Tag: You Gotta Hear This

You Gotta Hear This: Jess Williamson, Wynonna (Feat. Iron & Wine) and More

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Every Friday, BGS shines a light on some of our favorite new tracks in bluegrass, folk, Americana and beyond. Then we ask the artist about the inspiration behind the music and pass their wise words along to you.

This week, fiddler and singer-songwriter Laura Cortese reflects on her family’s hiking ritual in the uplifting title track to her new album, Lucky Waters. Meanwhile, Levi Foster takes a metaphorical cue from the natural landscape on “Appalachian Funk Tree,” a very fun song to listen to (and the title track to his new album, too). Folk favorite Crys Matthews tips her hat to a musical hero, Nina Simone, with a deeply felt rendering of “Feeling Good.” Then, from the Pacific Northwest, River Tramps offer a pretty and poetic song, “Never Was,” followed a true-to-life song called “It Never Ends” from rising acoustic duo Rosine. After that, Jacob Sharp of Mipso opens his heart in “Space,” a lovely song he catches himself singing around the kitchen. (Same here.)

Two very different Nashville bands are up next. The trio verygently brings a really cool electric vibe to “I DON’T WANNA DIE,” a song about aging inspired by a band member going to get a B12 shot. They’ve got the harmony thing down! For the Volcano Brothers, it’s the acoustic guitars that beautifully blend on a wonderful, Hawaiian-flavored tune, “La Rosita.” Embracing her love of country music, the exquisite Jess Williamson shares her feelings of wanderlust in “Hum of the City,” while country icon Wynonna imagines her late mother (and more than a little of Joni Mitchell) in an intimate new song called “Hear Me Now,” written with Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam. It’s a standout track from the legendary artist’s new album, The Hard Truth.

As we like to say every week, You Gotta Hear This!

Laura Cortese, “Lucky Water”

Artist: Laura Cortese
Hometown: Ghent, Belgium
Song: “Lucky Water”
Album: Lucky Water
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: Compass Records

In Their Words: “Lucky Water’ is more or less a family hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the ancestral lands of the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu peoples, that my aunts, uncles, cousins, and I have done every year since my mom was born. It’s a short, steep hike with a meadow at the top. Each year we stop at the same spots, look for the flowers, put our feet, or full bodies, in the freezing stream. It’s not a ritual with pomp and circumstance, per se, but through repetition it has become a touchstone.” — Laura Cortese

Levi Foster, “Appalachian Funk Tree”

Artist: Levi Foster
Hometown: Rustburg, Virginia; now in Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Appalachian Funk Tree”
Album: Appalachian Funk Tree
Release Date: October 9. 2026
Label: Banner Music Records

In Their Words: “I wrote this song during a deer hunt in South Carolina when the idea hit me to build a song that could hold all strains of country music under one roof. The tree became the anchor a wild thing grew nearby feeding off bluegrass, funk, Texas swing, rock ’n’ roll… with each verse wandering into a different influence. Weird, I know. We never saw a deer that day, but we came home with a song that set the tone for the entire album.” — Levi Foster

Crys Matthews, “Feeling Good”

Artist: Crys Matthews
Hometown: Richlands, North Carolina
Song: “Feeling Good”
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: Shamus Records

In Their Words: “I have always felt so drawn to Nina Simone. We are both North Carolinians, we both grew up loving classical music, and we were both raised in the church. This intimate version of her iconic song Feeling Good (featuring Seth Glier on the keys) feels like the embodiment of all of those things.

“Written by English composers Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, the song was first performed by a character simply called ‘The Negro.’ He sings the song after winning a ‘ruleless game’ against two white characters. The struggles of racial and socioeconomic inequality in 1960s Britain (the premise of the musical) paled in comparison to its American equivalent. As a fellow Black southerner, I don’t have to imagine how deeply that resonated with Nina. That ‘game’ is being played just as fervently today as it was then. It is still just white supremacy coated in a veneer of capitalism — it was not (and is not) designed for Black or poor people to win. And so, ‘Feeling Good’ is a freedom song of sorts, much like the songs Nina would’ve grown up hearing her ancestors sing.

“‘Freedom is mine’ is just as revolutionary of a proclamation now as it was when Nina first sang it, and is an absolute honor to sing them now.” — Crys Matthews

River Tramps, “Never Was”

Artist: River Tramps
Hometown: Tokeland, Washington
Song: “Never Was”
Album: Songs in Solitude (five-track EP)
Single Release Date: October 9, 2026 (EP: March 19, 2027)
Label: De La Luz Records

In Their Words: “‘Never Was’ came from a question we kept returning to: how much of what we believe about ourselves is actually ours, and how much was handed to us by circumstance? The song is about learning not to mistake what happened to you for who you are. It also recognizes that taking responsibility for your life doesn’t require carrying every burden or accepting every judgment placed on you. Sometimes transformation looks less like charging forward and more like becoming still enough to recognize what was never yours in the first place. We recorded it to tape at Fremont Recording in Oregon, and the arrangement grew around that emotional tension—pedal steel and mandolin alongside electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and drums. We wanted the performance to keep its human edges rather than smoothing away the uncertainty inside the song. For us, ‘Never Was’ is ultimately about making peace with the past without letting it name the future.” — River Tramps

Rosine, “It Never Ends”

Artist: Rosine (Forrest & Meredith Lane O’Connor)
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “It Never Ends” (feat. Alison Brown & Mark O’Connor)
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Label: Compass Records

In Their Words: “‘It Never Ends’ was fully developed as a musical concept first, with the progression, melody, and arrangement finished before any lyrics were written. The music of the verse takes its cue from some of the early twangier Beatles songs, in particular ‘I’m a Loser,’ which starts with the 1-5-b7 progression and in which the 5 chord really could work as either minor or major…I decided to go with minor! The chorus melody, and the parallel harmonic movement beneath it, is derived from the second movement of Dvořák’s “From the New World” symphony, which I think is one of the most beautiful themes in all of classical music.

“Like many writers, I’ve kept a running list of song concepts, many of which I might never get to, some of which I hold onto for a number of years before exploring. ‘It Never Ends’ is a subject I’d wanted to tackle for a little while. I enjoy it because it’s such a ubiquitous phrase that is, of course, ironic in its fundamental untruthfulness, and that irony made it seem like a good fit for a lighter, more uptempo musical context (also a Beatles-inspired approach).

“As would hopefully be the case for any couple (!), Meredith and I have leaned on each other through a wild stretch of life; in some ways, the last two years have felt like 10 given all that we’ve been through together. We bring each other down to earth in ways no one else can, and we also serve as each other’s best reminders that whatever onslaught of troubles and challenges we might feel won’t end is only happening ‘for now’ — the truth is that it will all ultimately end, and one of our main hopes and goals is to serve as a light to one another through it all!” — Forrest O’Connor

Jacob Sharp, “Space”

Artist: Jacob Sharp
Hometown: Morganton, North Carolina
Song: “Space”
Album: Middle Kid
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: City Kitty Records

In Their Words: “‘Space’ is the song I’ve played most around the house these past few years. Singing it makes me feel calm – it’s like a balm. I wrote it for my wife Cate a few chapters of life ago whilst imagining the path toward the chapter we are now in. It’s about being patient amidst growth and the pleasure and power of committing your love to someone else over and over again. The day we tracked this Joseph Terrell (from Mipso) and I sat across from each other finger picking in unison as we have so many times in our years together. I love the interplay of the guitars on the track with Hannah Read’s fiddling. Hannah has such a unique way of finding a melody that really dances. Her playing has this mystical element to it always, and was the exact binding this track needed.” — Jacob Sharp

verygently, “I Don’t Wanna Die”

Artist: verygently
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “I DON’T WANNA DIE”
Album: SORRY, SARAH
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: Nettwerk Music Group

In Their Words: “‘I Don’t Wanna Die’ was written about aging and not liking it. We were all in a season of sickness and ailments at the time. Drew told us he was getting a B12 shot that afternoon and that kind of kicked off this idea. Written from a place of defiance against the things trying to slow you down, while also realizing a lot of it is self-inflicted. This has been one of our favorites to play live for awhile now, so stoked to finally have it out in the world!” — verygently

The Volcano Brothers, “La Rosita”

Artist: The Volcano Brothers
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “La Rosita”
Album: Light of the Hilo Moon
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Label: Black Hen Music

In Their Words: “Since our repertoire mostly draws from Pre-WW2 recordings, this is a great example of what gets us fired up as a band. ‘La Rosita’ is a song that I learned from a recording by the great Sol K. Bright, who was an early steel guitar virtuoso and member of Irene West’s Royal Hawaiians. He left her band to form his own group, Sol K. Bright’s Hollywaiians. The song dates back to 1923, and was featured in a Mary Pickford silent film from that era. Sol Bright’s version was recorded in 1934. Our version draws from that recording, but then we take it off into our own zone as well. It’s a fun launch pad for improvisation.” – Steve Dawson

Jess Williamson, “Hum of the City”

Artist: Jess Williamson
Hometown: Los Angeles and Marfa, Texas
Song: “Hum of the City”
Album: A Mile South of Heaven
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: New West Records

In Their Words: “I’m kind of a wanderer by nature, and this song is about my complicated relationship with the idea of home. I’ve spent years feeling pulled between the excitement of life in the city and the peace of a more rural life, never quite sure where I belong.

“There’s a romance to being in hotels alone. I love checking into my room, going down to the hotel bar, and talking with the bartender. I once checked into a hotel and realized I was staying in the very same room I’d been in years earlier (room 12, from the song), during a completely different season of my life, right before a major life change. There’s something uncanny about the anonymity of a hotel room holding such a personal memory.

“The song imagines a conversation with the hotel bartender, asking him to change the music. Sometimes contemporary music feels a little weird if you happen to have history with the person singing it. But old country music always hits.” — Jess Williamson

Wynonna, “Hear Me Now” (Feat. Iron & Wine)

Artist: Wynonna
Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee
Song: “Hear Me Now” (Feat. Iron & Wine)
Album: The Hard Truth
Release Date: October 2, 2026
Label: ANTI- Records

In Their Words: “This song represents where I’m at right now. It’s me looking around at what’s still here, what’s gone, and what I’m still carrying with me. There are little snapshots and references in these lyrics that probably won’t make sense to anybody but me, and I love that. They’re pieces of my life. So much of my story is wrapped up in my mother, and I still wonder what she would think if she could hear me now. Would she roll her eyes? Would she be surprised? Would she harmonize? Writing this with Sam Beam gave me a place to put those questions, because losing someone doesn’t mean the conversation ends. I still talk to Mom. I still hear her. And every once in a while, when I’m singing, I wonder if she’s listening.” — Wynonna

“She was really open and vulnerable with the stories she shared,” Beam explained. “I was surprised at how determined she was about trying something new, and she talked a lot about how much Joni Mitchell’s music meant to her. I wanted to give her something in that vein. A great collaborator.” — Sam Beam, Iron & Wine

Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young (Jess Williamson); Thomas Crabtree (Wynonna and Sam Beam, Iron & Wine)

You Gotta Hear This: Foy Vance, Valerie June and More

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Every Friday, BGS shines a light on some of our favorite new tracks in bluegrass, folk, Americana and beyond. Then we ask the artist about the inspiration behind the music and pass their wise words along to you.

