WATCH: Lydia Ramsey, “Come Home With Me”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Lydia Ramsey
Hometown: Indianola, Washington
Song: “Come Home With Me”
Album: Like a Dream
Release Date: September 23, 2022

In Their Words: “‘Come Home With Me’ was written in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic when you weren’t really allowed to see anyone. I really missed being able to just invite someone over to the house or to get on a plane and revisit some of the exciting places that have become dear to me over the years. We often talk about the pandemic in exclusively negative terms, but I really came to appreciate the perspective it gave me on how important it is to surround yourself with good people, and get out into the world to make new memories whenever you have the opportunity. I’m really thrilled with how this song, and the entire album turned out, and hope the music brings joy and a sense of genuine human connection to those who hear it. I had the opportunity to work with D. James Goodwin (Kevin Morby, Bonny Light Horseman, The National) for mixing and mastering on this record and love the textures and soundscapes we were able to achieve, and I just can’t wait for the full album to be out on Sept. 23rd.” — Lydia Ramsey

Photo and Video Credit: Jacob Rosen

LISTEN: Bo Armstrong, “Which Way’s Home”

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Artist: Bo Armstrong
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Song: “Which Way’s Home”
Album: …if your tired heart is aching
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Label: Tough Cut

In Their Words: “I’ve made a few big moves in my life to give myself the space I needed to grow and achieve various goals, and I’ve got bits and pieces of myself all over the place as a result. But I’m really just a homebody in drifter’s clothes who very much needs to feel anchored wherever I am, whether it’s for two nights, two months, or two years. With a willingness to go where needed, I clung to the idea throughout my teens and early 20s that ‘home’ was wherever my family was — or where my parents were, because that’s where my sisters and I would always return to be together. But then one day I woke up and was 35 years old with a wife and two kids. With that growth and evolution, the concept of ‘home’ became increasingly hard to define.

“I held on to the idea for this song for a while, thinking it could be spun in a fun way for a big artist, but I’m so glad it became a biographical piece — and ultimately the anchor for this album. I’m grateful to my buddy Colton Venner who suggested we bring in his friend Vinnie Paolizzi to keep us between the beacons with it because without him, this wouldn’t have taken shape the way it did. Colton and I know each other well, but because Vinnie and I had never met, we spent the whole first part of the write learning about each other — where we’re from and where we’ve been. I’ve tried to distill the various phases of my life into a few short sentences for this very reason, but there are so many little tributaries to trace. Vinnie was game to go down all of ’em, and before we knew it, we had tackled the last twenty years of my life, put them in a four-minute song, and I had the concluding track for my album. Then I went and picked up my son from school. What a day…” — Bo Armstrong

Bo Armstrong · Which Way’s Home

Photo Credit: Eric Ryan Anderson

Photos: Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, and More Perform at Earl Scruggs Music Festival

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Banjo hero Earl Scruggs received a rousing tribute near his North Carolina hometown over Labor Day weekend, bringing together bluegrass stars like Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and many others. The inaugural event took place Sept. 4 to 6 in Tryon, about 30 miles from the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby. Scruggs, who died in 2012, was raised in the small Flint Hill community nearby, and remains one of the most pivotal figures in bluegrass.

Enjoy photos from the inaugural Earl Scruggs Music Festival below. (Photos by Eli Johnson unless otherwise noted.)

Darin & Brooke Aldridge

Alison Brown

Becky Buller

Chatham County Line

The Earls of Leicester

Fireside Collective
Photo by Tori Marion

Béla Fleck with Mark Schatz

Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Photo by Ron Pankey

Rissi Palmer

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Photo by Ron Pankey

Jon Stickley

Town Mountain

Unspoken Tradition

Fireside Collective hosts a collaborative performance of the 1972 album Earl Scruggs Revue: Live at Kansas State played in its entirety, sponsored by The Bluegrass Situation
Photo by Toni Marion

LISTEN: Lauren Anderson, “I Know”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Lauren Anderson
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Song: “I Know”
Album: Burn It All Down
Release Date: September 9, 2022
Label: LA Records

In Their Words: “‘I Know’ is my love song to the stranger that is my future husband. I put into this song all of my hopes and dreams I have for this man. I hope we have 2 dogs that we adore. That he knows what to say when I’m upset and I know what to remind him to bring on trips. That we know how to work through tough times together. I don’t know this man yet, but I wanted to write a song to gift him for when I do. ‘I know…but I don’t know you yet.’

