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"I'm Loved on All Sides": An Interview with Yola

British singer-songwriter Yola talks to PopMatters about emerging from a lifetime of straitened circumstances and emotional challenges to make 2019's most promising debut, Walk Through Fire.

Music

Driftwood Captivate in the Dreamy Sway of "Lay Like You Do" (premiere)

A hidden gem of Driftwood's trademark live shows for some time, the band finally cuts a studio version of "Lay Like You Do" for their new album, Tree of Shade.

Music

Yola's Staggering Voice Fuels Powerful Americana

Yola's New York City debut at Rockwood Music Hall showcased songs from her forthcoming album Walk Through Fire.

Events

The Way Down Wanderers Examine Love, Friendship and More on 'illusions' (album stream + interview)

Smart songwriting and gorgeous harmonies dominate on the Way Down Wanderers' illusions. The primary songwriters discuss their place in the musical and landscape and reveal just who a certain love song its about.

Music

Mercury Rev Revive Bobbie Gentry by Revisiting 'Delta Sweete'

Mercury Rev have revived Delta Sweete as Bobbie Gentry's The Delta Sweete Revisited and have enlisted a stellar cast of female singers to help, including Norah Jones, Margo Price, Beth Orton, Vashti Bunyan, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucinda Williams.

Reviews

Victor Krummenacher Salutes "The Prettiest Train" (premiere)

Camper Van Beethoven's Victor Krummenacher issues a great song about the need for escape and the beauty of those big engines. His new album, Blue Pacific, arrives March 1st.

Music

Hayes Carll Says 'What It Is' Is Up to You

What It Is reveals Americana singer-songwriter Hayes Carll's methodical craftsmanship at creating songs that warily address the modern world.

Music

Shook Twins' 'Some Good Lives' Is As Affirming As It Is Magical

Shook Twins illustrate their willingness to take musical gambles. As such, Some Good Lives captures moments when the risks yield endless rewards.

Music

On His New Single, Seth Walker Encourages Us to Look "Inside" (premiere)

Inspired by an artful trip to Havana, Americana artist Seth Walker basks in trippy, vintage blues throughout his cool new single "Inside".

Music

After Ten Years As a Troubadour, Boo Ray Lays It on the Line in 'Tennessee Alabama Fireworks' (album stream) (premiere)

Inspired by a deep-seated desire for humankind to regain genuine connections, the scorching songs of which Boo Ray's latest album is comprised are among his most ambitious yet.

Music

'Psychedelic Country Soul' Is a Triumphant Return for Americana Pioneers, the Long Ryders

"Psychedelic Country Soul" could have been the tagline on the Long Ryders' business cards in the 1980s, and the tag still fits 30 years on as they remain masters in combining all of the above.

Music

Ari & Mia Reinvigorate Old-Time Folk with "Sweet Morning" (premiere)

With their haunting mix of stirring instrumentation and melodious vocals, sibling Americana duo Ari & Mia resurrects an old-time arrangement from the Sacred Harp songbook.

Music

Elli Perry Takes Us For a Stroll in "Without You" (premiere)

In her new music video, Elli Perry celebrates the joys of her creative community in Colorado with a colorful strut down the streets of town.

Music

Rebecca Loebe Takes a Deep Breath and Lets Go on 'Give Up Your Ghosts' (album stream) (premiere)

Americana singer-songwriter Rebecca Loebe returns with Give Up Your Ghosts, an album that's chockful of self-reflective meditations and is an exercise in honesty and bravery.

Music

Robert Ellis Has Transformed Into the 'Texas Piano Man'

Robert Ellis is a changed man on Texas Piano Man. Ellis has always composed sharp introspective lyrics about himself and the world. That hasn't altered, albeit his music has become more outwardly sophisticated.

Music

Robert Ellis Explores Romantic Longing in "When You're Away" (premiere + interview)

Texas songman Robert Ellis turns to the piano for exploration of his home state, its larger-than-life characters, and matters of the heart. He also discusses fatherhood, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the all-important sense of humor.

Jedd Beaudoin

Music

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