With a sound anchored in ’90s alt-rock, Smut’s newest album, Tomorrow Never Comes, aims to be your favorite album of 2025. Working with producer Aron Koybayashi Ritch, the Chicago-by-way-of-Cincinnati band was able to polish their sound while recalling their early punk rock roots. Both figuratively and literally, Smut has discovered their voice and should wind up on many end-of-year lists.

Daisy the Great sharpen their sound and expand their vision on their third full-length, The Rubber Teeth Talk. With soaring harmonies and sharp songwriting, Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker reflect on the band’s evolution and the sparks that ignite their lyrics.

The world needed a new Fishbone album, and the influential ska/punk/funk band has delivered with Stockholm Syndrome, the first full length since 2006. As always, Angelo Moore’s lyrics are as honest and – at times – brutal as one might expect, Moore’s never been known to hold back or sugarcoat the world he lives in. Taking aim at the Joker-in-Chief and the current state of the country, Stockholm Syndrome is both a welcome return and a reflection of matters that hit close to home.

Carriers’ Curt Kiser reflects on a decades-long music career shaped by chance encounters, creative persistence, and the realities of service-industry day jobs. He talks about landing a deal with Brassland Records, how his lo-fi demos became a debut album, and the balancing act of chasing artistic fulfillment while paying the bills.

Elijah Johnston’s journey from DIY Bandcamp releases to a debut with Strolling Bones culminates in Stupid Soul, an album he describes as “record store music,” a blend of Americana and power pop designed for your turntable. Johnston shares how he got a record deal, the art of album sequencing, and the importance of allowing for experimentation and improvisation in the studio.

On their third album in five years, Activity’s blend of experimental and electronic textures explores the depths of alienation and despair, yet manages to uncover unexpected flashes of hope. Travis Johnson discusses the tragedy that hangs over the album, balancing the band amongst other interests, and his interest in political conversations.

Andy Platts and Shawn Lee of Young Gun Silver Fox discuss their decade-long journey as torchbearers of timeless soul, R&B, and yacht rock. The duo opens up about their creative process, the art of authentic songwriting in a world of manufactured hits, and why they’re committed to making full albums when everyone else chases 30-second clips.

Canadian rock trio BRKN LOVE, fronted by Justin Benlolo, delivers powerful arena rock akin to Muse and Royal Blood on their third album, The Program, inspired by a vacation to Charleston, South Carolina. Benlolo discusses where the band finds itself on its third album, translating their energetic sound to a live setting, the necessity of social media, and meeting heroes.

Between being a notable hired gun (Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, The The) and composing his own music with drummer Malcom Catto, guitarist Barrie Cadogan has been on some crazy adventures throughout his career. Little Barrie and Malcolm Catto’s most recent album, Electric War, sounds like the psychedelic and funky soundtrack to a ’70s movie performed by the band CAN. Cadogan shares stories about his many collaborations and discusses his favorite albums of all time in this engaging conversation.

While Colin Miller and Gary King weren’t family by blood, King’s profound influence on Miller’s life is undeniable, echoing in the country-tinged songs on Losin’. In this lengthy conversation, Miller shares his musical origin story, discusses the role geography plays in his songs, recalls some less-than-ideal tour stories, and details how King’s presence is felt throughout the new album.

The latest Nanocluster release from Immersion – Colin Newman (Wire) and Malka Spigel (Minimal Compact) – features a collaboration with ambient country trio SUSS. Newman and Spigel share how this project took shape and what fans can expect from a Nanocluster tour.

Offering listeners an exploration of Southern life, encompassing both triumphs and tribulations, Fust’s Big Ugly is a masterclass in songwriting by Aaron Dowdy. Displaying the Southern charm and hospitality you read about, Dowdy discusses his approach to writing lyrics, finding inspiration, and the importance of memories.

After years of playing in bands, collaborating with Kelley Deal (The Breeders) in R. Ring, and recording and engineering bands like Buffalo Killers in the studio he built, Mike Montgomery has finally released a solo album. Pony Coughing, released under the Nervous Verbs moniker, creates an intimate and introspective atmosphere on the melancholic songs that make up the album.

Dan Connolly and Etienne Beausoleil shed light on Horsebath’s origins, the wide range of influences on their debut album, Another Farewell, how living in Canada inspires lyrics, and the passion and perseverance that led to a record deal.

