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Cameron Knowler – Places of Consequence
In Cameron I recognize what many other desert dwellers, or those born within it seem to intrinsically understand – how sound is inextricably bound to place, how landscapes influence song, and how aesthetics are the other side of the coin of music, somehow. After this year’s earlier release with fellow guitarist and best mate Eli Winter and our conversation about Cameron’s musical roots and interests (and how they diverge from…
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Above and Beyond with Johanna Samuels
Johanna Samuels isn’t a person who loafs around when touring slows down. She had a busy ass year while staying at home, organizing, community building, and writing copious amounts of songs. As we began to see the light, she released her gorgeous album Excelsior!, a deeply personal album dealing with topics ranging from love, sexual assault, the state of the world, death and loss. The album was named for how…
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Xisco Rojo – Transfigurations : A Guest Mix
Madrid-based guitarist Xisco Rojo recently released a shockingly gorgeous album of drone-meets-Spanish-guitar, an enigmatic, darkly psychedelic record called Transfigurations about the power and magic of love. Intricate guitar compositions are accompanied by twinkling chimes upon the album’s opening, and Xisco adeptly uses the space between notes to add an aura of intrigue and sorcery. This record comes six years after Xisco’s last full-length studio release, entitled You Got to Walk…
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Ben Reddell Band – ¡LA Baby!
Texas native-turned-Angeleno Ben Reddell honors both his adopted city and his homeland of Texas on his EP, LA Baby, out today. LA has a storied history of honky tonks, but unfortunately, few of the historic ones are still operating. However, one person is responsible for keeping that outlaw spirit alive and well in California and that’s Ben who hosts and organizes the Grand Ole Echo, originally founded by Kim Grant.…
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Nico Hedley premieres “Waking Dreams”
Nico Hedley announces a new album, Painterly, out September 3rd via Whatever’s Clever. The first single “Waking Dreams” proves that you can make country record in New York City. With lush instrumentation and Nico’s introspective lyrics, it’s a fresh-sounding spin on classical countrypolitan. Personnel includes Ryan El-Solh on guitar, Carmen Rothwell on double bass, Jeff Widner on drums, and Adam Robinson on horns. Drew Citron adds backing vocals on this…
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Yola shares “Starlight” from upcoming album Stand For Myself
The amazing Yola announced a new record, out 7/30, and today releases this anthem to sex positivity and liberation. Eschewing conservative social norms, “Starlight” celebrates love, romance, and ultimately the route to self-love through those normative relationships that may not be tied to tradition. Softly lit, Yola’s powerful, towering voice creates a soundtrack to this beautiful piece of film. I wanted to put something into the world that showed people…
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Jeff Mix and The Songhearts’ “Speed of The Sound of Loneliness” from upcoming John Prine tribute, Kiss My Ass Goodbye
Nashville label Devil’s Tower Records and Portland’s Groove Family Records have announced a limited vinyl release of Kiss My Ass Goodbye, an official Record Store Day release (7/17) featuring legendary and emerging artists from Nashville, Las Vegas, Athens, Seattle, Chicago and beyond paying tribute to everyone’s favorite songwriter. Proceeds benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. On Friday, the first single from the compilation was released, Jeff Mix and the Songhearts’ “Speed…
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Tashaki Miyaki – Castaway: Track by Track
LA babes Tashaki Miyaki are releasing their second full-length Castaway on July 2nd. Lead songwriter, and producer of the album Paige Stark did us the honor of writing a track-by-track guide to the gorgeous album. The California three-piece is a sparkling example of the more glimmering lights, nighttime vibe of the modern LA sound. Tashaki Miyaki’s three members are obviously products of their California upbringings, but their flavor spans the…
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No Kill – Gold Chorus
Gold Chorus by No Kill The opening organ notes of “Always” from No Kill’s Gold Chorus prepare you for a somewhat reverential and awe-some 37 minutes. Brooklyn’s Jamie Cogar is No Kill, and her debut record is quite a staggering feat – lush, colorful grunge-infused noise rock, walls of sound and interlaced fuzz and effects creating gorgeous sonic tapestries. Her voice is versatile enough to be scathing at times, smart…
