark Dabrowski’s groovy bass and embellished with Eric Moon’s bright synthesizer. For the band’s producer Eben Grace, “The Nature of Things is a perfect swirl of Laura and Carly's masterful songcraft, the band's organice, burnished delivery, and Carly's drop-dead vocal virtuosity. Everyone behind the mic brought joy and energy to the album which leaps out of the speakers as it spins. This is a timeless record."

Listeners can stream “Too Damn Small” on all major streaming platforms January 28th.

Sat, 02/19/2022 - 1:55 pm

Alt. Americana band Foxfeather showcases a poignant resilience in spite of painful circumstances with their new music video for “End Of My Rope,” releasing on February 17th. The single released in fall 2021, earning itself a reputation as a fan and band favorite in that time. The video tells the story of a woman at her breaking point who challenges adversity with an electric confidence; for co-writers Carly Ricks Smith and Laura Stratton, “the lyrics come from a place of deep betrayal and pain, fleshed out after years of trying to make it work in an industry that all too often objectifies and belittles women.” Foxfeather filmed the video for this feminist anthem at Gold Hill, Colorado’s The Gold Hill Inn in collaboration with Kreation Films.

The video takes place in an old fashioned tavern gleaming with a western charm. While lead vocalist Carly Ricks Smith confronts frustrating interactions between nettlesome men at the bar with an intrepid moxie, she eventually finds herself in the support of a group of fearless women empowered and ready to stand up for themselves. "I'm vicious, this is a warning," Ricks Smith sings in the chorus, foreshadowing the video’s epic swell into a climactic scene capturing the bite of a woman that has endured her limit of mistreatment. The co-writers sat down and wrote "End of My Rope" in a stroke of poetic irony, which for them, is often when they create their best work. After a particularly difficult transitional year, including big changes in the band line-up, Ricks Smith and Stratton felt disheartened and disheveled. The video for “End of My Rope” captures that same sentiment and reclaims control of a troublesome narrative with grit and grace.

More About Foxfeather:

Foxfeather is a sultry, alt-americana band founded in 2013 in Boulder, CO. Beginning with a lyrical base, and bolstered by strong blues-rock instrumentals, Foxfeather’s unique sound captivates their audience. Songwriters Carly Ricks Smith and Laura Paige Stratton met in high school, connecting over their shared love of music. The pair began writing together in 2005 and have been creating material for, and leading their band for the past 7 years. Foxfeather is extremely proud of being  an advocate of women in art and in business, and strives to motivate and empower other women and allies through song.  The band is a local staple in the Colorado Front Range and also tours nationally.

In 2014, with the help of engineer Justin Roth of Fort Collins, the group released their debut EP, Foul Moon.  The six-song collection garnered local attention, with The Marquee stating that “the group is overflowing with talent” and “Carly Ricks Smith has a spectacular voice which lies somewhere between the folky soprano of a young Joni Mitchell and the jazz-heavy range of Lake Street Dive’s Rachel Price. powerful as well as delicate.”

Foxfeather returned to the studio in 2016 to record and release their self-titled and full length album, Foxfeather. Working with producer Jagoda of New York and engineer Jay Elliott of Boulder’s own IntroVertigo Studios, the band created this dark and dusky album. The album features a collection of songs that explore the grey areas of life, whiskey, love and death.

2018 brought the release of a four song EP collection, Come and Get Me. The band again worked with Jagoda and Jay Elliott, but split the process between IntroVertigo Studios and Fox Run Studios in Boston. Smith and Stratton were able to show their versatility through this project, with the four songs showcasing the breadth of their voice and of their songwriting abilities.

Foxfeather is set to release their newest album in 2022 through PS Audio and Octave Records. The full length album, entitled “The Nature of Things,” features the current band line-up and additional musicians Kate Farmer (backing vocals), Eric Moon (organ/synthesizer), Eben Grace (pedal steel/guitar) and Oliver Jacobson (fiddle). The album was recorded at PS Audio Studios in Boulder, CO, Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, CO, and The Barn in Longmont, CO. Producer extraordinaire is Eben Grace, and Engineering magicians are Jay Elliott and Gus Skinas.

