Every once and a while, we get a band that’s making music they have no business making and just absolutely killing it. Think Mumford and Sons. Marcus and the boys have no business being as good at traditional American folk music as they …
Category: Americana
Fathom Lane – Self Titled – Vintage-yet-refreshing Sound
Lately there have been a spate of artists knocking the easy “three chord song” folk music that’s so prevalent in the current music landscape, but Fathom Lane is not one of those simpler acts. Their sound is complicated in the best way possible. …
‘Holler’ Crosses Oceans and Time
Holler: An Appalachian Tragedy (original workshop recording). Maineland Productions/Bandcamp, 2014. I’m fairly certain that this is a first for Ear to the Ground- a review of a soundtrack, written for a play inspired by Shakespeare. Oh, good, you didn’t run away screaming. Once …
Brooke Annibale – Under Streetlights
Local Pittsburgher, Brooke Annibale, is making quite a name for herself in this area. Part of that comes from her being a prolific performer, but more and more that’s because, when she gets the chance to perform, she’s been blowing people away. I …
Artist Interview: Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers is a student, an artist, a writer, and a very hard working young woman. She has stars in her eyes for the adventurous college years of her life. She’s learning all she can about the music industry at NYU but she’s …
Stacey Randol
One of my favorite things about Ear to the Ground is the diversity of music I am given the access to immerse myself in. I used to settle comfortably into a niche for a while until my next niche came along. I don’t …
Beth Whitney – “Sweet on You” – Americana love song that’ll make you swoon
Beth Whitney’s voice reminds me of Sara Watkins. Besides that, she’s just wonderful. From the banjo to the standup bass and the overall composition, this is just a hit. It’s a hit in the Americana folk way that fills me full of all …
Maggie Rogers – Blood Ballet – Emotional, captivating singer songwriter sings her heart
Maggie Rogers is, frankly, one of my favorite finds of 2014. From her single “James,” the first time I heard it on bandcamp, I was taken by her style and tone. She is, in a word, stunning. I was extremely excited to get …
Goodnight, Texas – A Bank Robber’s Nursery Rhyme
I’m always excited when something that I’ve been anticipating comes out and even more excited when it exceeds expectations. This new song, “A Bank Robber’s Nursery Rhyme”, from Goodnight, Texas, is off of their new album, Uncle John Farquhar, due out in August. While …
Michael Stovall – Georgia – Soft Country Songs that Give You Chills
The other night I was home alone for several hours. I typically don’t mind being alone. I listen to music and dance like a fool around the apartment, or I do silly things like re-arrange the paintings on the wall. This particular night, …
