The Williams Brothers Band-Queen of the Honky Tonk
The Williams Brothers Band really needs no introduction. They’ve been spreading blues, rock and country joy ever since, and even before they formed. Positioning themselves as a stellar live band, their music is full of soul, emotion and references. This is their 2018 single, Queen of the Honky Tonk. Slide guitar, drawling vocals and a warm, familiar saloon setting are the atmosphere of this song. Not only does the track set itself to a comfortable tempo, it has some great slide guitar work to focus on while listening. The audio is especially great with this kind of visual, a dusty pub where eyes fall on a beautiful damsel. The tones of each of the guitars is easily heard and understood, mastered with purpose. It brings a smooth setting of country vibes, while the blues attack is felt as well. After the George Jones reference, we go into a cool solo that kicks the spice up in this track by more than a notch. Spotlight shining, the song has dynamic edges that aren’t familiar with every band. These extremes come from experience-and the brawl in the pub withstanding. You could picture this in Crazy Heart, Urban Cowboy or any scene with a true, American country pub featured in it. Not only is the narrative interesting to hear, it is essential to hear the attention to detail and sound with this kind of music. The Williams Brothers Band has kept up since then, releasing Outlaw Country and Keep Us Fed. We’re sure they’ll be back for more bluesy, country goodness, so make sure you subscribe!
The Reveal-Shadows Dancin
Consider yourself at a drama of life. When you part the curtains, it is an amalgam of the unique and brave. That is what The Reveal sound like. The name, fortunately, is apt as well. From a Southern blues tinge enveloping a funk dipped in country, this invented treasure can’t be replicated, and shouldn’t be. Talk about a fingerprint that changes the constitution. This is their latest single, Shadows Dancin. The country essence is brought to notice with the opening. Kudos to the sound design for making it sound like such an immersive experience. If the band has given it their all, the sound engineers have doubled down to make it sound straight from the golden vaults of dust and grime. The bluegrass touch is the verse section, where you bop your head along to the rhythm. If you were waiting for something to swing to, it comes almost immediately, with some really fun melodic curves. This is the kind of song that can define a scene, not the other way. The kind of stuff that inspires Tarantino to write a scene that is incomplete without this song. There is a joy in knowing the pattern of bluegrass songs, but not knowing the direction The Reveal will take. The rap verses somehow have the gumption to feel like an extension of the song, creating a fusion I wouldn’t have even dreamed of. I instantly imagined moments from The Harder They Fall, with the kind of execution this band has put through. You can never even ballpark the kind of song that is going to be the result of their rabid experimentation. This is one place going rogue is fun. Listen to their other popular tracks like She’s Bad and their latest EP Down South for some unpredictable magic. Like all magic should be.
Norm Brunet- So Long
Norm Brunet captures the feeling of loneliness in his heartfelt-nostalgic Ballad So Long. He so masterfully sings about getting through troubled waters to find what you’ve been looking for is on the other side of the struggle. The Country Rock single give you a neatly packed story with an arch in this number. The guitar kicks open the door into the world that is this song. Is there such a thing as an upbeat melancholy? If so, So Long does it with a jig that paints a vivid picture for his listeners. The lyrics are simple yet so meticulous in the description department that it just surrounds you with the imagery. This paired with the guitar twang that he bends to perfection and the drum work, makes you feel as though you are experiencing the song in 3D. Norm finishes the song by bringing it full circle and giving us a happy ending. “It’s clear sailing from here on in. I feel so strong” leaving us at a different place from where we started. A Film that takes you on a wild journey is 13 Going On 30. The cult classic gave women across the board a reason to come together and celebrate. It was stuck between genre sections, asking if it's a film for the young ones or the older generation? Considering, it gave us the gift of Mark Ruffalo and pushed him into the mainstream, I'd say it's a win-win either way. So Long could be a wonderful song as Jenna Rink realises that she needs to believe in herself more than going behind the popular girls! The top notch production and the crisp mix of the instrumentals feels as clean as nectar to the ears. Norm Brunet does a stellar job at showcasing his gift of music and storytelling abilities to the world.
