Artist:Max McNown Hometown: Bend, Oregon Song: “Worry ‘Bout My Wandering” Album:Wandering Release Date: April 12, 2024 Label: Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard
In Their Words: “‘Worry ‘Bout My Wandering’ was probably the most difficult song for me to write as it’s so personal. It came from being far away from my family and thinking about my mom and wondering how she feels about my life and the direction it’s taken. Shooting the video in my beautiful home state of Oregon was very important to me… I just always want to make my family and hometown proud.” – Max McNown
Track Credits:
Produced by AJ Pruis. Recorded by AJ Pruis at The Chambers, Thompson’s Station, TN. Editing by AJ Pruis. Programming & Arrangement by AJ Pruis. Mixed by John Nathaniel. Mastered by Sam Moses.
AJ Pruis – Bass Drew Belk – Guitars, pedal steel, Dobro Mike Walker – BGVs
In the words of Chris Stapleton, “What are you listening to?” This week, our premiere round up is full of music we’re very excited to bring to your speakers and earphones.
Below, check out new videos from Ana Egge, Ordinary Elephant, and our brand new Rootsy Summer Session featuring Jim Lauderdale performing at a cute music shop in Falkenberg, Sweden. Plus, we’ve got new tracks from Jaelee Roberts, Parker Smith, Wyndham Baird, and Will Kimbrough. To top it all off, Phillip Lammonds performs “Forever Ain’t That Far Away” with his pal, the legendary Pam Tillis.
There’s so much to enjoy in our latest premiere round up, and if we do say so ourselves – You Gotta Hear This!
Ana Egge, “Door Won’t Close”
Artist:Ana Egge Hometown: Ambrose, North Dakota Song: “Door Won’t Close” Album:Sharing in the Spirit Release Date: May 17, 2024 Label: StorySound Records
In Their Words:“‘Door Won’t Close’ is about confronting an abusive person. One of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. I stood up to him on behalf of my sister and nephew. I opened the door to what he’d done by telling the truth and not allowing myself to be shut down by fear. Then I left the door open by telling his wife and friends about it. The song is mostly in conversation with his wife — her denial of his abuse and her support of him.” – Ana Egge
Track Credits:
Ana Egge – Vocals, acoustic guitar, harmony vocals Michael “Squeaky” Robinson – Pedal steel Alex Hargreaves – Fiddle Rob Heath – Drums Lorenzo Wolff – Bass Devon Yesberger – Organ, Wurlitzer
Video Credits: Directed, filmed and edited by Haoyan of America. Special thanks Alden Harris-McCoy and Cole-Berry Miller.
Jaelee Roberts, “Stuck In The Middle With You”
Artist:Jaelee Roberts Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee Song: “Stuck In The Middle With You” Release Date: April 5, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ is a song that I have loved for a really long time and I’ve been keeping it in mind to record, because I felt like it would be so much fun to cover. Of course I love the original version by Stealers Wheel (written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan), but when I was pretty young I found Keith Urban’s version from the ’90s with his band, The Ranch, and I was really hooked on it. I have literally listened to it hundreds of times and it never gets old. I love all genres of music and I recorded a ’70s rock song (“Landslide”) on my debut album and people really seemed to enjoy it, so I wanted to include a song from that era on my new album, too. I knew ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ was the one. I’m excited that it just happens to be the first single!
“I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled with how this song turned out with the help of my producer and bass player, Byron House, and all of the other STELLAR musicians: Ron Block on banjo/guitar, Cody Kilby on guitar, Andy Leftwich on mandolin, Russ Pahl on dobro, and John Gardner on percussion along with backing vocals by John Cowan.
“It was truly amazing to hear this come to life and I really think we made it our own by combining two awesome versions and throwing in a twist or two for a new take on ‘Stuck In The Middle With You.’ I hope it makes you smile and maybe even want to get up and dance!” – Jaelee Roberts
“Jaelee’s voice is THE GOLDEN THREAD shining so brightly in what feels to me like a well-woven tapestry of mighty fine playing, all supported by this classic groove. Her version of ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ was every bit as fun to play and produce as I hope it will be for you to hear! So grateful to be working with Jaelee Roberts!” – Byron House, producer
Parker Smith, “Air Stream”
Artist:Parker Smith Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Song: “Air Stream” Album:Short Street Release Date: June 7, 2024
In Their Words: “My brother and I drove up to Unicoi State Park with his two kids, a couple of cots, one tent, and not enough warm clothing. We debated not making the trek, because the weather was supposed to dip below freezing, but we didn’t want to disappoint his kids, who were looking forward to it. When we rolled up to the campsite, our neighbors, an elderly couple, were sitting outside in a couple of crazy creek chairs with their dog in front of an Airstream.
“I’ve always wanted an Airstream camper, and I am big into double meanings to a fault when it comes to song lyrics; ‘Air Stream’ also refers to the cold snap we were experiencing in North Georgia. We said maybe two words to the couple, but it was so interesting how we interacted with neighbors pretty much the same at home and on vacation. We overheard them bickering with each other and then making up at the end of the night. It was also interesting to see how they had everything figured out with some warm shelter and supplies, and we were out here roughing it with two young kids in a cold tent. We ended up having a great time outdoors, swinging on hammocks and making a fire, but the kids were complaining and shivering in the middle of the night, and we ended up leaving at 5 a.m. to head home.