In the last five years, Foxfeather has captured their audience with their unique and sultry songs, sharing stages with The Gasoline Lollipops, Lee Fields and the Expressions, Yonder Mountain String Band, Woodbelly and Andrew Bird. Their songwriting and performance is influenced by a wide variety of artists including Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, Margaret Glaspy, Ani Difranco, and Stevie Nicks. The band’s current lineup includes Carly Ricks Smith (lead vocals, writer/composer) Laura Paige Stratton (guitar, keyboard, writer/composer), Blake Smith (lead guitar), Mark Dabrowski (bass guitar), and Jay Elliott (drums and percussion). The group is proud to utilize their voice to embolden and rejoice in both the frailty and the power of humanity. With expressive instrumental tone, powerful vocal melody and harmony, and passionate performance, this band is ready to win your hearts.

Sat, 03/05/2022 - 6:27 pm

Australian folk singer-songwriter Tom West (currently based in Chicago, IL) announces his debut performance at the 2022 SXSW Showcase at Stephen F’s Bar on March 16th . Having been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone Australia, American Songwriter, Scenester, and several others, West maintains a distinctive vocal style and propensity to write catchy, tender folk songs often embellished with ambitious arrangements and cinematic flair. With millions of Spotify streams and placements on several of Spotify’s top folk playlists, West is eager to be returning to live music (after a forced hiatus due to COVID) with a spring US tour and new releases on the way.

Coinciding with the SXSW showcase is the release of live versions of two of West’s most popular songs - “Emiko” and “Easy, Love”. Both re-recordings see the artist bring a deep emotion to the performance, allowing the listener the pleasure of savoring every word he sings…. a taste of what fans can expect with a live performance.

In addition to the official SXSW showcase, West is also slated to make several other performances at the various venues below through March 19th:

March 16 - Lucille's / Australia House - 3:50pm

March 16 - Stephen F's Bar - Official SXSW showcase - 10 PM

March 17 - Balanced Breakfast Showcase at The Jackalope  - 12pm

March 19 - Icenhauer's  - 12pm

March 19 -  Hotel Indigo - 5pm

Sun, 04/24/2022 - 1:04 pm

Roots singer-songwriter Billy Woodward is slated to release a new single “Heartworn Hopeless Highway” April 22 in anticipation for his upcoming LP The Boy From The Bay. Tinged in poignance, the track details an odyssey in which the listener can picture the character at hand sojourning through life as he oscillates between finding light or wallowing in the darkness. Drawing from compelling inspiration everywhere, including his own story, Woodward explains that what took shape was a “biopic narrative of sorts.” The song, he says, is “my way of sorting how I felt walking and talking as if things [were] okay when, in fact, they were anything but.” He goes on to share the intense sense of loss and loneliness he felt years ago in the face of grief, and how in spite of trying to run from it, it seemed to “stick to [him] like tar” and “swallow [him] whole.”

Although the record acted as personal “therapy” for Woodward as he attempted to “find clarity, meaning or even just some closure” from his own past, his storytelling affords relatability to all with its poetic open-endedness. Lyrically, “Heartworn Hopeless Highway” serves as an authentic reflection of all of us and the daily striving to choose strength amidst hardship. In this way, and despite its gritty, contemplative and melancholic instrumentation, the song is inevitably about one thing: resilience. “Somehow I kept singing, as them stars came tumbling down. Digging up dirt from my cold cold ground,” Woodward sings. He explains that the record is a reminder that “no one can force your hand to help yourself,” but once that “voluntary action” is taken one can begin to  “bear the burden and hopefully push through into a state of acceptance and strength.” Adding, “‘Heartworn Hopeless Highway’ is ultimately about the hope of redemption in the face of tragedy and the honesty it takes to achieve it.”