For years, Cryogeyser was primarily the solo project of Shawn Marom, but their self-titled new album marks a significant shift. Marom explains how bringing drummer Zach Capitti Fenton on board, not only as a band member but also as producer, gave her the creative freedom to fully explore her influences and elevate Cryogeyser’s sound to a whole new level.

Michigander’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album is finally here, fulfilling Jason Singer’s vision of a full-length record and marking a new chapter for the project. From festival stages to hit singles, Singer’s journey has been impressive, but this album proves he’s far from complacent.

Steady as clockwork, Lilly Hiatt’s fourth album (Forever) in eight years for New West Records is a charming slice of Southern living based on the day-in, day-out experiences of the singer-songwriter. In this conversation, Hiatt discusses lyrical inspiration, making videos, and the road life of a troubadour.

Singer-songwriter Seán Barna, known for his glam-pop and roots rock music, shifts gears with his new EP, Internal Trembling. This collaboration with members of the acclaimed bluegrass band Hawktail pushs Barna’s songwriting and performance beyond his usual boundaries. In this conversation, Barna shares how the partnership with Hawktail came to be and dives into his relationship with Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz.

With a sound inspired by free-jazz, post-modern experimentalism, ’90s indie rock, and traditional folk music, The Slaps’ latest album, the brilliant Mudglimmer, embraces the band’s sense of adventure and weirdness. Drummer Josh Resing discusses the importance of the Chicago music scene, the challenges of touring, and making uncomplicatedly complicated music.

From a lengthy list of ’70s songwriting influences, Johnny Delaware emerges with a soul-stirring, evocative album of Laurel Canyon meets Southwest America flavored folk-rock songs. The nomadic singer/songwriter shares stories of wanderlust, defying genre classification, and side hustles that help his music career move forward.

UK post-punk band Crows have returned with their most accessible album to date. Frontman James Cox discusses why Reason Enough is the band’s best yet, how his on-stage persona aligns more closely with his off-stage self, and how the influence of Idles has shaped their recent evolution.

After 25 years, The The returns with a powerful collection of songs exploring technology, love, war, and grief through Matt Johnson’s keen lens. The alternative rock veteran reflects on songwriting, the benefits of a quieter life away from the spotlight, and how writing about personal loss has been a healing process.

After two decades (‘90s/‘00s) writing power-pop rock songs with the Meices and Alien Crime Syndicate, Joe Reineke added “producer” and “studio owner” to his resume. Reineke and his wife, Karyn Gold-Reineke, own and operate Orbit Audio in Seattle and have been busy working on their own music as Society of the Silver Cross, creating haunting, spiritual, moody, droning hymns with non-traditional rock instruments.

Jana Mila’s Disney-like story involves being discovered via YouTube as a teenager by a major Dutch recording artist and being whisked away to Nashville to meet like-minded musicians in order to craft a wonderfully mature debut album that blends the rural spin of Americana music with the sunny melodies so often associated with Laurel Canyon circa the 1970s. Taking a quick breather before the real work starts, the young singer/songwriter shares her origin story, discusses her love of her home away from home, and the importance of self acceptance.

Canadian folk artist Donovan Woods, known for his Juno Award-winning work and songwriting for Tim McGraw, continues to captivate with his latest album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now. This album offers an earnest look at everyday life, exploring the highs and lows of relationships and the bittersweet return to one’s hometown. In this interview, Woods delves into his songwriting process, sources of inspiration, and how Nashville has become his second home.

Punk rock pirate Charlie Overbey goes full-on country songwriter, with the help of guests from Blackberry Smoke, Foo Fighters, the E-Street Band and more, on his latest album, the aptly titled In Good Company. Overbey discusses his past, what led him from punk to country, pulling together talent, and what’s in store in this conversation.

Stuart McLamb of The Love Language found his songwriting muse in Charles Crossingham just as the pandemic caused the world to isolate. The two, fueled by ’90s alt-rock radio and classic country radio, created something entirely new – and arena ready – with Fancy Gap, named after the town where Crossingham’s cabin served as a songwriting retreat.

Like a mixtape of obscure ’60s and ’70s songs ranging from Southern Rock to trippy psych-rock, Color Green’s new album, Fool’s Parade, is a timeless classic that sounds as modern as it does dated. Noah Kohll and Corey Madden discuss the evolution from a two-man project to a four-person band, adopting a classic rock aesthetic, and the journey the album takes the listener on.

Two decades into their career, Blitzen Trapper’s written some of their best material on their new album, _100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions*. Lead singer – and founding member – Eric Earley discusses the freedom he feels these days to tap into early influences and revisit ideas from his earliest days of songwriting as well as how he manages his music career with the work that he does with Oregon’s homeless.