“My favorite line in the song is ‘growing cold together, blaming it on the weather’ in the last verse. This line can be interpreted in several ways, and I liked substituting ‘cold’ for ‘old.’ This verse is when the song gets quiet, and the vocals are upfront before all the instruments tumble back in for the last chorus. Sonically, the song has a floating quality, especially with the sound of the pedal steel and the faraway fiddle solo. I wanted a simple chorus that people could sing along around a campfire, and my producer Colin had a great idea for me to overdub my vocals an octave apart to give it that vibe. ‘Air Stream’ has been a fun one to play live.” – Parker Smith
Track Credits:
Parker Smith – Guitars, vocals Trygve Myers – Bass Christopher Case – Keyboards John Kingsley – Pedal steel, lap steel, fiddle, slide guitar Colin Agnew – Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals
Mixing & production – Colin Agnew Mastering – Bob Weston, Chicago Mastering Service
Wyndham Baird, “Meet Me By the Moonlight, Alone”
Artist:Wyndham Baird Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Song: “Meet Me By the Moonlight, Alone” Album:After the Morning Release Date: May 31, 2024 Label: Jalopy Records
In Their Words: “I learned ‘Meet Me By The Moonlight’ from The Carter Family when I was about 20 years old. When I first heard The Carter Family it felt like I was listening some long lost relatives. They sounded like they had been my great grandmother’s neighbors. Taking up Maybelle’s picking style set me free from the doldrums of riffing. Her playing taught me how to make the guitar sound good enough all by itself. That being said, Eli Smith’s autoharp lends our recording of ‘Moonlight’ some rocking chair rhythm and Samoa Wilson’s harmony vocal sounds somehow like a roll top bread box.” – Wyndham Baird
Will Kimbrough, “Every Day”
Artist:Will Kimbrough Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Every Day” Album:For the Life of Me Release Date: April 5, 2024 (single); May 3, 2024 (album) Label: Daphne Records, Soundly Music
In Their Words: “David Henry and I wrote ‘Every Day’ trying to create something carefree and joyful. We pulled it off! I needed it then and we need it now. Favorite lyric: ‘Singing in the sunshine. Laughing in the pouring rain. Gonna have a good time. Everybody it’s a sunshine day.'” – Will Kimbrough
Track Credits:
Bryan Owings – Drums Chris Donohue – Bass Will Kimbrough – Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Ordinary Elephant, “I See You”
Artist:Ordinary Elephant Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana Song: “I See You” Album:Ordinary Elephant Release Date: May 3, 2024 Label: Berkalin Records
In Their Words: “We can talk to anyone in a song. Time, space, beliefs, viewpoints — none of those can keep the ‘I’ from having a conversation with the ‘you.’ The ‘you’ can be Gandhi, a grocery store clerk, the President, or your dog. It can also be yourself, perhaps at some future point in time.
“I started this song a few months into my journey with sobriety. Because there were things I couldn’t escape from seeing about myself. And there were, and are, so many things I don’t yet know, or know how to figure out, but there’s a sense of what I want this unraveling to look like when it’s sewn back together.
“Being in the moment and accepting who and where we are is valuable, and I believe that getting better at this is a practice that can hold a lot of happiness. But it also seems that if we don’t look ahead and think of a future self, it can be difficult to grow in ways that feel meaningful. So this is a talk with that future self, letting her know that I see her.” – Crystal Damore
Video Credits: Directed & edited by Syd Horn & Olivia Perillo. Cinematography & color by Olivia Perillo. Honest Art Productions, Lafayette, Louisiana.
Phillip Lammonds, “Forever Ain’t That Far Away”
Artist:Phillip Lammonds Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Forever Ain’t That Far Away” Album:Cowboy Things Release Date: April 5, 2024 Label: Freestone Records
In Their Words: “It’s a song that I wrote with Matt Wynne – a great singer-songwriter from Missouri and just a great guy. We were co-writing one day and we didn’t really have anything. We were working around in the writers room and he said, ‘You know, the afternoon is not that far away,’ and I said, ‘Wait a minute…’ and we backed into this title, ‘Forever Ain’t That Far Away.’ It’s turned into one of the coolest songs. One of the greatest things about this song is that on the record, Pam Tillis sings the background vocals on it. There is no question you can hear her. She is amazing, and she’s still the same star she’s ever been.” – Phillip Lammonds
Track Credits: Written by Phillip Lammonds & Matt Wynne. Produced by Lee Brice. Co-Production by Gabriel Klein, Gideon Klein, Phillip Lammonds. Engineered & Mixed by Cody Labelle, Gabriel Klein, Gideon Klein.
Video Credit: Brooke Stevens
Rootsy Summer Sessions: Jim Lauderdale
This week, we bring you a brand-new installment of our Rootsy Summer Sessions, which were shot last year in gorgeous Falkenberg, Sweden, during Rootsy Summer Fest ’23. The videography team behind I Know We Should set aside time during the summertime roots music festival with Nashville renaissance man, Americana magnate, and hit songwriter Jim Lauderdale while on his trip to Scandinavia.
For his first performance, he performs “The Road Is a River,” a song from his 2018 album, Time Flies, in an adorable local music store, Liljedahls Musik. Joined by his band, including recording artist and fiddler Lillie Mae, guitarists Craig Smith and Frank Carter Rische, Jay D. Weaver on bass, and Dave Racine on drums, they cheerfully lope through the darker tinges of the song, harmonizing in three parts on the track’s foreboding and certainly apocalyptic lyrics. “The Road Is a River” demonstrates the ease with which Lauderdale combines styles, textures, and sonics with his deep understanding of history and a literary reckoning with the machinations of the earth – natural and unnatural.
This week, to mark New Music Friday, we have a bevy of brand new music videos from folks like bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis, bassist Nate Sabat, country outfit Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, and flatpicker Rebecca Frazier, who gathers an all star lineup for a new track set to a brand new video. The Reverend Shawn Amos also brings us a delightfully psychedelic visualization to pair with a modern blues and gospel inflected track, “It’s All Gonna Change (For The Better),” that highlights how life on this planet is a gift, not a given. (We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.)
Plus, you won’t want to miss a brand new heartbreakin’ track from first class bluegrassers, Lonesome River Band. And, if you missed our post featuring The Bygones earlier this week, you can check out the duo’s song, “If You Wanted To,” below as well.
It’s all right here on BGS and, to be quite honest, You Gotta Hear This!
