The Amp

26/07/2024

"The Red Clay Strays want to remind you they are a rock n’ roll band and Made by These Moments opens with a 1-2 punch." -Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

The much anticipated new album from Red Clay Strays is out everywhere today. You're gonna want to put this one at the top of your to-listen to list.

Two years ago, the Red Clay Strays had just released their crowdfunded debut album after playing together for about six years. They were mostly playing at the same venues as they had been, but now appearing in bigger print on more festival posters and still getting from show to show in “Breezy,”...

18/07/2024

"Melissa Carper's music harkens back to a time before there were a million genres, to the primordial soup of country, jazz and blues. She’s a shape-shifting troubadour, as utterly comfortable playing down-home mountain ditties as she is playing sophisticated nightclub jazz." - John Schumacher (Amp Contributor)

Borned in Ya comes out July 19 via Mae Music and Thirty Tigers.

There’s an easy musicality to Melissa Carper. It feels as if her soul is so steeped in music that she could pluck a tune out of the sky, Willie Nelson-like , anytime she wants.  So, it seems like the title track of her new album, Borned in Ya , could be her origin story. The phrase is

03/07/2024

"Jamil Rashad calls Boulevards - the moniker he performs under - a cosmic soul artist. But from where I sit, his latest release is still digging up a hip-shaking mother lode of old school funk." - John Carpenter (Amp Contributor)

Carolina Funk, the new album from Boulevards, released to the world this past Friday, but take the time to find this one on your favorite streaming service and slip into funk mode a little early today.

Jamil Rashad calls Boulevards - the moniker he performs under - a cosmic soul artist. But from where I sit, his latest release is still digging up a hip-shaking mother lode of old school funk. Carolina Funk: Barn Burner of To***co Road , his fifth studio album, is a worthy follow-up to his critica

27/06/2024

2024 has been a year of change for the band, Silverada, but they're commemorating this change with a new self-titled album, out everywhere tomorrow.

This new album features songs that declare who they are now and how they've changed over the years, "A band named Silverada must have a song titled “Hell Bent for Leather” and this is the perfect way to reimagine yourself and hit the reset button on where you want to go from here." Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

Make sure you check out our review and get ready for the new album from Silverada.

It was a bold move back in January when Mike and the Moonpies made the sudden announcement that they were changing their name. The announcement came during this year’s Mile 0 Festival where just a few years before they had emerged triumphant as one of the hottest live country bands on the road, ga...

21/06/2024

Amp Contributor, John Carpenter, recently traveled over 1,000 miles to catch a set from Fred Eaglesmith at Germania Hall in Pembroke, Ontario

Described as, "An iconoclast revered on the Outlaw/Roots/Americana scene by folks who know a well-crafted song when they hear one." If you're a "Fredhead" like John and miss seeing or hearing Fred out on tour, make sure you check out our show review.

You know you’ve married the right woman when she happily agrees to a 1,000-mile drive from Nashville to a small town on the Ontario-Quebec border to see an obscure Canadian singer-songwriter in a rented social club hall. But, I knew Fred Eaglesmith wouldn’t let us down.  Neither did the so

20/06/2024

Our first ever lyric video drops on 6/21/24! Watch "Hat in Hand" here [email protected]

20/06/2024

The soulful Americana singer-songwriter from Eastern Kentucky, Eric Bolander Music, is releasing a tender tribute this Friday, June 21st, entitled, "Strawberry Moon".

Celebrate the new release and this special occasion with your soulmate, whether that be a friend or a lover. Harness the energy and power of the strawberry moon and manifest your dreams and happiness.

Head over to the blog for a link to pre-save this brand new single from Eric Bolander, out everywhere tomorrow.

The soulful Americana singer-songwriter from Eastern Kentucky, Eric Bolander, is releasing a tender tribute this Friday, June 21st. Eric had this to say about the single: “Strawberry Moon” is a song I wrote in a single night while my girlfriend slept on the couch. We had just finished what was o...