Listeners can stream “Heartworn Hopeless Highway” on all major streaming platforms April 22.

Wed, 04/27/2022 - 9:09 am

Colorado-based Folk-rock group Foxfeather worked in collaboration with Octave Records to create their debut full-length album, The Nature of Things, released April 22. With intentional lyricism and inventive musicality, songwriters Carly Ricks Smith and Laura Stratton explore everything from love, betrayal, and uncertainty, to female empowerment. Pulling songs from across their catalog, the band explains that “24 Years” was written more than a decade ago while other tracks had been plucked from their live set, ripe and ready for recording. On the other hand, songs like “Too Damn Small,” “Lonely Feeling”, and the album’s title track were written during the pandemic and worked to help shape the album’s ethos. Ricks Smith and Stratton explain that by writing they were able to process “the grief and shock of the pandemic the best way they knew how” and in turn, add “meaning and importance to the full album.” 

Catering to audiophiles everywhere, The Nature of Things was recorded in Direct Stream Digital (DSD), a high-resolution format of recording. “The process is more intricate and sensitive than technology we have been accustomed to working with,” the band explains. “That being said, the product is phenomenal and completely worth the extra time and care.” Taking extra time and care with every facet of the album, the record is undoubtedly well-rounded and thoughtfully weaved. By balancing light and dark, offering natural pacing and being unafraid to traverse across diverse subjects candidly, The Nature of Things is hard to forget. While “The Nature of Things” sounds like poetry, “End of My Rope” sounds like sultry honey-drenched mischief. “24 Years” serves as the album’s cautionary tale while “Fillin’ Me Up” acts as a toe-tapping radio-ready track. Whatever a listener is looking for, they can find here. Transgressing across time and topic, Foxfeather’s album creates a comprehensive look at the true nature of things. 

Sat, 06/11/2022 - 3:38 pm

After the success of singles “Heartworn Hopeless Highway” and “Pearly Gates”, Americana roots artist Billy Woodward is releasing his highly anticipated LP The Boy From The Bay on June 24th. The Boy From The Bay showcases both the highs and lows of Billy Woodward’s painful yet exquisite life, and the love he has for the kind of redemption only found through songwriting while exploring the eclectic musical stylings that have consistently been a bedrock throughout his life.  Written over the span of time since his last release in 2013, the album sees Woodward working through the trials and tribulations that life undoubtedly serves each of us.

“I wrote about loss and grief. I wrote songs about bearing witness to the heavy burden of alcoholism and substance abuse. I wrote about the love affair I had with traveling the open road. I wrote about the darkest hours when your own sense of well-being seem to have left you cold. I wrote about salvation and redemption. I wrote about life as I saw it.” - Billy Woodward

Although the record acted as personal “therapy” for Woodward as he attempted to “find clarity, meaning or even just some closure” from his own past, his storytelling affords relatability to all with its poetic open-endedness. Opening with the track “South County", Woodward sets a path imbued with the energy of a chain gang while the song itself retains an analog, live-in-the-studio feel. Woodward showcases his transformative knack for arrangement and production in songs like “Thistle and Clay” or “Watch It All Fall Down”  where an Appalachian fiddle soars over a war time shuffle and a tasteful hammond organ accompanied by a gospel choir uplifts the listener. “Pearly Gates” - a rally cry for the soul -  finds Woodward praying for salvation upon a locomotive beat, as he details the struggles of mental health, comparison and the strength to find another way. “Honesty Blues” presents as an intimate track that blends clean acoustic guitar with an operatic spirit which seems to float above our Boy from the Bay as he sings “I know that you’re desperate for the truth / to rectify the demons of our youth” realizing he is freed by his own travel worn revelations. Lyrically, “Heartworn Hopeless Highway” shines as an authentic reflection of all of us and the daily striving to choose strength amidst hardship. In this way, and despite its gritty, contemplative and melancholic instrumentation, the song is inevitably about one thing: resilience.