Kurt Gott - Christine
Christine by Kurt Gott ft Cary Scope is a powerful and emotive new single. It tells the story of love and loss. The lyrical ballad is one of Kurt’s many such soulful pieces that invokes a bluesy Bryan Adams feel. His powerful voice is sure to have you clutching onto your heart in awe at the raw emotional capacity of the song. The track begins with a percussion and keys section that sets the smokey stage for Kurt’s voice. It is gentle and soft which adds so much depth to the loss of Christine. She was a keyboardist from Fleetwood Mac, Who recently passed away. The instrumental section fuels it with power adding to the lyrics and voice combo. Kurt’s voice and musical sensibilites are beyond exceptional. You can feel the lights get dimmer in the bar as a spot comes on to have Kurt give us the gut-wrenching performance just before calling it a night. The vocal harmonies are particularly striking, creating a sense of melancholy and no return from the loss of Christine A film that masterfully portrays the pain of love is Blue Valentine. Derek Cianfrance showcases his documentary prowess in this film. The documentary aspect adds an unshakable sense of reality to the story. To watch someone slowly fall out of love chips away at your heart a little bit. Christine would be the perfect addition to the film's playlist as both have similar aesthetics to them. Kurt Gott has crafted a beautiful score, putting on display his prowess as an emotive vocal performer and songwriter. A must-listen for anyone who has undergone loss and is looking for solace in music.
Joshua Ketchmark- Ashes
Joshua Ketchmark released Blood around last year and Ashes is a remarkable member of the album. He clearly knows how to make you feel every word with every bend of his tune. Can you imagine that there are 12 such songs which hold equal power over its listeners? This particular poetic country ballad requires a little more attention though. Each song in the album has its reason to stand out but this particular one has you enticed with the first guitar strum. His voice and his flaming words has a way of slithering into your heart and tapping on its door hoping for you to relate. Ketchmark produced this album by himself and it must be noted that he is well accomplished in this as well. The melancholic tune transports you into a Texan Bar filling your empty heart with some good beer. All this reference to resilience and rising from ashes has you thinking of One Tree Hill, an HBO series that ran for 9 seasons. Much like the show, the song too experiences some ups and downs that have you hooked. I remember searching for a few of the songs they had on the series, clearly it was popping. The rustic elements in the song carries the raw emotions of the song, it is neatly packed by Joshua Ketchmark and delivered to us due to his smooth production. The song is everything, with its soaring chorus and searing bridge. The single is a testament to getting up after you fall in every relationship. Catch Ketchmark heal a whole lot of people as he stitches one note to another on the links attached below.
Kwun - Ancient Ageless & True
The latest release by UK-based singer-songwriter Kwun, "Ancient Ageless & True," is a beautiful love song that showcases his diverse musical influences and production skills. In a critical and rapidly changing time of humanity, the self-taught multi-instrumentalist's music is about connection, both to the greatest version of ourselves and to each other. The chorus is incredibly heartwarming, with the lyrics "Let me stand by you if you take a big leap or small...I'll be standing there beside you through it all. Let me stand by you my lover, I'll keep you warm, Let me be your shelter from the storm." These lyrics encapsulate the essence of love and the willingness to stand by your partner through thick and thin. Country music influences are evident throughout the track, with the slide guitar layer adding a charming quality to the song. The instrumentation is beautifully mixed, allowing each element to shine through, creating a warm and inviting sound. The use of 432 Hz tuning adds an additional layer of depth to the track, enhancing the overall listening experience. Kwun's vocal performance is smooth and heartfelt, delivering the lyrics with passion and sincerity. The production is top-notch, with each instrument and sound carefully placed and balanced, creating a sonic landscape that draws the listener in. The song's structure and arrangement are well thought out, with each section of the song flowing seamlessly into the next. The song would fit well into the soundtracks of two classic movies, "The Notebook" and "Brokeback Mountain." Both films dealt with themes of love, commitment, and loyalty, which are also the central themes of "Ancient Ageless & True." The song's emotional resonance would have perfectly complemented the poignant and tender moments in both of these films. In conclusion, "Ancient Ageless & True" is a beautiful love song that showcases Kwun's diverse musical influences and production skills while keeping his artistic vision at the forefront of his musical narratives.