Laurie Lewis, “Long Gone”
Artist:Laurie Lewis Hometown: Berkeley, California Song: “Long Gone” Album:Trees Release Date: March 29, 2024 (single); May 31, 2024 (album) Label: Spruce and Maple Music
In Their Words: “I have loved ‘Long Gone’ since I first heard Bill Morrissey sing it a couple of decades ago. Recording it was a blast, and I think that as a ‘returning’ song, it is particularly resonant in these post-pandemic times. We’ve all be long gone, from each other and the world at large. Every time I hear Brandon Godman’s fiddle kick-off, I get excited all over again, to be returning from the virtual to the corporeal world.
“Making this video was about the most fun there is, driving an aging 5-speed stick shift truck up and down Sonoma County backroads in the late winter green of Northern California. I love my job!” – Laurie Lewis
Track Credits: Written by Bill Morrissey.
Laurie Lewis – Guitar and lead vocals Brandon Godman – Fiddle Patrick Sauber – Banjo Hasee Ciaccio – String bass
Video Credit: Bria Light
Lonesome River Band, “Hang Around For The Heartbreak”
Artist:Lonesome River Band Hometown: Floyd, Virginia Song: “Hang Around For The Heartbreak” Release Date: March 29, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “This song was sent to us from my good friend, Barry Hutchens, who has been writing some material with his son, Will, and Jerry Salley. I call it a ‘Happy Heartbreak’ song as the chorus goes, “If we chase this feeling down whatever road it leads us/ We’ll never have regrets about a chance we didn’t take/ But if we’re just pretending this might be a happy ending someday/ I’ll still hang around for the heartbreak.” It’s a great perspective put together by Barry, Will, and Jerry and it feels like classic Lonesome River Band. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!” – Sammy Shelor
Track Credits:
Adam Miller – Mandolin, lead vocal Sammy Shelor – Banjo, vocal Jesse Smathers – Acoustic, vocals Mike Hartgrove – Fiddle Kameron Keller – Upright bass
Nate Sabat, “Sometimes”
Artist:Nate Sabat Hometown: New York, New York Song: “Sometimes” Album:Bass Fiddler Release Date: March 27, 2024 Label: Adhyâropa Records
In Their Words: “Until last September, I was playing a completely different version of this song. Written by the great Abigail Washburn, my initial version was essentially a bass-and-voice rendition of the original. In a prep session with my producer Bruce Molsky, we both agreed that it just wasn’t landing. He pulled out a fretless banjo, and suggested I try leaning into a bluesy, modal sound instead. That idea lit a fire in me, and two hours later we had something completely new.” – Nate Sabat
Track Credits:
Nate Sabat – Bass, vocals Recorded at Spillway Sound in West Hurley, New York. Engineered and Mixed by Eli Crews. Produced by Bruce Molsky. Mastered by Dave Glasser at Airshow Mastering.
The Reverend Shawn Amos, “It’s All Gonna Change (For The Better)”
Artist:The Reverend Shawn Amos Hometown: Dallas, Texas Song: “It’s All Gonna Change (For The Better)” Album:Soul Brother No. 1 Release Date: May 3, 2024 Label: Immediate Family
In Their Words: “There’s a famous comedy bit from George Carlin addressing humans’ disgraceful treatment of Earth. It ends with the punchline, ‘The planet is fine. The people are fucked.’ This song takes a page from Carlin’s book of dark humor. It’s a conversation amongst non-human life counting down the days until these dumbass humans are out of the way. It’s also a simple reminder to ‘WAKE UP!’ as Spike Lee would say. Life on this beautiful planet is a gift – not a given. You dig? Say it with me, ‘We got to all stand up, ain’t gonna take too long. Keep your mind strong.'” – The Reverend Shawn Amos
Video Credit: David Sheldrick
Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, “Pain In My Heart”
Artist:Jenny Don’t & The Spurs Hometown: Portland, Oregon Song: “Pain In My Heart” Album:Broken Hearted Blue Release Date: June 14, 2024 Label: Fluff & Gravy Records
In Their Words: “Inspired by the writing style of Johnny Paycheck and his classic delivery of telling a story while the band keeps it rollin’ on. I love how some of those old classic country singers charm their way through a song where even though they might be in the wrong you still want ’em to win in the end. ‘Yeah, I know, I’m a jerk – but I love ya. Come on, come back home…’ (Not me personally! But you get the idea…)
“While my usual inspiration when it comes to songwriting tends to lean towards the female icons of the genre, for this album, I veered towards more male influences such as Chris Isaac, Lee Hazelwood, Johnny Paycheck, Buddy Holly, John Fogerty, and Link Wray. These diverse songwriters contributed to the inspiration behind the album.
“I’d also like to emphasize that while I take the lead in songwriting, the songs wouldn’t have evolved into what they are without the invaluable input, musical direction, and insight from my bandmates, Kelly Halliburton, Christopher March, and Buddy Weeks. I’m truly grateful for their contributions and thrilled to have collaborated with them on this fun album.” – JennyDon’t
Track Credits: Written by Jenny Don’t.
Jenny Don’t – Vocals, rhythm guitar Kelly Halliburton – Bass guitar Christopher March – Lead guitar Buddy Weeks – Drums Rusty Blake – Pedal steel guitar
Recorded at Revolver Studio in Portland Oregon by Collin Hegna, September 2023.
Rebecca Frazier, “Make Hay While the Moon Shines”
Artist:Rebecca Frazier Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee (originally Richmond, Virginia) Song: “Make Hay While the Moon Shines” Release Date: March 25, 2024 Label: Compass Records
In Their Words:“Growing up in Virginia and spending much of my childhood by the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve always felt an ethereal connection to the moon. To me, it feels like there’s magic in the air when the moon is full. Getting together with Jon and Bob to write this song was a reflection of that excitement – we were all laughing and cutting loose as we came up with double entendres. We wanted to express that light-hearted, anticipatory feeling of a spirited full moon night – after all, the song is a twist on the phrase “make hay while the sun shines,” which means “get your work done.” What is the opposite of that?