Overall The Boy From The Bay delivers on what Woodward describes as his “therapy record” while sounding more like the soundtrack to a great modern western flick with its pensive Americana instrumentation, alt-country sensibilities, and evocative vocals. Capturing the juxtaposition of both the peaks and valleys of life and searching for that cord that brings them together in order to see it through, Woodward describes it as being about “searching for meaning in the relationship between good times and hard times - how they’re inextricably linked… It’s a record about letting go and moving on while focusing on the brighter skies ahead.”

Recorded at Studio G in Brooklyn, New York, produced by John Jackson (The Jayhawks, Ray Davies) and mixed at Phillips Recording in Memphis, Tennessee by Matt Ross-Spang (John Prine, Jason Isbell), fans of modern country and Americana will certainly love to deep dive the roster of talented musicians featured, including Austin Cook, Ramblin’ Rob Heath, Rich Hinman, John Jackson, Corey Kaiser, Josh Kantor, Dennis Lichtman, The Mastersons (Chris Masterson & Eleanor Whitmore), Tim O’Reagan, Alex Whitman, Greg Wieczorek and Adrienne Walker.

The Boy From The Bay will be celebrated with an album release show at Rockwood Music Hall - Stage 2  on Friday, June 17th at 8:30 PM.

Tue, 06/21/2022 - 11:12 am

With clever lyricism and instrumentation new to country group Lake & Lyndale, their newest single “Long Way Home” is a fitting representation of the band’s lighthearted spirit and artistic prowess. Out July 1, this folksy, vibrant song embraces the idea of putting the journey over the destination. The song, the group explains, “was a reflection on the roundabout way it sometimes takes to get from point A to point B.” Adding, “for us personally it was an artist’s lament.” In a positive twist, the group demonstrates the importance of persistence and the beauty of keeping a dream alive. Consisting of Channing Marie (vocals), Jonathan Krentz (guitar), Eric Clifford (bass) and Tyler Kloewer (drums), Lake & Lyndale strike a captivating balance between fun and inherently relatable on “Long Way Home.” In the chorus, Marie sings “Come on wheels, spin me around that vinyl. This gypsy needs revival in her soul. I may go down as a lost prodigal daughter, can’t help my heart wandering. I’m just taking the long way home.”

With an air of free spiritedness, the track feels approachable and like a candid reflection of the band’s true experience as artists. “In the initial writing session, we discussed the common theme of trying to progress,” they explain. “It often takes a lot longer to reach the destination than originally planned.” Despite the patience and persistence it takes to achieve a dream, Lake & Lyndale are sure to have fun along the way. With a music video as uniquely quirky and charming as the band, “Long Way Home” buckles down on the idea of “enjoying the ride.” In the video, the group is seen enjoying a day in the park, taking a convertible through the mountains, playing cowboy, rocking out as old folk and even include a reference to the classic “That 70s Show.” Seeing the group visually display the winding and ever changing sojourn of life as a “gypsy soul” is a sincere reminder to listeners that everything is a process, and it’s okay to relish in that time of waiting. “I think we all have moments where we question our paths,” says Marie. “Instead, we should be embracing the journey and remembering that good things take time.”

ABOUT LAKE & LYNDALE:

