Happy New Year! Our very first New Music Friday of 2025 brings our very first premiere roundup of the new year, too. We’re so excited to dive into another 12 months’ worth of superlative Americana, country, folk, bluegrass, old-time, and more.
Don’t miss a brand new track from critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Kora Feder, who debuts “Rambling Man” from her upcoming album, Some Kind of Truth. Her voice shines, crystalline and pure above a warm and crisp folk-rock-meets-Americana backing track. It’s a song about gender, wanderlust, expectations, and inhabiting agency – freedom.
Next, West Virginian (via Brooklyn) folk artist Olivia Ellen Lloyd brings us a lyric video for the title track for her highly anticipated 2025 record, Do It Myself. Staying within our coincidental theme of agency and autonomy, “Do It Myself” celebrates Lloyd’s self determination and self possession with her particular agnostic West Virginian blend of roots genres and styles. It’s indie, folk, Americana, country, and string band all wrapped up into one tidy, charming musical package.
To wrap up our first premiere collection of the year, don’t miss our latest Good Country Goodtime session from our debut GC variety show in Los Angeles last September. The latest installment of our exclusive clips from the show features “garage country” artist and songwriter Aubrie Sellers offering her stellar take on a country classic, “Make the World Go Away.” That voice!
You can find all this incredible music below and, honestly – You Gotta Hear This! Happy new year, happy new music.
Kora Feder, “Rambling Man”
Artist:Kora Feder Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Song: “Rambling Man” Album:Some Kind of Truth Release Date: January 3, 2025 (single); March 18, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Rambling Man’ is about self confidence as quiet rebellion. It’s about gender and beauty standards, about the feeling of achieving freedom from expectation and self-suppression. It’s the kind of song that can fuel a solo drive or inspire barefoot dance sessions in the kitchen. I hope that it is as empowering to listen to as it was to make.” – Kora Feder
Track Credits: Paul Mayer – Piano, drums Justin Farren – Guitar, bass, pads Written by Kora Feder Mixed by Justin Farren Mastered by Eric Broyhill
Olivia Ellen Lloyd, “Do It Myself”
Artist:Olivia Ellen Lloyd Hometown: Shepherdstown, West Virginia Song: “Do It Myself” Album:Do It Myself Release Date: January 3, 2025 (single); March 21, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “When I sing this song, I think of the Rilke poem, ‘Archaic Torso of Apollo.’ To me, that poem summarizes how art can move someone into action, and how we can be perceived by our creations just as we perceive them. I had memorized that poem over a decade ago for a speech class in undergrad, and on the day I sat down to write ‘Do It Myself,’ the last lines, ‘For here there is no place that cannot see you. You must change your life,’ came to me like a meditation.
“At many points over the almost two-year process of making this record, I had no idea how I was going to take the next step, pay for the next expense, or reach the next milestone. But I had a song that insisted that I could, I would – do it myself. So I kept moving, slowly at times, until it was complete. And every so often, at various stages of creating this album, I would play this song – first the bounce, then the rough mix, then drafts of the final mix – and dance around my apartment in Brooklyn. As if to remind myself that I could do it. Even if I didn’t know how (yet).” – Olivia Ellen Lloyd
The Good Country Goodtime: Aubrie Sellers
On September 27, Good Country and BGS debuted our brand new variety show, the Good Country Goodtime, at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. The inaugural show was hosted by country and bluegrass singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks and featured appearances by artists Victoria Bailey and Aubrie Sellers as well as a hilarious set by comedian and actor Kurt Braunohler. Backing up the talent was our first class Goodtime house band led by the Coral Reefers’ Mick Utley.
For our second installment in our series of clips from the September edition of the show, “garage country” artist and singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers offers an incredible cover of a country classic, “Make the World Go Away.” Sellers is a fascinating roots artist with a deep and broad country and Americana pedigree. Her music combines so many genres – indie, folk, rock and roll, grunge, and blues blend effortlessly with bona fide old country chops and pop-meets-countrypolitan glamor. But here, on the Dynasty Typewriter stage, her rendition of the indispensable Hank Cochran-penned hit is remarkably simple and down-to-earth.
Our last premiere roundup before the holidays – and therefore, our last of the year! – is full of country, folk, new acoustic, and more. Here are the songs and videos you gotta hear.
In the country camp, check out “Don’t You Dare” by singer-songwriter Ben Chapman from his upcoming Anderson East-produced project, Downbeat, which releases today. Plus, Joel Timmons (of Sol Driven Train, Maya de Vitry, and more) brings a heaping helping of his Psychedelic Surf Country with a fun, true-to-life track, “Guitars, Guns, and Pickup Trucks” that features fiddle by the award-winning bluegrass ringer Jason Carter.
A. Lee Edwards continues in a country vein with “Moving Up to the Mountains,” inspired by his and his wife’s own journey moving from Charlotte, North Carolina, up into Nantahala National Forest. And, Ramona and the Holy Smokes debut a brand new video for “Til It’s Over,” a redemptive song with a music video inspired by the stories of Vivian Cash and Johnny Cash.
Folk legend John McCutcheon is included below, as well, with a new song “Here” written at the vital Highlander Center in East Tennessee that’s all about being present in the moment. Meanwhile, new acoustic, bluegrass-meets-classical duo Scroggins & Rose premiere their out-of-this-world single, “Space Samba,” from their upcoming January release, Speranza.
It’s all right here on BGS and You Gotta Hear This! Happy holidays and we’ll be back with plenty more new music in 2025.
Ben Chapman, “Don’t You Dare”
Artist: Ben Chapman Hometown: Lafayette, Georgia Song: “Don’t You Dare” Album:Downbeat Release Date: December 13, 2024 Label: Hippie Shack
In Their Words: “It’s a simple but rough-edged love song about two lovers sitting on their back porch, thinking of how good they have it and how they’ll never know a love stronger than what they have at the moment. It’s a song for that once-in-a-lifetime, growing old together while sitting in rocking chairs type of love, true love. I wrote this song with my long-time cowriter and girlfriend, Meg McRee. It was one of those songs that just found us. We didn’t even have to go looking. The whole thing took us about 20 minutes to write, and we both knew it was such a special song. Most of the time, the best songs come to you when you least expect it, and in this case, it couldn’t be truer.” – Ben Chapman
Track Credits: Gregg Garner – Bass Darren Dodd – Drums & percussion Anderson East – Electric guitar, mellotron, organ Ben Chapman – Acoustic guitar & vocals Meg McRee – Backing vocals
A. Lee Edwards, “Move Up to the Mountains”
Artist:A. Lee Edwards Hometown: Franklin, North Carolina Song: “Move Up to the Mountains” Album: Interpreting Heart Sounds, Vol.I Release Date: December 13, 2024 (single); February 28, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Move Up to the Mountains’ in the late ’90s after moving from the Virginia mountains to Charlotte. The song came out of feeling stuck in the grind of city life and wanting to escape to the peace and simplicity of the mountains. Inspired by the Bob Dylan line, ‘He not busy being born is busy dying,’ it’s about longing for something different. In 2017, after 22 years in Charlotte, my wife and I made that move to the Nantahala National Forest. The song reflects that desire to leave the chaos behind and find a quieter, more meaningful way of life.” – A. Lee Edwards
Track Credits: A. Lee Edwards – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lead vocal Matt Royal – Electric bass, backing vocal Amanda Neill – Electric piano, backing vocal Tom Mayo – Drums Matthew Smith – Pedal steel
John McCutcheon, “Here”
Artist:John McCutcheon Hometown: Smoke Rise, Georgia Song: “Here” Album:Field Of Stars Release Date: December 13, 2024 (single); January 10, 2025 (album) Label: Appalseed
In Their Words: “I well remember writing ‘Here.’ I was conducting one of my Songwriting Camps at the Highlander Center in East Tennessee. I knew the protagonist in the song well. I had seen him in a lot of my friends and, even occasionally, in myself. Mostly, in those times when creativity and drive give way to a kind of ambition that causes you to lose perspective and purpose. I wanted to start with simple, childhood dreams: that special sandwich, summer vacation. By the time he’s at the altar, he’s sure his dreams have come true, only to realize that he’s still unsatisfied and anxious… failing to simply be present. The pandemic really focused my meditation practice and led me to this song, I guess.
