Hannah Juanita – “Granny’s Cutlass Supreme” -I’ve listened to this track more times than I care to admit since we received the submission. I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying that I know people like the main character here, but… let’s just say the sentiments are very familiar. The throwback country style has all the makings of mid-century hit country music. It’s got cheeky lyrics and a theme about a powerful woman who knows how to take care of her car, herself, and her family. “It ain’t about where you go, it’s about putting on a show.” It’s about hard work and taking pride in your work. If you ..read more

If you’re looking for experimental and interesting stylings mixed with folk and rock music, look no further than the latest album from accomplished musician Bright Arcana. This name evokes an interesting mix in and of itself, brightness combined with secrecy. It’s a unique blend in the name that comes through in the music as well; there’s nothing quite like it and I’m happy to support the album here. The opening track is an experimental instrumental, but the second track “White Oleander” is the first song with vocals and lyrics. It’s also a great tune that brings forth easy comparisons with ar ..read more

Oliver Hazard – “Wild Eyed Blue” -The opening line of this song is, “I killed the king.” Wow. I appreciate everything about this song from the rowdy energy to the exceptional harmonies. If you miss the Mumford and Sons foot-stomping folk of the early 2000s, you’ll find a lot to like about this new track from Oliver Hazard. The sound reminds me of the harmonies I love from Darlingside mixed with the up tempo stylings of a good old country hoe-down. The combination is electrifying and energetic. If you’ve been head over heels for someone, this song will definitely resonate. I know I like it! Lo ..read more

William Wallace – “Closer by the Firelight” -From the first time I clicked play on this song, I found myself engaged with every element. The acoustic guitar is great, the vocal feels familiar, and the lyrics are complex, making me listen closely every time. If you’ve ever sat around a fire with friends, this song is for you. The subtle fiddle work on this one makes it feel even more timeless and engaging. It’s ultimately a song about the passage of time and how our perspectives change as we age. It’s a great tune with a relatable image on the chorus and a cathartic melodic structure that’s rig ..read more

Annie Bacon & Her Oshen – “Mist” This one has strong Jason Isbell vibes. The way she croons and builds introspective lyrical structures, is similar to Isbell with shades of Stevie Nicks as well. The Americana infused rock definitely will play with much of our audience. Her newest LP Storm has just released and is full of the tight storytelling she is rapidly becoming known for. “Mist” is a meditation on the existential and asks “what are we looking for?” amidst a classic Americana sound. Listeners will enjoy exploring her entire catalogue. Leyya – “Ease My Mind” We like the slow burning q ..read more

Ian MacGinnis – “Walking in the Dark” -“Baby I’m stumblin’ I don’t know why… you’re the one I run to every time.” Well, if that ain’t a classic rock line, I don’t know what it is. “When you have my heart it’s like I’m walking in the dark.” The lyrics here are great and the bluesy energy of the song is outstanding. The whole composition feels like something you could hear on Austin City Limits from an accomplished career musician. There’s a sophistication to the sound that we rarely hear in Americana these days, so I’m happy to feature it here. Fans of blues singer songwriters should put this o ..read more

Riley Catherall – “South of Somewhere” -This is a GREAT song. If you’re a fan of the Jason Isbell turn in Americana music in the past decade or so, you’ll find a lot to like about Riley Catherall’s sound. It’s lyrically rich, melodically pleasing, and just as cool as a cucumber. The phrasing is good through the whole track, but the chorus is outstanding. There’s something about the lightness in the electric guitar riff at the end of the chorus that just gives this sense of space and connection. The delicate balance of new and old instrumentation with relatable lyrics makes this one a stand out ..read more

The Good The Bad The English – “Heartaches by the Number” (Ray Price cover) -There’s so much to like about this performance. For one thing, there just aren’t enough people talking about the fabulous Ray Price. But also, the band’s name is impressive. So imagine the joy in my heart when this cover was so authentic to the original that it actually feels like an authentic country tune. The guitar work is outstanding and the vocals are true to a timeless country music style. If you’re an Americana or country fan, this is definitely one to indulge in. I’m always going to be happy to support this ty ..read more

Silver Lake Radio – “First Gray Hair” -This is a great tune that straddles the line between rock and country music, right in the realm of what folks call alt country these days. That said, I think it fits nicely here as a chill texture with rock n’ roll music. The songwriting has a relatable comment about watching a loved one find their first gray hair. It’s a bit of existential contemplation, depicted with this charming and engaging style. It puts me in mind of the charming yet wildly hard hitting lyricism we get from an artist like Jason Isbell or Sturgill Simpson. It’s a great tune with som ..read more

Kacy Lee Anderson and the Waverley Pickers – “#croptopnroll” -You wouldn’t expect a song with a hashtag in its name to sound so old fashioned, but here we are. I love this sound; it’s got a real Kitty Wells vibe. It’s old fashioned in the best way possible. The lead vocal even has that subtle warble that makes it sound just right for the mid-20th century. The piano sounds vintage and the guitars are just perfectly honkytonk. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time and I love the sound. Ontario Red – “Keeping Guard” -Everything about this composition sounds like an old, charming ..read more