A decade of friendship, hundreds of live gigs, and thousands of miles on the road are part of what make this Nashville based band special. With Lake & Lyndale you can expect vibrant energy, a unique chemistry and a genuine sincerity at every show. whether it’s a live broadcast at Nashville’s famed 3rd & Lindsley or a casual singalong for their YouTube series Covers in the Kitchen. Vocalist Channing Marie, guitarist Jon Krentz, drummer Tyler Kloewer, and bassist Eric Clifford are known for dynamic live shows that reflect their dedication to songwriting and musicianship. Named after cross streets in Minneapolis where they met, Lake & Lyndale’s sound blends satisfying twang with genuine warmth: part roots-rock, part country-soul. Their sound is a culmination of diverse influences (Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Dawes, Chris Stapleton) and musical backgrounds, their goal as songwriters is consistent: “We’re just trying to make an honest connection with people,” says Marie. With singles in heavy rotation on Nashville’s 89.5 Roots Radio and around the country, they’re often compared to female-fronted, genre-defying acts like Fleetwood Mac. Marie’s quick vibrato and emotive presence conjures Stevie Nicks, but with a breadth and power that evokes iconic country artists Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. In 2018 Lake & Lyndale released their debut EP Habits, produced by Jon Estes. In July 2019 they dropped “There’s a Weight” single along with a video featured in NPR’s Slingshot Emerging Artist Spotlight. In June 2020, they released “Still Here". You can find their latest release, an acoustic EP called “In the Nude Vol.1” on all streaming platforms. They are currently working on new music to be released in 2022.

Tue, 07/26/2022 - 2:51 pm

 Tinged in melancholy, but teetering towards hope, HorseshoesDesert is a collection of thoughtful reflections from singer-songwriter, Austin Greaves. Utilizing folk-style arrangements, the Washington D.C.-based artist encapsulates his thoughts on everything from grief and substance abuse to the complications which come with falling in love. “The album is about loss and new beginnings,” he explains. “Coming to terms with the past and considering the future.” In this way, Desert feels like a diary of sorts, in which Greaves finds himself pondering questions and seeking to answer them through his music. The lyrics and production work symbiotically to capture the emotions which Greaves sifts through and picks apart across the 9-track record. Wavering between light and dark, hope and defeat, Greaves’ ruminations symbolize reflecting on past memories and then moving forward from them.

“Near Sided Vision” the album’s opener, sets the tone for the record by pondering what it would be like to move away. “Near sided vision, squinting at myself from afar,” he sings. Then, on the deceptively upbeat track, “Euphoria at Dawn,” Greaves details how he’s grown beyond his dark party days and evolved from that treacherous lifestyle. “When I start living that life again, I get dragged back in. I lose control,” he admits. Digging into what it was like encountering love, fearing it and then eventually losing it, Greaves uses Desert to air his grievances with commendable candidness. On “Haunted House,” the folk-artist brings in an intriguing and disjointed guitar riff which seems to mirror the discomfort Greaves is feeling in the song as he needs time to “notify the ghost in [his] mind” and “rectify your haunted house is doing fine.” Then on “Oakwood Terrace,” the line “come to me, in my dreams” is repeated and builds to an evocative crescendo of newfound empowerment. The most poignant on the album is the album’s closer, “Curled Inside Out,” as Greaves croons longingly: “I’m close to you right now, but my body is curled inside out. Holding on to what I won’t allow. And I’m lying in the dark with nothing to do. I’m lying in the dark without you.” Expressing his thoughts openly, Desert doesn’t attempt to hide from the past. Instead, Greaves illuminates the dark in order to make way for the future.

ABOUT HORSESHOES:

Austin Greaves is a Washington DC based musician, who performs under the name Horseshoes. A lifelong musician, his main influences are Jeff Tweedy and Elliott Smith. He performs folk-style arrangements in the DC area.

Sat, 10/29/2022 - 1:46 pm

Having traveled the globe with their music, The Trouble Notes are bringing stories of immigration and cultural identity to the stage - starting with their newest single “Mayahuel”. “Mayahuel” is an instrumental composition that romanticizes and tells the story of their friend Martha Xucunostli. A powerful female character, she traveled across an ocean from her native Mexico to Belgium for love and had to navigate the balance between her native traditions and those of her new European home. Drawing strength from Mayahuel, the Aztecan goddess of Agave, fertility, and maternity she seeks to contribute to the local culture by fusing traditions. “Accepting  who I  am by understanding and exploring my cultural syncretism,  makes me able to see and embrace the beauty of my diversity, strongly supporting my present life and owning who I am,” says Martha Xuconostli.