“Interestingly, this was the last song to make the ‘cut’ for the album. And here it is as the opening track. I owe it entirely to my stellar band of brothers (JT Brown, Jon Carroll, Pete Kennedy, ‘Jos’ Jospé, and Stuart Duncan) who’ve become my studio band. I purposely send them bare-bones demos and we jointly create the arrangements live in the studio. They gave this song whatever spark it needed to open this collection.” – John McCutcheon
Track Credits: John McCutcheon – Vocal, guitar Jon Carroll – Harmony vocals, piano, organ JT Brown – Harmony vocals, bass Pete Kennedy – Electric guitar Robert “Jos” Jospe – Drums Stuart Duncan – Fiddle
Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Til It’s Over”
Artist:Ramona and the Holy Smokes Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia Song: “Til It’s Over” Album:Til It’s Over (EP) Release Date: November 22, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Til It’s Over’ is a song about knowing a relationship is doomed but not being ready to let go. I wrote this song after I had a terrible fight with someone I was dating at the time. I saw all the red flags and basically chose to keep going until the relationship self-destructed rather than being brave and ending it as soon as I knew it wasn’t right for me. I have done this more than I would like to admit, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
“The music video was inspired by the life of Vivian Cash, Johnny Cash’s first wife. I really feel history has done her dirty, most notably by her portrayal in the 2005 film, Walk the Line. I tried to honor her in a number of ways in the video with nods to her Catholicism, her amazing fashion sense, and her strength while her family was falling apart. ‘Til It’s Over,’ couched in the context of her life, becomes a much sadder song. Divorce was against her religious beliefs and even though she was basically abandoned, she loved Johnny Cash until she died. In our video, she reclaims her agency by picking up a guitar and writing her own song, but this is our way of wrapping up our version of the story with a redemptive moment.
“This video was directed by the incredible Elizabeth Culbertson, who also directed Marley Hale’s ‘Dear Girl’ music video. We worked together on creating the visual differences between the two time periods in the video (the 1950s and 1960s), with Elizabeth focusing on light and color, while I focused on hair, makeup & wardrobe. Our concept was incredibly ambitious, and Elizabeth’s cinematography elevates the work from run-of-the-mill music video to full-on cinema. ‘Til It’s Over’ also stars fellow musician Red McAdam as country singer ‘Red McAdams,’ who knocks his first dramatic performance out of the park. Neither Red nor I had ever acted on camera before, and I think we both showed up with our A-game and convincingly captured love gone wrong.” – Ramona Martinez
Scroggins & Rose, “Space Samba”
Artist:Scroggins & Rose Hometown: San Francisco, California Song: “Space Samba” Album:Speranza Release Date: January 10, 2025 Label: Adhyâropa Records
In Their Words: “‘Space Samba’ began, like many of our pieces, as a fragment recorded in our voice memos. From there, it grew into one of the most playful compositions on Speranza. We took the syncopated rhythm and expanded it into a dancing melody and contrasted it with a spacious, flowing second theme that we thought evoked the image of astronauts floating at a Hawaiian-themed party in space – hence the name. This whimsical retro-futurist imagery guided us as we worked to intertwine the different rhythms and the melodies together into a cohesive piece. By experimenting with standalone patterns and interlocking parts, we developed a tune that combines the energy of a cosmic dance party with moments of suspense. The result captures not only the joy of movement but also the quiet, frozen beauty of space, the urgency of space shuttle alarms, and – of course – more dancing.” – Scroggins & Rose
Joel Timmons, “Guitars, Guns, and Pickup Trucks” (Featuring Jason Carter)
Artist:Joel Timmons Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina Song: “Guitars, Guns, and Pickup Trucks” (featuring Jason Carter) Album:Psychedelic Surf Country Release Date: December 13, 2024 (single); February 7, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “Before I met my future father-in-law, I was warned by my girlfriend, Shelby Means, about ‘the list.’ It was my first visit out to Wyoming to meet her parents and she told me he would pepper me with a series of questions to gauge my suitability. On the truck ride out to their property from the airport he began the inquisition, marking my responses with his finger on an imaginary scoreboard. Over the years, I’ve learned that this tough-guy routine and good-natured teasing was a sign of endearment and sort of a cowboy love language, but at the time I was intimidated. Mr. Means has a favorite expression: ‘A man can never have too many guitars, guns, or pickup trucks.’ That felt like a country song that needed to be written. In a nation that feels so politically and culturally polarized, I hope this song encourages the listener to look for common ground with the other side. Jason Carter’s brilliant fiddle and rich baritone vocals give the recording some real country swagger.” – Joel Timmons
Track Credits: Joel Timmons – Vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mouth harp Jason Carter – Harmony vocals, fiddle Shelby Means – Harmony vocals, background vocals Brett Resnick – Pedal steel De Marco Johnson – Organ Ethan Jodziewicz – Electric bass Mark Raudabugh – Drums, percussion
Photo Credit: John McCutcheon by Irene Young; Scroggins & Rose by Lenny Gonzalez.
This week, our premiere roundup is full of brand new music videos and performance videos for your viewing pleasure.
Fiddler and composer Hanneke Cassel kicks us off with an exciting, dance-ready remix of “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” that celebrates the 10th anniversary of her album by the same name. Then Zoe & Cloyd bring a touching and heart-wrenching number, “Linemen,” inspired by their experiences in Asheville post-Hurricane Helene and set to stunning footage of the flooding’s destruction.
Don’t miss two sessions, too! Judy Blank continues our special encore series of Rootsy Summer Sessions captured earlier this summer with a two-song performance from Falkenberg, Sweden. And the hilarious troubadour Robbie Fulks shares “I Just Lived a Country Song” during our inaugural Good Country Goodtime variety show held earlier this fall. We’re so excited to bring you clips and sessions from that special show while we look ahead to more Goodtimes in 2025.
It’s all right here on BGS, and You Gotta Hear This!
Hanneke Cassel, “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” (Eric Wright Remix)
Artist:Hanneke Cassel Hometown: Somerville, Massachusetts Song: “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” (Eric Wright Remix) Release Date: December 6, 2024
In Their Words: “I released my tune ‘Dot The Dragon’s Eyes’ on an album by the same name in 2013. I was trying to think of a way to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the album and realized 2024 was the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Lunar calendar. I had been wanting to work with Eric Wright (cellist from the acoustic string band, The Fretless, and member of the electronic band, Speaker Face) so I asked him to do a dance remix tune.
“From 2002 to 2012, I traveled to Shanghai every spring as a retreat – to visit friends, play fiddle at migrant schools, orphanages, and other events, and to perform a concert in the Shanghai Arts District. These were transformative years for me – personally and musically – and after one visit I wrote the tune ‘Dot The Dragon’s Eyes.’ The title comes from a Chinese story that describes putting the finishing touches on something (dotting the eyes!) to bring it to life. The music video that goes along with this remix attempts to paint a picture of one of those days in Shanghai – complete with dumplings, karaoke, walks in the park, and more.” – Hanneke Cassel
Zoe & Cloyd, “Linemen”
Artist:Zoe & Cloyd Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina Song: “Linemen” Release Date: December 6th, 2024 (video)
In Their Words: “‘Linemen” was born from an honest, immediate experience. After 16 days with no power in our neighborhood following Hurricane Helene, we heard that linemen had been up on the narrow, washed out, backside dirt road near our homes assessing the situation. This road is still the only way into our neighborhood after flooding destroyed our bridge over Cane Creek on September 27. On the night of October 12, there was much anticipation and anxiety regarding the feasibility of power restoration amid so much damage. Our neighbor down on the creek, Doug Norton, a songwriter himself, sent us some lyrics that came to him after a ‘muse visit.’ We were all ‘sharing the same moment,’ to quote Doug. From his words, we were inspired to create this song.” – John Cloyd Miller
The Good Country Goodtime: Robbie Fulks, “I Just Lived A Country Song”
On September 27, Good Country and BGS debuted our brand new variety show, the Good Country Goodtime, at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. The inaugural show, hosted by country and bluegrass singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks, featured comedy, country, and performances by musicians Victoria Bailey and Aubrie Sellers, comedian and actor Kurt Braunohler, and our all-star Goodtime house band led by the Coral Reefers’ Mick Utley.
Dynasty Typewriter is one of LA’s premier spaces for comedy, music, podcasts, improv, and so much more. The very first Good Country Goodtime was captured by the venue’s state-of-the-art cameras and we’re so excited to begin sharing exclusive sessions pulled from our debut edition of the show with our readers and fans. To kick off the new series, we’re highlighting our impeccable host for the evening, Robbie Fulks.