LittleFox - Magpie Heart
The new single by LittleFox, "Magpie Heart," is a beautiful ode to love that showcases Alison Jenkins' talent for crafting honest and heartfelt folk music. The song starts off with a gentle mandolin melody that sets the tone for the rest of the track. From there, Jenkins' delicate vocals come in, delivering the first line of the chorus: "Let's get lost, lost in the little things." The mix of the song is very indie, with a focus on acoustic instruments and minimal production. This suits the simplistic songwriting style perfectly, allowing the listener to really focus on the lyrics and the melody. The Banjo takes centre stage in the composition, weaving in and out of the vocals and providing a warm, earthy feel to the track. Magpie Heart is a love song that is reminiscent of music that touches your soul. The singer-songwriter's approach to songwriting is heartfelt and intimate with a touch of personality. The gorgeous vocal harmonies and lush instrumentation create a soundscape that transports the listener to a state of calmness and serenity. The song takes inspiration from a variety of folk artists and country music and this is evident in the narrative and artistic vision that LittleFox has created. LittleFox pays an ode to the little things One thing that stands out about "Magpie Heart" is its cinematic quality. The song would fit perfectly into a quirky movie like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," with its focus on the small moments that make up a relationship. It could also work well in a coming-of-age film like "Moonlight," where the themes of love and self-discovery are front and centre. Overall, LittleFox's "Magpie Heart" is a gorgeous track that showcases Alison Jenkins' talent for crafting intimate and honest folk music. The mandolin-driven melody and Jenkins' delicate vocals create a sense of warmth and comfort that makes this song perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons or late-night drives. If "Magpie Heart" is any indication of what's to expect from LittleFox's upcoming works, then fans of indie folk music have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. This artist is definitely one to look out for in the Vancouver indie music scene.
Emily Kidd-Prisoner
Emily Kidd looks at country like the story form it should be viewed as. Her simple lyrics and soulful imagery makes each song a wholesome experience. With two singles having beautiful, touching narratives-she brings something classy to the table every time. This is her latest single, Prisoner. Just the quality of tone can be talked about for pages together. From the simple strumming chords to the slide guitar and balance of the drums-everything is just right. It is as satisfying as watching a aesthetic recipe come to fruition. Her vocals glamourise the lyrics, as any good country vocalist should. In the flourishes used and the messages written, she expresses her thoughts and matters of the heart with great detail. If there is a feeling of being a prisoner in someone’s heart, it is entrancing. Sometimes, you don’t even know it before its too late. The chords express the duality with crystal perfection. Emily Kidd uses ideas that are relatable to a country fan who is young. Irrelevant imagery is discarded, honest feelings are contained. It is the making of a track that will be known as one of her best. The execution, lyrics and performance overall were as brilliant as any live show. This song would be a perfect theme in the movie, Forever My Girl (2018). The feelings of love, the vibrant imagery and classy storytelling are things Emily Kidd has depicted in her song as well. You can listen to her other two singles Cry Wolf and Everybody Fooled But Me on her Spotify, and be sure to follow her for more country treasure!
Gunslingers- Green Acres Motel
Gunslingers has released her much-anticipated EP Green Acres Motel. Imagine Hotel California but country with a thriving guitar base. She plays with music as though it were a kite flying high and it swishes gracefully up in the sky. Gunslingers showcases her talent for creating a warm and inviting country-infused folk music that immerses the listeners. She plays with soft country sounds that have you riding the waves of tranquillity while also creating a contemplative atmosphere. The six-track EP takes us on a journey through various themes, including nostalgia, heartbreak and the fragility of life. Her sweet and tender voice is layered over atmospheric and sparse production. It creates a captivating sound that demands the listener’s attention. How To Sleep by Gunslingers Green Acres Motel is a testament to Gunslingers’ ability to channel her personal experiences into her music. Her unique sound is a blend of folk and Americana, with a touch of experimental elements that set her apart from her contemporaries. The album starts off with How To Sleep a song that deals with dark themes. It oozes distress but Gunslingers does a great job of not pushing that distress onto her listeners through her writing and music. She creates a safe distance between aspects that would inflict distress upon her listeners. Gloryland In Step Up, the track conjures up memories of a special someone, and it finally finishes off with Gloryland, an experimental track that features the sounds of traffic, buses, horns etc. We see this hinted at in her album where she will keep certain throat clearing and inhaling before a stanza. Her attention to detail is evident in every track, from the melancholic and nostalgic melodies of Winking to the heartache of Old Friend. Green Acres Motel is a great example of expert storytelling, there is a meticulous placement of songs in a certain order because it’s supposed to take you on a certain kind of journey. The songs are very reminiscent of the story arch in Eat, Pray, Love. Elizabeth Gilbert (Julia Roberts) encounters many kinds of love and lovers much like in the album. Every song can fit into the film and it would only enhance the experience. The EP is a testament to Gunslingers’ Talent. She enamours her listeners with every strum of the strings. The album is layered abundantly with a wide variety of textures of sound. While it doesn’t adhere to the stereotypical standards of a “clean production” it most definitely doesn’t fall short of craft and deliberate world-building. These are things that can only be done by a true artist. I can’t wait to see what Gunslingers will create next. You can follow her too on the links attached below.