“Mayahuel” is an homage to paying tribute to your old and new cultural identity. It's about fusing ingredients to create something new,” says  Stefanie Tendler (Band Photographer). This strength and cultural fusion are heard through the Latin jazz soundscape showcased in the track with jazzy violin melodic lines, Latin-based guitar rhythms, and driving percussion that maintains the unique voice and texture that has defined the sound of The Trouble Notes for the past decade. “Lately it feels that to many people, immigration has a negative connotation. The story told by “Mayahuel” is an attempt to break that mold,” says Bennet Cerven, Violinist for The Trouble Notes. “The character behind the song is the archetypal immigrant’s story, finding a way to integrate herself into her new home without losing her own traditions. It’s a romantic tale of immigration that more people need to hear!”

In finding influence for the song, the band sought to pay homage to one of their largest musical influences, Grammy-winning Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, who were the inspiration for Bennet (violinist) to gain the courage to play in the streets of New York City, and thus launched the upward trajectory of The Trouble Notes.

The release of “Mayahuel” coincides with the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos and will be accompanied by two music videos - one a collaboration between Beer brand Mayahuel and the band, and the second a live performance of the song filmed by Centre Films in Radebuel, Germany.

Wed, 11/30/2022 - 4:04 pm

The Trouble Notes, world travelers turned musicians, are set to release their upcoming single “Liberty Awaits” on November 18th. “Liberty Awaits” is an epic tale paying tribute to the great immigrant voyage, intended to help others connect with their journey and see the parallels to many immigrants of today. Inspired by the desire to pay homage to Leon English, Bennet Cerven, the band’s Violinist’s late grandfather, the song and accompanying music video draws influence from the Great Famine that led to the death and displacement of millions of Irish, telling a broader tale of the migration saga and transcontinental journey. The journey begins to accelerate as the ship battles the elements before excitement builds at the eventual site of land, until the voyagers have arrived in a new land without their traditions lost. “His ancestors fled hard times in Ireland and crossed the Atlantic in search of a better life. I wanted to highlight the importance of that journey to my very existence”, says Bennet.

“Liberty Awaits” is an upbeat folk dance that coaxes listeners from a trance, representing a kind of “last hurrah” before the perilous journey across the sea. The song brings listeners full circle, with the re-emergence of folk dance, but with more nuance this time. “I wanted to capture that Epic trans-Atlantic voyage filled with hope, anxiety, desperation and courage in the composition,” says Cerven. Featured on the track is Ecuadorian Singer, Carola Zerega, who along with the band, channeled her own experiences when contributing to the recording. “The strength and depth of the ocean carry the inevitable singing of hope for the new stage to live, but with pain from the separation from my land,” says Zerega. The Trouble Notes creates an emotional soundscape on top of which Zerega’s vocals float above the waves, the melodies both apprehensive and courageous. The music video for the track is a cinematic short film, the first of a series done by Centre Films GmbH, that was shot in three different countries on a RED camera. Overall, “Liberty Awaits” is a track all listeners will undeniably keep on loop.

Sitting between traditional folk, modern classical, and tribal dance music, The Trouble Notes have traveled across continents in search of musical influences to give listeners the unrivaled music of the generation. The band has proudly built its diverse audience independently, known colloquially as “The Troublemakers”-- a testament to their self-made success story that has led to significant festival appearances, multiple film scores, and an extensive tour schedule spanning the globe.

In 2017, a series of videos of the band performing on the streets in France and Germany went certified viral, amassing more than 100 million views on social media and bringing them international notoriety. They recorded their debut album “Lose Your Ties” at Riverside Studios in Berlin, Germany working with Lebanese producer, Khalil Chahine. The album was released in February 2018 and peaked in the top 10 of the iTunes charts for their genre in France, Germany, and the USA. Their music has been featured in award-winning films and documentaries, and their headline “Lose Your Ties” Tour featured sold-out concerts in Europe and North America. They have performed live on television in the USA, Japan, Brazil, Germany, and France. And in 2019, they toured supporting Rodrigo y Gabriela as a part of their Grammy Award-winning “Mettavolution” Tour.