While much of the U.S. – and really, much of the Northern Hemisphere – has been plunged into the frigid throes of winter, let’s stroll back to balmy summer and to Falkenberg, Sweden. During Rootsy Summer Fest ’24 our videographer friends at I Know We Should were once again on hand to capture a few special live performances of artists and musicians from the festival lineup. Earlier this year, we featured an entire series of sessions from Rootsy Summer Fest ’23 (view those videos here), so we’re especially pleased to bring you these special encore performances captured this August.
For our latest session, we’re excited to introduce our BGS audience to indie-folk artist Judy Blank. Born and raised in the Netherlands – though now based in Nashville, Tennessee – Blank has her own sort of transatlantic style, combining textures and tones from Music City, Los Angeles, Europe, and beyond. Pop sensibilities combine with a raw earthiness that feels authentic and grounded, while simultaneously polished and highly conceptualized.
Who needs Black Friday when you have New Music Friday? We’ve got your doorbusters right here, in our weekly premiere roundup!
This week, from the bluegrass realm, we have two new tracks from labelmates Benson and Jaelee Roberts. Check out “Down That Road” from husband-and-wife-duo Benson, featuring bluegrass veterans Kristin Scott Benson and Wayne Benson – with vocals by Keith Garrett. Plus, Jaelee Roberts pays tribute to ’80s and ’90s bluegrass with a loving homage to the Lonesome River Band with her cover of “Looking For Yourself.”
Also in our premiere collection, we have a brand new lyric video for “Go to the Sun,” a new single from Swedish folk-pop singer-songwriter Sarah Klang all about going from a dark place to one of hope. To wrap us up this week – and this month! – don’t miss our exclusive two-song Tønder Session with Ugandan-Texan roots artist Jon Muq.
It’s all right here on BGS and You Gotta Hear This!
Benson, “Down That Road”
Artist:Benson Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina Song: “Down That Road” Release Date: November 29, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “‘Down That Road’ is a great song. I love to play banjo on tunes with this lilting groove. Wayne and I are both huge Keith Garrett fans and we love his vocal delivery on this one. The song conveys a vulnerability and he did a great job capturing that.” – Kristin Scott Benson
Track Credits: Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Wayne Benson – Mandolin Cody Kilby – Guitar Kevin McKinnon – Bass Tony Creasman – Drums Dustin Pyrtle – Harmony vocal
Sarah Klang, “Go To The Sun”
Artist:Sarah Klang Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden Song: “Go to the Sun” Album:Beautiful Woman Release Date: November 29, 2024 (single); February 7, 2025 (album) Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “‘Go to the Sun’ is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written. This song represents going to better places, be it in your mind or physically traveling to those places. It’s about a person’s mental state going from a dark place to one of hope. It’s about escaping from the day-to-day and finding your way.” – Sarah Klang
JaeleeRoberts, “Looking For Yourself”
Artist:Jaelee Roberts Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Looking For Yourself” Release Date: November 29, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I absolutely love the ’80s and ’90s eras of bluegrass music and ‘Looking For Yourself’ (originally recorded by the Lonesome River Band) completely embodies that vibe. I’ve been a LRB fan my entire life and this song has always jumped out at me while listening to that classic album, so I decided that ‘Looking For Yourself’ should be the first bluegrass cover song that I’d record. Andy Leftwich, Cody Kilby, Ron Block, Byron House, John Gardner, and Grayson Lane are absolutely awesome and made this track go from dream to reality for me! Speaking of Grayson Lane, I just have to say how happy I am to have him singing harmony with me on this. We have known each other since we were born (literally) and he is one of my favorite singers and his voice on ‘Looking For Yourself’ was the icing on the cake. I hope y’all will enjoy my spin of one of my favorite bluegrass songs and that you’ll listen to it loud and sing along at the top of your lungs!” – Jaelee Roberts
Track Credits: Jaelee Roberts – Vocals, harmony vocals Byron House – Bass Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar Andy Leftwitch – Mandolin, fiddle John Gardner – Drums Ron Block – Banjo Grayson Lane – Harmony vocals
Tønder Session, Jon Muq
Earlier this year, during the waning days of summer, our videographer friends at I Know We Should traveled to Denmark to capture a handful of special sessions with Americana and roots artists performing at Scandinavian music festivals. For our next installment in this mini-series, we’re excited to feature singer-songwriter Jon Muq performing during his time at premier Danish music event, Tønder Festival.
Born and raised in Uganda, Jon Muq has made waves since relocating to Austin, Texas, and leaving his mark on the American roots music scene. Earlier this year he released his debut full-length album, Flying Away, on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound. That’s the project from which Muq’s first selection is pulled. On a waterside boardwalk with a marshy backdrop, Muq offers “Bend,” a song about resiliency, flexibility, and connection, and “Hello Sunshine,” another track from Flying Away – one just perfect for August in Denmark.
It’s a wall-to-wall picture show this week in our premiere round-up! Pop some popcorn, grab some Mike & Ikes, sit back, and enjoy our quintuple feature of new music videos and live sessions from bluegrass, country, and string band artists and groups.
First, the Burnett Sisters Band showcase a lonesome and heart-wrenching number, “Sorrow, Grief and Pain,” with familial harmonies and songwriting by guitarist Geary Allen. Then, we have Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms performing “Most Lonely Day,” a track from their brand new album, Gold in Your Pocket, that keeps our lonesome, introspective, and emotive video trend going. That vibe is artfully maintained next by bluegrass outfit Wilson Banjo Co., who bring their music video for “Black Wedding Dress” featuring a brand new singer for the group, Brandi Colt.
To cap this week’s collection, we have two final installments for two video series we’ve been running for the last few weeks here on BGS. Our partner series of AEA Sessions with our friends at AEA Ribbon Mics concludes with a handful of songs by singer-songwriter Zach Meadows, and Rachel Sumner wraps up her Traveling Light Sessions with a performance of “Radium Girls (Curie Eleison),” the standout track from her recent album, Heartless Things.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show right here on BGS! You gotta see this – and of course, You Gotta Hear this!
The Burnett Sisters Band, “Sorrow, Grief and Pain”
Artist:The Burnett Sisters Band Hometown: Johnson City, Tennessee Song: “Sorrow, Grief and Pain” Release Date: October 10, 2024 Label: Pinecastle Records
In Their Words: “You get ‘Sorrow, Grief and Pain’ when you combine hard-driving traditional bluegrass with Marty Robbins-style country music. When folks would ask us what we were working on, we simply called it a ‘Bluegrass Western.’ Written by our very own guitar player Geary Allen and born at lightning speed, the song tells a story of lost love with a perilous end. The triple fiddles carry the protagonist through a whirlwind of emotions as Anneli Burnett’s piercing lead vocal strikes at the heart of anybody with ears to listen. We loved working with Rebecca Jones on the making of this music video and she did a fantastic job at bringing the song’s emotion alive in her work. We hope our listeners enjoy hearing and watching ‘Sorrow, Grief and Pain’ as much as we enjoyed making it.” – Geary Allen, songwriter, guitar
Track Credits: Geary Allen – Guitar, banjo, harmony vocals Anissa Burnett – Fiddle, harmony vocals Anneli Burnett – Fiddle, mandolin, lead vocals Sophia Burnett – Bass Dan Boner – Fiddle
Video Credit: Rebecca Jones
Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms, “Most Lonely Day”
Artist:Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms Hometown: Orcas Island, Washington Song: “Most Lonely Day” Album:Gold in Your Pocket Release Date: November 15, 2024 Label: Free Dirt Records
In Their Words: “Have you ever had one? This song is written as a cautionary tale and is reflective on how things could be bad. Some of these experiences I’ve had, some of them I don’t want to have, as I have already watched my friends go through them. Be thankful for the good things that you have in your life and for the things that are working well.” – Caleb Klauder
Track Credits: Caleb Klauder – Vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar Reeb Willms – Vocals, acoustic guitar Joel Savoy – Fiddle Chris Scruggs – Tic tac bass Walter Hartman – Drums Dirk Powell – Piano
Video Credits: Filmed by Beehive Productions at the Floyd Country Store in Floyd, Virginia. Recorded live by Joe Dejarnette.
Wilson Banjo Co., “Black Wedding Dress”
Artist:Wilson Banjo Co. Hometown: Westminster, South Carolina Song: “Black Wedding Dress” Release Date: October 22, 2024 Label: Pinecastle Records
In Their Words: “‘Black Wedding Dress’ was a great lead single for the new lineup of Wilson Banjo Co. and for the EP releasing in January. The storyline maintains the dark, edgy undertone that our unique brand of bluegrass has had for the last ten years, while also providing a wide open platform for our fresh new vocalist to the band, Brandi Colt, to show off her range.