14/06/2024

Rob Leines' newest album, Headcase, is out everywhere today. If you like your country with a heaping spoon of rock thrown in, you're going to love Rob and this new record.

"A working man on the road leading a kick-ass band with a new record that’s going to make some noise." -Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

Make sure you check out the review and this album to kick your Friday morning off right.

“Rock n’ Roll with a cowboy hat” is one way Rob Leines describes his music. That hat is worn by the type of cowboy that puts in the long hours to do the things that sometimes only he can appreciate. So much time on the road away from family and friends chasing his dream that sometimes only he ...

17/05/2024

"Jarosz’s energy and confidence – she was clearly excited to be playing in Nashville - as well as her musical chops and those of her band, kept things lively and allowed the new songs to flex."- John Carpenter (Amp Contributor)

We've got a lovely review of Sarah Jarosz's recent set from Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. If you're a fan of this multi-instrumentalist, you're going to want to give this one a read.

Sarah Jarosz brought her road-hot band to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl last night. It was a homecoming of sorts for the Texas-born singer-songwriter who recently left New York for the Music City.  Jarosz’s new album, Polaroid Lovers , is a bold step toward the pop mainstream from a one-time

16/05/2024

"It's still spring, but the “hell yeah” album of the summer has already arrived. It's by a raucous alt-country band out of Milwaukee called Ladybird, and it's an ungodly amount of fun." - John Schumacher (Amp Contributor)

'Amy Come on Home' hits the streamers and Bandcamp on May 17. CDs and vinyl will be available on Bandcamp and elsewhere after Ladybird’s record release shows in Milwaukee on June 1.

It's still spring, but the “hell yeah” album of the summer has already arrived. It's by a raucous alt-country band out of Milwaukee called Ladybird, and it's an ungodly amount of fun. You know what I mean: You’re at a backyard party and this album’s cranking, at some point you’re going to ...

15/05/2024

"A record centered around the idea that through the fire, floods and pain, if you make it, if you survive, it’s worth it." - Phillip Ring (Amp Contributor)

Lost Dog Street Band's newest album, Survived, has been out since late April, but if you haven't made time to listen to the album, now is the perfect time. We've got a fantastic review that perfectly highlights the best that this album has to offer.

Over time, Lost Dog Street Band has developed a reputation for being uncompromising, sometimes antagonistic, but garnered a reputation for being an ethics first band. Truth and substance first, and the music matters as long as the story is true. A talented group of musicians that have, as they’ve ...

06/05/2024

"Always ambitious lyrically, Adeem the Artist brings a newfound musical grandeur on Anniversary." -John Schumacher (Amp Contributor)

Anniversary hit the stands and streamers May 3 on Thirty Tigers and Adeem’s Four Quarters Records. If you missed out on giving this one a listen on Friday, make sure you start your Monday off right, by putting this one at the top of the queue.

Anniversary , the new release from Adeem the Artist, opens with a fanfare of crashing cymbals. It seems an appropriate start to an album that announces Adeem’s arrival on what should be a much bigger stage. Already one of country music’s best songwriters, Adeem takes another leap forward with th...

26/04/2024

Live From Tulsa is an excellent re-introduction to Lance Roark. The artist is in the best possible local room surrounded by friends and family in the crowd with a rocking band on stage." -Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

The new album from Lance Roark released this past Friday. If you've yet to give this live album a listen, you'll want to check it out on your favorite streaming service.

On the north end of Main Street in downtown Tulsa, where the Crosstown Expressway crosses Easton Street, you’ll find one of the world’s top performance venues. Cain’s Ballroom was built in 1924, and originally served as an automobile garage before becoming a dance academy which morphed into a ...

19/04/2024

📸 Here’s the first look at our AMERICANAFEST 2024 lineup — with many more artists to come!

Celebrate 25 years with us in Nashville for 5 jam-packed days of music, panels, and parties!

Discover more at americanafest.com/lineup and grab your pass today.

19/04/2024

The Guy Clark documentary is now available for streaming. Prime. YouTube. GooglePlay. It’s a fascinating watch.