This week, Brother and the Hayes’ new song “Cry” is, quite appropriately, a tear-jerker, with a style that harks back to 1960s Nashville. Similarly, Belle Frantz holds a reverence for the golden era of country music, as evidenced by an impressive rendering of “Where No One Stands Alone.” An accomplished guitarist with a fascinating approach to folk songs, Jake Xerxes Fussell looks to the golden age of sail for “Boney,” a highlight of his intriguing new album. Meanwhile, Tennessee native Valerie June grabs a banjo and reaches toward a hopeful feeling in her interpretation of “Trouble in Mind,” written more than a hundred years ago.

In addition, Katie Pruitt is joined by her friend Sierra Hull on an encouraging new song, “Orion’s Belt,” while Lawrence Rothman teams up with frequent co-writer Delaney Ramsdell to confront some ghosts on “Demons.” On the lighter side, there’s a touch of The Big Lebowski in Jason Scott & the High Heat’s new video, “Fast as I Can Crawl,” which is the lead track on their interesting, wide-ranging new project, Play Boy. And it’s always satisfying to hear new music from Foy Vance, who shares a thoughtful solo acoustic video of “Feel the Cold.”

As we like to say here at BGS, You Gotta Hear This!

Brother and the Hayes, “Cry”

Artist: Brother and The Hayes
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Song: “Cry”
Album: Phantoms of Reality
Release Date: September 18, 2026

In Their Words: “Over the last few years, we’ve been lucky enough to spend time in some traditional Texas dance halls. There are usually a few elderly couples gliding across the floor like they’ve been dancing together all their lives. When writing ‘Cry,’ I think I was picturing the dance hall in Luckenbach, Texas. I’ve seen it all over, though—even here in Nashville at Honky Tonk Tuesday—and it always, as the kids say, ‘gets me in the feels.’

‘My husband and I have been trying to learn to dance together, and I’m realizing how much of a privilege it is to be in lockstep with a longtime love. As a touring musician, I often find myself standing misty-eyed on the sidelines, missing my dance partner. A tune about dancing, even a sad one, should still make you want to dance, right? ‘Cry’ is a tearjerker but also a toe-tapper. It’s pretty easy to hear the influence of the 1960s Nashville Sound, Roy Orbison, and even a little surf rock on this track.

“We’ve been playing on the road with Andrew Thomas (pedal steel and backing vocals) and Nick Davidson (drums), and we’re thrilled to have finally gotten them into the studio to make some magic.” – Jennie Hayes Kurtz

Belle Frantz, “Where No One Stands Alone”

Artist: Belle Frantz
Hometown: Greenwood Springs, Mississippi
Song: “Where No One Stands Alone”
Album: Hymns from a Barstool
Release Date: November 6, 2026

In Their Words: “I’ve always believed God meets you in your struggle and these songs comforted me when I needed them most so I just started recording what was on my heart. If they can make somebody else feel a little better or less alone, then that’s enough for me. I’m not trying to tell anybody how to live or pass any judgements— to me, God has always been way more of a feeling than a building anyway. ‘Where No One Stands Alone’ really encapsulates the heart of the album for me. Doing this record completely independently, I often felt like I was at this alone, but I kept being reminded throughout the process that He was there, walking with me and holding my hand.” — Belle Frantz

Jake Xerxes Fussell, “Boney”

Artist: Jake Xerxes Fussell
Hometown: Columbus, Georgia
Song: “Boney”
Album: The Old Beloved Path
Release Date: September 18, 2026
Label: Fat Possum Records

In Their Words: “‘Boney’ is believed to have been what’s known in maritime worksong tradition as a ‘short drag’ – a chantey sung to accompany & keep pace for a brief hauling task aboard a ship. But the song has also lived a life in the decades that have passed since the golden age of sail. The self taught musicologist Sam Eskin recorded a version of it, as did the great Paul Clayton. Listeners will recognize that the song recounts some of the bolder and finer points along the timeline of events in the life of Napoleon Bonaparte – though somewhat out of order and at times half-wrought. In some variants his dancing and cursing receive more attention than his victories or defeats, which I appreciate. Other versions will have him crossing The Rockies in addition to The Alps. I think this song is, among other things, a curiously rendered and fractured portrait of a colossal and difficult figure. Or a short drag – whichever you prefer.” — Jake Xerxes Fussell

Valerie June, “Trouble in Mind”

Artist: Valerie June
Hometown: Humboldt, Tennessee
Song: “Trouble in Mind”
Album: Brighter Blue EP
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Label: Concord Records

In Their Words: “The most transformative moments of my life have come when I found the courage to face my fears — to feel them fully and discover the stillness that remains when the storm passes. There is perhaps no better song to capture the journey from hardship toward happiness than the old blues song ‘Trouble in Mind.’ Rooted in sorrow yet reaching toward hope, it reminds us that even in our darkest moments, something within us continues to sing.” — Valerie June

Katie Pruitt, “Orion’s Belt”

Artist: Katie Pruitt
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Song: “Orion’s Belt” (feat. Sierra Hull)
Album: Fools for the Fleeting
Release Date: September 18, 2026
Label: Rounder Records

In Their Words: “‘Orion’s Belt’ is a love song about being broke on paper but rich in experience. It’s easy to look at fancy houses, cars & clothes that other people have & equate that to success in life or love. In the past, I’ve suffered from a scarcity mindset but now I feel like I’m finally prioritizing the right stuff. I’m a hard worker & of course I want to make a living as an artist/songwriter, but I’m realizing you can have your basic needs met & still be so much happier than some of the richest people in the world. I feel honored to have my friend Sierra Hull featured on this song & I can’t wait for people to hear it.” – Katie Pruitt

Lawrence Rothman, “Demons”

Artist: Lawrence Rothman
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Song: “Demons” (Feat. Delaney Ramsdell)
Album: Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Label: KRO Records

In Their Words: “‘Demons’ starts with my own wreckage, then pulls the camera back on a country built by immigrants while criminalizing them, built on stolen land while calling itself innocent, and addicted to turning human suffering into headlines, entertainment and profit. America has always had a talent for disguising its damage as progress and deflecting the truth. Woody Guthrie sang, ‘This land was made for you and me,’ but we’re still deciding who gets to be included. Presidents, celebrities, saints, sinners, the common folk—maybe even AI—we all answer to something when no one else is in the room.” — Lawrence Rothman

“This song came to be in such an organic, spontaneous way. We’ve written and worked together so much, so having a song out in the world feels great—especially one as cinematic and dark as this one.” — Delaney Ramsdell

Jason Scott & The High Heat, “Fast As I Can Crawl”

Artist: Jason Scott & The High Heat
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Song: “Fast As I Can Crawl”
Album: Play Boy
Release Date: September 18, 2026
Label: Leo33

In Their Words: “Who doesn’t like bowling? This song makes me think of The Big Lebowski. So we made a video in a bowling alley because this song feels like bowling.” — Jason Scott

Foy Vance, “Feel the Cold” (Live at Home)

Artist: Foy Vance
Hometown: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Song: “Feel the Cold” (Live at Home)
Album: IF EP
EP Release Date: October 30, 2026
Full Album Release Date: April 30, 2027
Label: Rounder Records

In Their Words: On the surface, this song is a collection of vignettes regarding my time in Lanzarote and my eagerness to get back home to the cold area of Ireland. It also denotes returning to the cold reality waiting for me at home, my family in grief. Facing that grief myself took some courage.

“One of my favorite stories from Lanzarote that made it into the song was that a man named Brian hired me to be his driver, then skipped the island without paying me. A load of locals and holiday makers stood at the pier’s edge, throwing bread in the water and watching the feeding frenzy of the fish. Brian, without so much as a word, jumped in on top of the fish, fully clothed…the fish scattered to reveal very shallow water and he nearly broke his ankles. I don’t remember ever laughing that hard before or after. Even now, I can’t help but smile every time I remember Brian jumping in on the shoals.” — Foy Vance

Image Credits: Babysweet (Foy Vance), Lauren Wade (Valerie June)

You Gotta Hear This: Jake Blount, Twin Temple & More

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Every Friday, BGS shines a light on some of our favorite new tracks in bluegrass, folk, Americana and beyond. Then we ask the artist about the inspiration behind the music and pass their wise words along to you.

This week, Appalachian-born songwriter Angela Autumn releases a new album, Believer, and her song “Heavy Tobacco” shows her ability to take a fresh approach to an unconventional topic—and to create a pretty cool music video, too. From the Netherlands, the musician Bertolf reflects on the fallout of a friend’s divorce on “Innocence Lost,” supported by an acoustic ensemble that underscores the emotion in the song.

Meanwhile, Jake Blount is winding down his stringband chapter with a rendition of “Shady Grove,” Jason James shows off his honky-tonk roots in “She’s Gone Again,” and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys put a hard-driving bluegrass spin on “Bottom of the Glass.” (Judging by the video, there was almost certainly more than one glass!)

There’s also a JJ Cale vibe to David Quinn’s “Down and Dirty,” some modern country attitude in Jaelee Roberts’ cover of Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar,” and an early ’60s pop vibe in Twin Temple’s “Love You to Death.”

As we like to say, You Gotta Hear This!

Angela Autumn, “Heavy Tobacco”

Artist: Angela Autumn
Hometown: The Appalachian region of Pennsylvania; Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Heavy Tobacco”
Album: Believer
Label: Gar Hole Records

In Their Words: “This is a song about the tobacco spirit. In many cultures, particularly American indigenous, tobacco is regarded for its purification abilities. I don’t think many folks see tobacco as ‘healthy’; quite the opposite. The message is that anything positive can become harmful when abused. It’s me reflecting upon choices that were necessary but carried both positive and negative consequences.

“Fame feels like something to be chased, with a time limit on our actualization. Smoking is a way of counting moments, of categorizing time. Inevitably our goals and desires will run out and we are left with our legacy, and impact on the earth–consciously or unconsciously.” — Angela Autumn

Bertolf, “Innocence Lost”

Artist: Bertolf
Hometown: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Song: “Innocence Lost”
Album: Bluefinger Vol.2
Album Release Date: August 28, 2026
Label: Excelsior Recordings (NL)

In Their Words: “Someone close to me went through a divorce. ‘Innocence Lost’ is about the despair of someone who has been abandoned. About a relationship that, like a bolt from the blue, has been irreparably damaged—beyond the point of an innocence that can never be recovered.

