From Unhoused Busker to Headliner: The Rise of Sierra Ferrell
From performing on street corners for spare change to one of the fastest-rising artists in all of country and roots music, Sierra Ferrell has arrived.
Rounder Records
John R. Miller Readies Release of Rounder Debut “Depreciated”
If you can’t get enough of guys like Tyler Childers and Arlo McKinley who define the very heart of the authentic Appalachian sound, then John R. Miller needs to be occupying space in your musical catalog as well, if he isn’t already. Tyler Childers has been one of John R. Miller’s biggest proponents.
James Hand – The Essence of Country Music Authenticity (RIP)
James Hand—often regarded as one of the most authentic voices to ever grace the medium of country music—has died. He passed away Monday morning, June 8th, after complications due to issues with congestive heart failure. He was in a Waco, TX hospital and his former wife and mother of his two sons, Kayla Allen, was by his side.
Sierra Ferrell Signs to Rounder. Sierra Ferrell Signs to Rounder
In a video from GemsOnVHS that now has well north of 1 million views (see below), Sierra Ferrell immediately reveals herself as one of those one-in-a-million country music voices that instantly compels you regardless of what is being sung. A native of West Virginia, Ferrell first began making music when she was a child.
Billy Strings Signs to Rounder, Sets Release of New Album “HOME”
If you’re eyes are solely affixed to Texas and Kentucky, and the Outlaw and underground scenes for who may rise up among the ranks of musicians and help save country music, you’re gaze is overshooting one of the most impressive classes of young bluegrass musicians the subgenre has birthed in history. Right at the top is Billy Strings.
Album Review – Caroline Spence’s “Mint Condition”
Mint Condition will be favored by those who’ve rooted for Caroline Spence for years now and hoping for this moment she’s been finally afforded, while also being a worthy introductory point for a wider audience by displaying just the kind of incredible talent waiting to be discovered within country and roots music’s independent realm.
Remember This Name: Logan Ledger
Over the last few years, there’s been two primary names that people in-the-know about the doings of true country music have been sliding Saving Country Music’s way and saying they’re ones to watch. The first name was Tyler Childers, and we all know how that turned out. The second is Logan Ledger.
Cody Jinks Smashes Own Records, Disrupts Albums Charts with “Lifers”
Cody Jinks is disrupting the country music charts in a big way with his latest release ‘Lifers’ by turning in career-best numbers that put him near the top of multiple album metrics. ‘Lifers’ is the first record Cody Jinks released after signing to Rounder Records this spring.
Cody Jinks Signs to Rounder Records, Announces New Album “Lifers”
Ft. Worth native and surging traditional country star Cody Jinks has announced that he’s signed with independent music juggernaut Rounder Records, and will be releasing his latest album ‘Lifers’. A new single “Must Be The Whiskey” will also be released. Part of Concord, Rounder is a massive label, yet still with an independent streak.
Sturgill Simpson, Sarah Jarosz, & Lori McKenna Are Big Winners in Grammy Pre-Telecast Awards
Ahead of the telecast portion of the 59th Annual Grammy Awards Sunday night (2-12), pre-telecast awards were handed out in a host of categories covering country, Americana, bluegrass, and roots, including big awards like Best Country Song, Best Country Album, and Best Americana Album. Sturgill Simpson won Best Country Album.
Jack Ingram Signs with Rounder, Will (Finally) Release New Album “Midnight Motel”
The incredibly long drought for new music from one of the biggest names in Texas country is finally coming to a close. After releasing two records with Big Machine—the last being Big Dreams & High Hopes in 2009—Ingram pulled a disappearing act for the last seven years or so when it came to studio work, but will be returning in a big way this summer, and with a label known for letting artists do what they do best.
Pokey LaFarge, Rev. Peyton, & Banditos All Sign to Labels
The past 24 hours has seen some big signings by some worthy artists to record labels. The old-school throwback St. Louis singing and strumming song man Pokey LaFarge has signed to the prestigious Rounder Records. Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band has signed with Yazoo Records, and the Alabama-bred gritty and greasy Banditos have signed to insurgent country label Bloodshot.
Blackberry Smoke Announces New Album “Holding All The Roses”
Rejoice Southern rock fans. If you’re looking for a refill of your favorite poison, Atlanta, Georgia’s formidable Southern rock outfit Blackberry Smoke has just announced they have a brand new album on the way called “Holding All The Roses.” “I think that this record does a really good job of conveying what we do and what we’re about,” says singer, frontman, and songwriter Charlie Starr.
West, TX — Kolaches, And So Much More
I remember a few years ago I was at the Hole in the Wall bar in Austin, TX, right by the UT campus, watching songwriting couple Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay performing. Brennen Leigh told the crowd that right after the show, her and Noel had to drive to Nashville, and how she was dreading the trip. “But then Noel reminded me that since we’re going north, we get to stop in West for kolaches, and so now I’m super excited.”
Women At Forefront of Country Music Evolution
“Country must evolve” is the way it is sold to the country music public when pop and hip-hop influences are invited into the country music fold. What these folks fail to point out is that country has been trying to evolve for 30 some odd years right under their noses. Are you looking for true progress and evolution in country music? Look no further than this list of women.