Okay but really, You Gotta Hear This! Our weekly premiere and new music roundup is simply packed with entirely legendary bluegrass in this edition of the column.
Kicking us off, award-winning husband-and-wife duo Benson – made up of Kristin Scott Benson and Wayne Benson – offer their rendition of a Harley Allen song, “Things Have Changed,” with Dustin Pyrtle lending a perfect lead vocal to the track. The Seldom Scene, an iconic bluegrass band for now more than 50 years, release their brand new album today. We’re celebrating Remains to Be Scene by highlighting “Hard Travelin’,” a Woody Guthrie-written number that you, like Ron Stewart, may recognize from Flatt & Scruggs’s discography.
Fiddle is represented in force this week, too, with fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Andy Leftwich racing through an original, “Highland Rim,” with Cody Kilby, Matt Menefee, and Byron House along for the ride. Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland are releasing their debut duo album today as well, so we’ve cued up “In the Middle of Middle Tennessee” from that stellar project. Written by Darrell Scott, it features Carter’s tasty baritone and country star Charlie Worsham (who has strong bluegrass roots) on harmony.
To round out our collection this week, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers preview their new bluegrass gospel album, Thankful and Blessed, set for release next week on March 21. “He Sees the Little Sparrow Fall” is a superlative example of the gospel and sacred traditions in bluegrass, a little concentrated dose of Friday revival for the end of your work week.
Every single track herein is bluegrass of the highest quality, so you know what we’re going to say… You Gotta Hear This!
Benson, “Things Have Changed”
Artist:Benson Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina Song: “Things Have Changed” Release Date: March 14, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “We’re excited for this song to finally come out. We love the lead vocal by Dustin Pyrtle and the sentiment of ‘Things Have Changed’ is universal. It seems things do change so fast these days. Downtown Nashville is different every time I go! But even in small towns, you feel it, both physically and relationally with the people who live there. I love the line, ‘I’m sort of glad that Mom and Dad ain’t around.’ That melancholy embodies the mood of this guy who goes back home and feels an overall sense of loss. Wayne and I love to play this slower tempo on mandolin and banjo. He gets to tremolo and I get to play fun chord-based banjo. I always enjoy playing this kind of banjo backup.” – Kristin Scott Benson
“I’ve always loved Harley Allen and certainly do love this song. Dustin Pyrtle seemed like the perfect singer to reach out to and man did he ever deliver the goods on this one!” – Wayne Benson
Track Credits: Wayne Benson – Mandolin Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Cody Kilby – Acoustic Tony Creasman – Drums Kevin McKinnon – Bass Dustin Pyrtle – Vocal
Carter & Cleveland, “In the Middle of Middle Tennessee”
Artist:Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee (Jason); Charlestown, Indiana (Michael) Song: “In the Middle of Middle Tennessee” Album:Carter & Cleveland Release Date: March 14, 2025 Label: Fiddle Man Records
In Their Words: “This is a fun song that transports me to a place in my mind where I’d love to be – stuck in the middle of Middle Tennessee. Special thanks to Charlie Worsham for singing with me on this track. It’s one of the highlights of the entire record for me! I never had the chance to meet Darrell Scott’s cat, Bobtail, but somehow, I feel like I’ve seen him before. Thank you, Darrell, for writing this song about him!” – Jason Carter
Track Credits: Jason Carter – Lead vocal, fiddle Michael Cleveland – Fiddle Charlie Worsham – Harmony vocal Sam Bush – Mandolin Jerry Douglas – Dobro Bryan Sutton – Guitar Cory Walker – Banjo Alan Bartram – Bass
Andy Leftwich, “Highland Rim”
Artist:Andy Leftwich Hometown: Carthage, Tennessee Song: “Highland Rim” Release Date: March 14, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I’ve always loved the intensity of a fast-paced instrumental and we hold nothing back on this one. Named after a raceway close to home where I grew up, I thought this one perfectly described the rush that you get from going fast. I wanted a song on this new project where we can go absolutely bananas and I feel like we captured it on this one!” – Andy Leftwich
Track Credits: Andy Leftwich – Fiddle, mandolin Byron House – Upright bass Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar Matt Menefee – Banjo
Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, “He Sees the Little Sparrow Fall”
Artist:Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Hometown: Xenia, Ohio Song: “He Sees The Little Sparrow Fall” Album:Thankful and Blessed Release Date: March 21, 2025 Label: Billy Blue Records
In Their Words: “It’s so easy to sing a song of gratitude and celebration when we consider the beauty of creation. Our friend, songwriter Conrad Fisher, lives in a gorgeous valley surrounded by the mountains of Pennsylvania. No matter where we look around the world, seeing God’s magnificent beauty in creation is easy and worthy of our praise. A new song with an old-time flavor and a universal message opens our new album, ‘He Sees the Little Sparrows Fall.’” – Joe Mullins
Track Credits: Joe Mullins – Vocal, banjo Adam McIntosh – Lead vocal, guitar Chris Davis – Vocal, mandolin Jason Barie – Fiddle Zach Collier – Bass
The Seldom Scene, “Hard Travelin'”
Artist:The Seldom Scene Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland Song: “Hard Travelin'” Album:Remains to be Scene Release Date: March 14, 2025 Label: Smithsonian Folkways
In Their Words: “This song comes from a Flatt & Scruggs album of the same title, circa 1963. Written by Woody Guthrie, the song was first recorded in 1947. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Flatt & Scruggs and this is one of my favorites from the early 1960s when they were still plowing bluegrass, but using material from a broad range of writers.” – Ron Stewart
Photo Credit: Andy Leftwich by Erick Anderson; Carter & Cleveland by Emma McCoury.
For our final New Music Friday of February and as we look ahead to March, here are a half dozen brand new songs and videos you simply gotta hear.
Kicking us off, JD Clayton reminds himself and all of us that the speed of the internet, the news cycle, and social media is too damn fast. His new video reminds us of the power of “Slow & Steady” with a glitzy and gritty alt-Americana sound. A modern blues picking icon David Starr brings a new video for “Hole In The Page” as well, writing the book on lost love, lessons learned, and a liberal dose of longing with wailing organ and plenty of licks. Rounding out our videos this week is a frolic by Miss Georgia Peach, “Dusty,” that was inspired by her independent Maine Coon cat, Dusty Springfield, but ultimately celebrates autonomy and agency soundtracked by Americana meets Southern rock.
From the bluegrass realms, Darren Nicholson and band perform an original that Darren penned with Charles Humphrey (Songs From the Road Band). The pair regard their number, “Any Highway,” as a “modern classic” – and we think you’ll agree when you’ve heard this propulsive traveling song. Nicholson’s labelmate, Jaelee Roberts, can be found with a new track below, too. This gospel selection, “He’s Gone,” was written by Kelsi Harrigill (formerly of Flatt Lonesome) and features special guest vocalists Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, and Cheryl White Jones joining Roberts.
You won’t want to miss a new single from new acoustic-infused Colorado string trio Salomé Songbird, who debut the lovely and contemplative “I’m Alright.” It’s a bit of a musical mantra, pushing through darkness and precipitous mental health to find strength with mandolin, violin, and guitar lending bluegrass and old-time touches.
It’s all right here on BGS and You Gotta Hear This!
JD Clayton, “Slow & Steady”
Artist:JD Clayton Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas Song: “Slow & Steady” Album:Blue Sky Sundays Release Date: February 28, 2025 Label: Rounder Records
In Their Words: “‘Slow & Steady’ is about a young carefree couple taking life easy in the summertime, living in the moment, fully content with living the slow life. My generation is crippled by depression and anxiety with me chief among them. We’re addicted to our phones and the attention we receive from strangers on the internet. I can’t go more than five minutes without checking to see if someone texted me or shared my post. I don’t want this for my life anymore. I want to change. I know things can be better! ‘Slow & Steady’ is more than a song, it’s a mindset. It’s a movement. I’m going to love and live in each moment. Slow and steady, easy does it. This is going to be the greatest summer of our lives.” – JD Clayton
Video Credits: Drifters Productions Directed by Hannah Gray Hall. Director of Photography – Ryan Mclemore
Miss Georgia Peach, “Dusty”
Artist:Miss Georgia Peach Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota Song: “Dusty” Album:Class Out The Ass Release Date: February 14, 2025 Label: Rum/Bar Records
In Their Words: “Technically, this song is about our feral, gorgeous Maine Coon cat, Dusty Springfield. The song practically wrote itself, following the opening hook, ‘Dusty’s goin’ out tonight,’ which came to me as she ran in looking perfectly happy and unworried after being gone for a number of days. The lyrics are for any wild independent beauty who can’t or won’t be tamed and knows what’s best for herself. She’s going out all night, doing exactly what she feels like doing, and despite your worries, she knows what’s what. She is mysterious and unknowable and incredibly fascinating. The music conveys love and frustration, confusion and devotion. The one left [at] home is the one going crazy and trying to figure out what’s going on, not experiencing the adventure Dusty is having. The video puts it in the context of a teenage girl living with her grandma in the country, testing her boundaries, wondering when her life will start. Like most teens, I felt trapped at home, ditching school and running wild at night with my friends. I was home in the morning and for dinner, but the in-between times were mine.” – Miss Georgia Peach
Video Credits: Directed and shot by Miss Georgia Peach. Edited by Wendy Norton, Norton Video.