“The video was filmed and recorded in April at the concert venue, Hedon, in my hometown Zwolle (the same stage I will host the first edition of my ‘own’ Bluefinger Festival on Sunday, September 13th. Mike Marshall will be a playing a solo show there and my band and me will present Bluefinger Vol. 2 there for the first time, and there’s much more!) The video was produced by Hans Kuyt and the audio was mixed by Janos Koolen (who’s also the mandolin player in the band). It felt good to get to record a live performance of this song, especially because it’s the favorite song on the album of a few band members.” — Bertolf

Jake Blount, “Shady Grove”

Artist: Jake Blount
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Song: “Shady Grove”
Album: Single-Footing Horse
Album Release Date: September 18, 2026

In Their Words: “This version of ‘Shady Grove’ is adapted from one played by Jon Bekoff of Greenfield, Massachusetts. I didn’t get to meet him before he died, but Jon was a major influence on many of my own mentors. His tunes are queer and full of mystery, and his version didn’t sound quite as magical coming from me—so I dropped the top string of my fiddle down a whole tone, added the singing section, and started playing it that way. ‘Shady Grove’ was probably one of the first three songs I learned when I was first starting out in this music. My upcoming release is a celebration of my teachers, friends, and musical community as I look toward a new musical chapter. It felt important to include both Jon and ‘Shady Grove’ in that celebration.” — Jake Blount

Jason James, “She’s Gone Again”

Artist: Jason James
Hometown: Texas City, Texas
Song: “She’s Gone Again”
Album: Cut The Chain
Album Release Date: Sept 11, 2026
Label: Heart of Texas Records

In Their Words: “‘She’s Gone Again’ started as a melody that I would hum to myself while driving or doing stuff. Finally I decided it needed to be a song. I sat down with my guitar, began strumming, and the words manifested directly from the music—the melody told me what it wanted to say. I had it written in about 20 minutes.

“Ronnie Bowman and I hit it off immediately as musical soul brothers. He came in to sing harmony on a few tracks and we had a blast–we’d even be singing together at the lunch table and to the waitresses. He called to check in on me about a month before he passed because I was going through a difficult time, and we sang together right there on the phone. When you share that kind of musical connection with someone, it’s extremely powerful. I was crushed when I heard the news of his passing. The world lost an Incredibly talented and tenderhearted man. And my world suddenly felt more silent, grey, and alone.” — Jason James

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, “Bottom of a Glass”

Artist: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Hometown: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Song: “Bottom of a Glass”
Album: Welcome to the Club
Release Date: August 21, 2026
Label: Turnberry Records

In Their Words: “‘Bottom of a Glass’ is one of those songs that just felt like us from the first time we played it. There’s some hurt in it, a lot of humor in it, and that hard-driving bluegrass thing that we’ve always loved. We wanted the video to carry that same spirit—to feel a little rough around the edges and funny as hell.

“This version of the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys feels really exciting to me. We’ve grown a lot together, both as people and musicians, and I think we’re more comfortable than ever letting all of our influences show. We’re still rooted in traditional bluegrass, and we always will be, but we’re not afraid to stretch it a little and see where these songs can take us. ‘Bottom of a Glass’ feels like a pretty good snapshot of where this band is right now.” — CJ Lewandowski, The Po’ Ramblin Boys

David Quinn, “Freightline”

Artist: David Quinn
Hometown: La Porte, Indiana
Song: “Freightline”
Album: Down & Dirty
Release Date: August 28, 2026

In Their Words: “‘Freightline’ is about that feeling of missing someone that never really goes away, and not knowing where they are or if they’re ever coming back. But it’s also about how time keeps moving forward, whether you’re ready for it or not. I wanted the song to feel like it was moving, like the constant motion of those thoughts in my head.

“When I first wrote this song, it was much faster and had more of a bluegrass feel. I finished it, but I knew something was missing. At the time, I was listening to a lot of JJ Cale and really loved the laid-back grooves in his songs. I went back, completely reworked the song, and ended up with the version you hear now. When we got into the studio, I played the musicians my new version and told them I was looking for that JJ Cale vibe. We went into the live room, started playing, and they absolutely nailed it right away.” — David Quinn

Jaelee Roberts, “White Liar”

Artist: Jaelee Roberts
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “White Liar”
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
Release Date: September 11, 2026

In Their Words: “‘White Liar’ is a song that I’ve loved for a long time and have wanted to record but the time just wasn’t right until now. I actually included ‘White Liar’ on solo performances when I was still in high school and I’m really happy to get back to it now in the studio. Miranda Lambert has such an awesome way of delivering a song with attitude and giving it life and I really enjoyed singing this in the studio. When thinking about the song arrangement I knew I didn’t want to recreate what had already been done by Miranda but wanted to stay true to what makes the song so great while putting my own sound and style into it. I love songs with a little sass and a strong story, and ‘White Liar’ definitely has both! Miranda has always been a huge influence on me so I’m super excited about recording this one.

“I am incredibly grateful to have such an amazing group of musicians playing on ‘White Liar’: Ron Stewart on banjo, Michael Cleveland on fiddle, Justin Moses on mandolin, Tony Wray on guitar, and Alan Bartram on bass, with Zack Arnold singing harmony. When you have musicians like that on a song, you just stand back and let them do what they do, and I absolutely love it! Chris Latham recorded and mixed the track, and my dad, Danny Roberts, produced it and it was really special getting to record with people I admire and respect so much.

“I’ve always thought ‘White Liar’ would translate really well to bluegrass and I hope everyone has as much fun listening to it as we did recording it.” — Jaelee Roberts

Twin Temple, “Love You to Death”

Artist: Twin Temple
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Song: “Love You to Death”
Album: Doomed Lovers
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Label: Pentagrammaton Records

In Their Words: “With ‘Love You to Death,’ we wanted to put our own spin on two distinctly American musical traditions: the romantic innocence of 1962 RCA-style pop and the darkness and brutality of the traditional murder ballad. We’ve always loved the gritty, macabre storytelling of songs like “Knoxville Girl,” as much as the polished elegance of the Nashville countrypolitan sound. The song isn’t really about murder itself, it’s about jealousy, desire, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of all-or-nothing love. It’s about devotion taken to its most dangerous extreme, to madness, and crimes of passion.” – Alexandra and Zachary James, Twin Temple

Photo Credits: Renee Cornue (Jake Blount), Travis Shinn (Twin Temple)

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From The Grascals, Mary Bragg, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

From stalwart bluegrass groups to stellar singer-songwriters, You Gotta Hear This!

To start us off in our weekly roundup of premieres and new music, singer-songwriter Mary Bragg is announcing a brand new upcoming album, Secrets To Strangers. Coming October 16, the project will be released by Single Lock Records; an apropos first single, “What Do I Do,” boasts a guest appearance from Single Lock’s John Paul White. Below, watch a brand new music video for the track, a passionate, soulful Americana song that’s existential, yes, but also aspirational. The production is a lovely vehicle for Bragg’s poetic and insightful lyric-smithing.

For a bit of country string band twang, check out a new song and video from the Talking Hearts, an absolutely stacked genre-blending group based in Boston. “You Didn’t Make Me Cry,” written and sung by fiddler Rachel Rosenberg, is a danceable ’90s-style track that turns a bad situation into a great song. Isn’t that what country does best? The Talking Hearts also include Dan Bui, Alex Formento, Mike Harmon, Zach Meyer, and Sophie Wellington filling out the rest of the band.

Two beloved veteran bluegrass groups unveil new music today, too. GRAMMY nominees the Grascals have a brand new album, Not That Gone, that’s available everywhere today. To celebrate, we’re sharing “Farmer’s Blues,” which features Marty Stuart guesting on the song contributing mandolin and vocals. It’s a track written by Stuart and the mighty, legendary Merle Haggard. Deliciously lonesome, it’s one perfect for taking your sweetie out to the dance floor for a waltz. Or, if you’re posted up at the bar alone, for a tear in your beer. Then, the iconic Lonesome River Band are launching a new single, “Walking Back to Bluefield.” Straight-ahead bluegrass kicked off by Sammy Shelor’s sparkling banjo, it’s a traveling song with just a bit of a crooked beat to keep you marching in time. Though it was written about Vermont, as Jesse Smathers explains to BGS, the Southeastern-based LRB plot the journey back to Bluefield through North Carolina and the Virginias for their rendition instead. (And yes, that’s bluegrass Telecaster shredding it up on there!)

Don’t miss Ella Hooper’s new single, too. Or shit might go down! “When The Shit Went Down” is Good Country all the way from Australia, where Hooper is a treasured musician, artist, and personality. With a splash of surf rock and a dash of Laurel Canyon, it’s a perfect song to queue up on your driving playlist next to “You Didn’t Make Me Cry” and “Walking Back to Bluefield.” Hooper’s upcoming album, Overnight Success, is a love letter by the singer-songwriter to country and Americana. You can hear the love, for sure. There’s also a honky-tonk tune from the Roseline, with “Tooth and Claw” adding an unexpected country texture to the Lawrence, Kansas-based band’s new album, 86 Gumption, released today. When you can drink a beer to a song that takes its title from a Tennyson poem, that’s reason enough to kick off the weekend early. There’s plenty to enjoy in our weekly roundup – You Gotta Hear This!

Mary Bragg, “What Do I Do” Feat. John Paul White

Artist: Mary Bragg
Hometown: Swainsboro, Georgia
Song: “What Do I Do” Featuring John Paul White
Album: Secrets To Strangers
Release Date: August 7, 2026 (single/video); October 16, 2026 (album)
Label: Single Lock Records

In Their Words: “This song comes from wrestling with uncertainty in those moments when you can’t tell what’s real anymore. When you don’t have the answer, so you let yourself sit in the question, reverberating like an existential broken record. How did we get here? What can I do about it? I wanted the song to feel like an honest conversation about the state of the world and an angsty call to action for all of us. Is our failure inevitable or can we change the narrative?” – Mary Bragg

Track Credits:
Chad Gamble – Drums
Zac Cockrell – Bass
John Paul White – Acoustic guitars, vocals
Jay Gonzalez – Electric guitar
Sol Philcox-Littlefield – Electric guitar
Ben Tanner – Organ
Mary Bragg – Vocals, songwriter

Video Credits:
Alex Berger – Producer
Jacob Anderson – Director of Photography, editor

The Grascals, “Farmer’s Blues” with Marty Stuart

Artist: The Grascals
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Farmer’s Blues” with Marty Stuart
Album: Not That Gone
Release Date: August 7, 2026 (album)
Label: Billy Blue Records

In Their Words: “I was scrolling on TikTok and a video of Marty Stuart and Merle Haggard singing the ‘Farmer’s Blues’ came on, and the song instantly grabbed me that it would be a perfect fit for the Grascals on our new album. Everyone in the band was on board with recording it, which got us thinking it would it be really cool to have Marty join us in the studio to be a special guest. We were thrilled when Marty agreed, and having him sing harmony and play mandolin makes this version even more special. He also shared a great story about writing and recording the song with Merle. Marty said Merle listened to it and told him, ‘This is a great song, but it would be better if that one word was changed to work instead of walk.’ They changed the lyric from ‘I walk the fields’ to ‘I work the fields,’ and it’s amazing how one simple word made such a meaningful difference. Knowing that story gave us an even greater appreciation for the song and its history. It’s a real honor to record a song from two legends like Marty Stuart and Merle Haggard, and to have Marty himself be part of our version of ‘Farmer’s Blues’ is something we’ll always be proud of.” – Jamie Johnson, The Grascals

