Blending influences of country twang, southern rock n' roll, and Americana folk, Russ Still & The Moonshiners creates a sound all their own.
On their latest album Bootleg (Batch 432), this six-piece rock outfit boasts energetic arrangements, with lyrically driven storylines.
Winner of "Country Band of the Year" in 2015, they are no stranger to hard work, and follow through. The band has six records released and counting, some of which are Russ's earlier projects and solo endeavors, now along with the new catchy name Russ Still & The Moonshiners. On the record, we are immediately indoctrinated into the country storytelling stylings of the group. Songs about rocky relationships, fun melodic twists on old sayings like "hear, speak, see no evil, monkey see, monkey do," and the excited frenzy of having a great idea that could make some real dough, like the perfectly placed moonshiners reference on the track "Money."
Throughout the album we can hear a diverse blend of instruments, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, piano, lap steel, and various folk instruments. All performed by seasoned musicians who know how to bring a song's potential to life, bringing dynamics and balance to each track. Vocally each song has its impressive elements. Russ Still's voice carries each tune like a songbird gliding high above on a sunny day, clear and full of warmth, bringing depth and emotion to the overall sound.
Overall this record speaks for itself, a great release from a hard working band. Make sure to catch them playing a show in their hometown of Atlanta, or follow them on social media, and take a listen to Bootleg (Batch 432) below.
Sam Rochford is a singer-songwriter and on-air correspondent for 650 AM WSM "Nashville Today". Originally from Connecticut, she was the host of "Markov Music" on Boston's popular internet radio station WEMF. Through years of sharing her music with loyal YouTube followers and growing Facebook fans, Sam has established herself as a consistent source of great independent music. Sam's music is influenced by modern Americana artists like the Mountain Goats, Amanda Shires, and classic performers like Patsy Cline, and Bob Dylan. She writes and performs regularly around Nashville and takes part in everything "music city" has to offer. Her latest single, “So Easy” is charting nationally on the independent country charts, and gaining traction with music lovers of all walks of life. Today we are listening to "So Easy"
Combining the clever, honey-smothered country twang of Kacey Musgraves, and the tried and true lyrical mastery of Patsy Cline, Sam Rochford is an honest talent to watch. "Well this might be a first, I laughed until my sides hurt, it's a workout but it's never been so easy". Acoustic guitar and vocals in the forefront, Sam sings about a love that needs no tailoring, one where each person accepts the other for exactly who they are. "From the outside looking in, you and i might not make sense, but in practice something's never been so easy". Slide guitar, and snare rolls ebbing and glowing in perfect time with the rises and falls of each hook. Sam's voice has a unique quality you can't quite put your finger on, smooth, with a tone so sweet and inviting, packing power behind each syllable. Overall this song is a beautiful ode to unconditional love, that's never been 'so easy' to add to our next indie spotify playlist.
You can watch the (ADORABLE) video for "So Easy" below:
Amilia K Spicer is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter influenced by soul, pop, and Americana music. She was first discovered at an LA club, which led to a rare main-stage debut at Kerrville Folk Festival, three performances at the Kennedy Center, and song placements on high profile TV productions like Party of Five, and Dawson's Creek. Her songwriting and vocal prowess has been compared to the great Lucinda Williams, and Emmylou Harris. Today we are listening to an original Christmas song from Amilia, titled "Love's For Living".
It's that time of year again where our hearts triple in size, and we are flooded with nostalgia, bulky cable knit sweaters, and endless piles of wrapping paper and cookie sheets. This year, why not curate yourself a new holiday playlist! We think the perfect place to start is with Amilia K Spicer's uplifting song "Love's For Living". We get all those warm and fuzzy feelings, along with a fun song production featuring a full band, and bright glockenspiel, and thoughtful layers of organ, guitar, and vocals weaving in and out in perfect harmony. "All's forgiven in the world tonight, love's for living now, wish right on that star up in the sky, love's for living now".
Amilia's voice is crystal clear in the focus, delivering sweet and effortless melodic hooks, catchy repetition of the songs title in the chorus. Underneath all the gloss of the songs recording, lies a an message of living and loving this life to the fullest. Something we could all work a littler harder towards every day. Make sure to watch Amilia K Spicer's Official video for "Love's For Living" below, and check out her other releases on her bandcamp and website!