“Avrim Topel wrote such a compelling story song and the band had a blast recording and performing it for the video. I couldn’t be happier with the way the band members have dialed in to each other, the music and show just feel next level. We really hope y’all will enjoy it as much as we do!” – Steve Wilson
Track Credits: Steve Wilson – Banjo Jaime Carter – Bass, harmony Brandi Colt – Vocal Andrew Crawford – Guitar Adam Bachman – Resonator guitar Darren Nicholson – Mandolin
Video Credits: Bonfire Recording Studio
AEA Sessions: Zach Meadows, Live at Americanafest 2024
Artist:Zach Meadows Hometown: From Orlando, Florida; currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee Songs: “Three White Crosses,” “Cardinal Song,” “Marianne,” “Texas Two Step”
In Their Words: “Since moving to Nashville, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some incredibly talented folks. Having just put out my debut record, Road to Nowhere, getting the chance to share some of my journey through music with AEA and play a bit of the album live with Brandon Bell in the room, who was absolutely so instrumental in helping to bring this record to life, was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.” – Zach Meadows
Artist:Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “Radium Girls (Curie Eleison)” (Traveling Light Sessions) Album:Heartless Things Release Date: November 21, 2024 (video); May 10, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Radium Girls (Curie Eleison)’ is based on a true, terrible piece of United States history – one that I didn’t learn about in any history book. It tells the story of the Radium Girls, young factory workers poisoned by the very material they were told was safe, and their courageous fight for justice. The title juxtaposes scientific progress with a plea for mercy, tying the legacy of Marie Curie to the tragic consequences of her discoveries.
“Performing this song with Traveling Light keeps the arrangement stark and intimate to let the haunting resonance of the story come through. This video is particularly special to me, because I had the chance to play a guitar that one of my songwriting heroes, Josh Ritter, has used to record many of his own epic story songs. It felt like a beautiful connection to the power of storytelling.” – Rachel Sumner
For New Music Friday, we’ve got a healthy handful of new videos, tracks, and releases from your favorites artists in folk, country, bluegrass, old-time, and beyond.
Don’t miss new songs like Penny & Sparrow’s single “Jeopardy” and Helene Cronin’s take on mortality and togetherness, “Visitors.” Also, bluegrass outfit Seth Mulder & Midnight Run bring a Yellowstone-inspired cowboy number, “Looking Past the Pain (The Cowboy Song).” LA-based singer-songwriter Leeann Skoda debuts “Easy” in our round-up, as well, a new track with plenty of grit – and ’90s rock influences.
Plus, we’ve got a bevy of new music videos! Andy Leftwich performs an instrumental rendition of the gospel classic, “Talk About Suffering,” with an excellent trio. Check out the Hannah Connolly-crafted special live performance for “Worth the Wait,” a song from her most recent album, Shadowboxing. And old-time multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Evie Ladin picks “Walking Up Georgia Row” with fiddler Kieran Towers, celebrating her upcoming project, Ride the Rooster 2.
That’s not all, either! Earlier in the week, the second-to-last installments of the AEA Sessions (featuring Tony Arata this time) and Rachel Sumner’s Traveling Light Sessions (featuring her original “3000 Miles”) premiered on BGS. So you can check out those great performances below, too, and watch for the final edition in each series next week.
All of that musical goodness is right here on BGS – and You’ve Gotta Hear This!
Hannah Connolly, “Worth the Wait” (Live)
Artist:Hannah Connolly Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Song: “Worth The Wait” (Live Performance) Album:Shadowboxing Release Date: November 8, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Worth the Wait’ is a song about time, distance, and love. This video was captured last fall in Vienna, when my husband Eric and I were able to be on tour together. I was opening a few shows for his band Young the Giant’s tour and our friend and the band’s photographer, Lupe Bustos, filmed it when we had the afternoon off at the hotel. This song came out of missing Eric while he was on tour, so it was special to be able to capture it while we were traveling together. I’m grateful we were able to record a version of it in such a natural, unplugged form.” – Hannah Connolly
Video Credit: Filmed by Guadalupe Bustos.
Helene Cronin, “Visitors”
Artist:Helene Cronin Hometown: Dallas, Texas / Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Visitors” Album:Maybe New Mexico Release Date: November 29, 2024 (single); March 7, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “I got together to write with Cameron Havens and Ben Roberts last year. Ben had the idea of ‘Visitors.’ I immediately loved it, because I like songs that tell the truth. That truth being, we all got here the same way, we’re all leaving the same way, and it’s what we do with the time in between those events that’s most important. How do we treat each other? How do we care for this ‘place made of stardust and gold’ where we’ve landed? What really matters: possessions, time, relationships?
“But the song avoids being preachy, speaking from a level playing field. No one is above anyone else. ‘We all got a seat at the table, pull up a chair, there’s room for plenty more.’ I like the inclusiveness of that; it’s an invitation I want to be part of.
“When I sing this song, I envision a huge, ever-expanding supper table where all are welcome, none are left out in the cold. Shouldn’t we just remember our manners? Wipe your feet and c’mon in!” – Helene Cronin
Track Credits: Helene Cronin – Lead vocal Bobby Terry – Acoustic guitar, pedal steel Paul Eckberg – Drums, percussion Matt Pierson – Bass Charlie Lowell – Mellotron, keys Caitlin Anselmo & Matt Singleton – Background vocals Mitch Dane – Production, engineering, mixing David Diel – Production assistant Sputnik Sound, Nashville – Studio Mastered by Kim Rosen, Knack Mastering.
Evie Ladin & Kieran Towers, “Walking Up Georgia Row”
Artist:Evie Ladin featuring Kieran Towers Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland to Oakland, California Song: “Walking Up Georgia Row” Album:Riding the Rooster 2 Release Date: November 19, 2024 Label: Evil Diane Records
In Their Words: “Six years and one pandemic to the day since Riding the Rooster came out – my popular first edition of clawhammer banjo/fiddle duets with 17 different fiddlers around the country. Riding the Rooster 2 features 17 new and different fiddlers, from old-time stars like Bruce Molsky and George Jackson to bluegrass maven Laurie Lewis, Cajun master David Greely, and excellent fiddlers known deeply in their old-time subcultures around the world.
“Having released many records of my original songs, this project sits firmly in the wheelhouse of my upbringing and ongoing community. My favorite thing in this milieu is to sit down with a fiddler and launch fast into some crooked tune I’ve never heard. Every cell kicks in and the experience is much like I imagine riding a rooster to be – visceral, in the moment, somewhat off-the-chain. ‘Walking Up Georgia Row’ is a raging duet with London fiddler Kieran Towers, recorded in a cow pasture at the Crossover Festival in England. Kieran and I met at Clifftop in West Virginia, playing in the very early morning hours before he had to head back to the UK, and it was a joy to reconnect a few years later, and invite him to be a part of this record. Also, this tune and the album are being released while I’m on a packed two-week tour of the UK, with only one fiddler, Sophie Wellington.” – Evie Ladin
Andy Leftwich, “Talk About Suffering”
Artist:Andy Leftwich Hometown: Carthage, Tennessee Song: “Talk About Suffering” Release Date: November 15, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “Life can deliver some hard blows and no one is exempt from troubles and trials. We read in Matthew 11:28 where Jesus said, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ He offers us peace in the middle of our storm and a confidence knowing we don’t have to walk through it alone. As bad as it can seem sometimes, there is always something to hold onto. We talk about suffering here below, but let’s keep following Jesus.” – Andy Leftwich
Track Credits: Andy Leftwich – Fiddle, mandolin Byron House – Upright bass Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, “Looking Past the Pain (The Cowboy Song)”
Artist:Seth Mulder & Midnight Run Hometown: Sevierville, Tennessee Song: “Looking Past the Pain (The Cowboy Song)”” Album:Coming On Strong Release Date: November 15, 2024 (single); Spring 2025 (album) Label: Rebel Records
In Their Words: “I had just finished binge-watching Yellowstone and felt inspired to write a cowboy song. However, I wanted the song to feel personal and unique and the best way to do that was to draw from my own experiences with a touch of imagination. Growing up in North Dakota, I spent a lot of time around horses, training with my grandfather, competing in 4H and horse shows. After college, I moved back to North Dakota and worked at a camp as a horse trainer and ranch hand. That experience rekindled my passion for working with horses – a passion that almost became my career instead of music. So, it only made sense that I would eventually write about that lifestyle. Once I had a solid foundation for the song, I knew it had potential but I wanted it to be perfect. I reached out to my good friend Seth Waddington from The Waddington Brothers. He helped me refine it, giving the lyrics that old-school cowboy feel I was after.” – Seth Mulder
Artist:Penny & Sparrow Hometown: Florence, Alabama / Waco, Texas Song: “Jeopardy” Album: Lefty Release Date: November 15, 2024 Label: I Love You / Thirty Tigers
In Their Words: “‘Jeopardy’ is about knowing someone perfectly. It goes beyond tracking their needs & preferences & peccadillos. It grows into a kind of loving memorization where you can almost see the future. Whether it’s romantic, friendly, or familial, there’s something gorgeous about that kind of ‘knowing someone.'” – Penny & Sparrow
Leeann Skoda, “Easy”
Artist:Leeann Skoda Hometown: Los Angeles, California / Phoenix, Arizona Song: “Easy” Album:Now I See Everything Release Date: November 15, 2024
In Their Words: “I channeled some anger into this song. When I wrote it, I was feeling resentful of the time and energy I’ve spent trying to be easygoing because I thought it was the only acceptable way for me to be in the world. It’s how so many women feel or have felt. There’s this dichotomy because the song feels “easy” and almost light to me. I think it came out that way because it’s cathartic and freeing to put these feelings into music. Like a lot of my songs, there is plenty of ’90s rock influence in this one.” – Leeann Skoda
Track Credits: Leeann Skoda – Vocals, guitar Brad Lindsay – Guitar Nick Bearden – Bass Ed Benrock – Drums Brian Whelan – Background vocals Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Andy Freeman at Studio Punchup! in Nashville. Background vocals recorded by Aaron Stern at Verdugo Sound. Mastered by Gentry Studer.