Ella Hooper, “When The Shit Went Down”

Artist: Ella Hooper
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Song: “When The Shit Went Down”
Album: Overnight Success
Release Date: August 5, 2026 (single); October 2, 2026 (album)
Label: MGM

In Their Words: “This song is pretty truthful, pretty unvarnished, hence the use of my plain language in the chorus. I feel like I’m opening up my journal here, and most of my lyrics do start as a journaling practice – one the best things I’ve ever done for my mental health. When I showed this song to Clare, my producer who’s since become a good friend, it was a bonding moment. She got emotional and I got emotional. We both knew it would be tricky but worth it if we could find the right way to share this perspective. It was tricky because heavy subject matter can so easily get overcooked and feel heavy-handed; we wanted to capture the relentlessness, the motion of what I went through. A sonic version of ‘show me don’t tell me.’ The beautiful band on this track just got it, too—especially Jon Estes on bass and Lauren Horbal on drums. When they laid down the rhythm bed it unlocked the right amount of sway and bounce, which let me be more impassioned with the vocals, ’cause I knew it wouldn’t be ‘Too Much.’ My Dad was actually the most finely attuned listener and critic, and his voice is always in my head when I’m recording saying things like, ‘Don’t put a hat on a hat’ and ‘Trust the listener.’ Our love language was music so it feels pretty rewarding to incorporate and honor them in my music now.” – Ella Hooper

Track Credits:
Lauren Horbal – Drums, percussion
Jon Estes – Bass
Trevor Bahnson – Acoustic guitars, electric guitars
Jordie Lane – Electric guitar, organ
LOLLIES – Synths, background vocals
Ella Hooper – Vocals, songwriter

Lonesome River Band, “Walking Back to Bluefield”

Artist: Lonesome River Band
Hometown: Floyd, Virginia
Song: “Walking Back to Bluefield”
Release Date: August 7, 2026
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “‘Walking Back to Bluefield’ was penned by a favorite singer-songwriter of mine, Bob Amos. I’ve been a fan of Bob’s since his days with Front Range. I was listening through material for us to record and this immediately perked my ear up. Its ‘backstep’ and reel-like melody are as catchy as its lyric. It does stick with the classic bluegrass pattern of the happiest-sounding songs having a lonesome lyric. The fella in this song is down on his luck and has a long way back home to Bluefield after losing his job and love interest. However I can’t help but smile while singing about it.

“Being in Vermont, Bob wrote this song with different geography in mind. However, we had a neat discussion how the song could easily be referring to locations within a few hours from where Lonesome River Band is based in the Southeast. He’s losing his job at a Burlington, North Carolina, textile mill and making his way back home to Bluefield, West Virginia. I hope everyone gets a kick out of ‘Walking Back to Bluefield’!” – Jesse Smathers, lead vocalist, guitarist 

Track Credits:
Sammy Shelor – Banjo, harmony vocal
Jesse Smathers – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal
Mike Hartgrove – Fiddle
Adam Miller – Mandolin, harmony vocal
Kameron Keller – Upright bass
Rod Riley – Electric guitar

The Roseline, “Tooth and Claw”

Artist: The Roseline
Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas
Song: “Tooth and Claw”
Album: 86 Gumption
Release Date: August 7, 2026

In Their Words: “‘Tooth and Claw’ may be the most traditional country song we’ve ever recorded and is certainly a bit of an outlier on this album. I’ve always wanted to include a classic honky-tonk heater on an album but never quite had the… gumption hehe. The spritely arrangement is juxtaposed by the pure despondency of the lyrical content. Fun facts: The phrase ‘red of tooth and claw’ should actually be ‘red IN tooth and claw’ which appears in the famous Tennyson poem. I sang it wrong and that’s on me. Also, there’s a very special guest appearance on pedal steel – Mr. Lynn Piller, who is our drummer’s dad! Multi-generational jams!” – Colin Halliburton, The Roseline

Track Credits:
Colin Halliburton – Acoustic guitar, vocals
Bradley McKellip – Electric guitar
Heidi Gluck – Bass, keys, vocals
Jim Piller – Drums
Lynn Piller – Pedal steel

The Talking Hearts, “You Didn’t Make Me Cry”

Artist: The Talking Hearts
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Song: “You Didn’t Make Me Cry”
Album: Memory Lane
Release Date: August 4, 2026 (single); October 9, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “I always tell people going through a hard time that if they write a country song about it they’ll probably, even instantly, feel better. It’s the musical version of turning lemons into lemonade – you start out with a bad situation and end up with a great song. I wrote this one after a fateful weekend trip to NYC to visit someone who (surprise!) did not turn out to be who I thought. That’s the thing about romance from a distance. The distance can make it easy for someone to hide behind lies, but, once discovered, it’s also easy enough to leave ’em behind. At the time, I was just strumming it alone on guitar in my one-bedroom apartment, thinking things over. ‘You Didn’t Make Me Cry’ came to life as a ’90s country-style anthem when I brought it to this magical crew, my best buds and musical soulmates.” – Rachel Rosenberg

Track Credits:
Rachel Rosenberg – Fiddle, lead vocals
Zach Meyer – Mandolin, harmony vocals
Sophie Wellington – Guitar, harmony vocals
Alex Formento – Pedal steel
Dan Bui – Upright bass
Mike Harmon – Drums

Video Credits:
Pat Piasecki – Director, editor, camera
Chris Dempsey – Camera

Photo Credit: The Grascals by Laci Mack; Mary Bragg by Alex Berger.

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Laurelyn Dossett, Ruthie Foster, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Another week, another round-up of fresh roots music! You Gotta Hear This…

Starting us off, North Carolina singer-songwriter Laurelyn Dossett has a new single out this week, “Glory Glory,” previewing a brand new album coming in August entitled How Many Moons?, produced by Hiss Golden Messenger’s M.C. Taylor. “Glory Glory” celebrates the beauty and community of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, where Dossett makes her home. She’s even joined by a choir of friends on the uplifting and inspiring song. Then, from Montreal via Nashville, we have more of Hiss Golden Messenger’s production work, as we share a track from Al Nicol’s deluxe version of Only Hoping, which is now available. “Blue Stained Glass,” which features lighthearted, is pristine and lush, indie-folk with a retro flavor that’s firmly grounded in the present. Both Dossett’s and Nicol’s numbers give a fascinating A/B of Taylor’s production style that we love to hear.

Continuing, Americana and blues icon Ruthie Foster previews her August album, Just Say Yes, with its latest single, “Tangled.” “This song came from telling myself the truth,” Foster tells BGS via email. “Sometimes that’s where the untangling begins.” We’re gonna just say yes to that! Also from Texas, singer-songwriter Jordan Whitmore brings us “Me or Us,” plus a brand new music video for the heartbreaking yet hopeful track. A crisp and modern country number, it’s about a relationship’s existential crisis and reaching the point of no return on whether to rebuild or walk away.

Kelly Hunt has announced a new Compass Records release coming in September with “Clouds,” the lead single. It’s a soaring tribute to the wide open plains of the Midwest, text painting towering storm clouds. She leverages indie-Americana textures and tones to consider the gargantuan size of these floating clouds, with plenty of wisdom found in the song’s central metaphor. For some Good Country, a much-buzzed-about artist Leon Majcen offers “Don’t You Cry” from his upcoming September release. With a plodding, marching beat and gritty acoustic guitar picking, it’s a tender song despite the patina on Majcen’s voice and the melancholic vibe. While it could be taken for a love song of the romantic sort, the singer-songwriter shares that the idea for the song is really that he’s speaking to and reassuring his mother.

Finally, you won’t want to miss the latest from Amy Speace. Today we’re sharing a video for her new single, “The Reckoning,” a devastating song written in the immediate aftermath of Renee Goode’s tragic murder at the hands of ICE in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. “I wrote this song in 30 minutes,” Speace shares, “quickly after hearing about Renee Goode’s murder – in rage, horror, and shock. It came out unfiltered.” It’s a stunning song of justice, pain, grief, and – truly – reckoning. Essential listening in this day and age.

There’s plenty to listen to, enjoy, and be impacted by in this week’s round-up. You Gotta Hear This!

Laurelyn Dossett, “Glory Glory”

Artist: Laurelyn Dossett
Hometown: Currently Stokes County, North Carolina. Born in Birmingham, Alabama.
Song: “Glory Glory”
Album: How Many Moons?
Release Date: July 29, 2026 (single); August 28, 2026 (album)
Label: Sycamore Road

In Their Words: “I live in a magical little corner of North Carolina, in Stokes County between Hanging Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. I knew when I found this place that it needed to be shared with others – it has become a gathering place for friends and family, for music and art, for wandering the woods and wading the waters. ‘Glory Glory’ is kind of my ‘welcome to the wilderland’ song.” – Laurelyn Dossett

Track Credits:
Laurelyn Dossett – Vocals, guitar
M.C. Taylor – Acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin
Sam Fribush – Hammond B3
Jason Sypher – Bass
Nicholas Falk – Drums, percussion
“Glory Glory” Chorus – Emilia, Rosalie, and Sophia Catanoso; Sydney, Samantha, Ellen and Rebecca Dossett; Stephanie Parent; Lori Aument, Emmy and Ann Wade.

