The 2020 Grammy nominations were announced early this morning, and some roots music artists woke up to some very good news. Here are the nominees in the American Roots Music category, which includes Americana, bluegrass, folk, blues, and music […]
We’ve all heard of The Carter Family — the first family of country music. (Or maybe you’re new to roots music and haven’t heard of them yet. That’s okay too! Welcome to the party, we’re happy you’re here). They brought […]
The work of ten ND photographers (identified below) are being featured this week. The artists include some familiar faces, some significant artists who have not been featured in the column before, and lesser known folks who are highly deserving of […]
“We’re not here to change your mind about anything,” Charlie Starr, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Blackberry Smoke, announced from the stage at a recent live performance in Chicago. “We’re here to ease your mind about everything.” The infectious […]
EDITOR’S NOTE: As Todd Snider’s landmark East Nashville Skyline album (2004) gets its first vinyl release today, singer-songwriter Korby Lenker shares what the album meant — and still means — to him. Setting: Austin, SXSW, maybe 2005. Saturday afternoon. I […]
The first measureable snow fell yesterday in the Chicago area, and today the temperatures are hovering around 15 degrees, though the sun is shining, giving the illusion of warmth. As winter sets in, I start to reflect on the past […]
“What I love the most are sad songs. My heart was broken and, I dunno, I guess when my heart breaks, pedal steel comes out.” So said Karen Pittelman (Karen & the Sorrows) in a 2017 Bluegrass Situation article exploring the […]
A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a musician acquaintance who was considering the pros and cons of crowdfunding a new album. The conversation eventually turned to the importance of unique backer rewards. Every campaign is going […]
In addition to writing this weekly column, I also aggregate flotsam and jetsam from multiple sources that I post throughout each day on a Facebook page as a non-commercial service to share with fans of Americana and roots music. Some […]
There is no end to the stream of Beatles books published for collectors and fans. Now, in the year that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of Abbey Road, Peter Asher has put together an abecedary of Beatles lore […]