AEA Sessions: Tony Arata, Live at Americanafest 2024
Artist:Tony Arata Hometown: Savannah, Georgia Songs: “When I Remember You,” “Here I Am,” “The Dance,” “Getting Older”
In Their Words: “My hometown is Savannah, Georgia, but I grew up on nearby Tybee Island, which I always claim as my hometown. Jaymi and I have been in Nashville since 1986.
“The shoot was done in one of my favorite places I’ve ever worked – Bell Tone Studios in Berry Hill (Nashville, Tennessee), and could not have been easier nor more relaxed. I know I met you, Julie, for the first time that day, but you made me feel like an old friend. And though I’m not a gear-head, the mics were super cool! Thank you for making and representing great stuff. And I love Roger Nichols, my only hope is that he never realizes how talented he is, because he might be hard to live with! He is a truly brilliant musician/engineer/producer/human.” – Tony Arata
Artist:Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “3000 Miles” (Traveling Light Sessions) Album:Heartless Things Release Date: November 14, 2024 (video); May 10, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “‘3000 Miles’ is an autobiographical song that traces my journey from the deserts of California to Boston, the place I now call home. Growing up, the Mojave felt confining to me and I always sensed that I’d need to leave to find myself. This song is a rambler’s road song, shaped by years of searching. However, it took the stillness of lockdown to finally finish it – when I couldn’t travel anywhere. That pause gave me the chance to look back and make sense of all the miles I’d put behind me.” – Rachel Sumner
Music is a balm, isn’t it? We’re finding that to be especially true in this week’s edition of our premiere round-up, You Gotta Hear This!
Check out a brand new country track from singer-songwriter Phillip Lammonds. Californian-turned-Nashvillian Jake Neuman and his band the Jaybirds brought us a new video for “Saved” off their recent EP, Little Bitty Town, too. Plus, bluegrass supergroup Sister Sadie keep the country vibes going – with a delicious ’90s bent and bluegrass instrumentation – on their brand new single, “Make Me Stay or Make Me Go.”
You’ll also find guitarist, singer-songwriter, and composer Jordan Tice previewing his new song, “Mean Old World,” which drops on Tuesday, November 12, and announces his upcoming album, Badlettsville. In addition, Rachel Sumner’s Traveling Light Sessions video series continues with a live trio performance of “Head East.”
Also don’t miss Kim Richey performing a short set of songs as part of the AEA Sessions captured at Americanafest earlier this year – it’s the latest in our series partnering with AEA Ribbon Mics.
It’s all right here on BGS and, indubitably, You Gotta Hear This!
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong’ when I was thinking back to being a kid really digging into the sounds that came from my papa Parton’s wooden upright RCA radio. I sat criss-cross applesauce on countless summer afternoons, just glued to the tones and the sorcery of it all, wondering where the songs came from. How’d they get in that box? Fast forward a half a lifetime or so, I’m still scratching my head. Anyway, the craft in all this has taught me one thing: songs are like fish, they swim around until you catch ’em!” – Phillip Lammonds
Jake Neuman and the Jaybirds, “Saved”
Artist:Jake Neuman and The JayBirds Hometown: Bakersfield, California Song: “Saved” Album:Little Bitty Town Release Date: November 8, 2024 (video); June 14, 2024 (EP) Label: Peacedale Records
In Their Words: “‘Saved’ was the first song I wrote when I moved to Nashville. I remember having the first line or so on paper and feeling like I had something, so I immediately went to my number one writing partner – Amanda McCaslin of McCaslin Blue – and asked her what she thought. We spent the afternoon pacing around the yard and putting a line or two down every few minutes until we put something together that I am really proud of.” – Jake Neuman
Video Credit: Directed by Greg D Griffith
Sister Sadie, “Make Me Stay or Make Me Go”
Artist:Sister Sadie Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Make Me Stay or Make Me Go” Release Date: November 8, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “‘Make Me Stay or Make Me Go’ brings to mind everything I loved about ’90s country. This was written by three of my favorite writers: Jessi Alexander, Al Anderson, and Gary Nicholson. This song screams sawing fiddles and a good ole line dance. Who didn’t love country music in the ’90s? I feel like it’s creeping around the corner again, too; at least I hope it is. This is all of us Sadies tipping a hat to the country music we love so much with our bluegrass instrumentation and some very talented friends to help.” – Deanie Richardson, fiddle
Track Credits: Jaelee Roberts – Lead vocal Deanie Richardson – Fiddle Gena Britt – Banjo, harmony vocal Dani Flowers – Harmony vocal Maddie Dalton – Upright bass Mary Meyer – Mandolin Seth Taylor – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar Dave Racine – Drums, tambourine Russ Pahl – Pedal steel guitar Catherine Marx – Hammond B3 organ
Jordan Tice, “Mean Old World”
Artist:Jordan Tice Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Mean Old World” Album:Badlettsville Release Date: November 12, 2024 (single) Label: Padiddle Records
In Their Words: “‘Mean Old World’ is about the inevitable loss and change that life brings. I wrote it rather quickly while watching my neighbors through the windows as they loaded a U-Haul truck to move out. Something about watching material objects being put into boxes signifying the end of an era of someone’s life really struck a chord with me and I was able to live in the feeling long enough to get this song out. That flood of emotion that occurs when a temporal event marks the end of a chapter you will never return to is a familiar sensation that I’ve felt when I’ve moved myself, while I’ve watch my hometown of Nashville knocked down and changed, and when I’ve lost loved ones and had relationships end. Hope it gives you a good cry.” – Jordan Tice
Track Credits: Jordan Tice – Guitar, vocals, Aoife O’Donovan – Harmony vocals Andrew Marlin – Harmony vocals Patrick M’Gonigle – Fiddle, mandolin Paul Kowert – Bass Sean Sullivan – Recording, mixing, Mark Goodell – Aoife O’Donovan vocal recording Mike Monseur – Mastering
AEA Sessions, Kim Richey, Live at Americanafest 2024
Artist: Kim Richey Hometown: Zanesville, Ohio Songs: “Chapel Avenue,” “Angels’ Share,” “The Absence Of Your Company,” “Take The Cake”
In Their Words: “I really enjoyed working with the gang at [AEA] Ribbon Mics. The mics are great and the folks are wonderful to work with.” – Kim Richey
“Kim is a treasure. Every song is like a masterclass in songwriting and her voice invites you right into tableaus her songs create.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
Artist:Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “Head East” (Traveling Light Sessions) Album:Heartless Things Release Date: November 7, 2024 (video); May 10, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Head East’ is our next release from Heartless Things (Traveling Light Sessions). It has an extra special place in my heart, because it was the first song I ever wrote. Thirteen years ago, I moved to Boston from the Mojave Desert in California (where I grew up) and felt such a connection with the city and a feeling of possibility that I got there – a feeling I didn’t find in my hometown. This song was a plea to my younger brother to get out and find his good fortune elsewhere, just as I had.
