News/Thoughts

Monthly Archives: June 2017

The Kruger Brothers American Folk

Brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger, originally from Switzerland, began singing and playing instruments at a very young age. “I always wanted to be a musician and a composer,” Jenz told me recently. “I had great encouragement when I was growing up. Although I never had formal training, I always had the opportunity to play with really good people.” German Folk ...

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AMA Selects 2017 Nominees

Album of the Year American Band Drive-By Truckers, Produced by David Barbe Close Ties Rodney Crowell, Produced by Kim Buie and Jordan Lehning Freedom Highway Rhiannon Giddens, Produced David Bither, Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell The Navigator Hurray for the Riff Raff, Produced by Paul Butler A Sailor’s Guide to Earth Sturgill Simpson, Produced by Sturgill Simpson Artist of the ...

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ISC Winners Announced

Canadians Matt Epp and Faouzia Ouihya are this year’s International Songwriting Contest grand prize winner(s). The winning duet, “The Sound” is the perfect synergy between the seasoned Canadian troubadour Matt Epp and the Morocco-born Manitoba-raised 16-year old phenom Faouzia. A great duet can be magical, and “The Sound” is just that. It showcases the talents of each songwriter and singer, ...

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Red Wing Turns 5

There’s a quaint, unassuming, little park and campground nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley (Mt. Solon, VA) surrounded by one of nature’s natural pheromones; Natural Chimneys. For three days in July, however, this tucked away space in Virginia comes alive with a gathering of some of the best Americana music in the country. Organizers of the fifth annual ...

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Americana On TV

“When you think of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your first thought is probably not of stringed musical instruments playing authentic and unique American roots music; however, this rural backdrop is the raw source of much of the sounds we hear today and consider our American musical legacy; including rock-and-roll and jazz,” writes Ross Moonie, spokesperson and head of media relations ...

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Its A Festy Thing

Being part of the writing effort for a magazine that focuses upon Americana music means we are blessed with the chance to attend some exceptional music festivals throughout the year. Even when the official editorial call to attend is not there, my wife and I often find ourselves heading off for a whole weekend here or a single day there ...

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Before The Song

These days I would describe myself as an amateur farm/country girl because I have moved to the country. Oh yes, it is definitely different out here, gentle and charming if you are not focused on all of the new breed of bugs and wildlife I can hear in the distance that I must use my imagination to get a glimpse ...

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Old Soul Going On 60

At 30 years old, some say Stefan Szabo is an old soul going on 60. He is the singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist for his band, National Park Radio. Their’s is a fresh but familiar sound reminiscent of Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, National Park Radio delivers a unique blend of folk, country, bluegrass, and rock. Their music embodies ...

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Matthew Fox

Minneapolis, MN is home for Americana singer/songwriter Matthew Fox for about the last 17 years. Originally from Georgia, Matt grew up in Texas where he discovered his musical chops. Matt says his parents were huge music fans. “Mom was always singing around the house, and dad was like the quintessential listener. He’s the reason people like me have jobs,” he ...

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Curio Pluska

Chris Pluska and his band Curio have been playing to crowds at juke joints, dives and clubs in and around Chicago, IL since 2009. Their music has been dubbed “hell-raisin’, soul-shakin’ rock n’ roll,” It is steeped in southern gothic lore by way of the Midwest. “I feel like it’s very swampy,” Chris told me. You can hear the growl ...

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