After a ten-year hiatus, Sebastian Bach returns with Child Within the Man, an album the enigmatic singer considers to be the best album of his solo career. Bach discusses the time and care put into the album, how he organizes his massive vinyl collection, the inspiration behind “Hard Darkness,” and why he won’t keep a consistent lineup of musicians to play on his albums and tour.

For three decades, Hot Water Music’s sound has defined punk. Bassist Jason Black chats about the band’s enduring lineup across 10 albums, and why their star-studded new release, Vows, might be their magnum opus.

90s emo/post-hardcore icon Jonah Matranga (Far, onelinedrawing) delves into his current musical ventures, including lending his distinctive vocals to UK band Sons of Alpha Centauri who recruited Matranga for their 2021 album, Push, and their new release, Pull.

As close as an overnight sensation as there is in 2024, Sydney, Australia’s Royel Otis is enamoring audiences around the globe with their brand of indie-pop guitar-rock. With a steady release of EPs that started in late 2021, and a full-length earlier this year, the duo’s built a following through airplay on satellite radio, additions to Spotify playlists, and videos on YouTube that have been viewed millions of times. Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic are in the midst of a sold-out club tour that will find them back in the U.S. later this year at venues double and triple the size of where they’re playing now.

Katie Pruitt confronts self-doubt on Mantras, her confident sophomore album. Following the acclaimed Expectations, Pruitt embraces a fuller sound and a more honest lyrical style. This time around, with a full promotional push, she’s poised for a breakout.

With two albums under their belt, Hello Emerson’s third release, To Keep Him Here, is the most personal to date. The entire album is about the nine days Sam Emerson Bodary’s dad, David, spent in the hospital following an accident in 2017 and the many different emotions the Bodary family went through while wait to see if David would recover.

With the pandemic as a backdrop, O Zorn!’s Bill Kielty crafted the band’s most accessible release to date. The singer/guitarist sheds light on tracking the album while dodging Covid, replacing band members, and leveraging AI to create a video for the sludgy single, “Never Saw It Coming.”

Marcus King declares his new album, Mood Swings, a sonic rebirth. “It’s really all about what the music wants,” he says. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album weaves pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements into King’s signature bluesy guitar rock, reflecting not just a musical shift but also a personal one. Mood Swings is King’s journey of confronting his mental health battles and emerging stronger.

A return appearance by Lo Moon’s Matt Lowell, this time to discuss the band’s new release, I Wish You Way More Than Luck, which got it’s start when Lowell returned to the location where he performed for the first time in front of an audience – a chapel used by the high school in Connecticut he attended in the early 2000s.

Indie rock vets Michael “Jaws” Jaworski (The Cops) and Sohrab Habibion (Edsel, Obits) have been making music as the Brooklyn post-punk band Savak since 2015. In this conversation, Jaworski and Habibion discuss the band’s formation, dive into the songs, share the inspiration behind the Flavors of Paradise album title, and reveal why they’re touring in France.

Louisville, Kentucky’s Bendigo Fletcher has built a career around weaving intimate stories with timeless harmonies and blending timeless influences with indie flair. The band’s new album, Two Things at Once, demonstrates the band’s intimate charm throughout it’s 11 tracks. Lead singer Ryan Anderson discusses working with Ken Coomer and Tchad Blake on the album, the state of the Louisville music scene, and the classic TV series that inspired the song “Ought Not.”

Montreal’s psych-rock veterans Elephant Stone are back with their sixth album, Back Into the Dream. This time, they weave their signature cosmic sounds with catchy pop hooks and jazzy flourishes. Lead singer Rishi Dhir discusses the album’s creation in his home studio, the inspiration behind the title (a tribute to a music journalist), and Elephant Stone’s place in the musical landscape.

San Fermin gets personal on their new album, Arms. Songwriter and composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone utilizes the band’s dynamic vocalists, Allen Tate and Claire Wellin, to craft a shifting narrative rich with raw emotion. While the orchestration is scaled back, Arms is far from simple, channeling Ludwig-Leone’s post-breakup experiences into a potent and theatrical listen.

With a sound that blends dreamlike shoegaze textures with relatable lyrics about the ups and downs of living in your early 20s, Ireland’s NewDad has already achieved career highlights that most bands will never get to experience – from recording at a world-famous studio to signing a major label deal to playing a string of sold-out headline dates. Singer/guitarist Julie Dawson discusses the band’s rapid accension, what’s still on the checklist, the influences that shaped NewDad’s sound and the strategy of releasing singles to build excitement.