Darren Nicholson, “Any Highway”
Artist: Darren Nicholson Hometown: Canton, North Carolina Song: “Any Highway” Release Date: February 28, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Any Highway’ is one of the first songs I ever wrote with Charles R. Humphrey III. Not only is it one of my favorites, but the No Joke Jimmy’s always had this one in the set list, so I felt I needed to get a good studio recording of it. It’s a story of a man who is so heartbroken by a free-spirited young lady he feels compelled to leave immediately. No plan, no direction, he just knows he has to go elsewhere. Sometimes, the best way to get over a heartache is by just getting to a place where you don’t have to stare it in the face it anymore.” – Darren Nicholson
“‘Any Highway’ is the first song Darren and I wrote. We had met years ago in Alaska while playing in separate bluegrass bands together. I was, and still am, a long time admirer of Darren’s singing, picking, and larger-than-life personality. These are qualities I look for in co-writers. In my opinion, the song itself is a historical fiction account of ‘the one that got away.’ The song style pays tribute to the bluegrass greats that perfected the hard-driving slick style of playing. I think it’s a really cool song, and it’s been the start of a fruitful co-writing friendship with Darren. ‘Any Highway’ is a modern day classic!” – Charles Humphrey III
Track Credits: Darren Nicholson – Mandolin, lead vocal Zach Smith – Upright bass Colby Laney – Acoustic guitar Deanie Richardson – Fiddle Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Tony Creasman – Drums Kevin Sluder – Harmony vocal Jennifer Nicholson – Harmony vocal
Jaelee Roberts, “He’s Gone”
Artist:Jaelee Roberts Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “He’s Gone” Release Date: February 28, 2025
In Their Words: “As the songs were coming together for my new album, I was still in need of a gospel song to record so I reached out to my very dear friend and mentor, Kelsi Harrigill, to see if she had written anything recently. She sent a few songs to me that I really liked but none of them felt like ‘the one.’ However, a few days later while she was vacuuming, she was inspired to write the song ‘He’s Gone’ and I knew after the first listen it was absolutely the one for me to record. This gospel song tells the incredible story of how Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. ‘Praise God the tomb’s empty, He’s Gone.’
“I am so happy that I got to record this special song and thrilled to be joined by amazing musicians: Ron Block (banjo), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Cody Kilby (guitar), Andy Leftwich (mandolin), Justin Moses (dobro), and Byron House (bass/producer). To top it off and make a dream come true, three very special people in my life came to the studio to sing with me – Sharon White Skaggs, Cheryl White Jones, and Ricky Skaggs. I feel very blessed and honored to have their voices on ‘He’s Gone.’ I love this song so much and I am thankful for the message of ‘He’s Gone’ and I hope that each of you will love it, too.” – Jaelee Roberts
In Their Words: “Broadly, ‘I’m Alright’ is about being stuck someplace and needing to escape. It is full of imagery from every place I’ve ever been desperate to leave. There are a lot of references to following the sun or heading west, which would be a return home in my mind. On a personal level, this song is about suicide. I hope anyone listening who is also feeling that kind of darkness feels a little less alone. There is always someone who wants to help you and there is always another door that’s not that one.” – Joy Adams, songwriter, mandolin, vocals
“‘I’m Alright’ is a song that has been an important part of finding our voice and an audience that voice resonates with during live performance over the last couple years. I’m glad it’s now one of the first songs we’re releasing as a band.” – Bryan Dubrow, guitar
Artist:David Starr Hometown: Cedaredge, Colorado Song: “Hole In The Page” Album:Must Be Blue Release Date: January 24, 2025 (song); February 28, 2025 (video) Label: Quarto Valley Records
In Their Words: “I am so excited to share my first release with Quarto Valley Records! It’s kind of ironic, because this song was the last song written for the album that happened by accident. The idea came about because of something I misheard on a radio show, thinking they said ‘hole in the page,’ which got the wheels turning. While I can’t remember what they actually said, I am so grateful for that spark of creativity. It’s funny that this song then turned into being the one to kick off the rest of the project. I love the energy of the track and that it packs a punch. Jason Lee Denton and I have collaborated on a number of videos together and I knew he would knock this one out of the park. I love the direction he took, it is the perfect visual representation of the song!” – David Starr
Track Credits: David Starr – Acoustic guitar, vocals Greg Morrow – Drums Jeff King – Electric guitar Mark Prentice – Bass, keyboards Michelle Nicolo Prentice – Background vocals Joe Starr – Electric guitar
Video Credits: Jason Lee Denton, Solar Cabin Productions
Photo Credit: David Starr by Jason Lee Denton; Darren Nicholson by Jeff Smith.
Your weekly dose of brand new music is here! Check out this Friday’s roundup of track, song, and video premieres from bluegrass, Americana, country, folk, and beyond.
From the bluegrass camp, Southwest Virginia string band Big Country Bluegrass bring us their new track, “Heading for the Mountains,” which they pulled from the catalog of fellow Virginians, the Bluegrass Kinsmen, from just over the mountains. Plus, supergroup Sister Sadie return with another new single, “Do What You Want,” which was co-written by band members Dani Flowers and Deanie Richardson as well as Music Row songwriter and artist Erin Enderlin.
Chicagoan Chris Walz debuts his new number, “Alabama Bound,” a solo blues outing that references a classic recording by Long Cleve Reed and Little Harvey Hull while still putting his own spin on it. From the country and honky-tonkin’ realms, Pug Johnson bemoans a “Hole in Me” with an acoustic performance of that new track that’s full of hurt and tinges of Texas. Plus Iowa-based Katie and the Honky Tonks give the direction to “Mind Your Business” – especially when it comes to social media. Check out a new video from The Mallett Brothers Band, too, featuring stunning views of their Maine home turf and cameos from their own “Dogs and Horses.”
From the genre-blending fringes of indie, folk, and Americana comes Anne Harris’ new artful video for “I Feel It Once Again,” a broad and lush track that centers on violin and is built around a haunting guitar riff. Also, singer-songwriter Luke Sital-Singh delivers a truly unique sound with “Little River,” a song about learning to ride the flow of life wrapped up in an indie-folk-pop package that defies categorization while still feeling down to earth and real.
There’s a little bit of something for roots music lovers of all stripes here. You know what we think… You Gotta Hear This!
Big Country Bluegrass, “Heading for the Mountains”
Artist:Big Country Bluegrass Hometown: Independence, Virginia Song: “Heading for the Mountains” Album:Carry Me Back To The Bluegrass Release Date: February 21, 2025 (single); March 28, 2025 (album) Label: Rebel Records
In Their Words: “Back in 1989 when I heard the Bluegrass Kinsmen perform this song, I immediately loved it! When it came time to look for music for this album, I dusted off my recording and played it for the band. They loved it too and so here we are. ‘Heading for the Mountains,’ an upbeat song, is a great fit for Eddie Gills’ distinctive tenor and makes for a memorable duet when Teresa Sells joins him on the chorus. And like the chorus says, ‘the city life is not for me.'” – Tommy Sells
Track Credits: Eddie Gill – Guitar, co-lead vocal Teresa Sells – Guitar, co-lead vocal Tommy Sells – Mandolin Daniel Martin – Banjo Billy Hawks – Fiddle Tony King – Upright bass
Anne Harris, “I Feel It Once Again”
Artist:Anne Harris Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Song: “I Feel It Once Again” Album:I Feel It Once Again Release Date: February 21, 2025 (video); February 25, 2025 (single); May 9, 2025 (album) Label: Rugged Road Records
In Their Words: “A while back I unearthed a guitar riff that my friend, blues artist/producer Dave Hererro, had sent me. It had been sitting in my inbox for a long time but I hadn’t got around to listening to it.
“One day I was sorting through my inbox and finally listened down to it and I was immediately swept up by that haunting riff; in one sitting I wrote the lyrics and arranged a song around Dave’s sketch. It was one of those rare instances for me where I felt as if I was channeling the song.
“The song is about the resurfacing of grief during the night, when the veil is thin. It reveals itself at a time when the mind begins ruminating over all that stays hidden during the light of day.” – Anne Harris
Track Credits: Anne Harris – Vocals, violin Colin Linden – Guitars John Dymond – Bass Jerry Roe – Drums
Video Credits: Stan Miskiewicz – Video producer, director, director of photography Ara Krossovitch – Dancer
Pug Johnson, “Hole In Me”
Artist:Pug Johnson Hometown: Beaumont, Texas Song: “Hole in Me” Album:El Cabron Release Date: March 28, 2025 Label: Break Maiden Records / Thirty Tigers
In Their Words: “A simple honky-tonk hurting song with a Texas shuffle and fiddles to boot! I pulled from some past experience and tried to take the Willie approach by saying a lot with very little. I think it is the most country thing I’ve ever done, and it’s one of my favorites on the record.” – Pug Johnson
Track Credits: Pug Johnson – Vocals, guitars Paul “Sweet P” Walker – guitars Jason Baczynski – Drums Josh Hoag – Bass Caleb Melo – Pedal steel Jan Flemming – Keys Patricia Badgett – Backup vocals Cody Braun – Fiddle
Video Credits: Directed by David Allison and Joel Malizia. Produced by Pilot Moon Films.