“I first wrote the song and made a quick recording on my phone. I sent it and a chord chart to my band and we worked out all the kinks musically. Meanwhile I rewrote and edited the lyrics about a dozen times right up until we went into the studio. Then we knocked it out, added some harmonies, and it’s done! It sounds like a quick process, but it’s actually a lot of work. I record a work tape when I run through it with the band before going into the studio. And so until I get to the studio, I’m constantly listening and reworking parts of the song until it fits. Sometimes I think songs ‘talk’ to you and tell you the direction they want to go in and when the song is done. Sometimes it’s clear and other songs make you work for it. This one definitely required several revisions until it was happy, haha. Hope my future husband likes it, haha! 😊” — Lauren Anderson

Lauren Anderson Music · I Know

Photo Credit: Mitzy Rose

LISTEN: Will Hoge, “It’s Just You”

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Artist: Will Hoge
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “It’s Just You”
Album: Wings On My Shoes
Label: EDLO Records/Soundly Music

In Their Words: “It’s the only co-write on the album. Adam Landry and I connected for that one. It was in the depths of COVID where you couldn’t be inside with people, or within 6 feet and all, so we sat outside and wrote on my back porch. It was so nice to connect with an old friend and write a song with real joy in it even in those really dark times. … I didn’t realize how much this touring lifestyle had afforded me a certain level of built-in vulnerability and connection with people. Normally, you get into a van with a group of musicians, and you naturally hang out during the weeks that follow, and there’s a communal aspect. There’s a feeling of being connected. I’d gotten used to that, and without it, I went through something of a nervous breakdown. I needed to recenter myself. … I always want to embrace change — to accept new things artistically — but at the end of the day, I can try to run from this idea that I love good, guitar-based rock & roll music, or I can wear that badge of honor. I’m in the ‘wearing the badge of honor’ phase now.” — Will Hoge

Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

AMERICANAFEST 2022 Preview: Check Out These Panels, Parties and Showcases

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Even if you’re from Nashville or you’ve visited Music City many times, AMERICANAFEST always offers something new. This year, the annual event encompasses more than a dozen places to hear live music, as well as an impressive slate of industry panels and a near-endless list of parties. Where to begin? Although this story is by no means definitive, here are some promising highlights from the 2022 Americanafest daily schedule.

Tuesday, September 13

If you’re in town early, come say hello to BGS at Station Inn, where Jason Carter & Friends will take the stage. Doors at 8. Although it’s not open to the public, all conference and festival passholders are welcome. To pick up your pass, you’ll need to swing by City Winery or the Westin (the host hotel) earlier that day. An exploration of East Nashville might also be in order, with The Old Fashioned String Band Throwdown from 6-9 p.m. at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge.

Wednesday, September 14

A plethora of panels awaits conference registrants at the Westin, along with a couple of notable interview sessions. The Indigo Girls will be interviewed by NPR Music’s Ann Powers at 10 a.m. (They’ll be honored with a Lifetime Achievement recognition at the Americana Music Honors & Awards later that night too). Stick around for a conversation between Dom Flemons and Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson, presented by WSM’s American Songster Radio. After that, Stax Records’ Al Bell and Deanie Parker will discuss the historic Wattstax festival in 1972.