Ruthie Foster, “Tangled”

Artist: Ruthie Foster
Hometown: Gause, Texas
Song: “Tangled”
Album: Just Say Yes
Release Date: July 29, 2026 (single); August 28, 2026 (album)
Label: Sun Records

In Their Words: “This song came from telling myself the truth. Sometimes that’s where the untangling begins.” – Ruthie Foster

Track Credits:
Ruthie Foster – Vocals, background vocals
Tyler Bryant – Guitar, bass, keys, percussion
Ben Satterlee – Drums, percussion

Kelly Hunt, “Clouds”

Artist: Kelly Hunt
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Song: “Clouds”
Album: Requiem for a Sleepless Night
Release Date: July 31, 2026 (single); September 18, 2026 (album)
Label: Compass Records

In Their Words: “I crave long drives through the plains, the infinity of sky unfolding as far as eye can see. I do my best thinking on long, uncomplicated country roads where my mind has the chance to straighten out and run free. I wrote ‘Clouds’ on one such dead-ahead drive through the Midwest – late summer afternoon, storm brewing. I’d been driving for hours, lost in thought, when my eyes suddenly focused on what looked like mountains rising in the distance. I quickly realized they were only clouds, a string of thunderheads weighing heavily on the horizon with all the seeming concreteness of a mountain range. The fleeting shock of this moment got me thinking about the power of illusions, how real illusory things can feel at times, and of our capacity to both create and dismantle stumbling blocks in our own minds.” – Kelly Hunt

Leon Majcen, “Don’t You Cry”

Artist: Leon Majcen
Hometown: Safety Harbor, Florida / Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Don’t You Cry”
Album: The Leaving Kind
Release Date: July 31, 2026 (single); September 4, 2026 (album)
Label: Cloverdale Records

In Their Words: “This one’s a bit of me just talking to my mom. She always wanted me to be a doctor. I don’t think she thought the road-dog bug would get me like it did, but here we are. She’s just happy I’m hanging in there and getting after it.” – Leon Majcen

Al Nicol, “Blue Stained Glass”

Artist: Al Nicol
Hometown: Montreal, Québec, Canada / Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Blue Stained Glass” with lighthearted
Album: Only Hoping Deluxe
Release Date: July 29, 2026

In Their Words: “I wanted to write a song that told the story of someone who knew deep down their person would enter their life soon, even in their moment of deepest struggle. It’s a song about the strength of hope in the face of loneliness – finding and nurturing a belief and vision within oneself that things will work out. To see the world through a blue stained glass is to be optimistic, hopeful, aspirational.” – Al Nicol

Amy Speace, “The Reckoning”

Artist: Amy Speace
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “The Reckoning”
Release Date: August 7, 2026
Label: WindBone Records

In Their Words: “I wrote this song in 30 minutes – quickly after hearing about Renee Goode’s murder – in rage, horror, and shock. It came out unfiltered. Stream-of-consciousness. Literal ‘it’s the 10th of January…’ I felt like I was just dictating in my notebook exactly what was going on as it happened. I put my son to bed and grabbed the guitar and found that first chord and just started moving my hands up and down the guitar in patterns. I wasn’t thinking too hard as I wrote, just crying my way through the song, honestly.” – Amy Speace

Video Credits: Neighborhoods Apart, Neilson Hubbard and Joshua Britt.

Jordan Whitmore, “Me or Us”

Artist: Jordan Whitmore
Hometown: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Song: “Me or Us”
Album: Me or Us (EP)
Release Date: August 7, 2026 (single); October 16, 2026 (EP)

In Their Words: “This song was sparked by hearing one of my favorite songs, ‘Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,’ for what felt like the millionth time. Except that time, it hit differently. My marriage was in the aftermath of betrayal and we were trying to rebuild. Suddenly that song carried a weight I hadn’t felt before. I remember thinking, ‘Is that us? Is the end inevitable?’ Next thing I knew, I had my guitar in my hands and I was writing the question that would become the title track of the EP. ‘Me or Us’ is a song about wanting us to make it, hoping that we would, but fearing that we wouldn’t.” – Jordan Whitmore

Track Credits:
Jordan Whitmore – Lead vocal, background vocals
Brian Douglas Phillips – Acoustic guitars, pedal steel, background vocals
Jacob Hildebrand – Electric guitars
Z Lynch – Bass
Fred Mandujano – Drums, percussion

Video Credit: Shot and edited by Ben Danaher.

Photo Credit: Laurelyn Dossett by Matthew Chenet; Ruthie Foster by Jody Domingue.

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Katie Cole, Bella Lam, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

From Australia to Alaska and back again, You Gotta Hear This! It’s our weekly roundup of brand new roots music.

To get us started, husband-and-wife duo Benson return with a new single, out today, “First and Forevers.” Written by bluegrass songwriter, radio host, and personality Terry Herd, it’s a song about parenthood and the special relationship between a dad and his daughter. Benson yet again rally an all-star band, with Heath Williams singing lead vocal on the track. Their labelmates, Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, have a brand new album out today. To celebrate Chalk Lines and Dust we’re sharing “Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine” below. Listen to hear Jones and longtime friend Jim Lauderdale offer their rendition of the song popularized in bluegrass by the Stanley Brothers. Night Driver Grace van’t Hof also joins in on the simple trio number.

We’ve got our old friend Katie Cole back on the site today, too, with a brand new music video for “Saturn,” the singer-songwriter’s most recent single. Now living in Nashville but born and raised in Australia, we’ve featured and collaborated with Cole several times in the past – including this charming Yamaha Session from 2021. The new single is tantalizingly rootsy with folk and Americana instrumentation and lush strings. It’s celestial and dreamy.

If you’re in the mood for Good Country, watch Bella Lam’s new music video for “Bootfirst,” a perfectly poppy country track that’s suited up to make a summer splash. Lam released the single last month and the video followed earlier this week. Quippy and cute, the song’s on-the-nose hook doesn’t diminish the track’s message of agency and trusting in oneself – on the contrary, it drives the genuine message home. Put it on the poolside playlist. Also check out a brand new single from Kentucky alt-bluegrass sensations the Creekers – who earlier this week were announced as IBMA Momentum Award nominees for Band of the Year. “Follow The Sound” is an instant classic, a driving almost-MASH track about the tempting sounds of banjo, bluegrass, and festivals. It reminds of early-era SteelDrivers, but with plenty of their own signature Creekers personality. The band oozes gritty string band charm, and have quickly amassed quite the audience behind that charm and personality – and their powerful vocals, archetypical songs, and jubilant live shows, too.

For a live performance video, enjoy “Break & Mend” from Alaskan duo the Heists. Equally inspired by the land of their harsh and beautiful homeplace and by veterans who’ve found peace in such wild places, the song is bluegrassy and folky. With its intentional message and timeless vibe, it reminds of duos like Dave and Gil in this simple live performance context. The studio version, out earlier this week, includes a full band and was produced by Patrick M’Gonigle (who plays fiddle on the track.)

We hope you enjoy this week’s collection of new music and premieres! You Gotta Hear This…

Benson, “Firsts and Forevers”

Artist: Benson
Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina
Song: “Firsts and Forevers”
Release Date: July 24, 2026
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “Every parental relationship is special, but I don’t think there’s anything sweeter than a daddy and daughter. The warmth and security that a father provides is unique. I was blessed with a dad who I knew was always on my side, no matter what. When I heard this song – especially knowing that Terry wrote it with his daughter in mind – I knew we had to record it. Heath Williams, as always, sang it to the moon and back.” – Kristin Scott Benson

“This one’s pretty special to me. I woke up one morning thinking about my daughter and a little slideshow started playing in my head – from the first time I held her to where she is today. It wasn’t long before this song was written. While it began as a tribute to her, it’s really for everyone who’s ever had the privilege of being called a parent. I’m especially grateful to Kristin and Wayne for bringing it to life with such a beautiful recording.” – Terry Herd, songwriter

Track Credits:
Heath Williams – Lead vocal
Wayne Benson – Mandolin
Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo
Cody Kilby – Acoustic
Kevin McKinnon – Bass
Zack Arnold – Harmony vocals

The Creekers, “Follow The Sound”

Artist: The Creekers
Hometown: Leslie County, Kentucky
Song: “Follow The Sound”
Release Date: July 24, 2026 (single)
Label: Warner Records Nashville

In Their Words: “‘Follow The Sound’ is a song written about a place back home we frequent called Ponderosa Pines. There is always some good pickin’ up there and we have been in our fair share of participating in the jam circle for hours on end. There is always a jar being passed around as well as some good smoke. You can always hear that banjo with your windows down driving in to the location. So we always say, ‘Follow the sound!'” – The Creekers

Katie Cole, “Saturn”

Artist: Katie Cole
Hometown: Born in Melbourne, Australia, but now living in Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Saturn”
Album: Forest
Release Date: July 16, 2026 (single); July 23, 2026 (video); September 24, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “‘Saturn’ is a song about the push and pull of relationships, and the strings really lean into the moodiness of the piece. I think it is really different kind of song from my upcoming album, Forest, as it takes you on a real journey. I had always dreamed of making a record that was infused with folk instruments like acoustic guitar and piano, but also adding timeless big string arrangements akin to artists like Dusty Springfield or Nat King Cole. This project was really born from that idea. When I had written the album I had some pretty heavy discussions with my producer Howard Willing about what direction to take with production. We both agreed that the songs I had written merited taking a big swing. From there, we worked closely with Tim Lauer who worked on the orchestra arrangements for the record and he did an amazing job. I hope you will love this song like I do.” – Katie Cole

Video Credits: Directed by Chelsea Thompson.
Hair and make up by Dire Image.
Edited by Katie Cole.

The Heists, “Break & Mend”

Artist: The Heists
Hometown: Juneau, Alaska
Song: “Break & Mend”
Album: Break & Mend (EP)
Release Date: July 21, 2026 (single/video); September 24, 2026 (EP)
Label: Muskeg Collective

In Their Words: “The longer you live in Alaska, and especially if you grew up here, you inevitably lose people to the land. A plane disappears. Someone has a terrible ski accident. Or the mental and emotional toll of the long, dark, cold, wet winters becomes too much. At the same time, the land is overwhelmingly beautiful, in a way that is almost too vast for our tiny brains to compute. I’ve always found something strangely comforting in this sense of a land that can both save you and break you without judgment. Over the last few years, we’ve spent time with several men in our lives who were deeply marked by war and have also found peace in wild spaces. ‘Break & Mend’ is the first song that Andrew and I have written together and recorded.” – Erin Heist

Track Credits:
Erin Heist – Vocals
Andrew Heist – Guitar, vocals

Video Credits: Filmed and recorded by Patrick Troll.

Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, “Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine”

Artist: Chris Jones & the Night Drivers
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine”
Album: Chalk Lines and Dust
Release Date: July 24, 2026 (album)
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “‘Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine’ is a song I’ve been doing off and on for many years, sometimes just thrown in as a solo number in a set. I had never recorded it, though. I’ve also been friends with Jim Lauderdale for many years – we first met in Chicago in the mid-1980s – but until this album, we had never recorded together. For those reasons it was really fulfilling to bring those musical gaps in my life together. I first learned the song from the Stanley Brothers recording of it, but then went back and listened to Hank Williams’ solo version. This recording is a blend of the two, including Hank’s first verse, which the Stanley Brothers left out. Jim Lauderdale’s affinity for the Stanleys’ music and his friendship with Ralph Stanley made him the perfect duet partner for this song. I threw in an arrangement twist and made it a trio for the final verse, adding Grace van’t Hof’s voice. We decided to leave it instrumentally stripped down, with just me on guitar and Grace on ‘Myrtle’ (Grace’s baritone ukulele/tenor guitar hybrid).” – Chris Jones

Track Credits:
Chris Jones – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal
Jim Lauderdale – Harmony vocal
Grace van’t Hof – Harmony vocal, baritone ukulele/tenor guitar

Bella Lam, “Bootfirst”

Artist: Bella Lam
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Song: “Bootfirst”
Release Date: June 26, 2026 (single); July 23, 2026 (video)

In Their Words: “When I wrote ‘Bootfirst,’ I wanted it to be a reminder that life doesn’t always wait for you to feel ready. So many of the best opportunities come when you decide to leap before you have everything figured out. For me, ‘bootfirst’ is a mindset, choosing courage over fear and embracing the unknown with confidence. I hope the song encourages people to stop second-guessing themselves and trust that they’re capable of more than they realize. Bringing that message to life through the music video made it even more meaningful because we were able to tell that story visually. Whether it’s chasing a dream, starting over, or simply saying yes to something new, I hope this song gives people the confidence to jump in ‘bootfirst.’ More than anything, I hope listeners carry that sense of confidence and possibility with them long after the song ends.” – Bella Lam

Photo Credit: Katie Cole by Dire Image; Bella Lam by Joey Schrader.