“For this song, Kat Wallace trades her fiddle for the tenor guitar, and Mike Siegel adds a sublime third-part harmony that makes the chorus feel like heaven. ‘Head East’ has had many lives and arrangements, but this one is quite possibly my favorite.” – Rachel Sumner
There are many kinds of music perfect for fall, but, in our humble opinion, almost none are better suited to the season than bluegrass, old-time, and country. (For instance, check out our playlist of Country Songs For Fall via Good Country.) Being that our latest premiere round-up falls directly between Halloween and the sad end of Daylight Savings Time, it’s apropos and then some that You Gotta Hear This is full of tunes perfect for autumn.
Mandolinist and songwriter Ashby Frank brings his version of “Blue Night,” a jam session classic that he’s performed for decades. Guitar picker Morgan Harris debuts her gorgeous video for a bluegrass and old-time standard, “Lonesome Road,” that has seemingly endless variations and versions out there. Harris’s is a stunner, drawing on a ’60s era recording of Addie Leffew.
Country and Americana singer-songwriter Garrett Owen releases his new album, Memoriam, today, so we’re celebrating the occasion with his track, “Punchline,” a deliciously melancholy and introspective number built on excellent guitar playing. Plus, Boston-based string band The Ruta Beggars “power waltz” through their new song, “Taking My Time,” with a video shot in the woods and ankle-deep in a stream.
To round out our perfectly (accidentally) fall-themed collection of premieres, don’t miss Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light debut their new Traveling Light Sessions series with “Bygone Times” from Sumner’s Heartless Things. And, Nashville country artist and songwriter Gabe Lee continues our AEA Sessions partner series with AEA Ribbon Mics – with special guests Lucciana Costa and Rachel Coats of King Margo.
It’s all right here on BGS… You Gotta Hear This!
Ashby Frank, “Blue Night”
Artist:Ashby Frank Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Blue Night” Release Date: November 1, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I’ve been performing ‘Blue Night’ on stage since my Mashville Brigade days and still include it on most shows these days with my own band. It’s a staple song in the jam scene and there have been so many great versions recorded throughout the years since it was written and originally recorded by the great Kirk McGee. When I was doing pre-production for this new record, I started looking for a more traditional sounding up-tempo song, only to realize that I have been performing ‘Blue Night’ for 20 years – and the only recordings of my version are live videos floating around the internet. So it made perfect sense to record it. I am so thrilled about the version we wound up with in the studio. It has a certain in-your-face modern vibe, but also sounds like traditional bluegrass at the same time. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it!” – Ashby Frank
Track Credits: Ashby Frank – Mandolin, vocals Seth Taylor – Acoustic guitar Travis Anderson – Bass Matt Menefee – Banjo
Morgan Harris, “Lonesome Road”
Artist:Morgan Harris Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado Song: “Lonesome Road” Album:Alone Will Tell Release Date: November 1, 2024
In Their Words: “This arrangement of ‘Lonesome Road’ takes inspiration from the playing of Addie Leffew, a Tennessee banjo player who was recorded by Peter Hoover in the early 1960s. You can find a million different variants of this song throughout the recorded history of American folk music, but her version hooked me with its stark, ambiguous tonality and the way the usually repeated vocal refrain at the end of each line becomes a purely instrumental echo. Addie’s version became a jumping off point as I moved it over to the guitar (re-tuning to mimic the modal ‘sawmill’ tuning of her banjo) and started exploring the different opportunities that yielded. This performance was recorded live in a friend’s barn in Fort Collins, Colorado.” – Morgan Harris
In Their Words: “In truth, I wish it had nothing to do with my personal experience. I started writing this when I was realizing just how isolated I let myself get, when I’d been taking care of my grandmother as a full-time job and the pandemic had been going on for a couple years. Lyrically, the song looks at the danger of leaning on the comforting words of others. In reality, ‘you’ll be alright’ doesn’t solve problems. Friends are not therapists. And it’s important to be able to self soothe your way through dark, dark feelings because there won’t always be someone available to talk to. Some wounds don’t heal, but feelings usually pass.” – Garrett Owen
Track Credits: Garrett Owen – Lead vocals, acoustic guitar, rhythm & chord melody electric guitar, piano Taylor Tatsch – Vocal harmonies, lead electric guitar, shakers, auxiliary rhythm Daniel Creamer – Keys, piano, bass, drums, organ, synths
The Ruta Beggars, “Taking My Time”
Artist:The Ruta Beggars Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “Taking My Time” Album:Big Noise Release Date: November 8, 2024 (single); Label: Skyline Records
In Their Words: “In bluegrass, there’s a long standing tradition of ‘power-waltzes’ – as we like to call them in The Ruta Beggars. One of our favorites is ‘I Live In The Past’ by Bill Monroe; when we heard it, we knew we needed one of these turbo three-quarter-time tanks in our repertoire. Thus, ‘Taking My Time’ was born. At shows, we often dare our audiences to waltz along to our too-fast-to-be-danced-to tune and leave them huffing and puffing and chuckling with delight.
“But what is the meaning of the song to which these folks dance so gleefully? The third verse of ‘Taking My Time’ makes an allusion to the famous folk song and story of ‘The Oxford Girl’ (also called ‘The Knoxville Girl,’ which is the title by which I came to know the story, via a Louvin Brothers recording). The line in that song, ‘They’re going to hang me up so high, between the earth and sky’ has a haunting beauty to it that we wanted to emulate in the lyrics of our composition. We Ruta Beggars hope that ‘Taking My Time’ can be seen as our nod to the Father of Bluegrass and an exploration of a small corner of the murder ballad’s vast lore.” – The Ruta Beggars
Video Credit: Director and Videography – Adam Hribar
Artist:Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “Bygone Times” (Traveling Light Sessions) Album:Heartless Things Release Date: October 31, 2024 (video); May 10, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “In May, I released my sophomore record, Heartless Things, containing ten original songs with highly lush studio arrangements (think woodwinds, strings, keys, vibraphone!). However, that’s not how these songs are heard live! When touring, I bring my string trio Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light on the road with Kat Wallace on fiddle and Mike Siegel on bass. We gather ’round a single mic and magic happens as we fill out songs that have many shifting textures and moods with just three instruments and voices. We wanted to capture this magic on film, so we spent one day in the studio re-recording the entire Heartless Things album, but as you’d hear it at a live show. And so the Heartless Things (Traveling Light Sessions) was created! This is ‘Bygone Times,’ a song about the restless moments before sleep when your mind wanders down the dangerous ‘what could have been’ road.” – Rachel Sumner
In Their Words: “Gabe is a fresh voice with an old soul. Just listening to him is like dropping the needle on an old album at the end of the day. Feels like coming home.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
Here’s a flock of brand new songs and videos you gotta hear! This week, our premiere round-up includes Americana, fiddle tunes, percussive dance, good country, string band excellence, and more.
Don’t miss new tracks like “Second Best,” from Americana singer-songwriter and Steep Canyon Rangers vocalist Aaron Burdett, and “China Camp,” a fiddle tune written by Paul Shelasky and performed by Amy Kassir with Jake Eddy and more. Also, Wisconsin’s own Them Coulee Boys drop “I Am Not Sad,” a song that grapples with mental health from their upcoming 2025 album, No Fun In The Chrysalis.
We’ve got some superlative videos this week, as well! Percussive dancer and folk musician Nic Gareiss dances us through a gorgeous, queer rendition of a Gillian Welch song, “Back Turn and Swing,” and alt-folk trio Palmyra have brought a live field recording of “Fried,” a song from their brand new EP, Surprise #1. Meanwhile, Eilen Jewell pays tribute to Loretta Lynn and spotlights the progress and regression of the last 50 years of reproductive rights activism with a cover of “The Pill.”
To wrap us up, we don’t want you to miss the latest AEA Session, premiered in partnership with AEA Ribbon Mics on BGS earlier this week. This edition of the series features Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins, performing live at Americanafest last month.
It’s all right here on BGS and, certainly, You Gotta Hear This!