16/04/2024

Start your Tuesday off right with a brand new playlist. We've got music from artists we've covered these last few months, as well as new music from some of your favorites in the folk, roots and Americana genres.

Make sure you check it out if you love artists like: Scott Ballew, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, The Lostines, Silverada, M. Dunton, Dalton Mills, Mac Cornish, Taylor Hunnicutt, Lost Dog Street Band, Zach Willdee, Jenny Don't And The Spurs, Ruth Moody, Emily Nenni, Charley Crockett, Jake Kohn Music, Marcus King, Taylor McCall, The Droptines, Chris Blevins, Stephanie Lambring, Ken Pomeroy Music, Mary Bragg, The Deslondes, Kelsey Waldon, Adeem the Artist, BLAKE BERGLUND, Mallory Eagle, Kaia Kater, Nolan Taylor, The Reeves Brothers, Sierra Ferrell and more.

Link to the playlist is in the comments!

29/03/2024

"Ballew's songwriting reflects a sincerity born from navigating rock bottom and understanding that the only path forward is upward." - Melissa Payne (Amp Managing Editor)

Scott Ballew's newest album, Rio Bravo, is out everywhere today via La Honda Records. This album warrants multiple listens, not just for its exceptional songwriting quality, but also because it invites you to dive deeply into the themes, lyrics, and musical details that Ballew has skillfully woven throughout.

The problem with Scott Ballew is that you don’t know where to begin. Peeking into his bio is like embarking on a journey through a fascinating novel with chapters that each hold their own appeal, yet collectively seem too extraordinary to belong to just one man. From his days as a football star to...

28/03/2024

"Revelations hits like a southern accent tinged indie rock Mack truck head on collision." -Phillip Ring (Amp Contributor)

If you missed the memo that another fantastic album is coming from Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, then make sure you read our review and pre-save this one. Revelations, the newest album from , is out everywhere tomorrow.

28/03/2024

"Revelations hits like a southern accent tinged indie rock Mack truck head on collision." -Phillip Ring (Amp Contributor)

If you missed the memo that another fantastic album is coming from Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, then make sure you read our review and pre-save this one. Revelations, the newest album from Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, is out everywhere tomorrow.

Last year with the release of Mightmare’s debut record,  I began my exploration of River Shook’s catalog and body of work, which meant a deep dive into the Disarmers catalog. What became immediately obvious to me is that River has always had a substantial power for writing songs with impact

21/03/2024

"The result is ten tracks of one woman’s powerful voice giving life to engaging lyrics, backed by a versatile band, and shaped by a master craftsman into a stunning debut. Alabama Sound represents the entrance of Taylor Hunnicutt and she has kicked the door open. She immediately establishes herself as someone to be heard." -Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

The Queen of Alabama, , is releasing her debut album this Friday, March 22nd. If you're looking for the next big thing, you've found her. Head over to the blog to read our review of the album and make sure you pre-save the album. You're not going to want to miss this release.

21/03/2024

"The result is ten tracks of one woman’s powerful voice giving life to engaging lyrics, backed by a versatile band, and shaped by a master craftsman into a stunning debut. Alabama Sound represents the entrance of Taylor Hunnicutt and she has kicked the door open. She immediately establishes herself as someone to be heard." -Derek Scudder (Amp Contributor)

The Queen of Alabama, Taylor Hunnicutt, is releasing her debut album this Friday, March 22nd. If you're looking for the next big thing, you've found her. Head over to the blog to read our review of the album and make sure you pre-save the album. You're not going to want to miss this release.

It was the end of January before I finally caught up with Taylor Hunnicutt to talk about the release of her first full-length album. She had been dealing with quite a hectic month to say the least. Just before Christmas, she and her husband learned that they would have to move out of the house in wh

14/03/2024

"The EP is a triumph, an easygoing demonstration of the enduring appeal of traditional country music in the hands of three masters of their craft. These songs are as traditional as cornbread yet fresh as a still-warm strawberry just off the vine." -John Schumacher (Amp Contributor)

Three of country’s most distinctive voices – Kelly Willis, Melissa Carper and Brennen Leigh – have made their occasional team-ups official with a name and now an album, Wonder Women of Country: Willis, Carper, Leigh, which comes out March 15.