Tue, 01/10/2023 - 4:15 pm

Folk singer-songwriter Haley Harkin is excited to announce the release of her new album To Heal Her Too, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2021 album To Heal Her. The album, which will be available exactly one year after the release of its predecessor on January 6th, fearlessly explores the outward experience of self-reflection and the pursuit of finding ways to be of service to the world, earth, and humanity.

Just as it's precursor delivered a stunning showcase of vulnerability, To Heal Her Too delves into the pain of being human, while also finding hope and resilience in the face of suffering. Harkin caresses her raw lyricism in a comforting acoustic warmth, creating a playful and whimsical touch with instruments like triangles, tambourine, and conga drums inspiring a lively and energetic feel. The simplicity of her arrangements allows the music’s inherent beauty to shine through with an unfiltered brilliance and draws resemblance to artists like Rising Appalachia, Watchouse, and Ayla Nereo. Harkin is proud to present some of her favorite songs on this new album, including "I Am The Key" and "Teacher," which were produced by Vince Cimo, a well-known producer for Ayla Nereo. "Creating an album is an act of self discovery," says Harkin. "I get to know myself, the songs, and the creative channel more and more. I am really happy with how it turned out, some of my favorite songs are on this album."

Harkin will be celebrating the release of To Heal Her Too with an album release party at Wolverine Farms in Fort Collins on January 7th. She invites all fans to come and celebrate this exciting new release, which touches on themes of nature, Mother Earth, and the connection to nature.

Mon, 02/20/2023 - 12:34 pm

Colorado-based singer-songwriter and folk artist Christopher Morse just released his second EP, Covering Old Scars. An EP about tackling self-doubt and anxiety, Covering Old Scars is composed of four unique and vulnerable songs that highlight Morse’s songwriting abilities. Recorded at Cinder Sounds Studios in Longmont, CO, Covering Old Scars was produced by John Mcvey, and mastered by Grammy-award-winning mastering engineer David Glasser. The EP seeks to be a sonic continuation of Morse’s first EP, Escape, and has the commercial viability of pop music while combining elements of folk, country, and Americana.

“Always Been You,” the first single off of Covering Old Scars, was inspired by the marriage of one of Christopher Morse’s friends. After witnessing their wedding, he began to wonder what his friend’s relationship may have been like had the couple met each other earlier in life. Would the couple have found their way back to each other had their relationship failed in their youth? This experience had Morse asking himself if any of his past relationships could have worked out had they given it a second chance. The song became an ode to the one that got away, and perfectly set the stage for the story the EP sets out to tell. With songs like “Never had,” which further dives into Morse’s unresolved relationship, “Silver Lining,” a song about finding happiness and stability in uncertain times, and “Help Me Out,” a vulnerable song dedicated to Morse’s mental health and struggle with anxiety, Covering Old Scars takes listeners on an emotional journey toward finding closure when all hope seems lost.

About Christopher Morse:
Colorado Based Folk Artist Christopher Morse began his musical journey when he was only 10 years old. He began touring with the American Boychoir School, and it was during this time that he fell in love with singing. While on tour he performed at Carnegie Hall, a renowned music venue in New York, and became not only a strong singer but a captivating performer as well. After discovering John Mayer’s Room For Squares, Morse began to learn the guitar for the first time. This transformative experience is what inspired Morse to write his own lyrics and melodies. Before long he was playing his original music in local coffee shops. He gradually expanded his reach to playing in larger venues across the United States, including The Tin Angel in Philadelphia, PA and Rockwood Music Hall in New York City, NY. Morse continues to connect with audiences across Colorado through his passionate and heartfelt performances.