You can count on BGS for another party as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary with a happy hour at City Winery Lounge from 3 – 5 p.m. Conference and festival passholders welcome. Special performers include Kyshona, Rainbow Girls, and Willie Watson. And after the awards show, there’s an abundance of awesome shows to consider, including a rare solo set by Angel Olsen (our BGS Artist of the Month in August) at Riverside Revival, a set from Bill Monroe acolyte Mike Compton and a surprise headliner at Station Inn, and an acoustic showcase from members of North Mississippi Allstars at Analog at Hutton Hotel immediately followed by Texas great Joshua Ray Walker.

Thursday, September 15

One of the most intriguing panels on Thursday is titled The Narrators: How Jake Blount, Leyla McCalla and Kaia Kater Re-Mapped the Past, Present and Future With Concept Albums. As the Americanafest app points out, all three artists are students of musical and cultural traditions, as well as Black banjo players. The conversation takes place at noon with moderator Jewly Hight. Coincidentally, these three performers are showcasing at the exact same time later that night, so here’s your chance to catch them all at once.

Ishkōdé Records will celebrate Indigenous voices from Turtle Island at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge from 1-4 p.m., with performers such as Amanda Rheaume, Aysanabee, Digging Roots and Evan Redsky. If you’re lucky enough to get into the Bluebird Cafe for a 6 p.m. show, you can enjoy a songwriting round with Gabe Lee, Tristan Bushman and British artist Lauren Housley. A Tribute to Levon Helm with an all-star cast closes out the night at 3rd & Lindsley, following an evening of music with Arkansas roots.

Several of the most buzzed-about showcases of AMERICANAFEST will take place at the Basement East, with a strong lineup boasting Rissi Palmer, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Trousdale, Bre Kennedy and Jade Bird. If you’re up for bluegrass, the City Winery Lounge lineup includes Tammy Rogers & Thomm Jutz alongside rising talent like the Tray Wellington Band and Troubadour Blue. If honky-tonk is more your style, stay up late for Jesse Daniel at 6th & Peabody, with original music that pays homage to the Bakersfield Sound without losing its contemporary appeal.

Friday, September 16

Diversity is a common theme on Friday’s daytime events, with panels like Booking With Intent: How Curating the Stage Impacts Industry Diversity and How Americana Music Is Embracing Minority Representation. Of particular note, British artist Lady Nade speaks on the influence of Black music in country and Americana in a panel titled You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: Why Representation Is Vital for the Americana Genre. Look for a conversation and performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at noon with rising artists from the Black Opry Revue.

To list all the parties on Friday would take up this whole page. To socialize, you’ve got options ranging from songwriting rounds to label parties to multiple happy hours. (If you’re a craft beer drinker who loves to linger on the deck, it’s worth a visit to Tennessee Brew Works, where Hear Fort Worth is setting up shop.) As for BGS, you’ll find us at the Basement for a party presented with Nettwerk Records and Taylor Guitars. The public may RSVP through the invitation below.

This might be a good time to mention one of the festival’s new venues, The Well at Koinonia. This cozy coffee shop on Music Row played a crucial role in the development of contemporary Christian music, once lending its small stage to a then-unknown Amy Grant. For AMERICANAFEST, it’s providing a listening room environment for a number of quieter artists who still deserve to be heard, such as Nashville songwriter-producer Alex Wong, award-winning acoustic guitarist Christie Lenée, mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant, Australian troubadour Colin Lillie, and the accomplished Mexican-American musician Lisa Morales on Friday night. If you’re interested in early shows (starting at 6 p.m.), easy parking, and/or enjoying music in a non-alcoholic environment, make an effort to get refueled here.

Not far away lies one of Nashville’s musical landmarks, The Basement (a.k.a. “The Basement O.G.”), and if you’re in town to discover some overlooked voices, this might be an ideal spot to start. Drawing on blues and rock, Chicago musician Nathan Graham is making his AMERICANAFEST debut this year, followed by Southern slide guitarist-songwriter Michelle Malone, who’s touring behind new material like “Not Who I Used to Be.” At Exit/In at 9 p.m., Michigan Rattlers are among Americana music’s best storytellers, with a vibe that’s kind of brooding but still has some rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Hang around for 49 Winchester, a Virginia ensemble that’s been DIY for most of its career. However, 2022’s Fortune Favors the Bold is garnering some much-deserved attention. Listen closely for the Exit/In reference in standout track, “Damn Darlin’.”