Sarah Morris is a classically trained, and refreshingly authentic singer-songwriter from Minneapolis, MN. Her songwriting started to take shape at an early age, thumbing through her parent's diversified record collection, and eventually developing her own penchant for country music and lyric writing. Influenced by musicians like Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Brandi Carlile, and Kacey Musgraves, it's easy to see why people are highly anticipating the release of Sarah's latest record. Spending a few years living and performing in Nashville instilled strong structure and storytelling craftsmanship to Sarah's work. Now with the camaraderie of bandmates Thomas Nordlund, Zachary Shmidt, and Andrew Foreman, the group plans to use the momentum of "Hearts In Need Of Repair", to bring Sarah's music to new heights! The album features 11 new songs, recorded at RiverRock Studios in Minneapolis. Each said to "showcase Sarah’s signature vocals and conversational lyricism,
exploring vulnerability, heartbreak, and grown-up, imperfect love". On Sarah's latest single, "Falling Over", we couldn't agree more.
Right away our ears are pulled in with warm slide guitar, with an almost banjo-like quality. Percussion is grooving along, with a walking bass line out of a western movie. Acoustic guitar chords accompany the rhythm section, adding nice touches at the bridge, as we start to hear a higher pitched organ floating above everything, adding a layer of enchanting harmony. Sarah's voice is crystal clear, fully immersed in what she's singing.
"I can hear the waves crashing, I can hear the wind moan, I don't need to stand on the edge to know what's lying below"
Beautiful imagery, and wisdom dripping from every word. You don't need to stick your hand in the fire to know you'll get burned, and you don't need to take our word to know Sarah Morris's new single is an ode to Americana / folk that can stand tall, and proudly on it's own. "Hearts In Need Of Repair" will be available at iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon, and all those other online musical outlets on Friday, November 17th. We'll be counting down the days.
In the meantime, check out the album trailer below:
Dynamos is an American rock n' roll band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Their lead singer "Nadia E." lists a wide range of musical influences, including artists like Nirvana, Otis Redding, and Amy Winehouse. The other members of Dynamos are Nick Schaadt (Music Director, Bass), Jacob Mayeda (Lead Guitar), Ian Nakazawa (Drums), Carlos Barrera (Guitars), and also Elliott Lawrence (Creative Director - Producer, Guitars). Each playing an intricate part to the band's overall talent, and rapid rate of success in the LA music scene. Dynamos is a powerhouse, and melting pot of every style of American rock n' roll to date. Sultry, and confident, singer Nadia performs with enthusiasm and tons of energy on stage, while Nick, Jacob, Ian, and Carlos bring out the best in each performance with their powerhouse musicianship and animated playing styles. Today we're taking a listen to the latest single from Dynamos, "Shake, Rattle and Roll" .
Right away the groove sets in, with a hypnotizing bass line, and punchy electric guitar chords. Vocals begin with Nadia singing, "I start to shake when I think of you standing next to me, and I'm rattled I'm shaken up as I can be, I start to roll thoughts of you around in my head, you really rocked me out so hard I can't get out of bed, I start to shake, rattle and roll". She paints a picture of a reckless, exciting love, that is constantly on the forefront of her mind, but also leaves her only wanting more and more after each encounter. As the song continues, Nadia describes the connection really having a spark... "being next to you is like a major power surge". Drums really drive this song home, shifting in time between verse, chorus,and instrumental breakdowns; accentuating each part perfectly. The band kicks into high gear with lead guitars and bass going back and forth wailing on their instruments and really bringing this rockin' song to a close. Overall, this song shows a lot of dynamics, musicianship, and sheer high quality rock n' roll energy. We look forward to hearing what's next from LA rockers Dynamos, in the meantime make sure to check out their live video for "Shake, Rattle and Roll":
Man Called Noon is a indie rock/ pop band based out of Chicago, IL. The band's sophomore album "The Bad Guy" was produced by Steven Shirt & Matt Cerritos at SHIRK Studios in Chicago, IL . This time they are focused on diving into the pop scene, with catchy melodic hooks, while featuring danceable infectious energy. The band has toured, and started to create a big name for themselves in the Chicago music scene. Man Called Noon stands apart from the pack with their impressive songwriting sensibilities, and blending their rock, grunge, and pop influences into a diverse lively sound. Influenced by bands like the Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Bruce Springsteen, we look forward to hearing their next album.