Aaron Burdett, “Second Best”
Artist:Aaron Burdett Hometown: Saluda, North Carolina Song: “Second Best” Release Date: October 25, 2024 Label: Organic Records
In Their Words: “You might say ‘Second Best’ was a song 30 years in the making. I’ve had this line from an old David Wilcox song rattling around in my head since the ’90s. It always struck me as a phrase that could be interpreted in many different ways. So I eventually started playing with that idea and bouncing it off various scenes and situations. A year or so ago I landed on the one (or two) that ended up in the recording, along with the original Wilcox line that inspired the chorus. Some songs arrive quickly, and some arrive much more slowly!” – Aaron Burdett
Artist:Nic Gareiss Hometown: Lansing, Michigan Song: “Back Turn and Swing” Release Date: October 25, 2024
In Their Words: “When I heard Gillian Welch’s song ‘Back Turn and Swing,’ I was immediately drawn to the way it brings the listener into the scene of a dance event: musicians tuning up, someone cooking potluck food to pass around, the excitement in the air, folks eager to get up onto the floor. The lyrics evoke the feeling of the square and contra dances I grew up attending in the rural Midwest. At the same time, as a non-binary queer person, I feel bodily unease around how the song sets up the dualistic gender of the attendees.
“Many folk dances these days have adopted expansive and inclusive dance calls, like using ‘larks and robins,’ ‘lefts and rights,’ etc. (shoutout to Michigan’s Looking Glass and Ten Pound Fiddle contra dances, Detroit’s queer square dance, Asheville’s Old Farmer’s Ball, and Brooklyn’s Gayli). Yet I’m still compelled to check beforehand that the caller – the authoritarian voice at the front of the hall telling people what to do with their bodies – is onboard with same-sex couples dancing together or trans and genderqueer people expanding these roles. This past summer a partner and I were at a dance when someone in their 20s asked us mid-set, ‘Who is the man?’ This reminded me that there’s still work to do; inclusivity still requires advocacy and allyship to help all feel welcome in the dynamism of the dance floor.
“Speaking of dynamic, as a child I saw John Hartford and was both astonished and inspired by the soundscapes he could create; dance, music, and song all embodied in one person. I aspire towards that dance-as-music in this video, where I added a few lyrics to the last verse.” – Nic Gareiss
Video Credits: Filmed by Blake Hannahson. Audio mixed by Jaron Freeman-Fox.
Eilen Jewell, “The Pill”
Artist:Eilen Jewell Hometown: Boise, Idaho Song: “The Pill” Album:Butcher Holler: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn Release Date: October 22, 2024 (single); November 15, 2024 (album) Label: Signature Sounds
In Their Words: “The amazing thing about ‘The Pill’ is that it still feels edgy today, nearly 50 years after its original release. Loretta infused it with so much sassy defiance that, even now, when I sing it live and reach the phrase ‘now I’ve got the pill,’ some fans pump their fists while others clutch their pearls. It still strikes a nerve, a testament both to how effective this song is and how little progress we’ve made in this country in terms of reproductive rights.
“Loretta still holds the prestigious record for the singer of more banned radio hits than all other male country artists in the twentieth century combined. And ‘The Pill’ was the most banned of all of her songs, which is saying a lot. By recording and performing it live, I hope to do my part to spread the word about the importance of public access to family planning as an integral part of a woman’s right to the pursuit of happiness. It’s hard to believe this fight is still going on, but until it’s over I’ll be here for it.” – Eilen Jewell
A note from the artist: A percentage of sales from “The Pill” will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Video Credits: Bill Hurley at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts
Amy Kassir, “China Camp”
Artist:Amy Kassir Hometown: Durham, North Carolina. Currently lives in San Rafael, California. Song: “China Camp” Album:Bread and Butter Release Date: October 25, 2024
In Their Words: “‘China Camp’ is a great tune by the legendary California fiddler Paul Shelasky. I first heard it on the 1983 Good Ol’ Persons record, I Can’t Stand to Ramble, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. While so many tunes on my album are ‘bread and butter’ fiddle tunes I grew up playing in North Carolina, I wanted to include a tune that represents the rich musical legacy of California, which has been my home for the last 10 years. I’m so thankful Paul gave me his blessing to record this tune.
“This recording features Jake Eddy on guitar and banjo, Korey Kassir on mandolin, and Carter Eddy on bass. It’s such an exciting tune to play, and we had a lot of fun bringing it to life.” – Amy Kassir
Palmyra, “Fried”
Artist:Palmyra Hometown: Richmond, Virginia Song: “Fried” Album:Surprise #1 (EP) Release Date: October 24, 2024 Label: Oh Boy Records
In Their Words: “As we have ventured into playing bigger stages and festivals, our sound has expanded significantly. While the core of Palmyra remains the three of us, we’ve been experimenting with a larger four-piece sound, as heard on the recorded version of ‘Fried’ on our new EP, Surprise #1, with Oh Boy Records. ‘Fried’ is our most ambitious acoustic experiment, starting with a drum set and a hypnotic repetitive guitar lick. Recording the song acoustically with one microphone in a field was a fun way for us to find the core of the tune. It was a challenge to see how many elements we could strip away and still keep the groove. We like to call ‘Fried’ our ‘jam band’ song, and we hope even this field recording gets you on your feet.” – Palmyra
Track Credits: Written by Sasha Landon, Mānoa Lewis Bell, and Teddy Chipouras. Sasha Landon – Mandocello, voice Teddy Chipouras – Guitar, voice Mānoa Bell – Upright bass, voice Jake Cochran – Drums
Video Credit: Elliott Crotteau
Them Coulee Boys, “I Am Not Sad”
Artist:Them Coulee Boys Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Song: “I Am Not Sad” Album:No Fun In The Chrysalis Release Date: October 29, 2024 (single); February 28, 2025 (album) Label: Some Fun Records
In Their Words: “‘I Am Not Sad‘ is the last song on the record and captures the theme of accepting change this record focuses on. I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life, dealing with depression, anxiety, and issues with self worth. I’ve embraced those issues in my songwriting, hoping to shine a light on things that we all go through from time to time. We have plenty of songs that talk about these issues, but this one is the first that accepts them.
“The song is built around the phrase ‘I am not sad anymore, at least not today.’ It’s a celebration of the happiness in the moment, while acknowledging that there’s times when it’s harder. It’s about being thankful for the good times, and letting them stack up on one another for when the bad times come. It’s a declaration, a moment of catharsis, while knowing that it won’t always be like that.
“Sonically it starts sparsely, with elements of the band being added with each verse, like confidence growing in one’s self as you begin to believe. It’s self-assured, with strummed mandolin and piano a backdrop for growth. When the bridge lyrically introduces the idea that these positive feelings might not last, the musical interlude represents the choice to embrace that realization. An ethereal, almost dream-like backdrop sets up the catharsis of the last verse. When the last verse hits, it invites all the good feelings back for a triumphant jam. It’s loud and snarls in the face of the hard times. It’s meant to soar and it does.” – Soren Staff
AEA Sessions: Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins, Live at AmericanaFest 2024
Artist: Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins Hometown: Hindman, Kentucky (Brit), Louisa, Kentucky (Adam); now, both call Nashville home. Songs: “Little Bit at a Time,” “Holding On Holding Out,” “Trailer Trash,” “The Best We Can Do Is Love,” and “Saint Anthony”
In Their Words: “It was fun playing and talking about new songs on some incredible sounding AEA gear with Brit Taylor on the Bell tone sessions!” – Adam Chaffins
“Brit and Adam’s songs are personal, yet universal. They are warm in person and it’s clear they spend a lot of time together singing, playing, and writing. Their vocals weave and intertwine so effortlessly.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
We’ve reached the end of the week and we’ve got your new music covered this Friday! Our premiere round-up is completely full with excellent new songs and videos from a variety of artists who work in a variety of roots styles.
Check out new music videos from folks like singer-songwriter Sadie Campbell performing “Getting Older,” a subtly spooky tune from High Horse entitled “Tombstone Territory,” country outfit Loose Cattle bring us “The Shoals,” on which they are joined by none other than Patterson Hood, and “Afro-Appalachian” artist Mon Rovîa’s lyric video for “Winter Wash 24” is colorful and engaging.
You’ll also find brand new music from folks like JD Clayton, who sings about being disappointed by a friend on “Let You Down,” Benny Sidelinger processes a difficult season of life on “Lilacs,” and roots rockers Clarence Tilton call on their pal Marty Stuart for their latest, “Fred’s Colt.”
To cap it all, we debuted our new video series, the AEA Sessions, with our partners at AEA Ribbon Mics earlier this week with an incredible performance by our longtime friend, Gaby Moreno. You can watch that debut session below, as well.
It’s all right here on BGS and, you know the routine – You Gotta Hear This!