Derek Lee Goodreid- Lost & Alone Again
You can feel the clouds of despair along with the winds of heartache gather ominously as you listen to Lost & Alone Again by Derek Lee Goodreid. He has you in the palm of his hands with nothing but his voice and a guitar. His songs generally fall under either blues or rock, genre wise. This one though, can literally be set apart as it has a sombre country touch to it. The song opens with just a guitar and Derek says “Take me to the well” and you already know you forgot your tissues. Goodreid’s vulnerable delivery draws the listeners only to have us marvelling at his velvety bass voice. The fact that there’s just a guitar and Derek’s voice builds an intimate atmosphere and reduces the distance between him and us. You can hear him spill himself with an incredibly painful sense of honesty onto the page. He also says “Take me down to the river and deliver me from my many sins.” this adds an almost gothic church-like touch to the number. He also says “Take me down to the river so I can wash these blood-soaked hands.”. It immediately reminds you of the infamous blood scene with Leonardo De Caprio in Django Unchained. The Bluesy Country touch within the song would make it a great addition to Django Unchained's playlist. It also has a Tarantinoesque imagery. Speaking of, Lost & Alone Again has such vivid descriptions of pain, loss and missing. The number is a stunning piece of music crafted by Derek Lee Goodreid. It has a way of seeping between the cracks of the walls around your heart and breaking it down. You must give a listen to this masterpiece and more of his work in the links attached below.
DSP Band-The Funny Part
The DSP Band is some of the most refreshing Americana and country music you’ll hear in an indie playlist. From experienced musicians, you should expect nothing less than magic. These guitar wielding word sorcerers show that and more with their songs. There is a good chance you would have heard one of their singles in a country playlist. This is their latest single, The Funny Part. With just their work with tone and approach, you can feel the virtuosic quality these gentlemen bring to music. It is exciting, joyful and how Americana is meant to be written. The DSP band make it seem like they’re playing live, the flourishes embossed on top of the perfect chord progression. The rhythm itself is something you’ll be familiar with, so you can tap your feet to the beat. As you hold your chilled beer and nod to the song, you’ll find yourself singing the vocals the second time around. They harmonize like they’re siblings. The band comes together for poetry, storytelling and songwriting. The one take, raw recording of songs shows an art long gone, only held by musicians who have an innate rhythm. It’s another hit by the DSP band, and you’re going to be looping this for your playlists. You might have heard them with their popular single, That’s How the Money Gets Around. This song would sound great in the 1998 movie, Hope Floats. They are always exploring new grooves and telling new stories with their music. Follow them for more fun country and open yourself a can on us!
Julielle- Whiskey Wings
Julielle has created the summer/ winter/ fall anthem- Whiskey Wings, because is there really a bad season to drink whiskey in? She gives us the perfect concoction of rock, country and pop. The song puts a spring in your step with every beat and its catchy melody. Whiskey wings can be the slogan for any fun night out that leaves you with an embarrassing story or two. Whiskey Wings brings a new definition to country rock. The song starts off with a strong guitar strum setting the perfect stage for Julielle. Juliellle then makes her grand entrance, she comes in packing a punch. The Guitar and the drums really create the perfect atmosphere for Julielle to effortlessly deliver her powerful vocals. The electric guitar plays for two teams here- it adds both a country and a rock-n-roll texture to the song. Each and every element smoothly and gracefully play a melodic tango and give this neatly produced song that has a way of getting stuck in your ear and no one can be mad about it. This Is The End is a film that is filled with iconic moments written by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg. It also has a celebrity who lied to their manager to be in the cast of the film. This was because their managers knew the nature of a Seth Rogan film. Whiskey Wings would be the perfect song to play as the background score for when the earth starts collapsing after the party. Whiskey Wings is a fun Rock- Country single with some serious vocal prowess. If you haven’t heard the song yet, what are you doing? Go on hit the play button and follow Julielle on her socials, she’s clearly a wordsmith who deserves more attention to her brilliant work.