Smokin’ with Kacey
Major GIRL CRUSH ALERT!
Watch via the brand new www.KaceyMusgraves.com — it’ll be here once released to Vevo on Monday.Charlie Daniels speaks the truth at George Jones’ memorial in Nashville. There’ll never be another like him. [hat-tip Adam Drake for the audio]
Fullbright EN FUEGO
I love the music, I really do. Hopefully my borderline-mad tweets raving about this man have convinced you of that, but you wouldn’t know it if you had seen the look on my face when I first saw video of John Fullbright performing the music I had already become completed enraptured with..
Every interview I’ve read over the past year gave me more depth into the mind behind the music, leading me to easily conclude that he is one of the most brilliant of our generation. From The Ground Up topped my favorite albums of 2012 for this reason alone. In addition to soaring onto everyone’s radars as one of the Americana music scene’s (and beyond. Can any one genre really ‘claim’ an artist like this? No.) hottest new talents, John was already emitting a powerful sex appeal simply with the nature of his raw lyrics, seemingly understated personality, breadth of knowledge, super-human musical skill, edgy performance style, and apparent unawareness of his draw (translation: chicks dig guys that are confident but oblivious to how hot they are), but this new video for “Gawd Above,” and its’ blatant sexual overtones?
This is on another level.
Filmed in black & white and red hot, it brings together fantasy, religion, and passion in the most divine way possible. If I know a shred of anything about the music business, I know that there were many a discussion about the way to film this video. To the Idea (Wo)man responsible: well done. Sex sells.
John Fullbright, live at First Avenue Minneapolis — Friday, May 31st 2013
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Rest in peace, George Jones. There’ll never be anyone that can fill those shoes.
Holly's Highway
Of all of the solo female country artists with new releases this year, it was unexpected that I would find Holly Williams’ The Highway as my favorite. I anticipated Ashley Monroe and Kacey Musgraves new releases the most, and while I’ve enjoyed them, something about Holly’s record resonates with me in a much different way. The first song I heard that stopped me dead in my tracks, literally, was “Drinkin.”
Just heard this song for the first time on the radio and it stopped me dead in my tracks. Holly Williams - “Drinkin” youtu.be/q3rK0Qki-nw
— Independent Sky (@IndySkyMusic)
Just listen, and you’ll understand. It is a profoundly moving performance. Since then, I’ve come to learn much more about her story and have gotten lost in her new record. Beginning to end, from the road to the depths of personal despair, it’s remarkably real. Her voice is striking, so believable, so effortless and easy to listen to. Favorite tracks: “Drinkin,” “Without You,” “Let You Go,” “Railroad,” “Til It Runs Dry” — okay, basically all of them. This music has that very special kind of sound that you can listen to in any mood. It’s a band-aid for the soul.
It’s only April but I already foresee this will not only remain one of my favorite albums of the year, but far beyond. It has a timeless quality that will age beautifully. Holly Williams has music in her blood, and god bless her for sharing that gift with the world.
I can’t help but think the world would be a much better place if girls looked up to real women instead of reality celebrities and lived their lives by the anthems sung by women like Holly Williams, The Trishas, Courtney Patton, Elizabeth Cook, Kylie Rae Harris, Sunny Sweeney, Brandi Carlile, Gillian Welch, Ashley Monroe, Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Check out a brand new Chris Young song, “Aw Naw,” from his forthcoming fourth record. This song will be released as a single to country radio in the next few weeks. What do you think?
Has anyone heard Chris Young’s new song “Aw Naw,” and is it as stupid as it sounds? #hopenot
— Independent Sky (@IndySkyMusic)
When I first heard the name of the song, I was immediately put off. Going into my first listen of the song today, I had very low expectations; assuming it would be cliche blather to appease radio programmers. Surprisingly, I actually really enjoy it, and not just because I think he’s one of Nashville’s best vocalists. Yes, I count him in ‘our’ corner as one of few traditionalist-leaning artists in the mainstream scene, but his extraordinary talent lends himself to many different styles. I look forward to hearing more from his next project, especially if it is in the vein of this (“Text Me Texas”). Lovely.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Happy Record Store Day! Today’s thrift finds at Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Extra Corb!
The fine folks at Extra either have a brain or a padded wallet, and did a little (30 second) feature on our guy Corb Lund! Yes, I freaked out and video-d my TV. Not sure what I love more — his beaver hockey jersey, his random playing in the middle of the street in New York City or this girl’s face who has absolutely no idea what he’s saying. What I dislike: having to describe his music as “old fashioned” so the general public understands that he does not mean ‘country’ that sounds like this. His music is clever, intelligent, poetic, honest, meaningful and hand-crafted, but modern. I hate that it has to be this way, Corb. I’m working on it.
In other Corb news, he spent the weekend opening the Locked and Re-loaded tour with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert in Missouri and Oklahoma. Other than touring Texas and gigging with Hayes Carll, I couldn’t pick a better bunch of artists for him to saddle up with. A good bit of exposure came about, I’m sure. I’m very interested to see what those fans’ reactions were like. Here they are playing “Whiskey” at Friday’s show.
Speaking of tour dates, CorbLund.com/tour states that he will be at WEFest on August 1st! Shocked, we are. Although most of my friends have sworn off WEFest and it’s associated over-priced, over-hyped, over-sold under-age debauchery (I’m still taking rounds of shots from my last visit there to see Miranda Lambert and the Pistol Annies two summers ago), it would kill me to miss a Minnesota gig.