“Bill Wolf produced the track with his innate talent for bringing out the best in musicians – he did such an intuitive job bringing musicians in the room who would create and build the climactic moments with their improvisation. I was floored by the performances of Béla, Stuart, Barry, Sam, and Josh. Christopher Gunn’s videography was beyond my imagination. He captured the imagery of a lighthearted, spirited mood while maintaining a dream-like quality, and I think it’s beautiful.” – Rebecca Frazier
Track Credits: Written by Rebecca Frazier, Jon Weisberger, and Bob Minner.
Produced by Bill Wolf. Rebecca Frazier – Guitar Béla Fleck – Banjo Sam Bush – Mandolin Stuart Duncan – Fiddle Barry Bales – Bass Shelby Means – Harmony vocal
Video Credit: Christopher Gunn Creative
The Bygones, “If You Wanted To”
Artist:The Bygones Hometown: Brooklyn, New York & Nashville, Tennessee Song: “If You Wanted To” Album:The Bygones Release Date: April 4, 2024 Label: Tonetree Music
In Their Words: “‘If You Wanted To’ encapsulates the feeling of longing for acceptance and approval from someone you love that has known you through many chapters of life. People change and grow over time, and one of the biggest pains is when the ones closest to you don’t grow with you or want to get to know the current person you are. Over time, I’ve realized that you can’t make someone see you and love you for the current walk of life you’re in and not for a previous version of yourself, they have to choose to get to know you. Sometimes the ones you love just want to hold on to the version of you they knew that is no longer here.” – Allison Young
Photo Credit: Laurie Lewis by Irene Young; Nate Sabat by Jules Miranda.
Artist:Alison Brown & Steve Martin Hometown: La Jolla, California (Alison); Waco, Texas (Steve) Song: “Bluegrass Radio” Release Date: March 15, 2024 Label: Compass Records
In Their Words: “This little tune brings a ton of joy to me. Alison’s playing is flawless, and my singing is flaw-full.” – Steve Martin
“I’m so grateful to all the DJs for playing ‘Foggy Morning Breaking’ and for inspiring Steve to write the lyrics to ‘Bluegrass Radio.’ Thanks to Sam, Stuart, Trey, and Todd for the great playing – and to Steve for the outstanding twin banjo picking.” – Alison Brown
Track Credits:
Steve Martin – vocals, banjo Alison Brown – banjo Sam Bush – mandolin, harmony vocals Stuart Duncan – fiddle Trey Hensley – guitar, harmony vocals Todd Phillips – bass
Recorded and mixed by Matt Coles at Compass Sound Studio, Nashville, TN. Additional recording by Matt Coles at Echo Mountain, Asheville, NC, assisted by Julian Dreyer. Mastered by Randy LeRoy. Produced by Alison Brown and Garry West.
Video Credit: Filmed at Compass Sound Studio by Joseph Spence Additional footage shot by Josh Blake and Shane Peters at Echo Mountain Edited by Joseph Spence Photo Credit: Madison Thorn
This week, it feels a bit like musical spring has sprung, and new music is truly blossoming in our current edition of You Gotta Hear This – our once-weekly premiere round-up.
Below, you’ll find a new live performance video from the Bacon Brothers (Kevin Bacon and his brother, Michael), plus singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann has brought us a new track and video, “The Tides.” You’ll also enjoy songs from bluegrasser Darren Nicholson, southern rocker JD Clayton, a bespoke line dance from Buckstein, Rosy Nolan, string band Jake Leg, and a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt from the Tennessee Warblers. Don’t miss the latest edition in our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, too, featuring two original numbers by Jackson Scribner.
There’s so much good music to enjoy, You Gotta Hear This!
The Bacon Brothers, “Losing the Night”
Artist: The Bacon Brothers Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Song: “Losing the Night” Album: Ballad Of The Brothers Release Date: April 19, 2024 Label: Forosoco Music / Forty Below Records
In Their Words: “Sitting down with our co-writer, Casey Beathard, took me back to the early ’70s when I was a staff writer at Combine Music: Set a date and time, drink a lot of coffee, and crank out a song. Songwriters rule in Nashville and always will. Casey’s the top of the top. If you can listen to ‘Boys of Fall’ with a dry eye, then ‘Mister, you’re a better man than I…’ (Yardbirds.)” – Michael Bacon
“Yeah, writing with Casey was great. When we were cutting vocals, I kept returning to the recording we made on my phone as we wrote the song because I wanted to sing it like he did. The autoharp idea just came together at the last minute, but I think it’s pretty cool.” – Kevin Bacon
Video Credit: Bradley Wagner Audio Engineer: Juan Soria
Rachel Maxann, “The Tides”
Artist:Rachel Maxann Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Song: “The Tides” Release Date: March 4, 2024
In Their Words: “‘The Tides’ is a soulful, folk love song that beautifully captures the ebb and flow of emotions in a relationship. With poetic lyrics and melodic acoustic arrangements, this heartfelt ballad explores the depth of love, drawing parallels to the rhythmic patterns of the tides. Each verse unveils a tale of connection, mirroring the gentle waves that bind two hearts together.” – Rachel Maxann
Buckstein, “Addicted to Love”
Artist:Buckstein Hometown: Denver, Colorado Song: “Addicted to Love” Release Date: March 8, 2024 Label: Rock Ridge Music
In Their Words: “When my producer brought this classic to me, I just assumed we’d be doing it for fun, never to be released. Robert Palmer is a TOUGH act to follow. Leave it to a damn good producer like Mr. E to bring out of the best in me. When he played me the rough cut, I got incredibly excited about where it was going. The production on our ‘Addicted to Love’ is some of my favorite I ever sang to, and I hope people consider it a fond tip of the hat to the late Mr. Palmer. He was a legend, and this song is timeless. Thank you for listening. I hope it’s as much fun for you as it was for us.