Sat, 03/04/2023 - 4:05 pm

Sitting between traditional folk, modern classical, and tribal dance music, The Trouble Notes’ newest single “Banjolorian” showcases a playful mix of traditional folk instruments and hip-hop grooves, juxtaposing rural Americana folk and urban rhythms that have been a driver behind the group’s unique sound. The vision for the song came together while traveling extensively in the American west during their Lose Your Ties tour in 2019. In typical “Trouble” fashion, they met brilliant musicians from both the Hip-hop and Folk scenes that shaped the vision for the song, dreaming to create something that would fuse the two genres together.

Banjolorian is playful and light-hearted on the surface, but beneath the uplifting melodies is a deep appreciation for the traditions of the genres. “Growing up in the Midwest of America, I was exposed to a wide range of musical influences. Yes, I studied classical music, but my music collection was highlighted by Americana, Rock, and Hiphop records,” says violinist Bennet Cerven. “It was these influences that led me to shape the repertoire of The Trouble Notes. 'Banjolorian' is a nod to those formative years of my life.”

With this release, The Trouble Notes are also announcing their return to North America with the ‛More Violins, Less Violence’ tour slated for the fall of 2023. Showcasing songs from their second studio album Liberty Awaits and spanning 13 dates from October through November, the band is eager to reunite with their Troublemakers in the US and Canada. Carrying a message of “unity in diversity,” their repertoire brings the traditions of Europe and the Americas together, featuring songs like “Grand Masquerade” and “Never Dream Alone” that have amassed millions of views and listens worldwide.

As art and music are a force for healing in this world, one dollar of every ticket and five dollars of every ‛More Violins, Less Violence’ T-Shirt sold will be donated to a charitable cause helping children affected by violence.

TOUR DATES:
Martyrs - Chicago, IL - 10/26
Drom Taberna - Toronto Canada - 10/29
L’Escogriffe, - Montreal Canada - 11/01
The Underground - Boston, MA - 11/03              
Sultan Room - NYC, NY  - 11/04
Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA - 11/08
Evening Muse - Charlotte, NC - 11/11
The Grey Eagle - Asheville, NC - 11/12
Muddy Waters - Columbus, MS - 11/17
Jig & Reel - Knoxville, TN - 11/18
Mag Bar - Louisville, KY - 11/19
Theatre at the Centre Munster - Munster, IN - 11/25
High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI - 11/26

Wed, 03/15/2023 - 8:24 am

Micah Edwards, ubiquitously known as "Mr. Texas Soul", is bringing his retro-pop-soul soundscape to SXSW with an artist showcase at Cooper's BBQ on March 15th from 9:20 PM - 10:10 PM. Having recently reached over 1 million monthly Spotify listeners, Edwards will be performing with his full band (including a rhythm and horn section) to showcase his golden-toned, fresh take on soul music that has been described as a "Willie Nelson meets Leon Bridges" style.

EVENT INFO HERE

Planning to perform tracks from his most recent debut full-length album, Jean Leon, Edwards exemplifies a unique 21st-century retro-pop eruption fit with buttery vocals, gut-wrenching melodies, and tender lyrics that follow the themes of faith and family. Bitter, yet uplifting, Jean Leon draws inspiration from retro soul and classic country - giving a nod to the artists before him, as a young virtuoso who understands not just the heart, but the musical precision of retro-soul and country music. Someone who pays homage to Curtis Mayfield’s brilliance of guitar in early Impressions records and Etta James’ almost conversational vocal expression, while embracing his classic country songwriting influence through calculated storytelling employing the fiddle and steel guitar. Someone who respects and honors Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King, Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer, Michael Kiwanuka—but leans heavily into the sounds of this particular moment. This is a daring explorer who has created a unique fusion of retro and contemporary elements to defy what has been done before and craft a new genre: Texas soul.

Recently featured on Tiny Desk Contest’s 2022 Top Shelf and as an opener for duo The War and Treaty, the Houston, Texas artist has more to come in 2023 including upcoming performance dates as an opener for Madeline Edwards in both Dallas and Houston (April 2023) and as an opener for Kam Franklin and David Michael Wyatt (May 2023).