Katie and the Honky Tonks, “Mind Your Business”
Artist:Katie and the Honky Tonks Hometown: Waterloo, IA Song: Mind Your Business Album: Ain’t No Shame Release Date: February 28, 2025 (single); June 27, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Mind Your Business’ came into fruition after years of participating in the social media game. From witnessing one meaningless argument over the internet to the next. We all have opinions, but what entitles us to think our opinion is 1) correct, and 2) needs to be spoken publicly? Minding our own business is something we all could do a little more of, myself included. Like the song says, if it ain’t hurtin’ anyone then why don’t you just let me have my fun? I think that’s a mantra that we could all live by.” – Katie Jo
Track Credits: Katie Jo – Vocals, acoustic guitar Brian McCarty – Bass, backing vocals Bryan Hendrickson – Lead guitar, lap steel, backing vocals Luke Jerry – Drums Danny Mitchell – Hammond B3
The Mallett Brothers Band, “Dogs and Horses”
Artist:The Mallett Brothers Band Hometown: Portland, Maine Song: “Dogs and Horses” Album:Higher up in the Hills Release Date: April 4, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Dogs and Horses’ is a song that came from my real life, trying to balance the drastically different lifestyles of a touring musician and a working farm. My wife runs a horse farm here in Maine, where we keep anywhere from 13-18 horses on the property. Hay needs to be put away every season, fences always break, water systems need maintenance, etc. Meanwhile, I spend over 100 days a year in a van traveling to gigs and have to play catch-up when I get home. The song is about supporting each other and building an unconventional life that suits us both. This music video was filmed at our farm; the dogs and horses are actually our dogs and horses and it was fun to capture a day in life when the grass was still green. The counterpoint to the farm shots was our annual show at the State Theatre here in Maine, which is one of the coolest shows we get to play. Our friend CC at Just One Look Media did a great job with the video, and it was a lot of fun to shoot
“This is the only track on the record to have a special guest, featuring the legendary Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band and Rolling Stones fame on keys. We were lucky to be a part of the Maine episode of his PBS show America’s Forests With Chuck Leavell, and we were very excited when he agreed to contribute to this song. His parts added the perfect finishing touch and really brought it to another level.” – Luke Mallett
Sister Sadie, “Do What You Want”
Artist:Sister Sadie Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Do What You Want” Release Date: February 21, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Do What You Want’ came from Dani Flowers, Erin Enderlin, and myself sitting around talking about life. How hard it can be. How we have so many expectations put on us, especially being women. How we are all divided. No matter what you do, someone is going to have something good or bad to say about it. So don’t worry about what everyone thinks. ‘Just Do What You Want.’ This was a very fun and somewhat therapeutic song to write. Maddie Dalton, being the youngest in the band, was the perfect voice for this one.” – Deanie Richardson, fiddle
“I absolutely love this song and I’m super happy I’m the one that got to sing it. I relate to it as I’m sure so many other people do too. I’m just excited for the whole world to hear it.” – Maddie Dalton, bass and lead vocals
“’Do What You Want’ was a really fun song to write. We’re all just tiny dots on a planet, spinning around a sun, in a gigantic galaxy for a tiny blip of time. When I zoom out and look at it that way, it makes the things I spend so much time worrying about seem pretty silly. This song is about keeping that perspective.” – Erin Enderlin, co-writer
Track Credits: Deanie Richardson – Fiddle, gang vocals Gena Britt – Banjo, gang vocals Maddie Dalton –Upright bass, lead vocals Jaelee Roberts – Harmony vocals Dani Flowers – Harmony vocals Mary Meyer – Mandolin, piano Seth Taylor – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, gang vocals Dave Racine – Drums, gang vocals, percussion Jon Weisberger – gang vocals
Luke Sital-Singh, “Little River”
Artist:Luke Sital-Singh Hometown: London, England, United Kingdom Song: “Little River” Album:Fool’s Spring Release Date: February 21, 2025 Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “‘Little River’ is a song about learning to flow with life no matter what is happening to you. I was inspired by a quote from meditation teacher Stephan Bodian: ‘You’re not sitting on the bank of the river, waiting for a better moment to float past. You are the river itself – filled with being, filled with infinite potential.’ This idea became a guiding theme in my life as I was making this record.” – Luke Sital-Singh
Chris Walz, “Alabama Bound”
Artist:Chris Walz Hometown: Chicago, Illinois (since 1988) Song: “Alabama Bound” Album:All I Got and Gone Release Date: February 28, 2025 (single); March 14, 2025 (album) Label: Chris Walz Music
In Their Words: “I’ve heard various versions of ‘Alabama Bound’ for years. The one I recorded is inspired by a version done by two guitar players and singers named Long Cleve Reed and Little Harvey Hull. The duet recording was put out on the box set The Rise and Fall of Paramount Records. I tried to make this two-guitar-and-vocal duet into a solo piece. There are so many versions of this song that the point of origin is hard to pin down, although Jelly Roll Morton claimed to have written it in 1905. The Kate Adams in the song was a Mississippi riverboat line. Jackson is in Central Mississippi and McComb is south of there about 80 miles. Half the time, the song title is ‘Don’t You Leave Me Here,’ taken from the recurring line that ends with, ‘Just leave a dime for a beer.’ Times have changed.” – Chris Walz
Photo Credit: Sister Sadie by Allister Ann; Big Country Bluegrass by Brenda Killon.
Now, our premiere roundup is pretty stellar each and every week – if we do say so ourselves – but this week feels especially excellent!
Below, you’ll find a slew of bluegrass song and video premieres. First, check out “Paris” by Aaron Burdett (a longtime rootsy singer-songwriter and recent addition to the Steep Canyon Rangers), who took an offhand comment about one of the world’s most-visited cities and turned it into a song. Greensboro, North Carolina, string duo Chatham Rabbits bring a track from their brand new album, Be Real With Me, which released today; it’s called “One Little Orange.”
Multi-instrumentalist and singer Jesse Smathers – who you may know from the Lonesome River Band – releases his solo debut today, as well. It’s his version of “Sleepy Eyed John” that draws inspiration from his friend, banjo player Gene Parker. Plus, Grammy Award winner and in-demand bluegrass bassist Shelby Means is also stepping into the spotlight with her first-ever solo music, “Streets of Boulder,” a burning heartbreak track which features her Golden Highway bandmates Molly Tuttle, Kyle Tuttle, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, and even more names you’ll recognize.
In a similar sonic space, Cristina Vane previews the title track for her upcoming album, Hear My Call, with an official video for the song. It’s an old-timey number built around clawhammer banjo with a tinge of blues and a dash of Americana – and it also features the inimitable Molly Tuttle. Folk duo Edie Carey & Sarah Sample can be found below as well, returning to their late 2024 release, Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies, with a new video for its title track, “Lantern.”
To round us out, just in time for Valentine’s Day Hudson Mueller shines on his new track, “Love Is Love,” which celebrates love in all its forms and no matter who may be its recipient or subject. And Jeremy Dion has a bit of adoring tunnel vision on “All I See Is You,” a song with a video that celebrates all of the love and loved ones in his life.
It’s a full slate of impeccable roots songs and videos! You know what we think… You Gotta Hear This.
Aaron Burdett, “Paris”
Artist:Aaron Burdett Hometown: Saluda, North Carolina Song: “Paris” Release Date: February 14, 2025 Label: Organic Records
In Their Words: “I like shiny things, new things. I always think that new thing is going to make something different. It does, but just for a few moments, and then I’m the same and everything around me is the same. There wasn’t any real change, I only distracted myself briefly. ‘Paris’ is a song about yearning, looking outside of oneself, and hoping there’s more out there in some exotic place. It might be the next town down the road or the big city two states over, or maybe even somewhere across the mountains and an ocean. I hear a longing in this song now, but I also hear hope. My bandmate Barrett said ‘I’ve got a feeling about Paris’ a couple years ago during a soundcheck at the Bijou Theater in Knoxville, and when I heard that, I did what I do and I wrote it down. That line grew into this tune.” – Aaron Burdett
Artist:Edie Carey & Sarah Sample Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado (Edie) and Sheridan, Wyoming (Sarah) Song: “Lantern” Album:Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies Release Date: October 18, 2024 (album); February 14, 2025 (video) Label: Groundloop Records
In Their Words: “Written by our friends and Nashville songwriters Dustin Christensen and Jill Andrews, ‘Lantern’ was a song that Sarah brought to the table. Sarah and Dustin are longtime friends from the Salt Lake music scene and he played a major role as a musician and harmony arranger on our first album in 2014. We both fell in love with the melody, the message, and the harmony possibilities for this tune. It’s a song that says, ‘I’ve got you, no matter what.’ The ascending bridge sounds like someone stepping out of wreckage after a disaster, blinking their way back into the light: ‘Shadows falling / Sirens calling / I’ll be holding on to you.’ We didn’t originally intend for the album title to come from this song, but it was the perfect symbol for what we wanted this record to be: a light in the dark for when you’re feeling lost; a beacon to guide you back to the familiar and remind you that you’re never alone along the way.” – Edie Carey & Sarah Sample
Artist:Chatham Rabbits Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina Song: “One Little Orange” Album:Be Real With Me Release Date: February 14, 2025
In Their Words: “My maternal grandfather Ronald holds a mythic place in my mind. He died from years of drug and alcohol abuse when I was just a kid. I only have one memory of him and it’s what I wrote the song about. I think it’s only natural to want to know more about your blood relatives as you get older. My genetics and personality are tied to those that came before me and I want to know as much about them as possible. My grandfather is no different. This is a song about trusting the limited memory you have, accepting that you’ll have to live from stories instead of the real thing, and recognizing that people can be both troubled and full of life.” – Sarah McCombie
Jeremy Dion, “All I See Is You”
Artist:Jeremy Dion Hometown: Boulder, Colorado Song: “All I See Is You” Album:Bend in the Middle Release Date: October 18, 2024 (album); February 14, 2025 (video)
In Their Words: “This is my favorite video to make so far and it welcomes the viewer all the way into my personal life. Since ‘All I See is You’ is a love song, I wanted to provide an unvarnished view of my own current experiences of love. Viewers will see some beautiful shots of nature juxtaposed with recently captured images of my home, my daughter, my husband, my dog, and some of my closest friends. It gives me warm fuzzies every time I see it and I hope it has the same effect on everyone.” – Jeremy Dion
Track Credits: Jeremy Dion – Guitar, lead vocals Kate Farmer – Backing vocals Christian Teele – Percussion Bradley Morse – Bass Kyle Donovan – Guitars John McVey – Guitars Enion Pelta-Tiller – Fiddle
Video Credits: Shot and produced by Daniel Herman, Mineral Sound.
Shelby Means, “Streets of Boulder” (Featuring Molly Tuttle, Kyle Tuttle)
Artist:Shelby Means Hometown: Folly Beach, South Carolina Song: “Streets of Boulder” (Featuring Molly Tuttle, Kyle Tuttle) Release Date: February 14, 2025
In Their Words: “I wrote this song in college. It was my first attempt to write a heartbreak song and it became the first original song I performed in a band. In 2008, I was asked by my professor of world music to assemble a bluegrass band to represent the United States at an International Folk Music contest in Nitra, Slovakia. I formed High Altitude Bluegrass band and taught them ‘Streets of Boulder.’ Courtney Hartman, Sterling Masat, Reid Buckley, and my brother, Jacob Means, played in that band and helped create the instrumental line that is repeated throughout the song.