“P.S. We have a line dance. Check it out in the video while you listen (and there are dance instructions at the end of the video).” – Buckstein
Rosy Nolan, “One of Your Songs”
Artist:Rosy Nolan Hometown: Los Angeles via San Francisco, California Song: “One of Your Songs” Release Date: March 15, 2024 (single) Label: Blackbird Record Label
In Their Words: “‘One of Your Songs’ is a two-tempo song about a woman strung along by a two-timing man. In the first chorus, she protests, ‘Don’t play me like one of your songs,’ only to surprise him later when he becomes one of her songs.
“I was looking to write a song that oscillated between a high energy old-time tune and a traditional country two-step. I wanted the song’s tempo to reflect the extreme highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship.
“My dear friend, Dave, from Grand Ole Country Bunker suggested I shoot my music video at Sassafras Saloon, a bayou-themed bar in the heart of Hollywood. He produces widely-attended country showcases at the venue. It’s New Orleans meets Old West and contains an entire Savannah townhouse inside the bar. The townhouse was shipped out from Georgia and reassembled inside the venue. Word is that it’s haunted by several spirits. It was the perfect backdrop for the video, equipped with a balcony stage, old time relics, and a rotating bottle conveyer belt.
“Our friends, The Cowpokes from Nashville, performed that evening and they graciously allowed us to shoot the crowd shots during their performance. After a 10 hour shoot day, we were fortunate to have a lot of footage to work with.
“Jack Hackett and his crew were fantastic. I used to act when I was younger so it was a thrill to put the guitar down for a bit and get into character. Fellow cast members, Levi Petree and Frankie Lawson, made it easy and fun.” – Rosy Nolan
Darren Nicholson, “Ain’t No Sin”
Artist:Darren Nicholson Hometown: Canton, North Carolina Song: “Ain’t No Sin” Release Date: March 8, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “This is our raucous, tongue-in-cheek story of mountain folk separating sin from survival. I wrote this with Charles Humphrey III, and it’s even more ironic as I’m currently several years into sobriety myself. It is a fictional tale of people (The Baker Boys) who did what they had to do to provide for their families and communities. The moonshiner way of life was embraced and woven into so many rural circles. Heck, my dad made illegal whiskey to survive; and he made it for everyone from the grannies to the politicians to the preachers. In many cases, the quality of liquor and how it benefited both producer and consumer, was a point of pride for certain areas. What many people fail to realize is, historically, corn liquor production was a way for people to earn a living when times were hard, like during the Great Depression. Early on, it wasn’t a hobby so much as a way to supplement one’s income as a necessity.
“Where the ‘sin’ part comes into play is when one can acknowledge that whiskey by itself is not a sin, but rather the overindulgence or the behaviors resulting from too much to drink, which are viewed as sinful. This song speaks to the ones who find it most sinful; the ones who can’t control the distribution of it or profit from it. I hope all who listen have fun with this track. That’s the intention!” – Darren Nicholson
In Their Words: “‘High Hopes & Low Expectations’ tells a story about a young man who is searching for his better self and greener pastures. He finally has a chance and enough money to leave town for the big city, leaving behind his home and family. He meets an older gentleman that gives him a bit of free advice: ‘Live with High Hopes & Low Expectations.’ The perspective changes halfway through the song. The young man grows old and tells the listener that the old man who gave him advice long ago was right. Go live and live well with high hopes and low expectations. Life won’t always work out right but you’ll be able to sleep well at night.
“This is really a song to myself. It makes me think of leaving Arkansas for Nashville to make it in music. I love the song so much. I wanted the song to feel like a blend of James Taylor and Elton John. I think we got close. It tells a really cool story and I especially love the word choices in the lyrics. ‘Ferry ride for western skies,’ ‘Whiskey wisdoms poured over ice,’ ‘It feels like dark chocolate, honey butter, and hot coals in a cast iron stove in a library.’ Come on!! I cowrote the song with Kendell Marvel. He has become such a good friend and has been so kind to me as I have started my career. I think of myself as the young man in this song and Kendell as the older man giving me this sage advice. It felt like we were living out the song literally as we penned it. I am still learning to live everyday with ‘High Hopes & Low Expectations.'” – JD Clayton
The Tennessee Warblers, “Louis Collins”
Artist:The Tennessee Warblers Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Louis Collins” Release Date: March 8, 2024 (Mississippi John Hurt’s Birthday)
In Their Words: “We’ve been warblin’ this mournfully beautiful murder ballad for a number of years and thought it would be fun to release it in celebration of Mississippi John Hurt’s birthday. First recorded in 1928, the tune has become one of Hurt’s most popular and enduring numbers. Perhaps the juxtaposition of melancholy melody and murder is the reason?
“In 2012, I went on a road trip with photographer, Michael Rooney, to trace the Mississippi Blues Trail. We recently regrouped to pore over the images in search of one to represent Louis Collins’ grave to which the ‘angels laid him away.’ Unfortunately, not long after we settled on the photograph we received news that John Hurt’s home and museum in Avalon, Mississippi had burned down.
“We’d like to urge folks to donate to the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation so that they may rebuild a museum celebrating John Hurt’s kind presence, songs and one of a kind guitar style that continues to entertain and inspire all these years later.” – Adam Dalton
Jake Leg, “Fire on the Prairie”
Artist:Jake Leg Hometown: Lyons, Colorado Song: “Fire on the Prairie” Album:Fire on the Prairie Release Date: March 8, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Fire on the Prairie’ is the title track of our upcoming debut full-length album and we loved the energy we captured in the studio so much that we made it the first track on the record. I wrote ‘Fire on the Prairie’ when I was reflecting on a story I’d heard about some individuals whose entire lives seemed to revolve around the coming of the apocalypse, in a way that was almost romanticized. I found myself thinking about how growing up in an environment like that might impact a person and how they relate to the world. It’s a somewhat ominous song, thematically, and we aimed to reflect that musically with the sonic landscape of the song having sort of a looming sense of something unknown lurching toward you. I think Eric’s vocal performance on this one fits the song perfectly and the band plays with a sense of urgency that really drives it home.” – Dylan McCarthy
Rootsy Summer Sessions: Jackson Scribner
Last summer, flanked by roadside flowers and backgrounded by a softly cooing dove, singer-songwriter Jackson Scribner graced the videographers from I Know We Should with two beautiful, original songs. It’s the latest installment of our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, shot at Rootsy Summer Fest ’23 in Falkenberg, Sweden on the banks of the Ätran.