Find a link to our review of the new album from Wonder Women of Country in the comments.

12/03/2024

"Good Place to Hide unveils growth and wisdom only obtained through life experiences and the conscious effort of surrounding yourself with like-minded and objective musicians and songwriters." -Jolene Horihan (Amp Senior Editor)

March 1st was a busy release day in the independent Americana and Country music genres. So, it’s reasonable that one may not have had the opportunity to listen to the new album by Dalton Mills, Good Place to Hide. If you have yet to listen to this one, we've got some excellent reasons why this one should be on your radar.

March 1st was a busy release day in the independent Americana and Country music genres. So, it’s reasonable that one may not have had the opportunity to listen to the new album by Dalton Mills, Good Place to Hide . I’m going to share with you many reasons why you need to have Dalton on your rada...

07/03/2024

"Dazzling and beautifully poignant, M. Dunton delivers a compelling cinematic, therapeutic soundscape that comes alive and then disappears like a thief in the night." -Justin N. Kohrs (Amp Contributor)

The new self-titled album from M. Dunton is out everywhere this Friday.

If you know a cool, hip, avid music listener or polymath and you suddenly popped over unannounced for a beer, M. Dunton’s self-titled album is most likely what will be playing through their speakers when you walk in. Dazzling and beautifully poignant, M. Dunton delivers a compelling cinematic, the...

06/03/2024

One of our favorite playlists that we share every year is the one dedicated to women in the folk, roots and Americana genres. This year we've added even more talented artists to the playlist and we've got over 17 hours of music for you to listen to.

For fans of: Caitlin Jemma, Amanda Shires, Denitia, Cristina Vane, Sunny Sweeney, Caroline Spence, Meg McRee, Angela Autumn, Senora May, Jamie Lin Wilson, Margo Price, Sierra Ferrell, Holly Beth, Sunny War, Kimmi Bitter, Mya Byrne, India Ramey, Sophie Gault, Jobi Riccio, Rachel Brooke, Stephanie Lambring, The Local Honeys, Rachel Baiman, Judy Blank, Kelsey Waldon, Mallory Eagle, Sarah Gayle Meech, Wonder Women of Country, Charlie Marie and Brittney Spencer.

You can find the playlist in the comments!

29/02/2024

"In just under an hour of playtime, Norther furnishes 13 incredibly intoxicating tracks, providing just enough paradisiacal propellant to bring about a nirvanic bliss that hits with the accuracy, precision and speed of a hypersonic missile." - Justin N. Kohrs (Amp Contributor)

If you've eagerly been awaiting the new Shane Smith & the Saints' album, then we've got a treat for you. Head to the blog to read this fantastic, thorough review and then start the countdown clock for midnight, when the much anticipated new album is released.

For some of us, it’s been awhile. For some, Yellowstone has left them wanting more. For some, this is the first introduction. No matter which group you identify with, a new chapter commences for everyone March 1st via Thirty Tigers/Geronimo West Records. After a decade of touring and paying dues w

26/02/2024

"The Ameripolitan weekender is a place to leave your boring job behind and get your h***y tonk on, to revel in some great roots music that’s just as vital as it ever was."

Amp contributor, John Schumacher, covered the Ameripolitan Awards Productions and shares the highlights from the Ameripolitan Awards and the rest of the week. If you weren't lucky enough to attend this year's event, our coverage is the next best thing. Head on over to the blog for a review, photos and a list of this year's winners.

The Ameripolitan Music Awards are handed out during a show on Sunday night, but the four-day festivities offer more than that. Many of the award nominees, past and present, perform at venues around Austin Thursday through Saturday.  For fans, this isn’t your typical music festival where yo