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Gary Stewart, Slater Nalley, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

It’s another New Music Friday – and You Gotta Hear This!

Starting us off this week is Western North Carolina singer-songwriter Aaron Burdett – whom you may recognize from the Steep Canyon Rangers. Burdett has a brand-new single out today, “Can’t Look Back,” a track that draws on his strengths as a storyteller and text painter. The bluegrassy song talks about little towns forgotten and left to fade from their former vitality. His labelmate, Ashby Frank, releases a brand new album today, Run This Town, so we’re sharing a track to celebrate release day. Frank always does excellent bluegrass covers of non-bluegrass songs and today’s selection is no exception. You may have never thought “Valerie” needed a string band treatment, but Frank and his group of friends/all-stars certainly sell this unexpected and delightful bluegrass cover.

American Idol alumnus Slater Nalley announced a new EP today. Hey Georgia will arrive next month, but you can hear a single from the project, “All Over Again,” below. Smooth and vibing Americana, Nalley’s charming twang delivers the love song tenderly and with plenty of passion bolstered by Hammond organ and lovely keys. You can sense every ounce of the raw emotion he channels. Also in Americana, Utah-based Wyatt Lowe shares a new music video for “Sundown.” Soulful and funky with a spaghetti western streak almost as wide as its Laurel Canyon throughline, just as you’re picturing tumbleweeds and saguaros the carnival-lit cactus enters the frame. Perfect timing.

Rounding out our collection this week is a special treat from the late Gary Stewart. Sixteen previously unheard recordings by Stewart have been released today on One Track Mind from Delmore Recording Society. To mark the release we’re sharing “Big Bad Train,” one of the earliest recordings from the new collection dating to 1967. As producer/archivist Mark Linn puts it to BGS via email, the song is “David and Goliath on wheels.” Listen to the track below and check out the full project wherever you listen to music.

Bluegrass, country, Americana, and more – there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our roundup. You Gotta Hear This…

Aaron Burdett, “Can’t Look Back”

Artist: Aaron Burdett
Hometown: Saluda, North Carolina
Song: “Can’t Look Back”
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Label: Organic Records

In Their Words: “I was performing at a municipal festival out west, in Montana I believe, and it was one of those towns where you could clearly see both the decay of the downtown area and also the vitality it once had, maybe not so long ago. One of those forgotten Main Street towns that atrophied after the interstate drew all the gas stations and fast food places a mile outside of the original community center. It’s a bit of history on display. I’d been working on a few lines of ‘Can’t Look Back’ already and the rest of the song seemed to write itself as I walked around and visited a couple of the stores that were still in operation.” – Aaron Burdett

Track Credits:
Aaron Burdett – Lead vocal, acoustic guitar
Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo
Carley Arrowood – Fiddle
Tristan Scroggins – Mandolin
Jon Weisberger – Upright bass
Wendy Hickman – Harmony vocal
Travis Book – Harmony vocal

Ashby Frank, “Valerie”

Artist: Ashby Frank
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Valerie”
Album: Run This Town
Release Date: July 17, 2026 (album)
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “‘Valerie’ was originally written and recorded by an English indie rock band called the Zutons, but I first heard it when Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse recorded their famous cover version. About a decade ago, I had to learn the song for a set that an artist I was working with had put together. During that process, I started thinking about recording a country/bluegrass version of it. It took a few years for that idea to come together, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the finished product. Matt Menefee (banjo), Steve Hinson (steel guitar), and Josh Shilling (keys) created a truly unique sounding texture for this track and their creative instrumentals combined with Seth Taylor (guitar) and Travis Anderson (bass) in the rhythm section really helped to make it special and incredibly fun. Two of my favorite singers on the planet, Jaelee Roberts and John Cowan, joined in for harmony vocals and I couldn’t have asked for anything more! I’m so incredibly proud of this one.” – Ashby Frank

Track Credits:
Ashby Frank – Mandolin, lead vocal
Seth Taylor – Guitars
Travis Anderson – Bass
Matt Menefee – Banjo
Tony Creasman – Drums
Jaelee Roberts – Harmony vocal
John Cowan – Harmony vocal
Josh Shilling – Piano, organ
Steve Hinson – Pedal steel guitar

Wyatt Lowe, “Sundown”

Artist: Wyatt Lowe
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Song: “Sundown”
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Label: Redline Records

In Their Words: “I’ve always been drawn to songs that reveal something new every time you hear them and ‘Sundown’ has always been one of those songs for me. Gordon Lightfoot had this incredible ability to say so much with restraint, and that’s what I wanted to honor. Rather than trying to recreate the original, I wanted to uncover another side of it.

“As we started working on the arrangement, we leaned into the tension that was already living inside the song. There are these beautiful melodies, but underneath them is this feeling that something isn’t quite settled. We pulled that to the surface with a swampy groove, guitar-driven textures, and soulful harmonies that gave the song a darker, more cinematic feel while still respecting what made the original so timeless.

“What I love most is that the song still feels alive more than 50 years later. That’s the mark of truly great songwriting. Hopefully this version introduces ‘Sundown’ to people hearing it for the first time while giving longtime Gordon Lightfoot fans a new way to experience a song they already know and love.” – Wyatt Lowe

Credits:
Wyatt Lowe – Vocals, guitar
Connor Mlynek – Rhythm guitar
Eric Stoye – Drums
Wally Barnum – Bass
Daniel Salini – Pedal steel, Dobro

Video Credits:
Will Floor – Director
Taylor Ballam – Producer
Caleb Youlton – Director of Photography
Derick Lott – Gaffer, grip
Nick Barney – Editor
MODO Studios – Production

Slater Nalley, “All Over Again”

Artist: Slater Nalley
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Song: “All Over Again”
Album: Hey Georgia (EP)
Release Date: July 17, 2026 (single); August 21, 2026 (EP)
Label: Warner Records/Warner Records Nashville

In Their Words: “‘All Over Again’ is a tale of heartbreak and second chances. It explores the irony of being let down and taken advantage of, yet still giving the person another chance. When we love something we try our best to preserve it, even if it’s not truly meant to last. That’s what this song is all about; the raw emotion that comes with taking another chance on someone. The risk, and the possible reward. I hope anyone who listens can relate and appreciate vulnerability of the lyrics, and the overall message.” – Slater Nalley

Track Credits:
Slater Nalley – Vocals
Darren Dodd – Drums, percussion
Greg Garner – Bass
Shaun Richardson – Acoustic guitar, mandolin
Philip Towns – Piano, Hammond organ
Melissa Fuller – Background vocals

Gary Stewart, “Big Bad Train”

Artist: Gary Stewart
Hometown: Dunham, Kentucky
Song: “Big Bad Train”
Album: One Track Mind
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Label: Delmore Recording Society

In Their Words: “What can you say about ‘Big Bad Train’? It’s David and Goliath on wheels. A raucous, rowdy, feel-good, spit-in-your-face anthem for the little guy who’s gotten pushed around for too long by big government. Gary’s high lonesome voice evokes the whistle of a train and his vibrato sounds like the shaking of the train coming down the tracks. And… it’s funny!

“‘Big Bad Train’ is one of the earliest recordings on One Track Mind, dating from 1967 when Gary first arrived in Nashville from Fort Pierce, Florida, on the advice of Mel Tillis and started writing songs with Billy Eldridge for Tillis’ Cedarwood Publishing Company.” – Mark Linn, producer/archivist, Delmore Recording Society

Photo Credit: Gary Stewart courtesy of Gina Stewart; Slater Nalley by Jesse DeFlorio.

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Lindsay Lou, Rising Appalachia, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Another week, another roundup of excellent new roots music for you to enjoy! You Gotta Hear This…

To get us started, JM Clifford premieres a performance video for “Hard Luck Man,” a contemplative song inspired by his experiences walking the streets of New York City, encountering veterans panhandling and down on their luck. It’s a song of compassion built around his observations and the idea that no one should be invisible or alone. Then, we go to Chicago, where singer-songwriter Elizabeth Moen reckons with another kind of man, “Renaissance Man” – or, as she puts it, the proverbial “fuckboy.” Anger, justice, and comeuppance ooze out of the acoustic-yet-rockin’ track. You can watch a new music video for the song below.

In bluegrass, Lindsay Lou has announced a brand new album, Bluegrass Women, celebrating the vibrant and supremely talented community of women that surround her in music. The first single from the album (which will release next month) is “All I Ever Loved Was You,” a beloved song in the bluegrass canon written by Ricky Skaggs’ mother. Tatiana Hargreaves, Laurie Lewis, Maddie Witler, Alison Brown, and Hasee Ciaccio join Lou on the track; the album boasts a star-studded rotating lineup of incredible women. Plus, Jaelee Roberts of Middle Tennessee has a new bluegrass single out today, “Memories On The Moon.” She first heard the track at a song swap at a bluegrass songwriting camp. Immediately impressed, she knew she had to record it. You’ll also immediately see why.

Rounding us out, Asheville-based folk and Americana group Rising Appalachia unveil a new track and video, “Chance at Wholesome.” Picking up on the thread laid down by Elizabeth Moen, Rising Appalachia also take big-talking men to task. As Leah Song puts it for BGS, “This is for the man who shows up all talk and no action.” Watch the brand new video below as you look ahead to their fall album, Trade My Troubles, out in October.

It’s all right here on BGS, and we hope you enjoy. You Gotta Hear This!

JM Clifford, “Hard Luck Man”

Artist: J.M. Clifford
Hometown: Allendale, New Jersey
Song: “Hard Luck Man”
Album: Things That We Can’t Change
Release Date: July 10, 2026 (video); October 16, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “I’m an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn. I do a lot of my songwriting before my first class of the day. One morning I sat down to write and the lines, ‘Light a candle for the hard luck man/ Left his mind in the mountains of Afghanistan’ popped into my head. It felt like the rest of the song wrote itself. Living in New York City, I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen a person on the street holding up a sign that says, ‘Veteran. Please help.’ These days, it seems like we can’t agree on much, but taking care of our veterans should be something we can all get behind.” – JM Clifford

Lindsay Lou, “All I Ever Loved Was You”

Artist: Lindsay Lou
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “All I Ever Loved Was You”
Album: Bluegrass Women
Release Date: July 10, 2026 (single); August 14, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “Written by Dorothy Skaggs, mother of Ricky Skaggs. I’ll never forget hearing Ricky and Keith Whitley sing this duet while playing in Ralph Stanley’s band. The harmonies and tenderness of it blew me away. Like many of these songs, I sang it for years before I knew who wrote it. I recall one time in particular singing it with Billy [Strings] in the kitchen at a party. Neither of us had an instrument in hand and there weren’t any around, so we just sang it. It’s such a strong harmony song it stands on its own powerfully.