Here are our thoughts on their newly released single "Everybody Move":
Right away you are drawn in by a catchy lead guitar line, and huge sounding production featuring piano, lead and rhythm guitar, bass, drums and multiple vocalists singing layered harmonies and shining light on different parts of the verse lyrics. Tight bass and drums drive the energy, while vocals sing in perfect unison to "Go, go, go", and "Everybody Move". It's hard not to imagine a big dance floor at a concert with people jumping up and down, singing along to this song at the top of their lungs, all the while dancing with wild abandon. Reminiscent of the band Walk the Moon, and their hit single "Shut Up and Dance with Me", the song pushes out positive vibes from start to finish. Man Called Noon flexes their songwriting skills with the band shifting on the fly, allowing a bright, soaring guitar solo that brings us into the last chorus, bursting with upbeat energy.Overall this is an incredible release from the Chicago pop rockers Man Called Noon. "Everybody Move" is radio ready, and will surely be stuck in our heads the rest of the week.
GREYE is a Progressive Americana band from Daytona Beach, FL. They are made up of four permanent members; Hannah Summer on vocals, Jett Wolfe on guitar and vocals, Josh Reid on the bass and vocals, Ray Grimard on drums and percussion. When touring schedules permit, Ken-e Williams joins the mix on Keyboard and vocals. GREYE has played many stages, large and small, including festival showcases, and songwriting competitions. A big band, with a big sound, we look forward to all that is to come for GREYE. Here's our review of their newest release "The Worrier"
TRACK BY TRACK
A Little Honesty – An upbeat start to a fantastic album. Bass, organ and electric
guitars build and leave space for vocals, and surf
like guitar sways in and out, harmonies help create a powerhouse chorus “What it
all comes down to, if you choke, if you’re broke, you come back swinging” Picture yourself strutting down the street like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever on a warm summer night, moving to the beat of this modern R&B rock fusion jam. A song about being completely honest,
boiling things down to nothing, and building everything back up from an unwavering foundation.
Tell A Little Lie – Acoustic guitar leads us into this next
track, the band adding layers of sound as vocals set in smooth and powerful, telling it like it
is, while also telling a little lie here and there. The rest of the band comes in to
sing the chorus “Tell a little lie”, as you’re sucked back
into the groove. The song continues to build and build, with a vibrant electric guitar solo, flowing synthesizers, all the while the chorus is coming back swinging, each time with a little more force.
The Worrier – “Give me a sign that will stop my heart from
aching over that man” a descending groove “they say all wounds heal with time,
but how does it heal when it’s not real” strong female vocals reminiscent of Carrie Underwood sing of a love gone awry. Dynamically shifting with percussive acoustic guitar, to electric
guitars and heavier drum beats, piano
and strings shine at the bridge laying a smooth foundation for the last chorus to
bring the lyrics of the song full circle. A woman angry that she ever wasted time and energy “worrying over
that man”. While also shedding a bit of honesty, maybe showing that despite everything the feelings are still there ...“I live and I die over that man”
Don’t Lose Your Cool – Deep snare hits, combined with funky lead and rhythm guitars weave in and out between the singers vocals. “The secret is out, do you still want me? I
want you” ... “I have been a sinner, I never claimed to be a saint” Seductive,
flirtatious lyrics, a conversation between two lovers, trying to play it cool,
but find assurance in their mutual love. The harmonies in the bridge, with hypnotic ascending bass riff that drive the whole band. “Don’t lose your
cool, the secret is out” One of the finest moments on “The Worrier”, seamlessly
transitioning back into the funky feel of the beginning, like a drop of dew rolling of
a leaf after fresh rain into the grass below.
She’s Crazy – “a scavenger for conflict” a man always looking for more, and a woman who is “swinging at the fence” saying she’s been knocking at his door since the day he
stopped calling. A lyrical story unfolds of past lovers, a man who made the
mistake of being with one woman before finding out she was crazy “she’s crazy
but I guess you never know”. The pitfalls of love tend to make the best
songwriting material. “There’s a sunset in the distance, and a curtain drawing
closed”.