“I really wanted Jacob to play mandolin on this recording and he did a great job in the studio with Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Ron Block, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. I invited Molly Tuttle and Kyle Tuttle to sing harmonies with me and we spent one afternoon in a hotel room with Ethan Standard, our front-of-house engineer, recording the harmony vocals. That room sounded pretty darn good! After a few years of touring together we have developed a unique vocal blend and I think it suits this song perfectly. ‘Streets of Boulder’ has been performed live a handful of times with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway over the 2024 Down the Rabbit Hole tour.” – Shelby Means
Track Credits: Shelby Means – Lead vocal, bass, songwriter Bryan Sutton – Guitar Jacob Means – Mandolin Ron Block – Banjo Bronwyn Keith-Hynes – Fiddle Jerry Douglas – Dobro Molly Tuttle – Harmony vocals Kyle Tuttle – Harmony vocals
Hudson Mueller, “Love is Love”
Artist:Hudson Mueller Hometown: Houston, Texas Song: “Love is Love” Album:Welcome to Earth Release Date: February 14, 2025 (single); March 28, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “This is a love song – but not just about the romantic kind we typically celebrate on Valentine’s Day. It’s about radical inclusivity. We each get to define love for ourselves and decide who it applies to. Love can extend to neighbors, friends, and even those who may not look, think, or believe as we do. This song was inspired by my friends Bird and Carsten. We were lucky enough to attend two of their three wedding celebrations (parties) in New York and Germany. Each was a beautiful tribute to the bond between two incredible souls who just happened to share the same gender. Initially, the song leaned more into its LGBTQ+ theme, with a verse about Carl and Steve, Joan and Janet. But in the end, that felt a little too on the nose. Still, the sentiment remains: ‘Find the place where your love ends and then extend love just a little bit more.'” – Hudson Mueller
Jesse Smathers, “Sleepy Eyed John”
Artist:Jesse Smathers Hometown: Floyd, Virginia Song: “Sleepy Eyed John” Release Date: February 14, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “My friend Gene Parker, the legendary banjo player of Lost & Found legacy, inspired my version of ‘Sleepy Eyed John.’ Originally written by Kentucky fiddler Tex Atchison and made a hit by country singer Johnny Horton, I wanted to give this fun, bouncy number a suitable mountainous string band flavor. I hope you enjoy listening to it, as much as I did picking and singing it!” – Jesse Smathers
Track Credits: Jesse Smathers – Guitar, lead vocal Hunter Berry – Fiddle Corbin Hayslett – Banjo Nick Goad – Mandolin, harmony vocal Joe Hannabach – Upright bass Patrick Robertson – Harmony vocal Dale Perry – Harmony vocal
Cristina Vane, “Hear My Call”
Artist:Cristina Vane Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Hear My Call” Album:Hear My Call Release Date: February 21, 2025
In Their Words: “‘Hear My Call’ was written on tour and is the title of my album as well, because I feel that it reflects this refocused sense of purpose and intention I was channeling both in my life and in the writing of this record. It’s an assertion, a shift from my constant role of observer to someone with something to say herself. Molly Tuttle sings and plays guitar on the track and she lends such a stunning flair to it, I’m so grateful for her mastery!” – Cristina Vane
Photo Credit: Cristina Vane by Stacie Huckeba; Shelby Means by Hunter McRae;
Where did the first month of 2025 go!? Wherever it went, we’ve got an excellent batch of premieres for your final New Music Friday of January.
Below, check out brand new music and performance videos like Amanda Bjorn’s “Until We Become Earth,” a song about searching for yourself set to a gorgeously warm and retro video shot on film. Pitney Meyer (a duo of longtime country and bluegrass pals, John Meyer and Mo Pitney) bring a live performance of their new single, “Bear Creek Clay,” as well.
Bluegrass mainstays Lonesome River Band bring back a Jimmy Yeary song that Sammy Shelor turned into a classic, “I’m On To You,” with the full LRB on this new rendition. Plus, Dave Murphy calls on Mark Erelli for his new number, “Planet of Pain II,” a sequel to the original “Planet of Pain” from his 1998 album, Under the Lights.
Elsewhere, don’t miss Joshua Finsel’s “Before the Snow,” about through hiking the Appalachian Trail and cresting Mount Katahdin in Maine before wintertime hits. And, Lily Talmers celebrates release day for her new album, It’s Cyclical, Missing You, by bringing us that project’s lush and deep folky title track.
It’s all right here on BGS – we’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: You Gotta Hear This!
Amanda Bjorn, “Until We Become Earth”
Artist:Amanda Bjorn Hometown: Los Angeles, California and Spain Song: “Until We Become Earth” Album:That Kind of Woman Release Date: January 24, 2025 (single)
In Their Words: “‘Until We Become Earth’ is the first single off my upcoming debut album, That Kind of Woman, which is set to release in April 2025. A blend of blues and folk with a bit of Americana, the new album reads like a diary touching on major changes in my life – balancing motherhood with artistry, finding and losing myself within relationships, postpartum mental health, and the transformation that happens from living abroad and returning home.
“The song was written in a School of Song workshop with one of my favorite songwriters, Adrianne Lenker, exactly one year ago. Without ruining it, the song is about that search for self-identity within a relationship, the vulnerability of building your own voice, and the risk it takes to keep expanding.
“With the help of my old friend, producer Aaron Stern, I recorded the album this past summer in Los Angeles at Verdugo Sound. With the help of some very talented musicians, we performed live together in the same room for most of the album, our aim was to capture the magic of improvisation and the authentic energy that arises from truly listening and connecting, free from a click track.” – Amanda Bjorn
Video Credits: Filmed by Giacomo Gex; color by Ruben Sogomonian; film processed by Kafard Films, Paris, France. Starring Amanda Bjorn and Brando Wild.
Joshua Finsel, “Before the Snow”
Artist:Joshua Finsel Hometown: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Song: “Before the Snow” Album:No Honey Release Date: February 6, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Before The Snow’ is a song about an Appalachian Trail through-hiker whose river meditation is interrupted by a daydream. Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine is the northern end of the trail, and a hiker must get there ‘before the snow’ in order to be allowed to finish the journey.
“The lyrics are autobiographical. I teamed up with the famed string trio Bizarre Star Strings (Brandi Carlile, Madison Cunningham, The Shins) for the lush, theatrical river-like passages. Award winning fiddle player Katelynn Casper and mandolinist Quentin Fisher of Serene Green added to the arrangements. Finally, David Bowie producer and bass player Mark Plati mixed the record and played fretless bass.” – Joshua Finsel
Lonesome River Band, “I’m On To You”
Artist:Lonesome River Band Hometown: Floyd, Virginia Song: “I’m On To You” Release Date: January 31, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “‘I’m On To You’ is a song written by my friend Jimmy Yeary, who has become one of the most in-demand writers in Nashville. I recorded this song back in 1997 and it was the first song Jimmy had featured on an album. The album is long out of print, but this song kept making its way into sound checks and the show every now and then. It has that ’80s country vibe that we felt would lend itself to the sound we are doing for this upcoming album. We hope you like this version!” – Sammy Shelor
Track Credits: Sammy Shelor – Banjo, vocal Jesse Smathers – Acoustic guitar, lead vocals Mike Hartgrove – Fiddle Adam Miller – Mandolin, vocals Kameron Keller – Upright bass
Dave Murphy, “Planet of Pain II” (Featuring Mark Erelli)
Artist:Dave Murphy Hometown: Madison, New Jersey Song: “Planet of Pain II” featuring Mark Erelli Album:A Heart So Rare Release Date: January 31, 2025
In Their Words: “The song is a rumination on the fragility of life, disappointment, lessons learned, and carrying on. This theme is illustrated in my lyrics, ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust/ Sometimes it feels like it’s all just too much/ When something is lost (they say) something is gained/ Still finding my way on this planet of pain.’ The original ‘Planet of Pain‘ appeared on my first album, Under the Lights. It was just one voice, one acoustic, and a lap steel. Part II borrows some lyrics, but elevates the song to a different level with the support of Chris Tarrow’s mysterious pedal steel playing, Shawn Pelton’s percussion, and Mark Erelli’s haunting vocals.” – Dave Murphy
Track Credits: Dave Murphy – Vocals, acoustic guitar Shawn Pelton – Drums Chris Tarrow – Electric guitar, pedal steel Richard Hammond – Bass Mark Erelli – Backing vocals
Pitney Meyer, “Bear Creek Clay”
Artist:Pitney Meyer Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Bear Creek Clay” Album:Cherokee Pioneer Release Date: January 10, 2025 (single); April 18, 2025 (album) Label: Curb Records
In Their Words: “‘Bear Creek Clay’ is a song brought to the group by Danielle Yother from North Carolina. It’s a snapshot of a pioneering Daniel Boone-type of character, blazing a trail to a home in the mountains. ‘Bear Creek Clay’ was the title we settled on, which in the moment I figured was something we would come back and edit later, but come to find out, there are creeks and rivers by that name all over Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri. Driving through Bon Aqua, Tennessee, I noticed on the map I was nearing a Bear Creek. This was just a few miles from the log cabin where we would be recording. When we cut the song to tape a few days later, I knew we had to drive down to the creek first. The water was brown and rushing fast, swollen from the rains the night before. We made it back to the cabin a bit soaked but ready to step in and sing this song that seemed to be coming to life in the landscape around us.” – John Meyer
Artist:Lily Talmers Hometown: Birmingham, Michigan and Brooklyn, New York Song: “It Is Cyclical, Missing You” Album:It Is Cyclical, Missing You Release Date: January 30, 2025
In Their Words: “This song is sort of meant to mirror the experience of running up and down a hill, continuously. It was born of witnessing two brothers arguing in a parking lot– the younger, around five years old, was sobbing trying to get his older brother’s attention. The older brother, around age seven, clearly had the awareness that ignoring someone only makes them more desperate for your attention, and wouldn’t look his brother in the eye. The whole record is sort of a big statement of what it means to be in both of these positions, cyclically. I am both the desperate, reaching brother, and the power-hungry, indignant brother who hasn’t learned the responsibility of loving other people.” – Lily Talmers
Wherever you are on this wintry week, we hope our collection of roots music premieres warms you all the way up. We expect it will!
