5+5

BGS 5+5: Benny Bleu

Get to know musician, singer-songwriter, and geologist Benny Bleu with five songs and five questions.

Features

Amy Grant Launches New Podcast Exploring The Me That Remains

We spoke to Grant about the circuitous process of making her first album of original material in over a decade – and about her brand new podcast, hosted by Khalil Ekulona, that dives deeper into the LP.

Mixtape

Gina Leslie’s “Making Music with My Friends” Playlist

Artist and side musician Gina Leslie celebrates her wealth of musical and creative friends with a new Mixtape. The theme? "The life I love is making music with my friends"!

Features

Renée Fleming and Béla Fleck in Conversation

Two music icons from two very different fields join forces on a compelling new roots album by Fleming and produced by Fleck. We brought them together to talk about it.

Caleb Caudle Has Learned to Trust Himself

With a new album out, Heavy Thrill, we spoke to the singer-songwriter and community builder about trying his hand at production – and much more.

Are the Brudi Brothers More Cowboy Than You?

Now touring a new EP released in April, we spoke to the viral brother trio about where they’ve come from and where they’re headed.

Keyland’s Friends in Low Places Playlist All About Tulsa

The Oklahoman Americana artist proudly celebrates the music scene in his hometown of Tulsa – and his new album, Knuckle Sandwich – with a Mixtape.

The Essential 1977 LP Tony Rice Gets a Reissue

Guitarist and Tony Rice biographer Tim Stafford walks us through the vinyl and remastered digital reissue of Rice’s iconic eponymous album.

Maoli Fully Embraces His “Island Country” Point of View

The artist known as Maoli is Glenn Awong, a Hawaiian country reggae star who’s out to prove country, bluegrass, folk, and the islands have much in common.

Artist of the Month: Jo Dee Messina

After over 10 years the pop country icon returns with an excellent new album. We chat all about it in our exclusive Good Country interview.

Braxton Keith’s Real Damn Deal is Country Through and Through

The Texan singer-songwriter’s brand of country – and his new album, too – is another fine example of the current thriving neo-traditionalist scene.

Roots Songs All About Mental Health

The intersection of music and mental health is nothing new. Roots music is a perfect artistic vessel for thoughts, feelings, and considerations around mental well being.

12 Mandolinists We Know You’ll Love

We’ve collected a dozen mando pickers who you might not be familiar with, but we know you’ll love!

There’s an Edge to Abbie Callahan’s Sugary Country

We caught up with the singer-songwriter in Napa Valley to chat about the “sick and twisted” undercurrent to her sweet, poppy country songs.

Jarrod Walker is Much More Than Just a Sideman

His debut solo album, Nighthawk, shows the mandolinist confidently stepping into the roles of singer-songwriter, artist, and creative director, too.

Steep Canyon Rangers Are “A String Band Again”

Their new album, Next Act, is a bluegrassy Western North Carolina-steeped return to form for the world famous Steeps.

Survival of the Heart and Survival in Alaska

Witty, whimsical songs of love, heartbreak, and the Alaskan frontier shine on Juneau-based singer-songwriter Taylor Dallas Vidic’s album debut.

Darren Nicholson Wants His Style of Bluegrass to Sound Different

The mandolinist, songwriter, and frontman leans into the regional sounds and communities of Western North Carolina on his latest, Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales.

From Lonesome, Gorgeous Texas Hill Country
to the World

We spoke to the Droptines frontman Conner Arthur about how the Lone Star state influences every detail of the red dirt band and their sound.

The Expansive Universe of Hiss Golden Messenger

North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor talks about the new album, I’m People, which demonstrates – in many ways – Hiss is no “one man band.”

Put Your Movin’ Shoes on and Dance

Honky-tonkin’ Nashville artist Emily Nenni strides her way into new territory on her just-released album of country soul.

BGS 5+5: TANASI

Get to know “worldgrass” band TANASI with five songs and five questions.

Phillip Phillips’ Songs for Curing (or Wallowing in) Homesickness

A new Mixtape by Phillip Phillips shares songs that sit in that space between where you came from and where life has taken you.