Everything – pretty acoustic guitar and piano flow together
nicely to start this tune. We are introduced to a male singer, strong, with a
subtle rasp quality to his voice. Blending perfectly in harmony with the female vocals. A song about the "What if's?" in life. A
rockin’ duet, chilling with honesty. The male singer
reassuring and calm with “everything is going to fall into place”, the female singer asking, concerned “what
if we fall short”. Warm sustained bass notes round out the last verse, bringing this sweet-natured song to a close.
Solitary Man – things slow down, the mood darkens for a
moment, as to reflect the life of a lonely, solitary man. “I have seen him
wander, and I’ve peered into his soul, there is no life for the lonely man, and
that’s the way it goes” asking the question “is there room in there for me? Solidarity
haunts me”. A sad life is no life to share, but they say misery loves company... The bridge builds with some call and response vocals,
building synth strings, and tom rolls. A chorus of eerie vocals bring up the
intensity, creating an ominous beautiful harmony section.
Tip of the Iceberg - (personal favorite) soft acoustic
guitar intro, vocals really cut through the mix, soft and sweet, almost Celtic
woman-esque. “Are you sure we’re there
yet? I have doubts that this cruel world will bring us back alive, so let me go
before you say the words, you’d never know what one question could be worth, I
will be here for better or worse, the time before commitment is just the tip of
the iceberg”. The harmonies reach into
your chest in an attempt to pull back your rib cage and pull at your
heartstrings. A woman in love who is questioning making a big commitment, for
fear of losing everything they’ve worked so hard to build. Electric guitar and
strings float through the airwaves like clouds out of a typewriter airplane. “When
you jump you may not reach the other side”
Use Me (Bill Withers Cover) – Right Back into the groove, they
pay homage to the great Bill Withers, with a band so tight and funky, and a
rhythm section that can truly hold it down, this feels like it could’ve been
their song. Singer’s voice is soulful, sassy, and emotive. Harmonies are the
highlight of this cover, perfectly blended and strong, yet subtle. They slay
through the breakdowns, showing off their musical chops.
Dirty Work – aggressive beat, and dissonant chords with fast
paced lyrics, and warm distorted lead guitar. “This is Dirty work, not a cloud
in the sky” vocals switch around with harmonies, highlighting lyrics in the
verses and chorus. Sweet, powerful moving vocals.
Ooohs, and male / female vocals blended in dark perfection. Like dark chocolate
and sea salt.
I, I, I – fun dance beat, swinging cymbals, bass drops out
as vocals enter the mix. “I am the subject of every conversation, every word is
a freckle of blood boiling under my skin” “What are you going to do with your
life, that is what they ask as they’re twisting the knife, why don’t you let me
do what I like, I , I , I!” A song any artist or musician can relate to. I
think the commonality of choosing to chase a creative career versus say a steady career in sales, or medicine. People live vicariously, and
appreciate musicians for their adventurous spirit, but sometimes lack tact when
questioning the lifestyle that surrounds those kind of choices. Electric guitar lead is impressive and
descending, while still allowing the singer to be the powerhouse and dig into the "I, I, I's" A great progressive pop tune.
The Problem With Us – Another fun start, the band gravitating to surfy beach vibes. Synth and electric guitar shine throughout the breaks
of this song. “The problem with us is, I’m in love with that man, you waited
too long I’m afraid” Describing people who don’t pull the trigger, they take too long to
court, or don’t give you the attention you deserve til someone else starts
picking up the slack. Bass grooves underneath keeping everything flowing and
warm. Like falling asleep next to a campfire on a crisp autumn night.
Zombie (The Cranberries Cover) – The last track on "The Worrier" comes from another adaptation of a classic tune! The singer pulls inspiration for the lead singer of the Cranberries, harnessing her falsetto and vibrato, and they
reconstruct the rhythm of Zombie to create a slightly different feel. The subtle changes in the percussion and bass does just
enough to put their rendition apart from the original. This is a song, similar to Bill Wither's "Use
Me" that would do really well live for this band, and as a perk, is a great finale to an explosive, well
produced album by a seasoned band. “What’s In Your Head”, hopefully it's this album on repeat.
Artist: Russ Still & The Moonshiners