In this edition of our premiere roundup, don’t miss a brand new track from stupendous string trio, The Devil Makes Three, who debuted “Ghosts Are Weak” from their upcoming album on Wednesday on BGS. Plus, there’s straight-ahead bluegrass to be found, too, from Tyler Grant, who pays homage to a towering train bridge on “Goat Canyon Trestle.”
Singer-songwriter Bre Kennedy has reimagined “Before I Have a Daughter,” a song co-written with Lori McKenna about breaking generational cycles, healing, and motherhood. (A theme shared with another premiere this week.) And, Tobacco & Rose repurpose a love song infused with a Buddhist twist with their new track, “Tara.”
In the mood for some music videos? Catch Leslie Jordan’s new video for a Sarah McCracken co-write, “The Fight,” that also grapples with parenthood, discipline, and family. And, the sensational Max McNown brings us the video for the title track for his brand new album, Night Diving, which releases today.
Just in time to shepherd out the once-in-a-lifetime blizzards across the Deep South, Miss Tess showcases her music video for “Louisiana,” a centerpiece of her upcoming album, Cher Rêve. Then Sarah Quintana, who calls New Orleans home, brings us down the road to the Big Easy with an artful music video made with Kat Sotelo for the title track of her soon-to-be-released project, BABY DON’T.
It’s all right here on BGS and, you know the drill – You Gotta Hear This!
The Devil Makes Three, “Ghosts Are Weak”
Artist:The Devil Makes Three Hometown: Santa Cruz, California Song: “Ghosts Are Weak” Album:Spirits Release Date: January 22, 2025 (single); February 28, 2025 (album) Label: New West Records
In Their Words: “‘Ghosts Are Weak’ is about breaking free from destructive habits and patterns. It reflects on how leaving behind a substance or lifestyle often comes with losing certain friends along the way…” – Pete Bernhard
Artist:Tyler Grant Hometown: Boulder, Colorado Song: “Goat Canyon Trestle” Album:Flatpicker Release Date: January 24, 2025 (single); March 28, 2025 (album) Label: Grant Central Records
In Their Words: “The largest wooden trestle ever built still stands in the Mojave Desert of eastern San Diego County. I wrote this uptempo bluegrass song to tell the story of the trestle and the ‘Impossible Railroad,’ which was conceived by sugar and shipping magnate John D. Spreckels in 1906 and completed in 1919. History songs are tricky and I am very proud of this one. It will tickle the ears of any enthusiast of the classic railroad songs. I furnish some Doc Watson-style flatpicking and Michael Daves delivers on the hot tenor vocal part. The moral of the story is, if you take on the desert, it will always win.” – Tyler Grant
Track Credits: Tyler Grant – Guitar, lead vocal Andy Thorn – Banjo Adrian “Ace” Engfer – Bass Dylan McCarthy – Mandolin Andy Reiner – Violin Michael Daves – Harmony vocal
Leslie Jordan, “The Fight”
Artist:Leslie Jordan Hometown: Johnson City, Tennessee Song: “The Fight” Album:The Agonist Release Date: April 25, 2025
In Their Words: “‘The Fight’ was written with Sandra McCracken on her back porch in September of 2023. When I read the piece that my grandfather wrote with the same title, I knew I had to save it for my co-write with Sandra. I have long admired Sandra’s ability to tell a story in her songs with honesty and raw vulnerability. I knew she could help me capture the true intention of this piece. It is heartbreaking. Gut-wrenching. A mother’s internal dialogue after she loses control and hits her son. We sat for a while and chatted through what we thought was really happening in the story, how it made us feel, and then I started playing the chord progression you hear. The story my grandfather wrote begins with these two lines:
‘The rebellion was over, and she had sent him to wash-up. There comes a time when children must be made to realize limitations and authority.’
“Sandra immediately started scribbling in her notebook and turned it around to show me.
‘The rebellion was over She sent him to wash his hands She tried to reason with him But he could not understand There comes a time when you find the limit’
“I started singing the words along to the chords and it felt like we had caught lightning in a bottle. I was also very excited to have my friend Brittney Spencer lend her incredible vocals on this song! When she heard it, she immediately had an idea that would lift the chorus. She really brought the song to another level.” – Leslie Jordan
Track Credits: Leslie Jordan – Acoustic guitar, vocals Brittney Spencer – BGVs Kenneth Pattengale – Guitar Harrison Whitford – Resonator guitar Daniel Rhine – Upright bass Joachim Cooder – Drums, percussion Evan Vidar – Pump organ
Video Credit: By Jake Dahm. Edited by Leslie Jordan.
Bre Kennedy, “Before I Have A Daughter” (featuring Lori McKenna)
Artist:Bre Kennedy Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Before I Have a Daughter” featuring Lori McKenna Release Date: January 24, 2025 Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “I am so excited to share this version of my song ‘Before I Have a Daughter’ with the one and only Lori McKenna. I wrote this song with Lori a few years back after small talk that led to a conversation about me not knowing my mother, who struggled with addiction as I grew up, and wanting to get to know her and heal with her before I have a daughter. Writing this song was the beginning of a healing journey with not only my mother, but with myself. [It’s] how I have learned to have grace and appreciation for my journey, as well as hers. This song continues to grow with me in real time and I am so honored I get to share this version with Lori with you all from where I am on my journey now.” – Bre Kennedy
Max McNown, “Night Diving”
Artist:Max McNown Hometown: Bend, Oregon Song: “Night Diving” Album:Night Diving Release Date: January 24, 2025 Label: Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard
In Their Words: “We stepped into the writing room and Erin [McCarley] asked, ‘What’s something in your life that you keep fighting and can’t seem to overcome?’ ‘Night Diving’ became the answer to that question – it’s a song that addresses addiction and I think it’ll resonate with people on a lot of different levels. The ‘Night Diving’ song and video contain the deepest waters of symbolism I’ve created to date.” – Max McNown
Track Credits: Jedd Hughes – Electric guitar Todd Lombardo – Acoustic guitar, mandolin, additional electric guitar Jamie Kenney – Bass, acoustic guitars, additional electric guitars, drum programming Aaron Sterling –Drums Max McNown – Lead vocals, background vocals
Miss Tess, “Louisiana”
Artist:Miss Tess Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Louisiana” Album:Cher Rêve Release Date: January 24, 2025 (single); February 7, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Louisiana’ was the first song inspiration for my new album Cher Rêve, coming out February 7. It was deep in the pandemic and I had reached a point where I was really missing traveling, friends, live music, and dancing. I became fixated on my memories of basking in the Cajun culture of South Louisiana (Lafayette & Eunice, mainly during the Blackpot Festival and music camp), and started to write a song about it.
“My excellent co-writer friend and fellow Blackpot visitor, Maya de Vitry, helped me work on it for about six hours one day while she was house-sitting. Since it was a challenging time to hang out with people in person, we finished it over the next month via email. It is one of my favorite songs on the album and really sums up my feelings and nostalgia for being down there, playing and enjoying music beneath the tall Louisiana pines. I am thankful this recording includes the talents of so many amazing Lafayette-area musicians, including Joel Savoy (fiddle + studio engineer), Trey Boudreaux (bass), and our dear friend Chris Stafford (Wurlitzer), who passed away tragically this past May.” – Miss Tess
Track Credits: Thomas Bryan Eaton – Electric guitar, vocals Joel Savoy – Fiddle Miss Tess – Vocals, guitar Kelli Jones – Vocals Chris Stafford – Wurlitzer Trey Boudreaux – Bass Matt Meyer – Drums
Sarah Quintana, “baby, don’t”
Artist:Sarah Quintana Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana Song: “baby, don’t” Album:BABY DON’T Release Date: January 24, 2025 (single); March 28, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “Kat Sotelo is the amazing performance artist and videographer behind this video. She designed and executed the concept, built the set, and asked the band to wear blue jeans. We wanted the first single to feel like something off The Ed Sullivan Show in the ’60s with a live performance lip-sync and vintage transitions. Silly moments of stop-motion animation flaunt Adrienne Battistella’s stunning band photos.
“I love Kat Sotelo’s work. She is a longtime friend and collaborator and my muse. She is a lovely human, creative powerhouse and inspiration to us all! She and I have been working together since my first project, Mama Mississippi, in 2012. Thanks for this adorable video, Kat!” – Sarah Quintana
Track Credits: Cello: Chris Beroes-Haigis – Cello Drums: Rose Cangelosi – Drums Saxophone: Rex Gregory – Saxophone Sousaphone: Jason Jurzak – Sousaphone Recorded by Justin Tockett at Dockside Studios
Video Credit: Video and set design by Kat Sotelo, photography by Adrienne Battistella.
