Kurt Lee Wheeler – “Portland (Grass version)”-I’m a big fan of when a first line of a song really pops. This one goes, “It’s not that I hate leavin’ Portland, it’s that I hate losin’ you.” Wow. Heartache, purpose, direction, sentiment, emotion… it’s …
Tag Archives: roots music
Three new tracks to show what’s great about the timelessness of Americana music
Dillon Gaige and Trent Brown – “Walk Into My Arms”-Sometimes you hear a song that just taps into something so much deeper than what meets the ear. That’s evident with this song that these guys are expressing some sincere sentiments. It’s a love …
Three stunning harmony bands to love in 2023
The Wildwoods – “West Virginia rain”-I love the harmonies on this track. There’s some really clever songwriting on this tune as well, with hat tips to other songs about West Virginia. The classic country elements play well with classic folk elements. The main …
Three Americana tracks that will be perfect for your weekend playlist
Joyce Harding – “Preacher”-If you’re a fan of plaintive folk singer songwriters, you’ll find a lot to like about Joyce Harding’s latest “Preacher.” The lyrics are about seeking truth and finding your way. The main lyric is asking about scripture that might give …
Three new Americana tracks that will remind you of the good old days
Erika Lewis – “A thousand miles”-If you’re looking for an old time country sound, look no further than Erika Lewis. The slowed down song feels like it was ready made to sway with a dear one. Lewis sings with a tone that reminds …
Three singer songwriters smashing genre conventions for some fascinating new music
Noah Derksen and Brooke Palsson – “Look at me now”-Fans of the Chris Stapleton vibe in country music will find a lot to like about this song from Noah Derksen. That is to say it’s more Americana than country. It’s more soul than …
Book Review | Americanaland: Where Country and Western Met Rock n’ Roll by John Milward
If you’re a fan of Americana music and don’t know much about its history, read this new book Americanaland by John Milward. The book gives the history and context to a beautifully deep and rich genre of music. In fact, the book spends …
Three retro soulful bluesy tracks that blow the doors off the Americana genre
Mara Kaye and Carl Sonny Leyland – “Dystopian blues”-They DO make music like they used to. I’m not sure a professional musicologist would guess that this song is from 2021. It sounds like it’s a hundred years old and brand new all at …
Three new Americana tunes to sweeten the genre
Dante Matas – “Not enough”-If you’re looking for a sweet, atmospheric style of Americana, give Dante Matas’s latest work a spin. The track balances acoustic guitar, lead vocal, and an organ really well. There’s a rich full band style that feels like it …
Three authentic Americana tunes to kick your week off right
Kyle McKearney – “Keepin it simple”-If you’ve been an Americana fan for any length of time, there’s a certain “simple life” ethos that surrounds the genre. Fishing, drinking, and taking it easy is certainly part of the worldview of the style. You can …