“There’s nothing lacking in the instrumentation though on the Bluegrass Women arrangement of this track! The twin fiddles and harmonies by Tatiana Hargreaves and Laurie Lewis (cross-generational iconic players and women in bluegrass) and a strong groove held down by Hasee Ciaccio on bass and Maddie Witler on mandolin, give it a feeling like being in an old-time honky-tonk dancing with your darlin’. Add Alison Brown on banjo for a classic, rolling, poppy bluegrass sound and I’m not sure what more a song like this could want. When I reached out to Ricky to comment on his mama as a songwriter, he clarified that his parents had a very loving relationship, but she hit on a real good one anyway when she came up with the lyrics for ‘All I Ever Loved Was You.'” – Lindsay Lou

Track Credits:
Lindsay Lou – Guitar, vocal
Tatiana Hargreaves – Fiddle, harmony vocals
Laurie Lewis – Fiddle, harmony vocals
Maddie Witler – Mandolin
Alison Brown – Banjo
Hasee Ciaccio – Bass

Elizabeth Moen, “Renaissance Man”

Artist: Elizabeth Moen
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Song: “Renaissance Man”
Album: Fields on Fire
Release Date: July 10, 2026 (video)

In Their Words: “I wanted to write something that I’d hope people would want to sing along to real loud in the car. It’s fun, cheeky, and a song to heed the warning of or find solace in after a bad situationship. Good luck out there this summer! It’s the Renaissance Man’s (or woman’s or person’s) prime season I fear!

“This character song is written in the perspective of the many individuals who inspired it. Though the epidemic of f*ckboy is not constricted to the confines of Chicago’s city limits, there seemed to be, especially in my 20s, a considerable amount of them in town. The one time they admitted the truth was when they’d say, ‘I’m a bad idea for you, really.’ Lesson learned that if someone says that to you, run.” – Elizabeth Moen

Track Credits:
Elizabeth Moen – Nylon-string guitar, lead vocal
Tristan Huygen – Electric guitar
Gus Martini – Bass
Spencer Tweedy – Drums
Gus Martini – Background vocal

Video Credits:
Alexa Viscius – Photographer
Grace Coudal – Assistant photographer
Anika Ladero – Stylist
Kelsey Denvir – Assistant stylist
Grace Makuch – Graphic design

Rising Appalachia, “Chance at Wholesome”

Artist: Rising Appalachia
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Song: “Chance at Wholesome”
Album: Trade My Troubles
Release Date: July 10, 2026 (single/video); October 2, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “This is for the man who shows up all talk and no action. Says you are his queen and then buckles his knees once the chase is over. The one who speaks the game, but doesn’t have the backbone to show up and do the work. For the man that still sees a woman as a second-class citizen. For the narcissists, the broken poets, the dreary addicts who will gladly drag you down with them before they will lift you up and see you shine. Oh the wounded masculine (and thank God they aren’t all wounded). This one is for you.

“Heartbreak is timeless and we have all danced its messy dance. Shattered and stoic. Unkempt and wildly alive. The battered soul doing its best to revive after the storm comes through. I fell in love with a man who was a weathervane in a tornado – a broken man who toted his scars as trophies and would rather spin into patterns of harm than simply lean into care; a chaos worshipper at the altar; mercurial and magical in his fire and poetry. What else can we do but turn the page and sing?” – Leah Song

Video Credit: Earthbased Media

Jaelee Roberts, “Memories On The Moon”

Artist: Jaelee Roberts
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Memories On The Moon”
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
Release Date: July 10, 2026

In Their Words: “‘Memories On The Moon’ is honestly one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever recorded. Last year, I was at Donna Ulisse and Jerry Salley’s songwriters’ workshop – all of us sitting in a circle sharing songs – when ‘Memories On The Moon’ co-writers Keith Barncastle and Rebekah Speer played a song demo (sung by third co-writer, Billy Droze) through a little speaker in the room. From the very first listen, I knew I had to record it. I didn’t know when I’d get the chance, but I remember looking at them and saying, ‘I want this song.’

“The lyrics hit me immediately. What makes this song so special to me is how deeply personal, yet universal, it feels. It was originally written from the perspective of losing a partner and learning how to live with that kind of heartbreak and absence. But I think it can also speak to anyone who’s experienced loss in any form – a breakup, distance, change, or simply missing someone you love. To me, that’s what makes a truly great song: when people can hear it and find pieces of their own story inside of it.

“When we got into the studio, it honestly felt like magic. Tony Wray on acoustic guitar, Alan Bartram on bass, Justin Moses on mandolin and Dobro, and Ron Stewart on banjo brought so much heart and depth to the track. Zack Arnold added harmony vocals that elevated everything even further – his voice and ideas were truly the finishing touch. I have fallen completely in love with this recording, and I’m beyond grateful that I got to be the one to bring this song to life and share it with all of you. I truly hope that it touches your hearts the way that is has mine.” – Jaelee Roberts

Track Credits:
Jaelee Roberts – Lead vocal
Ron Stewart – Banjo
Tony Wray – Guitar
Alan Bartram – Upright bass
Justin Moses – Resonator guitar, mandolin
Zack Arnold – Harmony vocal

Photo Credit: Lindsay Lou by Sawyer Gieseke; Rising Appalachia courtesy of the artist.

You Gotta Hear This: Ricky Skaggs, Cameron Knowler, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Our weekly roundup of new roots music is here, get into it! You Gotta Hear This…

To begin, Georgia-raised singer-songwriter Sam Burchfield releases “One More Setting Sun” today. You might find this track at the intersection of indie rock and Americana twang, replete with fuzzy guitars and a certainly summery vibe. Burchfield rightly describes “One More Setting Sun” to BGS as a “summer bop.” Staying in Georgia, you’ll also find yourself bopping to the latest from Americana/country duo Surrender Hill. Infused with a touch of Southern rock and including delicious B3 organ, “Not Alone” reflects on the ups and downs of life and how, despite ourselves, those ups and downs can often lead us directly to the right people we need in our lives. The hope in the track oozes out in its tempo and forward-leaning energy.

From bluegrass, country and string band legend, Ricky Skaggs unveils his first new music in over 10 years. “Say A Prayer” isn’t a straight-up-and-down bluegrass number; instead it pulls equally from country and rock, bluegrass and gospel. It’s built on the intense conviction and spirituality for which Skaggs is known, driving his band to the soaring climax of the song’s final chorus and impressing upon his listeners the message of hope and faith in the track. You’ll get another dose of tasty organ with that one! Another set of bluegrass legends, Lonesome River Band, keep us in a seasonal frame of mind with “Summertime,” a new song that’s nostalgic in the way it text paints images of Southern summers. Get a sampling of the twanging electric guitar picking along with one of the most beloved bluegrass lineups in the genre.

LRB’s labelmates, Unspoken Tradition, have released a brand new album today, Heartwood. To celebrate the occasion, we’re offering a sampling of “All the Gold in California,” a bluegrassified cover of the Gatlin Brothers classic that’s properly barn-burning and energetic. The entire LP is great – we’ve premiered more a few numbers from the collection over the weeks and months leading up to release day – and this up-tempo cover song is an excellent addition to the new album. Elsewhere in our roundup, guitarist, archivist, and multimedia artist Cameron Knowler is giving us a sneak peek and early listen of his next single, “El Centro (Cassette Demo),” which releases next week. “I am consistently surprised by how ‘final’ demos sound on these machines,” Knowler tells BGS via email. “Oftentimes, I get so emotionally attached to a preliminary performance that I’ll scrap the idea of taking a given song to the studio.” You’ll get attached to the cozy, artful, and lovely demo, too.

For a Celtic flair, fiddler Maura Shawn Scanlin has brought us a new track, “The Good Ship,” from her upcoming album Rule of Three. Set for release in late July, the project includes Scanlin alongside fabled guitarist/instrumentalist John Doyle and engineer/instrumentalist Duncan Wickel. “The Good Ship” is a set of tunes – a medley – featuring a Scanlin original, “The Good Ship,” followed by familiar Irish favorites “The Dusty Miller” and “Cucanandy.” Get ready to dance to this one, too – that’s what a “hop jig” is made for, isn’t it?

Bluegrass, country, folk, Celtic – there’s something for everyone below. You Gotta Hear This!

Sam Burchfield, “One More Setting Sun”

Artist: Sam Burchfield
Hometown: Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
Song: “One More Setting Sun”
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Label: Cloverdale Records

In Their Words: “We’re just little eternal beings trapped in bodies trying to love each other and navigate the cosmos. The world is beautiful, we are in it, and we are part of the beauty. I wanna love you forever – that’s what this song is. What else can I say? It’s a summer bop.” – Sam Burchfield

Cameron Knowler, “El Centro (Cassette Demo)”

Artist: Cameron Knowler
Hometown: Yuma, Arizona
Song: “El Centro (Cassette Demo)”
Release Date: July 3, 2026
Label: Castle Dome Records

In Their Words: “This is the newest track from my ongoing cassette demos series. These songs are either made on my Marantz single track field recorder or on one of my Tascam 4-track machines. ‘El Centro’ is one of those that was made on my 4-track, making use of electric guitar, electro-acoustic, and found objects for percussion. I am consistently surprised by how ‘final’ demos sound on these machines; oftentimes, I get so emotionally attached to a preliminary performance that I’ll scrap the idea of taking a given song to the studio. This is an example of that process in effect.” – Cameron Knowler

Video Credit: Cameron Knowler

Lonesome River Band, “Summertime”

Artist: Lonesome River Band
Hometown: Floyd, Virginia
Song: “Summertime”
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “‘Summertime’ was sent to us by our good friend Sherrill Blackman, who has pitched us so many great songs from different writers. It reminded me of my summers as a child and all the things I did growing up during my school vacations in my hometown and spending summers with my grandparents. We hope it brings back memories for our fans!” – Sammy Shelor

Track Credits:
Adam Miller – Mandolin, lead vocal
Sammy Shelor – Banjo, harmony vocal
Jesse Smathers – Acoustic guitar, harmony vocal
Mike Hartgrove – Fiddle
Kameron Keller –Upright bass
Rod Riley – Electric guitar

Maura Shawn Scanlin, “The Good Ship”

Artist: Maura Shawn Scanlin
Hometown: Boone, North Carolina
Song: “The Good Ship”
Album: Rule of Three
Release Date: June 25, 2026 (single); July 22, 2026 (album)

In Their Words: “‘The Good Ship’ is the second single out ahead of my new album Rule of Three, recorded during a rainy week last August in my West Asheville basement with John Doyle and Duncan Wickel. Duncan set up a DIY recording studio with baffles and quilts and all sorts of mics, and we sat down and played some music, tracking all together. It was fun to capture a pretty raw sound, blemishes and all – it was my intent to try to preserve the live feeling of playing music together in the same room. We hadn’t played as a trio all together prior to the session, so there was a spontaneous nature to the recordings that added some palpable energy to the music. ‘The Good Ship’ is a set of three tunes in the Irish style, one of my tunes called ‘The Good Ship’ followed by two traditional Irish tunes called ‘The Dusty Miller’ and ‘Cucanandy.’ I think of them as Hop Jigs, tunes that sit somewhere in the gray area between slip jigs and waltzes.” – Maura Shawn Scanlin