Tobacco & Rose, “Tara”
Artist:Tobacco & Rose Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Song: “Tara” Release Date: January 31, 2025 (single)
In Their Words: “‘Tara’ is a repurposed love song. The initial melody and lyrics were inspired by a crush that subsided as quickly as it appeared, but I was inspired to revive the song after following along to some guided Tara meditations. The Buddhist deity, Tara, is known for her compassion, but also for her encouragement to action. So I dedicate it to her, and, in fact, the writing of this song spurred into action the completion of my record, as it was the last song I wrote for it, and a standout track at that. I love this song, in part for the unusual wide guitar voicings that I got from my viola studies as a teenager, and for the melody that soars into head voice at the end of the chorus. And lyrically, I treat this song as a Buddhist-themed reminder for myself to stay awake and aware, and to treat all challenges, afflictions, and aversions as opportunities to get better at human being.” – Richard Moody
Track Credits: Richard Moody – Guitar, vocals, strings, keyboards Joey Smith – Bass
Photo Credit: Max McNown by Nate Griffin; Miss Tess by Jo Vidrine.
As usual, it’s Friday and we’ve got a handful of videos and tracks you gotta hear this week!
Kicking us off, bluegrass and old-time duo Golden Shoals offer their fresh, topical take on a classic from the American songbook with “New White House Blues.” Then, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney brings us along through a “Labyrinth in the Weeds,” a nostalgic track about the circuitous, non-linear quality of grief and loss.
GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass supergroup Sister Sadie return to the round-up with a new single, “If I Don’t Have You,” a Dani Flowers-penned love song that’s as good as love songs get – because it keeps it simple. To wrap up this edition, Evan Westfall (who you may know from CAAMP), debuts a fascinating and ethereal instrumental, “SISDM,” that’s timeless and modern all at once.
They’re all right here, on BGS, and you know what we think– You Gotta Hear This!
Golden Shoals, “New White House Blues”
Artist:Golden Shoals Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee / Vancouver, British Columbia Song: “New White House Blues” Album:The Dream and the Hunger Release Date: January 17, 2025 (single)
In Their Words: “At the center of a Venn diagram featuring history, politics, and bluegrass music is a special kind of nerd. ‘White House Blues’ has always been a favorite of mine and I wanted to dive deeper into the story behind the McKinley assassination. The culprit, Leon Czgolsz (who is unnamed in ‘White House Blues’), was disillusioned by the inequity of the Gilded Age, and felt his actions would usher in a revolution for the working class. He truly was the Luigi Mangione of his day. The consequent presidency of Teddy Roosevelt looks like a win for the common man, but that idea is a house of cards. The motives of these assassins resonate with me, but these moments highlight this fact: without collective action, true and lasting change will never come. Through this 10-verse murder ballad, we pay tribute to Charlie Poole’s initial recording of ‘White House Blues’ by gradually speeding up, which builds tension and atmosphere.” – Mark Kilianski
Heather Maloney, “Labyrinth in the Weeds”
Artist:Heather Maloney Hometown: Northampton, Massachusetts Song: “Labyrinth in the Weeds” Album:Exploding Star Release Date: January 31, 2025 Label: Signature Sounds
In Their Words: “This song is an ode to one of my earliest and most favorite memories at my childhood home, which was at the edge of the Appalachians in northwest New Jersey. My dad would let the grass in the field grow until late summer. When it came time to mow, he didn’t cut it down all at once– he’d weave through on the John Deere, making a sort-of maze for us kids and we’d follow behind.
“I remember how it felt so viscerally; the smell of the grass, the crunch under my feet, and especially the giddy feeling of losing sight of him when he rounded a new corner. After he died this actually came to mind. I had a sense that my dad, who was always making a game out of things, had just rounded another kind of new corner I couldn’t yet see past. It was a comforting thought and the inspiration for the song.” – Heather Maloney
Sister Sadie, “If I Don’t Have You”
Artist:Sister Sadie Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “If I Don’t Have You” Release Date: January 10, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I don’t write too many love songs. Most of the songs in my catalog are admittedly pretty depressing. But ‘If I Don’t Have You’ is just that – a love song about loving someone so much that everything you’ve ever wanted or hoped to accomplish now pales in comparison to the need you have to be with that person.” – Dani Flowers
“Dani Flowers came to me with this sweet melody and the first two lines of this song. We finished it that day. This is my favorite kind of love song; simple melody and simple lyrics. It doesn’t get much better than Dani’s angelic voice singing about how going through life and experiencing the most amazing things wouldn’t mean half as much ‘If I Don’t Have You.'” – Deanie Richardson
Track Credits: Dave Racine – drums Deanie Richardson – fiddle Gena Britt – banjo Mary Meyer – mandolin, piano Maddie Dalton – Upright bass Seth Taylor – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar Dani Flowers – Lead vocals Jaelee Roberts – Harmony vocal
Evan Westfall, “SISDM”
Artist:Evan Westfall Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Song: “SISDM” Album:Is This Our Exit? Release Date: January 8, 2024 (single); January 24, 2024 (album) Label: Super Sport Records
In Their Words: “This song came together by accident after I started tuning my guitar with no direction and stumbled into the tuning of EBEF#BD#. This song title is a reference to an essay by the Columbus-based poet Hanif Abdurraqib about the transition from summer to fall. You can really feel that shift in seasons here in Ohio, the excitement that comes with the fresh start of something like a new school year or football season, even though that season ends up in bare trees and cold grey skies. It’s a hopeful melody, but overly dramatic.” – Evan Westfall
Track Credits: Evan Westfall – Guitars, banjo, drums Dan Alvarez – Guitars, banjo, bass, drums Jordan Dunn-Pilz – Guitars, drums
Photo Credit: Golden Shoals by Mike Dunn USA; Sister Sadie by Allister Ann.
This week, our premiere roundup is full of brand new music videos and performance videos for your viewing pleasure.
Fiddler and composer Hanneke Cassel kicks us off with an exciting, dance-ready remix of “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” that celebrates the 10th anniversary of her album by the same name. Then Zoe & Cloyd bring a touching and heart-wrenching number, “Linemen,” inspired by their experiences in Asheville post-Hurricane Helene and set to stunning footage of the flooding’s destruction.
Don’t miss two sessions, too! Judy Blank continues our special encore series of Rootsy Summer Sessions captured earlier this summer with a two-song performance from Falkenberg, Sweden. And the hilarious troubadour Robbie Fulks shares “I Just Lived a Country Song” during our inaugural Good Country Goodtime variety show held earlier this fall. We’re so excited to bring you clips and sessions from that special show while we look ahead to more Goodtimes in 2025.
It’s all right here on BGS, and You Gotta Hear This!
Hanneke Cassel, “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” (Eric Wright Remix)
Artist:Hanneke Cassel Hometown: Somerville, Massachusetts Song: “Dot The Dragon’s Eyes” (Eric Wright Remix) Release Date: December 6, 2024
In Their Words: “I released my tune ‘Dot The Dragon’s Eyes’ on an album by the same name in 2013. I was trying to think of a way to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the album and realized 2024 was the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Lunar calendar. I had been wanting to work with Eric Wright (cellist from the acoustic string band, The Fretless, and member of the electronic band, Speaker Face) so I asked him to do a dance remix tune.
“From 2002 to 2012, I traveled to Shanghai every spring as a retreat – to visit friends, play fiddle at migrant schools, orphanages, and other events, and to perform a concert in the Shanghai Arts District. These were transformative years for me – personally and musically – and after one visit I wrote the tune ‘Dot The Dragon’s Eyes.’ The title comes from a Chinese story that describes putting the finishing touches on something (dotting the eyes!) to bring it to life. The music video that goes along with this remix attempts to paint a picture of one of those days in Shanghai – complete with dumplings, karaoke, walks in the park, and more.” – Hanneke Cassel
Zoe & Cloyd, “Linemen”
Artist:Zoe & Cloyd Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina Song: “Linemen” Release Date: December 6th, 2024 (video)
In Their Words: “‘Linemen” was born from an honest, immediate experience. After 16 days with no power in our neighborhood following Hurricane Helene, we heard that linemen had been up on the narrow, washed out, backside dirt road near our homes assessing the situation. This road is still the only way into our neighborhood after flooding destroyed our bridge over Cane Creek on September 27. On the night of October 12, there was much anticipation and anxiety regarding the feasibility of power restoration amid so much damage. Our neighbor down on the creek, Doug Norton, a songwriter himself, sent us some lyrics that came to him after a ‘muse visit.’ We were all ‘sharing the same moment,’ to quote Doug. From his words, we were inspired to create this song.” – John Cloyd Miller
The Good Country Goodtime: Robbie Fulks, “I Just Lived A Country Song”
On September 27, Good Country and BGS debuted our brand new variety show, the Good Country Goodtime, at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. The inaugural show, hosted by country and bluegrass singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks, featured comedy, country, and performances by musicians Victoria Bailey and Aubrie Sellers, comedian and actor Kurt Braunohler, and our all-star Goodtime house band led by the Coral Reefers’ Mick Utley.
Dynasty Typewriter is one of LA’s premier spaces for comedy, music, podcasts, improv, and so much more. The very first Good Country Goodtime was captured by the venue’s state-of-the-art cameras and we’re so excited to begin sharing exclusive sessions pulled from our debut edition of the show with our readers and fans. To kick off the new series, we’re highlighting our impeccable host for the evening, Robbie Fulks.
While much of the U.S. – and really, much of the Northern Hemisphere – has been plunged into the frigid throes of winter, let’s stroll back to balmy summer and to Falkenberg, Sweden. During Rootsy Summer Fest ’24 our videographer friends at I Know We Should were once again on hand to capture a few special live performances of artists and musicians from the festival lineup. Earlier this year, we featured an entire series of sessions from Rootsy Summer Fest ’23 (view those videos here), so we’re especially pleased to bring you these special encore performances captured this August.
For our latest session, we’re excited to introduce our BGS audience to indie-folk artist Judy Blank. Born and raised in the Netherlands – though now based in Nashville, Tennessee – Blank has her own sort of transatlantic style, combining textures and tones from Music City, Los Angeles, Europe, and beyond. Pop sensibilities combine with a raw earthiness that feels authentic and grounded, while simultaneously polished and highly conceptualized.
Here’s a flock of brand new songs and videos you gotta hear! This week, our premiere round-up includes Americana, fiddle tunes, percussive dance, good country, string band excellence, and more.