For the poor people that don’t yet know Corb, here’s the video teased in the Extra clip, “September.” A song that will enrapture your every fiber.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Wade Bowen — The Woodshed 4.5.13
This is Wade Bowen, tearin’ up The Woodshed in Leon, Iowa with a favorite from his latest record, The Given. As one of country music’s best vocalists and songwriters, backed by an incredible band, it was an excellent show! It was cool to see one of Texas’ best live acts at this venue. The last time I saw Wade Bowen he was closing down MusicFest at Steamboat, so this was a contrast by every definition. The Woodshed is about 5 hours south of the Twin Cities in a tiny (like, no Super America, tiny) town and has been a road trip destination for many Midwest music fans that want to see some great music. This has been my third visit, the previous shows being Turnpike Troubadours last Halloween and last May for Jason Boland and the Stragglers. Straight shot down 35 (two left turns, literally), cheap beer, great live music, up-close and personal show, friendly local lodging.. you can’t really go wrong.
Worth the road trip? Absolutely. Every mile.
Bethany Dorobiala
Indepedent Sky
Go home EYB, you’re drunk
Ew.
This is terrible.
Normally I reserve my criticism for bands I just don’t like, no matter what, and give a pass to bands I like when I hear something I dislike. Not to mention, when they’re some of the nicest people in music. Not here. I can’t withhold how I feel about this new song from Eli Young Band.
This new, unrecorded song “Drunk Last Night” surfaced on YouTube from a recent live performance on the Kenny Chesney tour. This Puddle of Mudd-esque, overworked rock sound is something I absolutely cannot and will not support. We want new, fresh, unique. This is tired, recycled, boring, and not all all captivating. Let me take a wild guess: Will Hoge didn’t write this one? If this is the direction they’re moving sonically, count me out.
It’s really disheartening to watch the changes unfold as a band rises in popularity. I consider Eli Young Band one of the first bands to introduce me to the ways of the Texas scene, prior to their huge mainstream breakout with “Crazy Girl,” and they are always a band I root for, considering the alternatives in mainstream music are far, far worse. They’ve always leaned on the rock side of ‘country’ and, as any Texas music fan will tell you, they’ve become sort of outcasts since they’ve “gone Nashville.” Considering their oldest fans would never support music that sounds like this, why would the national ‘country’ scene? Maybe they ought to head back to Texas and rediscover their roots.
Maybe it’s me. It comes down to personal preference, after all. Maybe I’ve just grown out of this kind of music, which I can admit, I absolutely have. What once was the best of what I knew has been topped ever since I tapped into a whole new vibrant, richly talented musical world, and that’s an amazing thing. It’s just difficult to grow apart from a band you used to love.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Blowin’ Smoke on Ellen
Country music’s most buzzed about new artist Kacey Musgraves performed her latest single “Blowin’ Smoke” on today’s Ellen show.
This song is one of my favorites from her recently released Same Trailer, Different Park record, and was one of my picks for a single. Her pretty voice and nonchalant attitude is unique, and this is just a fun song to sing along to. She’s a great storyteller, and I love listening to her music for that reason!
This is the first time I’ve seen her perform this song and check out her touring band, and I’m impressed. They have a great sound, and must be a fantastic opener on Kenny Chesney’s current ‘No Shoes Nation’ tour, which will be coming to Target Field in Minneapolis on July 12th.
Get it, girl!
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
#ACMs 2013, Like Jesus Does
Although I primarily watched last night’s ACM Awards broadcast to mock the stereotypes and remind myself of just how far mainstream country music has fallen, there were portions of the show I absolutely loved. One of my favorite live performances of the show was one that re-ignited an old burnt-out flame. Many that only know Eric Church due to his recent rise in popularity may find this hard to believe, but he’s not always been the self-ordained patron saint of “outlaws” like he’s become now. Fans have embraced that image, and he’s just been riding the wave. His beautiful acoustic performance of “Like Jesus Does” brought back to mind the humble songwriter from Carolina whose music I first loved what feels like many years ago. This current radio single of his could not be hitting the airwaves at a better time, as it stands drastically apart from the other rancid rock/pop/rap releases that are a dime-a-dozen at the moment. Blake Shelton red-red-red-neck…, anyone? Pass. I didn’t have anything to be embarrassed about with this performance.. and that was a great feeling to have.
Eric Church is talented, real, and fine as hell. No lie. A little off track, but honest. I believe that. #ACMs
— Independent Sky (@IndySkyMusic) April 8, 2013
Staged in black and white with gorgeous harmony vocals by well-known roots music singer/songwriter Valerie June, this performance was a beautiful moment in the show. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Eric Church later went on to accept the ACM Album of the Year for Chief.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Uncle Lucius, “Keep The Wolves Away”
Proud. That’s how I feel after watching the video for Uncle Lucius’ “Keep The Wolves Away.” No band sets the soundtrack to real life quite like Lucius.
This song has been with me since I first heard it via Texas2Minnesota’s Kitchen Table Sessions a while ago, and it’s about to impact many, many more people’s lives thanks to the power of song and their partnership with the Texan Food Bank Network.
Thank god for good music and good people.
Bethany Dorobiala
Independent Sky
Hayes Carll — The Cedar Cultural Center 3.30.13
Little Big Town, Tornado Tour with David Nail, live at the Mayo Civic Center auditorium in Rochester Minnesota 3.22.13 — without a doubt, one of the best live shows in country music. The talent of these individuals knows no limits, and each show tops the last. Although LBT’s two most recent albums are not my favorite of their discography, their set spanned their entire career catalog and included a great mix of covers. I was particularly happy they played two other personal favorites, Fleetwood Mac (honestly, I lost my damn mind when they broke into “The Chain”) and John Mayer. Their time spent on the road for the past decade paying their dues is completely worthwhile, as they have a phenomenal live show to show for it. The Tornado Tour is a must see. This is tour production done right.