Sadie Campbell, “Getting Older”
Artist:Sadie Campbell Hometown: British Columbia-raised, Nashville-based Song: “Getting Older” Album:Metamorphosis Release Date: October 11, 2024 (single); October 25, 2024 (album) Label: Glory War Records
In Their Words: “In a sea of filters, fillers, and constant pressure to look young, ‘Getting Older’ is my reminder to embrace myself where I am, as I am, to be proud of every wrinkle on my face, that my body was well-earned through laughter and learning, and not everyone gets the privilege to grow older. This video is meant to symbolize the many different versions we can be throughout our lives — and that it’s really about perspective. The photo can be the same, but through a different lens, you see a different image. Just like how we see ourselves. If we can change the lens, and the way we perceive ourselves, the picture we see often changes, too.” – Sadie Campbell
Video Credits: Filmed and edited by Justin Alexis at That Good Graphic.
JD Clayton, “Let You Down”
Artist:JD Clayton Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas Song: “Let You Down” Release Date: October 11, 2024 Label: Rounder Records
In Their Words: “‘Let You Down’ was born in a coffee shop in East Nashville called Cafe Roze. I sat next to a new friend who would later become my bass player. We had an itch to hit the town and get dinner at an unfamiliar restaurant, but to our surprise every establishment the waitress recommended was closed that day. After about the fourth restaurant it became a humorous bit. It immediately began pouring rain outside. Although the waitress meant nothing by it, I teased that she was letting us down. On my drive home that day I sang ‘sometimes people let you down’ in my voice memo. It immediately hit me and I was flooded with feelings of an old friend that had actually let me down and meant it. I then had my sweet little song. But it needed more. It wasn’t until the day of recording that I dreamed up a huge instrumental break to highlight all of my band members and bring their skills to life. On a Thursday at Sound Emporium studio on Belmont Boulevard, my band cut ‘Let You Down’ and it became in my own humble opinion a certified banger. I’m certainly biased, but I truly love the song and its flow of story to emotionally charged musical outrage.” – JD Clayton
Track Credits: Written by JD Clayton. JD Clayton – Vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals, harmonica Bo Aleman – Electric guitar Lee Williams – Bass guitar Kirby Bland – Drums, percussion Hank Long – Piano, Wurlitzer, organ
In Their Words: “After coming off tour with the Jacob Jolliff Band, I had all this inspiration that I wanted to bring to a High Horse instrumental composition. The basic elements of ‘Tombstone’ come from some of the ideas in Jolliff’s music and influence from Grant Gordy/Mr. Sun recordings. And, from a practice of sending around a melodic part that I learned in an earlier Persian Music Ensemble at NEC to the band. Not only was this an academic sort of exploration for me, but it was also a great opportunity to show off some of the special skills everyone in the band has as instrumentalists. Some of my favorite solos on the record happen on this recording and it has some of our best band cohesion! After performing the piece for one of its first times in Hancock, New Hampshire we were still looking for a title when we happened upon a short dirt road named Tombstone Territory. Given the spooky vibe of the tune, that seemed to fit just perfectly!” – G Rockwell, composer, guitarist
Track Credits: G Rockwell – Guitar Carson McHaney – Fiddle Karl Henry – Cello Noah Harrington – Bass
Video Credits: Video, editing, recording, and mixing by Micah Nicol
Loose Cattle, “The Shoals” featuring Patterson Hood
Artist:Loose Cattle Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana Song: “The Shoals” Album:Someone’s Monster Release Date: October 8, 2024 (single); November 1, 2024 (album) Label: Single Lock Records
In Their Words:“‘The Shoals’ gives me faith good men are actually listening, since Michael pulled the lyrics from several years of my private ‘Mad As Hell/Not Gonna Take It Anymore’ rants. It’s a song about what happens when we stop twisting into pretzels trying to please everyone else and start speaking uncomfortable truths to power. Historically, there’s a long tradition of accusing women who speak uncomfortable truths aloud of possession or witchcraft, so it felt especially fitting to cast Patterson Hood as a river ‘demon’ egging on the narrator.” – Kimberly Kaye
“I started writing the song during my first stay in the Shoals some years ago, on a banged up old guitar I’d just bought there. Better writers than me have tried and failed to explain the mysterious way that stretch of the Tennessee River has sung so much unforgettable music into being. All I can say is the song kind of wrote itself there and I just tried to copy it down. And ever since, from having an original Swamper’s son tell me “hell yeah” that he wanted to sing the part of a River Demon for us, to finding the record the perfect home at Single Lock Records, has just seemed meant to be. After a hell of a lot of work, of course.” – Michael Cerveris
Track Credits: Music and lyrics by Michael Cerveris. Kimberly Kaye – Vocals Michael Cerveris – Acoustic and electric guitars, harmonies René Coman – Bass Doug Garrison – Drums Rurik Nunan – Fiddle, harmonies Jay Gonzalez – Farfisa organ Patterson Hood – Vocals, guitar
Mon Rovîa, “Winter Wash 24”
Artist:Mon Rovîa Hometown: Liberia-born, Tennessee-based Song: “Winter Wash 24” Album:Act 4: Atonement Release Date: October 11, 2024 (single); January 10, 2025 (EP) Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Winter Wash 24’ while touring with Josiah and the Bonnevilles in March ’24. The theme of cognitive dissonance weighed heavily on my mind amidst everything happening in the world. Outside Seattle, I saw tanks covered in tarps treated with winter wash and the image moved me to write. The song explores how we often distance ourselves from the struggles of others when they don’t directly affect us. My goal is to raise awareness of these shared struggles, because empathy is a crucial force for change. As a refugee, I’m deeply inspired by the work of the IRC (International Rescue Committee) and am donating the song’s proceeds to support their vital efforts.” – Mon Rovîa
Benny Sidelinger, “Lilacs”
Artist:Benny Sidelinger Hometown: Wayne, Maine (famous for a bumper sticker that says “Where the hell is Wayne, ME?”) Song: “Lilacs” Album:Cherry Street Release Date: October 25, 2024
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Lilacs’ during a particularly difficult period of my life. However, there were many joyous things happening at the time too. My then-fiancée was pregnant with our lovely daughter Tulsi and we were living in a gorgeous historical farmhouse on the Skagit River, yet I was dealing with the aftermath of a difficult divorce and was temporarily isolated from my two older kids. The juxtaposition of tragedy and joy during that time are the basis of the song. For a while, I thought I might lose my mind, but somehow I managed to hold on to a thread of sanity. Eventually I was reunited with my kids and moved on to much easier chapters of life. At the same time, we had a spring with an incredible amount of rain and there was concern that the river might overflow the dikes, which would have flooded our house. Yet, just as I managed to not go crazy, the dikes held and a catastrophic flood was avoided. So, as they say: ‘I wrote a song about it.'” – Benny Sidelinger
Track Credits: Benny Sidelinger – Vocals, guitar, Dobro Michael Thomas Connolly – Bass, telecaster, vocals Aida Miller – Vocals Jason Haugland – Drums
Clarence Tilton, “Fred’s Colt” featuring Marty Stuart
Artist:Clarence Tilton Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Song: “Fred’s Colt” featuring Marty Stuart Album:Queen of the Brawl Release Date: October 11, 2024 (single)
In Their Words: “We asked Marty to get involved with ‘Fred’s Colt’ as we had met and opened for him a couple times in our hometown, [Omaha]. Marty agreed and played his famous pull-string telecaster, the original guitar of Clarence White of the Byrds. It’s a guitar we were well acquainted with, as we are huge Clarence White fans. Marty’s voice seemed perfect for the second verse of this song, which recounts the potentially sordid history of a strange family heirloom – an old Civil War-era Colt pistol. Marty not only lent us his voice for a verse and his guitar wizardry for a solo, but even added parts throughout that we did not realize were missing. Marty Stuart is a national treasure, and we are so honored and excited that he spent a day with our tune and did what only he can do!”
Track Credits: Words and music by Chris Weber. Chris Weber – Rhythm electric guitar, acoustic guitar intro, vocals Marty Stuart – Electric guitar (Telecaster), first solo, second verse vocals Corey Weber – Electric guitar throughout, second solo Paul Novak – Acoustic guitar Craig Meier – Bass Jarron Storm – Drums, percussion, vocals
AEA Sessions: Gaby Moreno, Live at AmericanaFest 2024
Artist:Gaby Moreno Hometown: Los Angeles, California Songs: “New Dawn,” “Solid Ground,” and “Luna de Xelajú”
In Their Words: “It was a wonderful experience performing a few songs for AEA at Bell Tone during AmericanaFest. The sound quality and the energy in the room were unforgettable.” – Gaby Moreno
“Gaby is charismatic and energetic. She lights up a room when she walks in and when she performs, it’s electrifying.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
Photo Credit: Mon Rovîa by Glenn Ross; Loose Cattle by Joseph Vidrine.
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