Don’t miss new tracks like “Second Best,” from Americana singer-songwriter and Steep Canyon Rangers vocalist Aaron Burdett, and “China Camp,” a fiddle tune written by Paul Shelasky and performed by Amy Kassir with Jake Eddy and more. Also, Wisconsin’s own Them Coulee Boys drop “I Am Not Sad,” a song that grapples with mental health from their upcoming 2025 album, No Fun In The Chrysalis.
We’ve got some superlative videos this week, as well! Percussive dancer and folk musician Nic Gareiss dances us through a gorgeous, queer rendition of a Gillian Welch song, “Back Turn and Swing,” and alt-folk trio Palmyra have brought a live field recording of “Fried,” a song from their brand new EP, Surprise #1. Meanwhile, Eilen Jewell pays tribute to Loretta Lynn and spotlights the progress and regression of the last 50 years of reproductive rights activism with a cover of “The Pill.”
To wrap us up, we don’t want you to miss the latest AEA Session, premiered in partnership with AEA Ribbon Mics on BGS earlier this week. This edition of the series features Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins, performing live at Americanafest last month.
It’s all right here on BGS and, certainly, You Gotta Hear This!
Aaron Burdett, “Second Best”
Artist:Aaron Burdett Hometown: Saluda, North Carolina Song: “Second Best” Release Date: October 25, 2024 Label: Organic Records
In Their Words: “You might say ‘Second Best’ was a song 30 years in the making. I’ve had this line from an old David Wilcox song rattling around in my head since the ’90s. It always struck me as a phrase that could be interpreted in many different ways. So I eventually started playing with that idea and bouncing it off various scenes and situations. A year or so ago I landed on the one (or two) that ended up in the recording, along with the original Wilcox line that inspired the chorus. Some songs arrive quickly, and some arrive much more slowly!” – Aaron Burdett
Artist:Nic Gareiss Hometown: Lansing, Michigan Song: “Back Turn and Swing” Release Date: October 25, 2024
In Their Words: “When I heard Gillian Welch’s song ‘Back Turn and Swing,’ I was immediately drawn to the way it brings the listener into the scene of a dance event: musicians tuning up, someone cooking potluck food to pass around, the excitement in the air, folks eager to get up onto the floor. The lyrics evoke the feeling of the square and contra dances I grew up attending in the rural Midwest. At the same time, as a non-binary queer person, I feel bodily unease around how the song sets up the dualistic gender of the attendees.
“Many folk dances these days have adopted expansive and inclusive dance calls, like using ‘larks and robins,’ ‘lefts and rights,’ etc. (shoutout to Michigan’s Looking Glass and Ten Pound Fiddle contra dances, Detroit’s queer square dance, Asheville’s Old Farmer’s Ball, and Brooklyn’s Gayli). Yet I’m still compelled to check beforehand that the caller – the authoritarian voice at the front of the hall telling people what to do with their bodies – is onboard with same-sex couples dancing together or trans and genderqueer people expanding these roles. This past summer a partner and I were at a dance when someone in their 20s asked us mid-set, ‘Who is the man?’ This reminded me that there’s still work to do; inclusivity still requires advocacy and allyship to help all feel welcome in the dynamism of the dance floor.
“Speaking of dynamic, as a child I saw John Hartford and was both astonished and inspired by the soundscapes he could create; dance, music, and song all embodied in one person. I aspire towards that dance-as-music in this video, where I added a few lyrics to the last verse.” – Nic Gareiss
Video Credits: Filmed by Blake Hannahson. Audio mixed by Jaron Freeman-Fox.
Eilen Jewell, “The Pill”
Artist:Eilen Jewell Hometown: Boise, Idaho Song: “The Pill” Album:Butcher Holler: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn Release Date: October 22, 2024 (single); November 15, 2024 (album) Label: Signature Sounds
In Their Words: “The amazing thing about ‘The Pill’ is that it still feels edgy today, nearly 50 years after its original release. Loretta infused it with so much sassy defiance that, even now, when I sing it live and reach the phrase ‘now I’ve got the pill,’ some fans pump their fists while others clutch their pearls. It still strikes a nerve, a testament both to how effective this song is and how little progress we’ve made in this country in terms of reproductive rights.
“Loretta still holds the prestigious record for the singer of more banned radio hits than all other male country artists in the twentieth century combined. And ‘The Pill’ was the most banned of all of her songs, which is saying a lot. By recording and performing it live, I hope to do my part to spread the word about the importance of public access to family planning as an integral part of a woman’s right to the pursuit of happiness. It’s hard to believe this fight is still going on, but until it’s over I’ll be here for it.” – Eilen Jewell
A note from the artist: A percentage of sales from “The Pill” will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Video Credits: Bill Hurley at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts
Amy Kassir, “China Camp”
Artist:Amy Kassir Hometown: Durham, North Carolina. Currently lives in San Rafael, California. Song: “China Camp” Album:Bread and Butter Release Date: October 25, 2024
In Their Words: “‘China Camp’ is a great tune by the legendary California fiddler Paul Shelasky. I first heard it on the 1983 Good Ol’ Persons record, I Can’t Stand to Ramble, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. While so many tunes on my album are ‘bread and butter’ fiddle tunes I grew up playing in North Carolina, I wanted to include a tune that represents the rich musical legacy of California, which has been my home for the last 10 years. I’m so thankful Paul gave me his blessing to record this tune.
“This recording features Jake Eddy on guitar and banjo, Korey Kassir on mandolin, and Carter Eddy on bass. It’s such an exciting tune to play, and we had a lot of fun bringing it to life.” – Amy Kassir
Palmyra, “Fried”
Artist:Palmyra Hometown: Richmond, Virginia Song: “Fried” Album:Surprise #1 (EP) Release Date: October 24, 2024 Label: Oh Boy Records
In Their Words: “As we have ventured into playing bigger stages and festivals, our sound has expanded significantly. While the core of Palmyra remains the three of us, we’ve been experimenting with a larger four-piece sound, as heard on the recorded version of ‘Fried’ on our new EP, Surprise #1, with Oh Boy Records. ‘Fried’ is our most ambitious acoustic experiment, starting with a drum set and a hypnotic repetitive guitar lick. Recording the song acoustically with one microphone in a field was a fun way for us to find the core of the tune. It was a challenge to see how many elements we could strip away and still keep the groove. We like to call ‘Fried’ our ‘jam band’ song, and we hope even this field recording gets you on your feet.” – Palmyra
Track Credits: Written by Sasha Landon, Mānoa Lewis Bell, and Teddy Chipouras. Sasha Landon – Mandocello, voice Teddy Chipouras – Guitar, voice Mānoa Bell – Upright bass, voice Jake Cochran – Drums
Video Credit: Elliott Crotteau
Them Coulee Boys, “I Am Not Sad”
Artist:Them Coulee Boys Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Song: “I Am Not Sad” Album:No Fun In The Chrysalis Release Date: October 29, 2024 (single); February 28, 2025 (album) Label: Some Fun Records
In Their Words: “‘I Am Not Sad‘ is the last song on the record and captures the theme of accepting change this record focuses on. I’ve struggled with my mental health my whole life, dealing with depression, anxiety, and issues with self worth. I’ve embraced those issues in my songwriting, hoping to shine a light on things that we all go through from time to time. We have plenty of songs that talk about these issues, but this one is the first that accepts them.
“The song is built around the phrase ‘I am not sad anymore, at least not today.’ It’s a celebration of the happiness in the moment, while acknowledging that there’s times when it’s harder. It’s about being thankful for the good times, and letting them stack up on one another for when the bad times come. It’s a declaration, a moment of catharsis, while knowing that it won’t always be like that.
“Sonically it starts sparsely, with elements of the band being added with each verse, like confidence growing in one’s self as you begin to believe. It’s self-assured, with strummed mandolin and piano a backdrop for growth. When the bridge lyrically introduces the idea that these positive feelings might not last, the musical interlude represents the choice to embrace that realization. An ethereal, almost dream-like backdrop sets up the catharsis of the last verse. When the last verse hits, it invites all the good feelings back for a triumphant jam. It’s loud and snarls in the face of the hard times. It’s meant to soar and it does.” – Soren Staff
AEA Sessions: Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins, Live at AmericanaFest 2024
Artist: Brit Taylor & Adam Chaffins Hometown: Hindman, Kentucky (Brit), Louisa, Kentucky (Adam); now, both call Nashville home. Songs: “Little Bit at a Time,” “Holding On Holding Out,” “Trailer Trash,” “The Best We Can Do Is Love,” and “Saint Anthony”
In Their Words: “It was fun playing and talking about new songs on some incredible sounding AEA gear with Brit Taylor on the Bell tone sessions!” – Adam Chaffins
“Brit and Adam’s songs are personal, yet universal. They are warm in person and it’s clear they spend a lot of time together singing, playing, and writing. Their vocals weave and intertwine so effortlessly.” – Julie Tan, AEA Ribbon Mics
We’re excited to kick off October with a mighty New Music Friday and our first edition of You Gotta Hear This for the month.
You’ve simply gotta check out new music videos from folks like Darin & Brooke Aldridge (who pay tribute to Byron Berline with a track featuring Vince Gill), Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle (who’ve brought us a charming animated music video), Claire Hawkins (who wrote her selection, “Oh Daisy,” while living in France), and Rachel McIntyre Smith teams up with Janelle Arthur to premiere her Honeysuckle Friend Sessions with a live cover of “Strawberry Wine.”
Plus, Darren Nicholson premieres his bluegrass track, “Windows Have Pains,” and singer-songwriter, vocalist, and bassist Adam Chaffins feels capable of anything on “Little Bit At A Time.” Our longtime friends Jamie Drake and Justin Wade Tam have teamed up on a brand new single as well, entitled “Free.”