For something more mellow, you can zoom over to City Winery for a late set by Milk Carton Kids. It wouldn’t even feel like AMERICANAFEST without seeing these guys. Earlier in the evening, longtime festival favorite Ruston Kelly will play alongside his dad, Tim Kelly, performing exquisite songs that they recorded together (with Ruston serving as producer). Gaby Moreno, Henry Wagons and Rainbow Girls are also on the well-rounded bill. Go ahead, order a bottle.

Saturday, September 17

By the time the weekend arrives, the panels have wrapped and the parties are well underway. You can peruse the Americanafest app for all the options, but first, settle in at City Winery for the Thirty Tigers Gospel Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (It’s on Saturday this year, rather than Sunday.) Artists appearing include Alisa Amador, Brent Cobb, Emily Scott Robinson, Stephanie Lambring, The Fairfield Four and The McCrary Sisters. Musicians Corner in Centennial Park also features free afternoon sets from Nashville mainstay Josh Rouse, Brooklyn’s own Bandits on the Run, Los Angeles songwriter Chris Pierce, Canadian banjo player Ryland Moranz, and more.

Over at The 5 Spot, Alabama bluesman Early James anchors a lineup with Theo Lawrence (a French songwriter-guitarist who opened dates for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in Europe), Canadian musician Megan Nash, and new ATO Records signing Honey Harper. The night concludes with an 11 p.m. showcase titled Luke Schneider & Friends: A Pedal Steel Showcase. For something similarly atmospheric, consider a one-night-only event, Phosphorescent Performing Songs From the Full Moon Project, also at 11 p.m. at Brooklyn Bowl. He’s promising to play more songs than just the covers he’s chosen for this unique album, so you can bask in the afterglow of an incredible week of music.

For more information about these events and countless more, visit AMERICANAFEST.COM.

Artists featured at top (L-R): Phosphorescent, Molly Tuttle, Dom Flemons, Angel Olsen

WATCH: Rachel Angel, “Closer to Myself”

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Artist: Rachel Angel
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Single: “Closer to Myself”
Album: Midnite Heart Attack
Release Date: September 9, 2022
Label: Ruzafa Records

In Their Words: “‘Closer to Myself’ is a song about stripping away the distractions to get closer to yourself. My upcoming album, Midnite Heart Attack, features songs about getting through a difficult time and coming out on the other side, stronger and more free. ‘Closer to Myself’ is about a recovery of mind and spirit from a place of denial, addiction, and longing. Ultimately, it’s a song of hope. It is the second single to be released from the album, which was recorded in Philadelphia and features players from The War On Drugs. I made the music video while living abroad in Valencia, Spain, for a year while getting a masters at Berklee College of Music’s Valencia campus. I teamed up with a Portuguese director, Martim Braz Teixeira, who had the creative idea to make a video about me trying to find a missing person, who in fact is myself. The idea plays on the messaging of the song following me on the streets of Valencia as I make that desperate search, and ultimately, to a place of freedom when I make the discovery and ‘find’ myself.” — Rachel Angel

Photo Credit: Martim Braz Teixeira

WATCH: Plains, “Abilene”

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Artist: Plains (Katie Crutchfield & Jess Williamson)
Song: “Abilene”
Album: I Walked With You a Ways
Release Date: October 14, 2022
Label: ANTI- Records

In Their Words: “The song ‘Abilene’ really solidified the vision of the album for me. I’ll never forget how giddy I felt when Jess sent me the original demo. In a very stereotypical-of-a-songwriter way, Jess felt unsure if it fit or made sense and I reassured her immediately that this was probably my favorite song of the bunch. She achieved something really special in my view, which is writing a classic country waltz that feels extremely modern.” — Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee)