While Devon Ross is primarily recognized for her achievements in modeling and acting, her roots lie in music as her father has been Lenny Kravitz’s guitarist since the early ’90s. On her debut EP, released on Thurston Moore’s label, Ross skillfully captures the essence of cool, underground indie rock from previous eras, delivering a refreshingly exciting sound.

With a number of projects under his belt, Real Estate co-founder and bassist Alex Bleeker offers up some recommendations from the list of things he’s worked on that people should check out as they prepare to listen to the new Real Estate album, Daniel.

Danielle Durack gracefully traverses a range of emotions, bravely tackling difficult truths on her fourth album, Escape Artist. Exploring themes of love, loss, and significant life changes, Escape Artist offers Durack a stage for deep introspection into her personal journey and the beginning of resolution.

One of the best-sounding debut albums I’ve heard, Friko’s Where we’ve been, Where we go from here showcases the young Chicago trio’s versatile sound which will undoubtedly remind listeners of stuff they’ve heard without ever sounding like an imitation of any of those artists. Niko Kapetan and Bailey Minzenberger share where they’ve been in terms of how they met and developed the Friko sound as well as where they go from here, which includes touring to support their jaw-dropping debut.

Rooted in folk and Americana traditions, Tyler Ramsey’s introspective style of songwriting provides warmth and intimacy on his latest album, the Phil Ek*-produced New Lost Ages. As humble and gentle in person as he is on record, Ramsey discusses the new album, the world he hopes to leave behind for his kids, and how *Neal Casal’s passing inspired the song “Flare”.

Shiny and shimmering jangle pop helps offset the darker subject matter of Ducks Ltd.’s sophomore album, Harm’s Way. Singer/guitarist Tom McGreevy discusses what led to recording in Chicago, how his R.E.M. knowledge didn’t run deep at the start of the band’s career, and how Archers of Loaf provided valuable touring lessons.

A member of the influential ’80s new wave punk band Pylon returns, paying homage to the band she lead decades ago with the help of fellow Athens, Georgia musicians from bands like Supercluster and Casper & The Cookies. But, make no mistake, while Pylon Reenactment Society does pay homage to Pylon, singer Vanessa Briscoe Hay is ready to explore new and fresh sounds. Hay and guitarist Jason NeSmith share stories about Athens, discuss the influence Pylon has had, and recall a funny story about meeting Sleater-Kinney.

With an ever evolving sound, the latest release by TORRES, What an enormous room on Merge Records find singer Mackenzie Scott addressing often dark and complex thoughts and feelings with music grounded in fantasy and experimentation. Scott discusses where this album fits in among their past efforts, talks about the importance of physical and mental fitness, and dives into some of the lyrics.

Delving fearlessly into themes of mental health and sexuality, Sprints debut album, and first notable album of the year, Letter to Self, serves as a raw and unapologetic exploration of singer Karla Chubb’s difficult life. Bassist Sam McCann and drummer Jack Callan discuss the album’s release, Chubb’s honest songwriting, connecting with fans, and the feeling of playing their first sold-out show.

Teaming up with friends, and musicians who had backed him during his solo career, Kane Strang’s passion was reignited with the formation of the indie guitar-rock trio Office Dog. Free from expectations, the New Zealand-based band provides the energy that Strang was missing as a solo artist and caught the attention of two highly-respected indie labels who are now sharing Office Dog’s music with the world.

The UK’s Folly Group enters 2024 on a strong note with the release of their post-punk debut, Down There!. While the band’s music is anxious, paranoid, and even angry at times, the guys in the band are the complete opposite. In this conversation, they discuss their common love of Gorillaz, where the confidence comes from, the realities of touring, and the band names they’d use if they started a hardcore band.

Marika Hackman opens up about the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her music creation process, providing a glimpse into the challenges and revelations she faced during these unprecedented times. Marika shares the highs, lows, and unexpected inspirations that shaped her latest album, Big Sigh and discusses her introspective lyrics, the thematic choices in her music videos, and the evolving philosophy behind her pursuit of artistic growth.

Rome Ramirez discusses his reasons for leaving Sublime with Rome and what he’s got planned for his future. He also talks about how Sublime with Rome’s music isn’t that far removed from the jam band scene, his move to Nashville, when being on the road turns into a job, and what dream he still has for his career.