To wrap up, don’t miss our final Yamaha Session in our latest series with the brand. It features Jack Schneider performing his original song, “Don’t Look Down.”
It’s all right here on BGS and You’ve Gotta Hear This!
Darin & Brooke Aldridge, “A Million Memories (A Song For Byron)”
Artist:Darin & Brooke Aldridge Hometown: Cherryville, North Carolina Song: “A Million Memories (A Song For Byron)” Album:Talk of The Town Release Date: October 4, 2024 (video) Label: Billy Blue Records
In Their Words: “We’ve all had people in our lives who have believed in us, loved us, taught us, and guided us, hoping that we could see in ourselves what they have always seen. It isn’t just about teaching and shaping someone, it’s about helping them discover what they can do from within themselves. For us, it is one of our greatest joys to invest time and encouragement to those who come behind us. It is one way to pay forward the gifts given to us from our own heroes and mentors, to help bring out the best in younger people in the same ways someone did for us.
“We were reminded of these truths the first time we heard ‘A Million Memories (A Song for Byron).’ It was written by our friend Vince Gill in honor of fiddler extraordinaire Byron Berline, who was one of Vince’s closest mentors and dearest friends. Byron invited a young Vince to play banjo and guitar in his band, Byron Berline and Sundance, in the late ’70s, and took the clearly talented Gill under his wing. They remained close until Byron’s death in 2021.
“We’re incredibly honored to share the music video for ‘A Million Memories (A Song for Byron).’ As the song is extra special to us, for the meaning behind it and having the chance to sing it with a special mentor and friend. We will always treasure this opportunity to make ‘A Million Memories.’ We hope the video brings back cherished memories to those that watch the video and hear this incredible song.” – Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Track Credits: Darin Aldridge – Vocal, mandolin, guitar Vince Gill – Vocal Brooke Aldridge – Vocal Mark Fain – Acoustic Bass Stuart Duncan – Fiddle Brent Rader – Percussion, piano
Video Credit: Produced and directed by Jenny Gill.
Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle, “Vagabond’s Lament”
Artist:Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Song: “Vagabond’s Lament” Album:Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle Release Date: October 24, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Vagabond’s Lament’ is an homage to so many places we know so well. The personification of each location lets the song read as a lost-love song in a way, which is a fun take on the visuals the tune lays out for the audience. It’s also a fun one to play; upbeat rhythm and driving solos get the crowds moving.
“One thing this ‘Vagabond’s’ showcases for the group is our affinity for harmony. It’s a real throwback to the sounds I personally grew up with – rich, churchy voices, the breathy ritardando at the end of the tune followed by a four-part harmonic crescendo into the final phrase, and that driving stomp of a beat. This tune really wraps up so much of what we do into three and a half minutes.
“The song fits perfectly with the overall mood and atmosphere of the album; old-time influence with modern flair. It’s a toe-tapping number that could be a hundred years old if you heard it on AM radio, which fits our style nicely. It’s something that will appeal to folkies and bluegrassers alike.” – Casey Campbell, drummer, vocalist
Track Credits: Produced and engineered by Alex Lusht at Mind Ignition Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mixed and mastered by Alex Lusht. Bill Baldock – Bass, guitar, vocals, banjo Scott Risner – Mandolin, vocals, banjo Matt Wabnitz – Guitar, vocals Casey Campbell – Drums, vocals
Video Credits: Animation by Evan Hand; Fiddle and final image by Alex Hand.
Adam Chaffins, “Little Bit At A Time”
Artist:Adam Chaffins Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee via Louisa, Kentucky Song: “Little Bit At A Time” Release Date: October 4, 2024
In Their Words: “I started writing ‘Little Bit at A Time’ with Adam Wright in the fall of 2020, socially distanced on my front porch on a chilly, rain-drizzled day. The song was pretty much finished, but we both felt it was missing some more truth. The next summer, I went on a trip to the Colorado Rockies with some new friends, and, on a whim, we decided to hike a 14,000-foot mountain before the sun came up. I still remember the surreal feeling of standing on that peak after scrambling over boulders and hiking for hours to get to the top. The air was so thin above the treeline and the surroundings felt otherworldly. It was one of the most emotionally jarring events of my life. On the steep hike back down, I felt as if I were leaving a trail of lies behind me with each step. I had just totally surpassed any physical feat I ever thought I was ever capable of, making a monumental truth out of a lifetime of lies I had told myself. I felt capable of anything. In the fall of 2021, I got married and found the truth in love. I now have some new perspectives in life and, perhaps, the missing pieces to that song about delayed gratification.” – Adam Chaffins
Jamie Drake & Justin Wade Tam, “Free”
Artist:Jamie Drake & Justin Wade Tam Hometown: Los Angeles, California (Jamie Drake); Nashville, Tennessee (Justin Wade Tam) Song: “Free” Album:So Many Melodies Release Date: October 4, 2024 Label: Soundly Music
In Their Words: “‘Free’ was written over a Zoom session in 2021 as pandemic restrictions were beginning to lift. We talked about how this historical time had affected us — how the idea of ‘connection’ had taken on a whole new meaning and how we as humans had become more disconnected from ourselves and from nature in the process. For most, the need to stay connected to technology had become imperative as well as required; a reality that continues today. Maintaining a healthy relationship with our screens is an extremely difficult balancing act. ‘Free’ is a bit of a wake up call to remind us to take a break when we feel the call, to get back into nature and live in a more balanced way, connected to each other in the present moment instead of the narrative on our screen.” – Jamie Drake & Justin Wade Tam
Track Credits: Written by Jamie Drake and Justin Wade Tam. Justin Wade Tam – Vocal, acoustic guitar Jamie Drake – Vocals, acoustic guitar Juan Solorzano – Electric guitars Ross McReynolds – Drums Alec Newnam – Bass Produced, engineered, and mixed by Jordan Lehning. Mastered by Casey Wood. Additional engineering by Reid Sorel.
Claire Hawkins, “Oh Daisy”
Artist:Claire Hawkins Hometown: New York City, New York Song: “Oh Daisy” Release Date: October 4, 2024 (video)
In Their Words: “‘Oh Daisy’ was one of the first songs I wrote during my time as an artist-in-residence in France. That time abroad really inspired me to think about my own hometown and what it means to identify as a New Yorker. In writing ‘Oh Daisy,’ I thought back to my earliest memories of wanderlust as a child growing up in New York City. Children see the world through such a different lens and it was interesting to explore how much my worldview has evolved, thanks to the time I’ve gotten to spend with different cultures around the world. When it came time to shoot the music video, I really wanted to capture a certain light-hearted free-spiritedness, but balance it with a feeling of internal conflict. Working with Meg, I think we were able to reflect the challenge of the comforts of home fighting against the curiosity that pulls us away from what we know.” – Claire Hawkins
Track Credits: Written and performed by Claire Hawkins. Produced by Hana Elion.
Artist:Rachel McIntyre Smith & Janelle Arthur Hometown: Oliver Springs, Tennessee (both Rachel and Janelle) Song: “Strawberry Wine” (Deana Carter cover) Release Date: October 5, 2024
In Their Words: “The Honeysuckle Friend Sessions are a companion video series to go along with my latest EP,‘Honeysuckle Friend.‘ In this series, I invite my friends who are talented musicians to cover a song with me. I was over the moon when Janelle Arthur said that she would join me for this series! Having the opportunity to sing with Janelle was such a cool experience because we are both from the same hometown (Oliver Springs, TN) and I have admired her and her artistry since I was really young. I grew up watching her perform, voting for her on ‘American Idol,‘ and listening to all her music. Her voice is incredible, and so is she. I love ‘Strawberry Wine’ by Deana Carter, so I was very happy when Janelle suggested it. I especially love the incredible riff that Janelle so effortlessly sings at the end of the song!“ – Rachel McIntyre Smith
“Rachel is so talented and dedicated to her craft. I was excited to collaborate and finally get to sing with my hometown girl! ‘Strawberry Wine‘ is such a classic and just felt like the right song to sing for this series.“ – Janelle Arthur
Track Credits: Written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison.
Video Credit: Filmed and edited by Rachel McIntyre Smith.
Darren Nicholson, “Windows Have Pains”
Artist:Darren Nicholson Hometown: Haywood County, North Carolina Song: “Windows Have Pains” Release Date: October 4, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “What can I say? I love sad songs. I have since I was a small child. In an odd way, sad songs bring me comfort and happiness. I’m drawn to things that evoke emotion. When I first heard these words as a kid, I loved them. I never forgot how the hook and spirit of the song impacted me as a listener. The song was originally written by Wes Buchanan and all these years later, Mark Bumgarner and myself got down and dirty and wrote an additional verse to complete the song for us. I love this one. If you like ole timey music and enjoy your hurtin’ – this one’s for you.” – Darren Nicholson
Track Credits: Darren Nicholson – Mandolin, octave mandolin, lead vocal, harmony vocal Tony Creasman – Drums Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Zach Smith – Upright Bass Deanie Richardson – Fiddle David Johnson – Acoustic guitar, Dobro Jennifer Nicholson – Harmony vocal
Yamaha Sessions: Jack Schneider, “Don’t Look Down”
For his second Yamaha Session, Schneider picks up his Yamaha FS9 R acoustic guitar to perform “Don’t Look Down,” an original song from his 2022 album, Best Be On My Way. While the studio version features Schneider’s longtime friend, Liv Greene, the track certainly shines solo in this context, as well.
Gentle fingerstyle picking gives way to tender vocals, text painting a long-suffering image with an ultimately hopeful tinge. It’s a song about keeping your chin up, literally and figuratively. Written during the turmoil of the pandemic, the message in the lyrics is certainly not one of toxic positivity, making the moral within them even more resonant. It’s easy to tell Schneider is not just speaking to his listeners, but also to himself.
Photo Credit: Darin & Brooke Aldridge by Kim Brantley; Adam Chaffins by Natia Cinco.
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