Track Credits:
Maura Shawn Scanlin – Fiddle
John Doyle – Bouzouki
Duncan Wickel – Cello

Ricky Skaggs, “Say A Prayer”

Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Hometown: Cordell, Kentucky
Song: “Say A Prayer”
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Label: Skaggs Family Records (distributed by Virgin Music Group)

In Their Own Words: “I’m incredibly excited to share my new single, ‘Say A Prayer.’ The song addresses a world carrying a lot of grief right now, serving as a universal call for everyone to stop and lean into faith. It’s got a chorus that resonates with faith, country, and rock audiences alike.” – Ricky Skaggs

Surrender Hill, “Not Alone”

Artist: Surrender Hill
Hometown: Ellijay, Georgia
Song: “Not Alone”
Release Date: July 10, 2026 (single); August 7, 2026 (album)
Label: Blue Betty Records

In Their Words: “This song sort of wrote itself; before I knew what it was about, it was done. It’s a reflection of my life and how through all the ups and downs I have somehow managed to hold onto faith that life would lead me to the right place and the right people. And, I think I found my people.” – Afton Seekins Salmon

“I had a pretty clear vision of the sound for this song. Having Dennis Parker in the studio was key. The mandolin and balance of his acoustic and mine was something I had floating around in my head. Matthew Von Doran did a fantastic job with the main solo. When he played that for me, I felt the immediate lift in the song and loved it. I had a hard time finding the right sound and feel for the electric guitar on the front end of the song, then I found a chorus sound that Nirvana used and that hit me right. That also felt appropriate as our son, Wren, has been listening to Nirvana nonstop for months. He even wants us to order him some Teen Spirit deodorant. Overall, the positive nature of this song is what made it a clear choice for the album and a single.” – Robin Dean Salmon

Track Credits:
Afton Seekins Salmon – Lead vocals, songwriter
Robin Dean Salmon – Bass, electric guitar, background vocals
Matt Crouse – Drums
Dennis Parker – Acoustic guitar, mandolin
Eric Fritsch – B3 organ
Matthew Von Doran – Lead guitar

Unspoken Tradition, “All the Gold in California”

Artist: Unspoken Tradition
Hometown: Western North Carolina
Song: “All The Gold In California”
Album: Heartwood
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “For me this is an interesting song because prior to recording this, I was not familiar with the original version. We all have our knowledge gaps – even within the things we’re passionate about – and Larry Gatlin fell in that gap for me.

“Jeff Collins, who produced the Heartwood album, suggested this song to the band as we were gathering material. We were looking for something up-tempo with a drive to it. The original version isn’t that, so this song was a great candidate for reimagining and putting our creative spin on it. It was a fun track to record. I’m so glad Jeff put this one in our minds, it turned out great.

“Even though it sounds like a fast-paced, trad-leaning song, ‘All the Gold in California’ bears a serious message worth heeding. To me, this song warns of being misled by money and fame. That world is heavily guarded, they don’t let just anybody in the club, so the idea of showing up and immediately making it big isn’t likely. So it’s best to stick to your identity, values, traditions, and work ethic to get where you want to be.” – Audie McGinnis

Track Credits:
Audie McGinnis – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal
Sav Sankaran – Upright bass, harmony vocal
Tim Gardner – Fiddle, harmony vocal
Ty Gilpin – Mandolin
Zane McGinnis – Banjo

Photo Credit: Ricky Skaggs courtesy of Skaggs Family Records; Cameron Knowler by Steven Perlin.

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Swamp Dogg, Allison Russell, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Another week, another batch of excellent new roots music! You Gotta Hear This…

There’s plenty of Good Country to enjoy below, as we kick things off with Dallas Burrow’s brand new track, “Underdog.” In his heart of hearts, Burrow has always considered himself something of an outsider. He channels the angst and emotion of being an underdog through the rocking, passionate crescendo of the gritty country track. Then we immediately follow that up with more from similar sonic territory, as Whey Jennings and Karen Waldrup join forces on a song they co-wrote, “Damned If I Stay.” We’re sharing the new video for the number, a thoughtful Outlaw-steeped ballad that was begging for the duet treatment – which Jennings and Waldrup execute very well. It’s as relatable as it is personal.

In bluegrass (or from nearby!), banjoist Max Wareham launches his new album, If The Cosmos Were Whiskey…, today. To celebrate, we’re sharing the music video for “Closer To You,” as cosmic and enchanting as the record title. It’s experimental string band music that falls somewhere in the nebulous territory between neo-folk, indie, and trance. The psychedelia of jamgrass, but more deliberate and “slowed down.” When you read Wareham’s inspiration behind the track, these connections make even more sense.

Also arriving directly from the magical musical cosmos is a new track from the ethereal Allison Russell. Timed for release on Juneteenth, “Black Lavender” features Brittney Spencer and is a song about extending grace, comfort, and care – and the importance of community to lift each other up. “We saved this song for Juneteenth for a reason,” she explains. “Black women have been showing up for each other in this way as long as we’ve been here, and we can’t stop, won’t stop now!” Listen to the timely track below.

You’ll also want to hear new music from an Americana legend Swamp Dogg. His new album, Swamp Dogg Contemplates The Afterlife, is out today. But the Dogg doesn’t want you to be too concerned that our roundup selection, “Final Approach” is about mortality. “‘Final Approach’ uses an airliner metaphor, but it’s more about a homecoming than dealing with the end of life,” he explains via email. “[But], I’m OK with this ‘final approach,'” he continues. “I’ve been blessed and that’s something to sing about.” The song is smooth, grooving, and dripping with Swamp Dogg’s personality.

It’s all right here on BGS and You Gotta Hear This!

Dallas Burrow, “Underdog”

Artist: Dallas Burrow
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Song: “Underdog”
Album: Modern Day Vagabond
Release Date: June 17, 2026 (single); September 25, 2026 (album)
Label: 40 Below Records

In Their Words: “Like the character Dally from The Outsiders – a rebel through and through – in my heart of hearts, I’ve always felt like a little bit of an outsider, an outlier, an underdog, but I always found that, on some level, to be a point of pride. It gives you a unique perspective when you’re on the outside looking in. That’s the basic spirit of this song, though it was also inspired somewhat by my own experiences within the music business, where so many people are telling you who they think you are and how things ought to be done. Usually in some attempt to conform you to their vision of who you ought to be, when each of us, ultimately, has our own path.

“I grew up listening to hard rock and metal as a kid, before I got into the more restrained approach of the singer-songwriters who I have come to love and admire. But there’s always something in me that, at some point, wants to dig in, let loose, and rock out, so it was very liberating for me to lay this track down. It gave me a chance to scream my heart out a little bit in the song’s crescendo; a guttural catharsis that is hard to achieve through any other means except rock ‘n’ roll.

“The band really brings this one to life: Mark Tokach’s searing electric guitar, Larry Chaney’s booming distorted baritone, Kullen Fox’s fiery B3 organ track, Katie Shore providing her tastefully avant-garde harmony part in the chorus, legendary producer Mike McClure on second acoustic guitar, and Adam Odor on bass, and finally Cameron Martin from my touring band on drums, who comes from a rock ‘n’ roll background – and who were all chomping at the bit to rock this one out.” – Dallas Burrow

Whey Jennings & Karen Waldrup, “Damned If I Stay”

Artist: Whey Jennings
Hometown: West Texas
Song: “Damned If I Stay” with Karen Waldrup
Album: Baptized By Fire
Release Date: June 18, 2026 (video/single)
Label: Dirt Rock Empire

In Their Words: “‘Damned If I Stay’ is about being caught between staying and leaving when both choices hurt. It’s that tension a lot of people don’t talk about. This song called for a duet and Karen’s voice added the contrast that helped bring the full emotion of the story to life.” – Whey Jennings

“Writing this song with Whey Jennings was such a career highlight for me. He is such an emotional singer and that’s what this song needed. I have such a special friendship with Whey and it’s incredible to see that friendship spotlighted on such a personal song for both of us from our own life experiences.” – Karen Waldrup

Video Credits: Director/producer – Gio Gotay.

Allison Russell, “Black Lavender”

Artist: Allison Russell
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Song: “Black Lavender” with Brittney Spencer
Album: In The Hour of Chaos
Release Date: June 19, 2026 (single); July 10, 2026 (album)
Label: Fantasy Records

In Their Words: “We are swimming in rivers – flash floods! – of adrenaline right now. ‘Black Lavender’ is a song about extending grace and soothing comfort to a chosen sister… the kind I have trouble extending to myself. But the beautiful thing is, she’s the same way – and she gives it all back and some. Brittney Spencer is a voice for all the ages who we need right now. We saved this song for Juneteenth for a reason. Black women have been showing up for each other in this way as long as we’ve been here, and we can’t stop, won’t stop now! Incomparable . That’s what we all are, you know? Precious… magical.” – Allison Russell

Video Credit: Directed by Athena Kulb.

Swamp Dogg, “Final Approach”

Artist: Swamp Dogg
Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
Song: “Final Approach”
Album: Swamp Dogg Contemplates The Afterlife
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Label: S-Curve Records

In Their Words: “‘Final Approach’ uses an airliner metaphor, but it’s more about a homecoming than dealing with the end of life. That’s something that’s inevitable, but the life I’ve lived has been truly fulfilling and I remain both hopeful and thankful. I cite some of the music pioneers – Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Chuck Willis – who went before their time. While I’ve come as far as I have for as long as I have, and that’s something spiritually uplifting. The great work of those guys lives on and so do I, which is why I’m OK with this ‘final approach.’ I’ve been blessed and that’s something to sing about.” – Swamp Dogg

Max Wareham, “Closer To You”

Artist: Max Wareham
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Song: “Closer To You”
Album: If The Cosmos Were Whiskey…
Release Date: June 19, 2026

In Their Words: “I wrote this one thinking about 8th-century Chinese mountain poets and Milarepa, the Tibetan yogi who sang his way to enlightenment in a cave, which is either the most pretentious thing you’ll read this week or the most honest. There’s a figure wandering through it, searching for something that keeps shape-shifting: person, place, idea. The song refuses to say, and that refusal is the whole point. To me, it has the patience of something that’s been waiting a long time.

“Chris Sartori, formerly of Twisted Pine, plays an inspired bass part like he’s keen on the trail of this ghost. Give it a listen and see what you think you’re looking for.” – Max Wareham

Track Credits:
Max Wareham – Banjo, vocals
Jack Holland – Guitar
Chris Sartori – Bass
Karl Helander – Percussion
Lily Sexton – Harmony vocals

Video Credits: Grant Bouvier

Photo Credit: Swamp Dogg by Cooper Davidson; Allison Russell by Mason Poole.