Tag: Nettwerk Music Group

A Bluegrass Family Reunion at AmericanaFest: Photo Recap

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Ahh it was good to be back at AmericanaFest this year. While last year’s conference felt a bit lighter than normal years, with the pandemic bringing a tentative air, 2022 felt like a bit of a family reunion as we came back in full swing, especially as BGS gathered through the week with so many of those closest to us to celebrate our 10th year. After all, BGS is nothing without our community. BGS is the community! Take a look at the gallery below for a photo recap of our week in Nashville.

We started things off on Tuesdat at a packed Station Inn for a night of bluegrass with Jason Carter and Friends, featuring special guests like Ronnie and Rob McCoury, Michael Cleveland, Ketch Secor, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Shelby Means, Kyle Tuttle, Vince Herman, and David Grier.

Wednesday brought a happy hour at the City Winery Lounge ahead of the Americana Honors and Awards that evening, as we officially celebrated 10 years of BGS (featuring a ton of birthday cake – thanks to the Cupcake Collection!) and an afternoon of music from Rainbow Girls, Willie Watson, and Kyshona.

Finally, on Friday we gathered at the Basement with our friends at Nettwerk Music Group and Taylor Guitars, with performances from Lullanas, Phillip LaRue, Brooke Annibale, Mark Wilkinson, Old Sea Brigade, and Bre Kennedy.

Photos by Steve Lowry

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

Posted on by Editor

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.

WATCH: Aisha Badru, “The Way Back Home”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Aisha Badru
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Song: “The Way Back Home”
Album: The Way Back Home EP
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Label: Nettwerk Records

In Their Words: “During my early 20s, I left home, pursed my wildest dreams, traveled the world, and made decisions with my heart that allowed me to experience the fullness of life. This freedom allowed me to become the person I am today. ‘The Way Back Home’ is written from the perspective of someone who understands that in order for one to be whole, they have to go on a self-exploration journey alone. This song explores non-possessiveness in relationships. It embodies a confidence that allows our loved ones to grow without the fear of losing them.” — Aisha Badru

Photo credit: Jeffery Trapani

WATCH: Morningsiders, “This Could Be Good”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Morningsiders
Hometown: New York City
Song: “This Could Be Good”
Album: Easy Does It
Release Date: July 23, 2021
Label: Nettwerk

In Their Words: “We started writing this project after lockdowns hit, and it was starting to sink in that this was a long-term situation. I wanted to write something about aimless nights out with friends (since there were none coming up anytime soon). We knew we wanted it to feel dance-y and delicate, but also hazy as if you’re kind of floating. The song is meant to capture this rare feeling when you just can’t put a foot wrong with the person you’re with. You’re both laughing at the same things, both on the same wavelength, both equally curious about the other. When that happens the rest of the world recedes away a little, almost like background noise.

“Instrumentally, the challenge was to build an arc out of the same musical pattern that repeats throughout. The entrances and exits of the strings and drums come and go around the steady heartbeat of the tune. We ended up giving the last couple choruses over completely to the instruments, and that’s probably my favorite part of the song. I don’t have to repeat ‘this could be good’ because that feeling is just hanging in the air at that point. For the video we knew that we wanted to bring the tune to life by working with Ilya Vidrin and Jessi Stegall, who are two incredible dancers based in Boston. They totally captured a certain lightheartedness, but also the vulnerability and obsession that come along with falling deeper and deeper into a relationship. Watching them move makes the song feel less like an internal monologue and more like a feeling that is shared and nurtured between two people.” — Magnus Ferguson, Morningsiders

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez

WATCH: Hollow Coves, “Blessings”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Hollow Coves
Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia
Song: “Blessings”
Album: Blessings EP
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Label: Nettwerk Records

In Their Words: “‘Blessings’ is a song of gratitude. It’s about recognizing the little blessings that life has to offer. If we don’t take a moment to acknowledge them, we can often miss them. Practicing gratitude is known to be good for mental health, yet anxiety and depression seem to be more and more prevalent in our generation. I think we are just too distracted to stop and take time to practice gratitude. We hope this song helps people realize that there are blessings all around if you just look up and take the time to think about how much we have to be grateful for.” — Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins, Hollow Coves

Photo credit: @Leniflashes

LISTEN: Beta Radio, “I Need My Prayers”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Beta Radio
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina
Song: “I Need My Prayers”
Album: Year of Love
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Label: Nettwerk Music Group

In Their Words: “It usually takes us long stretches of time to write songs, we normally feel great if we can write and record a whole record in a year, so ‘I Need My Prayers’ was a real surprise when it came about. When writing, Brent and I will usually share audio files back and forth, so he sent me a lyric-less guitar demo… I listened to it once, and then played it again while recording on my phone, and then the song lyrics just came out. I think it was all done within 15 minutes maybe. I was in a mental and spiritual place of needing something to hold onto, I felt like I had lost all my footing in the world and didn’t know where to turn. And a lot of personal things felt like they were falling apart. So… I guess I just needed my prayers.” — Benjamin Mabry, Beta Radio

Photo credit: Amanda Holloman