Scribner, who was born and raised in rural Texas, first performed “Front Porch Rain,” a track from his 2021 self-titled album, with backing vocals by his brother and duo partner, Levi Scribner. Jackson’s voice is soft, but confident as he sings, “Though I see it now/ watch for the weather, wanted to kill it to stay/ it’s a front porch rain…” a striking lyric beneath the summer Swedish sun. There’s certainly a familial quality to the harmonies, though Levi leaves plenty of breathing room, allowing Jackson’s lyrics to come forward.
This week, BGS readers enjoyed two brand new, exclusive sessions – one from our friends at Yamaha Guitars featuring JigJam guitarist Jamie McKeogh and the other featuring songwriter/filmmaker Scott Ballew, direct from last summer’s Rootsy Summer Fest in Falkenberg, Sweden.
But that’s not all, we also have a handful of excellent track premieres from songwriters and musicians like Louise Bichan, Alaina Stacey, and Lily Kershaw. It’s all right here on BGS and, honestly, You Gotta Hear This:
Louise Bichan, “Coldstream”
Artist:Louise Bichan Hometown: Orkney, Scotland will always be home, but for now it’s Cornish, Maine Song: “Coldstream” Album:The Lost Summer Release Date: March 4, 2024 (single); April 5, 2024 (album) Label: Adhyâropa Records
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Coldstream’ for my aunt and uncle and all of my cousins in Aberdeenshire, in the northeast of Scotland. Uncle Syd grew up playing the fiddle, but it was never cool at the time – he hid the fact that he did! Nowadays, he writes songs and plays a lot of tenor guitar, among other things, and it’s always a joy to visit Aberdeenshire and play a few tunes with him.” – Louise Bichan
Track Credits: Louise Bichan – fiddle Ethan Setiawan – mandolin Brendan Hearn – cello Conor Hearn – guitar Produced, engineered, and mixed by Ethan Setiawan. Mastered by Peter Atkinson.
In Their Words: “This is the first song I wrote with my now bandmate and writing partner, Sam Gyllenhaal. First co-writes are sort of like first dates: You go in with hope & expectations and sometimes you find true love, and sometimes it crashes and burns and becomes a great story to tell later. Luckily, I found true songwriter love with Sam. I was trying to create new starts and say yes to new things, so I went into our first write and opened my heart to the possibility of a new beginning. Sam met me there 100%. I think it came out in this song – the desire to make a fresh start, to have a do-over, and to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Of course, you can’t go back in time. With every epiphany comes the mistake that gave it to you in the first place.” – Alaina Stacey
Track Credits: Written by Alaina Stacey & Sam Gyllenhaal. Alaina Stacey – Vocals, background vocals Josh Hunt – Drums & percussion Todd Lombardo – Acoustic guitar, high strung guitar Matt Pierson – Bass Dustin Ransom – Keys, background vocals Evan Redwine – Electric guitar, programming, engineer, mixing, producer
Video Credits: Tiffany Roberts – Female lead Caleb Shore – Male lead Directed, Produced, Edited and Colored by Rob Bondurant.
Lily Kershaw, “Americandream”
Artist:Lily Kershaw Hometown: Los Angeles, California Song: “Americandream” Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words:“As I started to resurface from years of prolonged depression in my 20s, a friend one day was telling me about her American dreams. When she asked me what mine were, I told her I didn’t have any. She couldn’t believe that I didn’t have dreams of things I wanted to do in my life. I mean, I loved writing music and sharing it with people, but after battling with depression for so long, there was no place I wanted to go or thing I wanted to do. I had sort of given up. I wrote this song after having this conversation with her that very night. I was in the midst of recording my upcoming album, so I brought it in the next day to the studio finished, and it fit the album perfectly. I love the optimism at the end. I was really singing that to myself… the idea that it’s not too late, and I can still have dreams and live them.” – Lily Kershaw
Yamaha Sessions: Jamie McKeogh
It was early fall when we met with JigJam guitarist Jamie McKeogh just outside of Nashville, Tennessee to capture this brand new, exclusive Yamaha Session.
For his first selection, McKeogh picked up his gorgeous custom Yamaha acoustic guitar and performed “Streets of London,” a song written by Ralph McTell and popularized in bluegrass circles by Tony Rice. McKeogh laughs as he plays through a handful of takes of the tune, trying to remember the order of the verses and hoping he’ll do Rice and McTell justice with his slightly Celtic-infused rendition. His voice is warm and cozy, accompanied by free and tender transatlantic flatpicking that references Rice as often as it explores brand new sonic territories. “Streets of London” shines with McKeogh’s – and JigJam’s – classic treatment, processing American roots music through a Celtic and Irish bluegrass lens.
Last summer in Falkenberg, Sweden, videographers from I Know We Should shot a series of gorgeous sessions during Rootsy Summer Fest ’23, peeling off from the festival with artists from the lineup to capture intimate recordings of fleeting live performances. For the latest in our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, singer-songwriter and filmmaker Scott Ballew performed two songs on the banks of the Ätran overlooking the historic Tullbron bridge and fly fishermen stalking their quarry in the fast flowing water.
“Alright, I’ll try a river song…” Ballew says, introducing an original with a perfect subject for the setting. The selection is “Tent Song” from his 2021 critically-acclaimed debut album, Talking to Mountains. He continues with “Blue Eyes,” from 2022’s follow up to Talking toMountains, entitled Leisure Rodeo.