“In the video for ‘Abilene,’ my dear friend Adriene Mishler plays the narrator of the song. We see her struggle in the final stages of a romantic relationship and then make the hard decision to choose herself and leave. I think we all have our own personal ‘Abilene.’ Maybe it’s a place where you used to live and things didn’t turn out as planned, like in the song. It could also be a relationship that ended in disappointment, or a dream that turned into a hard reality, or even an old version of yourself that’s better left in the past. ‘Abilene’ is a song about knowing your worth, having courage in the face of an uncertain future, and trusting your gut.” — Jess Williamson

Photo Credit: Molly Matalon

Coming to AMERICANAFEST? Don’t Miss These Parties Presented by BGS

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If you’re headed to Nashville this month for AMERICANAFEST, prepare for more than 175 official artists, insightful industry panels, and yes… parties! Please join The Bluegrass Situation as we present some one-of-a kind moments this year.

Tuesday, September 13 (8-11 p.m.): On the festival’s kickoff night, fiddler extraordinaire Jason Carter will gather an all-star lineup of friends and guests at Station Inn, to perform songs from his upcoming solo album. Look for appearances from David Grier, Michael Cleveland, The Travelin’ McCourys, Vince Herman, and some superb surprises. Presented by The Bluegrass Situation in partnership with Resounding Strategies. All conference and festival passholders welcome.

Wednesday, September 14 (3-5 p.m.): Have you heard? BGS turned 10 this year! To commemorate the occasion, we are raising a glass of sparkling wine in the cozy confines of City Winery Lounge. In between bites of birthday cake, visit with the BGS team and hear acoustic music by Kyshona, Rainbow Girls, and Willie Watson. Drop by on your way to the Americana Honors & Awards. All conference and festival passholders welcome.

Friday, September 16 (1-5 p.m.): Nettwerk Music Group, The Bluegrass Situation & Taylor Guitars present an afternoon of special performances at The Basement. Check out Nashville’s own Bre Kennedy and Old Sea Brigade, along with The Ballroom Thieves, LULLANAS, Brooke Annibale, and Mark Wilkinson at The Basement. Free drinks & food from Delicias Colombianas RR Food Truck! All conference and festival passholders welcome. The public may RSVP here.

Basic Folk – Lauren Balthrop

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Lauren Balthrop’s Mobile, Alabama upbringing saw her soaking in the music of The Andrews Sisters, Steve Sondheim, R.E.M., Elliott Smith and Neil Young. As a child, she was involved in activities that varied from sports, to drama, to music and beyond. She never really settled on a passion, until she found acting and theater. She pursued that dream from fourth grade until after college, moving to New York to go after auditions and acting parts. She found a soft landing in the city by moving in with her brother, Pascal. The two would then go on to form the large band (they called it a traveling small town) of Balthrop, Alabama. From 2007 to 2012 they toured the country with as many as nine band members taking to the road. In this experience, she met Dawn Landes and Annie Nero, with whom she joined up for the harmony centered trio, The Bandana Splits.

LISTEN: APPLE • SPOTIFY • STITCHER • AMAZON • MP3

In 2013, she released a solo album under the name Dear Georgiana, which referred to Georgiana Starlington, the pseudonym she used in Balthrop, Alabama (everyone went by a character name.) She called those “the songs her brother doesn’t like,” at least not for their band… After that, she wrote a bunch more songs that felt as though they were written in her own voice, which she released under her name as the album This Time Around. Her new solo album continues the sentence: Things Will Be Different. She’s exploring the themes of change, upheaval and heartbreak while looking towards the future with hope. What’s also cool for Lauren is that she’s finding new meanings in these songs that differ from their original purpose. Lauren is a curious learner who seems like she’s always got her antenna up. I love her new record: the lush sounds and humor are hitting me right. It was great to talk to Lauren in this medium! We have known each other for almost 15 years and have instigated many antics over the years. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: James Paul Mitchell