Stewart Copeland opens up about the influx of Police-related projects in 2023 — including two albums and a book — which he sees as an opportunity to create space for pursuing his other passions in the upcoming year. In this interview with the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer, Copeland delves into his deep affection for composing orchestral pieces, shares the emotions evoked when encountering The Police’s music unexpectedly, and discloses his keen interest in keeping tabs on the current endeavors of both Sting and Andy Summers.

Jack Osborn is an indie-pop virtuoso whose music is a kaleidoscope of smart lyricism and infectious melodies. Crafting witty tunes with irresistible hooks, Sad Songs in C Major, the full-length debut by JACK, is like Vampire Weekend without the Ivy League degree. In this conversation, Osborn discusses the advantages of living in Nebraska, why he create massive amounts of social media content, and the decision behind recording some unexpected covers.

After co-writing hundreds of songs for other artists, Vinnie Paolizzi has finally released his own full-length album that he says is neither a country nor a folk record but, rather, a Vinnie record. In this conversation, Paolizzi discusses his influences, the draw of Nashville, his admiration of Chris Cornell and more.

Growing up a fan of Neil Young and The Black Crowes, Mitch Rowland’s musical career was diverted when he joined Harry Styles band as both a co-writer and touring guitarist. Inspired by the downtime the pandemic offered, Rowland wrote and recorded his debut solo album, Come June, which is a minimalistic, ’70s-inspired singer/songwriter collection of Americana-flavored songs. Rowland discusses those songs and more in this conversation.

Best known as TV’s Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother), Josh Radnor was a latecomer to the songwriting game. But, a chance meeting with singer/songwriter Ben Lee opened new doors for the actor who’s gift for telling stories through song shines brightly on his debut album, Eulogy: Volume 1.

Recording under the name Our Man in the Field, UK actor-turned-musician Alex Ellis is able to tell stories as an observer rather than delivering a first-person narrative although the songwriter admits many of the songs on his sophomore release, Gold on the Horizon, are, in fact, based on his personal experiences.

With their first album of original material in a decade, The Polyphonic Spree returns with Salvage Enterprise, an album meant to take listeners back to the old way of listening to music – finding the right environment to play the album from start to finish and let the music wash over you. Tim DeLaughter shares why this album is so important to him and how it’s origins came as a way to battle depression.

Dylan LeBlanc’s journey through life, from the gritty streets of Shreveport, Louisiana to the creative haven of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has been a defining influence on his music. With a passionate commitment to storytelling through his songs, he has crafted a series of critically-acclaimed albums, including his latest work, Coyote, which represents a culmination of his artistic evolution.

Coming out of the gate fast and furious, modern classic rock torchbearers Dirty Honey have returned with their aptly-titled sophomore album, Can’t Find the Brakes. With a new drummer in tow, Dirty Honey’s stretching their songwriting skills to include some mid-tempo ballads though the rockers still soar with arena-ready vocals and guitar hero riffs. Guitarist John Notto and drummer Jaydon Bean discuss the making of the album, recording in Australia, and what a dream stadium tour lineup would look like.

With an illustrious five-decade, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career as one half of the Hall and Oates duo coming to an end, John Oates discusses how writing and recording his own material has made music fun again. Oates has a handful of sold-out tour dates to end the year and he shares what fans should expect from these shows, from how he’ll tell stories behind the songs to what might be on the setlist.

Artifacts is a memorable collection of Americana songs conceived in rural parts of West Virginia by a songwriter who has city smarts. Sarah Rudy discusses the making of Hello June’s sophomore album, the reason she covered John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and the artists she finds comfort in including some heavier stuff that might surprise you.

The Vancouver-based Meltt uses lifelong relationships among band members to create a rich and complex collection of tracks that are truly brought to life when listening on a good set of headphones. James Porter and Jamie Turner discuss the luxury of time provided by Covid lockdowns to dedicate to songwriting, the importance of album sequencing, and how the band name reflects how they want listeners to interpret the music they make.

One of the most well-respected and talented guitarists the music world has ever known, Andy Summers is currently on tour doing a one-man mixed-media show including music, storytelling and photography. In this interview, Summers talks about how he got into taking photos, how he has no plans to slow down, and discusses some of his post-Police projects.

The Nashville-by-way-of-Birmingham The Brook and The Bluff is riding their indie-folk-meets-yacht-rock sound to great success on the road. Singer Joseph Settine discusses the band’s journey and answers questions inspired by some of the Bluebeard song titles.