This week, there were just too many exciting releases and new songs to feature, so buckle up for seven excellent premieres – cause You Gotta Hear This! From a John Hiatt cover by modernist banjo player Tray Wellington to a brand new music video from country neo-traditionalist Corb Lund, from Amelia White to the Roe Family Singers, there’s something for every taste and from every style of American roots music.
Tray Wellington, “Lift Up Every Stone”
Artist:Tray Wellington Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Song: “Lift Up Every Stone” Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “For me, ‘Lift Up Every Stone’ encompasses a sense of encouragement to fight through the hard times in life. When I first heard the John Hiatt version of this song, I loved the use of imagery to convey the lifting atmosphere. It was also a chance to try something new musically, which for anything I record, I want to be challenged more and more — and this was the perfect way to step outside of my comfort zone.” – Tray Wellington
Track Credits: Tray Wellington – Banjo, lead vocal Drew Matulich – Guitar, electric guitar Katelynn Bohn – Bass Josiah Nelson – Mandolin, fiddle DaShawn Hickman – Pedal steel guitar Wendy Hickman – Lead vocal, harmony vocal
Corb Lund, “El Viejo (For Ian)”
Artist:Corb Lund Hometown: Alberta, Canada Song: “El Viejo (For Ian)” Album: El Viejo Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: New West Records
In Their Words: “We dedicated the record to our late friend, Ian Tyson, and the title track is a tribute to him. ‘El Viejo’ was our friendly nickname for him and it means ‘the old man.’ I’m pretty proud of the song, and the video, which uses a lot of cool old stock footage of him. Hope the record is as satisfying to listen to as it was for us to make. I left it all on the field for this one.” – Corb Lund
Video Credits: Noah Fallis – Director, Director of Photography Jamie Campbell – Producer Brendan Schmidt – Camera Operator, Editor Ethan Wournell – First A/C Blair Bourque – Key Grip Alyssa Howland – Gaffer Archival footage of Ian Tyson courtesy of Neil McGonagle
Amelia White, “Love I Swore”
Artist:Amelia White Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Love I Swore” Album:Love I Swore Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: Thirty One Tigers
In Their Words: “The title track of Love I Swore is a dark and stormy love letter. I wrote it on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh in deep summer on tour when the sky stayed light until midnight. The ghosts of what I wished a love was and how it seemed to be slipping away were talking, and I wondered if a bird that had left the cage would be happy coming back? Kim Richey (producer) called in Eamon McLoughlin to slay our hearts with violin as the track builds. This honestly is one of my favorite guitar lines that has ever come out of me, and I hope all you troubled lovers find some strange comfort here.“ – Amelia White
Stephanie Sammons, “Faithless”
Artist:Stephanie Sammons Hometown: Dallas, Texas Song: “Faithless” Album:Time and Evolution Release Date: May 3, 2024
In Their Words: “What inspired this song was an old friend from high school who died from suicide in 2022. I kept up with her on social media. She would post pictures of her dog and her kids. Her posts seemed joyful and even funny from time to time. How could I have known she was suffering so immensely? If only I would have known! It was heartbreaking. I felt so helpless.
“And then there are the painful feelings with regards to my younger sister, who has had a rough time just doing ‘life’ in general. Even though we’re only 14 months apart, I was absent and oblivious to what she was going through during her darkest days. I’ve wondered, why does she continue to battle demons and dark places and I don’t? And why did it take me so long to realize how her anger was pain turned inward? I have guilt about not being there for my sibling.
“Because of the pain I have seen others endure and I have felt, this song explores my deep questions about faith. I’m asking myself, what do I have faith in? ‘Faithless’ is reflecting on the indiscriminate nature of suffering, generational trauma, and what ultimately happens to our souls when we depart this world.” – Stephanie Sammons
Track Credits: Written and published by Stephanie Sammons
Stephanie Sammons – Vocals, acoustic guitar Mary Bragg (producer) – Background vocals Josh Kaler – Guitars and pedal steel Jordan Perlson – Drums, percussion Jon Estes– Bass, piano, organ
The Roe Family Singers, “Little Trouble”
Artist:The Roe Family Singers Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota Song: “Little Trouble” Album:Sisters And Brothers Release Date: February 2, 2024 Label: Bonfire Music Group
In Their Words: “I’ve long been interested in the folk process; specifically, the idea that newer folk songs borrow melodies and lyrics from earlier songs and repurpose them. ‘Little Trouble’ started life by borrowing part of the melody from the traditional song ‘Little Birdy,’ and reimagines some of the lyrics, too, updating them to deal with modern concerns like urban versus rural, social media, political scare-mongering and manufactured moral panics, and a culture held together through pharmacology.” – Quillan Roe
Wolf Jett, “Tavira”
Artist:Wolf Jett Hometown: Santa Cruz Mountains Song: “Tavira” Album:Time Will Finally Come Release Date: February 23, 2024
In Their Words: “Imagine leaving your cushy pharma job and rent-controlled apartment in SF to travel by bicycle and busk through southern Spain for a year. One day, you lose your wallet skinny-dipping near the Portuguese border and then you come upon the village of Tavira. Upon first glance, the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings seem unremarkable, until you cross the Roman bridge over the canal, break open your guitar case, and start playing. Next thing you know, a large crowd gathers around, dancing and cheering, and you make more tips than you’ve seen all month. A French expat offers for you to stay on his farm to help with the fig harvest, and next thing you know you’re closer to Eden than ever. This is a love song to Portugal and the wonderful times I spent there.” – Chris Jones, lead singer and songwriter
Pi Jacobs, “Coyote”
Artist:Pi Jacobs Hometown: Los Angeles, California Song: “Coyote” Album:Soldier On Release Date: April 26, 2024 Label: Blackbird Record Label
In Their Words: “The song began one day when a coyote stalked my dog on a walk, following us home, and even jumping our fence that night. It was a terrifying experience, but the metaphor it brought to mind was even more menacing. My best friend had been fighting cancer and every time we thought it was gone, it would spring back up, just like this dang coyote. The image was so powerful, that when I told the story to my co-writer, Ted Russell Kamp, the song just about wrote itself! But even with this bleak backstory, the song sounds ‘happy,’ and I’m happy to report that both my dog and my friend are alive and well. Take that coyote!” – Pi Jacobs
Track Credits: Written by Lisa Marie Jacobs and Ted Russell Kamp
Recorded in Los Angeles at Carriage House & Forty Below Records Eric Corne & Pi Jacobs – Producers Eric Corne – Engineer Mark Chalecki – Mastering engineer Pi Jacobs – Guitar, lead vocal, backing vocal Adam Hall – Dobro, banjo Zack Hall – Upright bass Butch Norton – Drums, percussion Philip Glen – Mandolin
Video Credit: Taylor Hungerford, Director / Silver Spark Printworks
Photo Credit: Tray Wellington by Heidi Holloway; Corb Lund by Noah Fallis.
