[ Album Review ] Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders release "Greenbah"

Artist: Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders
Album: "Greenbah"
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Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders are a alternative country band based out of Australia. Today we are listening to their latest release, Greenbah. Billy Roberts is a wonderfully unique vocalist. His tone is a mixture of Tom Waits, and Bruce Springsteen, raspy with raw emotion pouring out of every note. On the album, Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders delivers a sweet sounding full band collection of songs. Featuring drums, bass, guitars and vocals, and occasionally piano and violin, each song packs a punch. Always with a smooth rise and fall in dynamics. While the songs are straightforward in nature, they are also refreshingly free-form, lyrics ramble and snap back to form with ease.

Some stand out tracks from the album include the intro track "Old Friend", which features lyrics about the album's title, Greenbah. A smooth ride from start to finish, the band whisks us away, like meeting up on a sunny Sunday afternoon with an 'old friend'. On the reflective track "Sinner"  Billy sings, "I can't throw the stone at the sinner, cuz I've done the crime time, and time again". They say not to throw stones when you live in glass houses. They also say 'perspective is everything', to one person is a sinner, and to another, they might look like a saint. It's your world view and experiences that can form your opinions on everyday life. On the track, "Little Johnny", the band showcases beautiful violin playing. Last but not least... have you ever met someone you feel like you've known your whole life?  On the last track "Ed's Song" Billy sings about just that, and how the love of playing and listening to music keeps relationships going.

Overall this is a wonderful collection of well crafted songs, and a release that will surely put Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders on the country charts. Don't just take our word for it, check out Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders album "Greenbah" on Spotify!

[ New Music ] Nashville singer songwriter Sam Rochford releases new single + video "So Easy"

Artist: Sam Rochford

Song: "So Easy"
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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:

[ New Music ] Sarah Morris's new single "Falling Over" is the perfect blend of sweet and haunting

Artist: Sarah Morris
Track: "Falling Over"
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          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 17^th. We'll be counting down the days.

In the meantime, check out the album trailer below:

[ New Single ] Listen to "Nashville", the latest release from Michael Askin

Artist: Michael Askin
Single: "Nashville"
Album: Road by the River
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          "Nashville" is the latest single from singer songwriter Michael Askin from his 2017 release: Road by the River. Hailing from New Brunswick NJ, Michael has played in several local bands (My State of Attraction, Divine Sign), and taken influence from rock heavyweights like Keith Richards, and Neil Young. Michael also has the ability to seamlessly take his songs into the alt-country / folk genres as well.
 From Michael's bio:
"Like everyone else, Michael Askin has pondered his place in the world, fallen in and out of love, and searched for happiness. However, Michael has the unique ability to weave all of those sentiments into undeniably catchy pop songs. Once the “guitarist with mystique” in such Jersey rock bands as Divine Sign and My State of Attraction, this alt-country everyman is now prepared to offer up his own powerful voice and music to anyone prepared to listen." 


          Michael Askin is one of those songwriters you turn to at any point in your life. His songs touch you on a deeply personal level, while still leaving enough room for the listener to relate the lyrics to their own lives. A skill many songwriters wish to have, but few attain. His music is reminiscent of singer songwriter Jason Isbell, who is a good example of a songwriter who can float between Americana, folk. country, and rock styles.

Let's take a look at Michael Askin's song "Nashville":
          Crisp acoustic guitar starts off the song, followed by crystal clear vocals that come in right away singing, "I was in Nashville, I came for the music, this town's got a good thing going, they know how to abuse it". The song starts to build with slide guitar, then the drums and percussion kick in, bringing us into the second verse. Michael paints the listener a picture of a traveler who has landed themselves in Nashville TN, taking a look at things from the outside.
          "I'm on the outside looking in, you're on the inside saddled with doubt".  Harmonies and ring out, creating a rich layer of sound for the last chorus. Bass and drums build and break down slowly to the end. This song has a beautiful flow, and feel. Perfect for a long midnight drive, or an early morning chill out. Smooth, strong and sweet, just like a good cup of coffee on a sleepy Sunday morning.

Take a listen to "Nashville", and check out his upcoming show schedule on Reverbnation.