Zach Bryan Launches 2023 Tour at Two Step Inn Fest
39 CommentsZach Bryan’s popularity just continues to grow exponentially. Hell, he probably could have headlined Coachella in California this weekend. Yet even though the population of Zach Bryan fans continues to swell, the passion of those fans has not waned or been diluted whatsoever.
Americana Loses Its Greatest Ambassador, & Gains Another
33 CommentsLike them or not, The Civil Wars were able to effect massive exposure onto the alternative to mainstream country. Being nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year by both the CMA and ACM Awards, and being nominated right beside Taylor Swift for their work on the Hunger Games soundtrack, were historic moments when independent music was placed right beside its mainstream counterpart.
Review – The Foghorn Stringband “Outshine The Sun”
10 CommentsWhether it’s folk, bluegrass, country, or Cajun, Foghorn can play a breakdown, a Celtic jig, a Cajun waltz, and cut a rug to an early country tune in the span of as many songs and sell you quickly on the idea that you don’t need amplification or new school modes to make music that is both memorable and entertaining. Outshine the Sun is an excellent album, and where it makes its mark is in the positivity of its message.
Ronnie Dunn Reminds Us That We All “Bleed Red”
34 CommentsWhat’s refreshing about “Bleed Red” is even though it has the epic, anthemic approach indicative of the flag-waving anthem, it is not about politics, or any polarizing subject at all. It’s about the opposite. It’s the antithesis of the awful, too-often called upon emotional-driven overballad, that doesn’t sacrifice the soul-stirring epicness that makes these type of songs the best reminders of why we love music.
Disney to Buy Country Music for $10.5 Billion
14 CommentsPending approval by federal regulators, the Disney Corporation has secured a deal to buy the institution of country music for $10.5 billion. The deal apparently would include all of country music’s major labels and their rosters of artists, institutions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Grand Ole Opry, award shows, and the naming rights to the now defunct restaurant chain “Kenny Rogers Roasters.”
Jett Williams on Hank’s ‘Lost Notebooks’ / Clarifies Hank’s Death
4 CommentsJett Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams and co-executor of his estate was interviewed by Joshua Morningstar. Jett had some interesting things to say about the Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams project that matched unfinished Hank songs with contemporary performers, and also clarified some information about the circumstances surrounding her father’s death.
Where In The World Is Lucky Tubb? (An Interview)
14 CommentsThe most common questions I get at the Saving Country Music help desk are, “Where’s Lucky Tubb?” “How can I find his tour dates?” “What’s he up to?” “Where can I buy his albums?” Like many of the brilliant musicians making a living in the country music underground, communication and self-promotion seem like an afterthought to Lucky. So I sat down with Lucky to let him answer some of our most pressing questions.
The Country Music Anti-Christ Crosses Line Into Creative Control
31 CommentsEver since I first christened Big Machine Records owner Scott Borchetta as the “Country Music Anti-Christ” I have gone out of my way to stipulate one important positive, that he extends his artists creative control over their music. But all of that might have just changed, and that change may change the way the whole country music business conducts itself.
Lucky Tubb & Don Maddox Share Stage for Halloween
13 CommentsFrom all the music festivals I attended this summer, from South by Southwest this Spring, to all the other musical events intermixed throughout the year, few rival the magic that transpired Halloween night when Lucky Tubb and the Modern Day Troubadours pulled their tour van up to Johnny B’s in Medford OR all the way from Austin, to share a night of music with the legendary Don Maddox.
Saving Country Music 2012 Official ANTI-CMA’s Live Blog
74 CommentsAlright folks, so here we go! If you’ve never done this before, this is an exercise for old souls to find solace in humor from the ridiculousness that is a country music awards show. As the icon on the left tells you, this is “country music’s biggest night.” So we’ll make sure that ALL the perspectives on country music get their say. Please feel free to check back and refresh your browser as the blog is updated in real time.
A Critical Time in Country Music
38 CommentsOver the last few months, and the last few weeks specifically, we have been going through a country music Cambrian Explosion of sorts, with massive, earth-moving events completely re-shaping the style and infrastructure of a genre that has been around for over 70 years. Arguably there’s been more significant events in a short period than any other time in country’s history.
Lindi Ortega Breaks Out with “Cigarettes & Truckstops”
28 CommentsLindi Ortega evokes the ghost of Patsy Cline and the cool factor of Wanda Jackson. Like with Elizabeth Cook, you almost can’t believe that an artist whose beauty is so stark would find appeal in the lower rungs of the music world; that they would settle on being real instead of real famous. But don’t let the beauty fool you, Lindi is the real deal.
Album Review – Taylor Swift’s “Red”
77 CommentsThe first thing that needs to be pointed out is Red is not country. Red is really the tale of two albums: A gorgeous evocation of human emotions set to enchanting music and delivered in elevated modes, and awful pop shit that leaves you almost embarrassed for Taylor from the sheer obviousness of the ploy. To Taylor’s credit, it is the good stuff that makes up the majority of this album.