This week, BGS readers were graced by two special, Valentine’s Day-themed premieres from jamgrass supergroup The High Hawks and singer-songwriter Caroline Cotter. Plus, our old friend, Kentucky-based cellist Ben Sollee, brought us a gorgeous new performance video of a John Prine cover shot surrounded by verdant houseplants.
Below, catch up on that new music you might have missed from earlier in the week and discover brand new, exclusive premieres from bluegrass group Sideline and indie/Americana duo the Ballroom Thieves. It’s all right here on BGS and… You Gotta Hear This!
Sideline, “The Lives of the Innocent”
Artist:Sideline Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Song: “The Lives of the Innocent” Release Date: February 16, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “It was great getting back in the studio after over two years. There was a lot of bottled-up magic that came bursting out when we hit the first downbeat. This song fit the very definition of what Sideline is as a sound and the energy we project. It certainly enters the catalog as a blood-pumping, foot stomping, Sideline hit for the ages.” – Skip Cherryholmes, guitar
“‘The Lives of the Innocent’ was a song that was inspired by the Hibriten Guards during the Civil War that mustered in Alexander County, North Carolina. They saw heavy combat during the war, suffering a high casualty rate, and this tune chronicles what potentially could have been one of the soldiers in those ranks. Steve [Dilling] and the guys bumped the tempo a little and captured the essence of the song and the singing is just top-notch!” – Shannon Slaughter, songwriter
Track Credits: Skip Cherryholmes – Guitar Steve Dilling – Banjo, harmony vocal Matt Flake – Fiddle Nick Goad – Mandolin, harmony vocal Kyle Windbeck – Bass Bailey Coe – Lead vocal
The Ballroom Thieves, “Tender”
Artist:The Ballroom Thieves Hometown: Easton, Massachusetts Song: “Tender” Album:Sundust Release Date: April 12, 2024 Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “We were listening to the band Watchhouse at Newport Folk Festival in 2022 and their sparse instrumentation and fluid melodies inspired us to start writing ‘Tender’ right on the spot. We learn a lot from our peers, and in this case, the lesson was about the importance of creating space for your songs to breathe so you can hear what’s happening between the notes.” – The Ballroom Thieves
In Their Words: “John Prine had a knack for folding mantras in to his songs. This song has a message that resonates deeply with my journey as a creative, father, and husband [and] that is so needed in this fitful world. ‘When love comes your way, you learn to say, I love you!’” – Ben Sollee
Artist:The High Hawks Hometown: Boulder, Colorado and All Points Between, USA Song: “This Is What Love Feels Like” Album:Mother Nature’s Show Release Date: February 16, 2024
In Their Words: “This song sits in a slightly different world than the rest of The High Hawks’ new record. It’s a step into the mind of a hopeless romantic at a show, waiting for the band to come on with his love by his side. Sometimes the world just seems to conspire to make everything just right. This is about one of those nights. The song came out of a co-write with Chris Gelbuda, Shawn Camp, and myself one Nashville summer afternoon. I’m glad it found a home with The High Hawks!” — Vince Herman
Artist:Caroline Cotter Hometown: from Providence, Rhode Island; currently living in Ellsworth, Maine Song: “Do You Love Me?” Album:Gently As I Go Release Date: August 18, 2023
In Their Words: “‘Do You Love Me?’ is a love song, short and sweet and perhaps a bit tongue–in–cheek, echoing desperate and anxious attempts from a hopeless romantic to their new love (and the universe) to get some certainty in very uncertain territory. This anxiety and excitement come together in a fun little package, trading places depending on the day or the moment, and sometimes it’s best to laugh at the silliness of it all, and realize that attempts to know or pretend to know by reading the signs are likely futile, but if nothing else, they’re fun to sing about. I love how Fernando’s illustrations in the video bring out the whimsy, playfulness, and sweetness of the lyrics.” – Caroline Cotter
Artist:Caroline Cotter Hometown: from Providence, Rhode Island; currently living in Ellsworth, Maine Song: “Do You Love Me?” Album:Gently As I Go Release Date: August 18, 2023
In Their Words: “‘Do You Love Me?’ is a love song, short and sweet and perhaps a bit tongue–in–cheek, echoing desperate and anxious attempts from a hopeless romantic to their new love (and the universe) to get some certainty in very uncertain territory. This anxiety and excitement come together in a fun little package, trading places depending on the day or the moment, and sometimes it’s best to laugh at the silliness of it all, and realize that attempts to know or pretend to know by reading the signs are likely futile, but if nothing else, they’re fun to sing about. I love how Fernando’s illustrations in the video bring out the whimsy, playfulness, and sweetness of the lyrics.” – Caroline Cotter
Photo Credit: Katherine Emery Video Credit: Fernando Osuna
In Their Words: “John Prine had a knack for folding mantras in to his songs. This song has a message that resonates deeply with my journey as a creative, father, and husband [and] that is so needed in this fitful world. ‘When love comes your way, you learn to say, I love you!'” – Ben Sollee
Photo Credit: Jessica Ebelhar Video Credit: Created by Josh Ford, FordFoto. Recorded at Mahonia Studios, Louisville, Kentucky.
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