Balancing writing her own songs, writing for others, hosting podcasts, and being a new mother, Jenny Owen Youngs doesn’t have a lot of free time. With a new album, Avalanche, out on Yep Roc Records, Youngs’ already busy life is about to get busier as she enters the promotional cycle and plays a few dates to support the album. We were lucky to get a few minutes to catch up with the singer-songwriter recently to talk about new music, podcasting and music around the house.

Teenage Fanclub’s eleventh album, Nothing Lasts Forever, finds the Glasgow band doing what they do best – delivering delightfully sublime, ’60s Laurel Canyon-influenced, melodic power-pop with a sunny attitude. Singer/guitarist Norman Blake discusses how the band arrived at that sound, releasing an album (Endless Arcade) during the pandemic, and what it’s like being a band that has lasted over three decades.

It’s been a dreamlike year for Sofia Jensen, from releasing the debut Free Range album, Practice, to supporting artists like Jeff Tweedy and Ratboys to gracing The Newport Folk Festival stage. A rising talent in the indie folk world, Jensen discusses Free Range’s origins, the songwriting process, covering Gillian Welch’s “Look at Miss Ohio”, and losing their wallet in Ohio.

The bright and summery sounds of PJ Western’s debut album Here I Go sound like ’70s AM radio gold. A creation from the mind of JR JR’s Josh Epstein, PJ Western gave the songwriter purpose during Covid lockdown and the ability to try something completely different.

Becca Mancari unpacks a lot of personal baggage on their third album, Left Hand, through a fantastical lens where the music speaks a rich language. It’s an evolution from their earliest recording days which found Mancari fitting into the Nashville singer-songwriter narrative. Mancari shares how the evolution took place, the themes of the album, and how shedding heavy topics has been a weight off their shoulders.

Following a modestly successful solo career, Ruarri Joseph took on a new challenge by formed the trio William the Conqueror which allowed him to dig into his influences and set a new course for his songwriting. The band’s latest Excuse Me While I Vanish is a warm and intoxicating journey that sounds both familiar and unique.

Margaret Glaspy took a simple approach to writing and recording her third album, Echo The Diamond, with many of the songs being written in 15 minutes and recorded as a trio using a first-take final philosophy. The result is an intimate sounding album that will play live just as it does on record.

Rock royalty – and Ringo Starr’s son – Zak Starkey (Oasis, The Who) and his wife/band mate Sshh discuss the formation of the “fantastic” group Mantra of the Cosmos featuring members of the Happy Mondays, Ride, and The Fall and how chemistry is what drives creativity.

In the tradition of power-pop giants like Teenage Fanclub, The Lemonheads, and Matthew Sweet, the latest by Philly’s Hurry is a hook-filled album with vibrant vocals and catchy choruses. Singer/guitarist Matt Scottoline discusses his consistency with releasing music and shares the bands whose music is in his DNA.

Influences don’t always have to be other artists or bands. Activity’s Travis Johnson discusses some of non-obvious influences that contributed to the recipe of the band’s second album, Spirit in the Room.

With a shortened name, the band responsible for the 1982 smash hit “Come On Eileen” has returned with The Feminine Divine, a narrative of sorts from founding member/lead singer Kevin Rowland. On this latest by Dexys, Rowland examines how masculinity shaped his early beliefs and how, as he’s gotten older – and wiser – those beliefs have changed.

Though Gov’t Mule is most comfortable on the road and playing in front of live audiences, their two most recent studio releases (2021’s Heavy Load Blues, 2023’s Peace … Like a River) are solid entries to the band’s catalog. Warren Haynes discusses how his brothers introduced him to music, how Gov’t Mule got started covering Pink Floyd, and the importance of continuously shaking up the setlist.

The puzzle pieces have fallen into place for Durham, North Carolina’s Fust. Having recorded in Drop of Sun Studios and signed with Dear Life Records, the band, led by Aaron Dowdy, has released one of the most compelling storytelling albums of 2023 and is getting noticed outside of Dowdy’s bedroom for the first time.

The new cosmic-country album, You Know Who, by Athens, Georgia’s The Pink Stones is inspired by artists ranging from George Jones to Gram Parsons and features a very George-and-Tammy-style duet with Nikki Lane. Check out the things in Hunter Pinkston’s life that inspired the making of the new album.

With a classic rock sound – and work ethic – in their DNA, Rival Sons has recently released the first of two albums planned for this year. Guitarist Scott Holiday discusses the band’s influence on artists like tour mates Greta Van Fleet and how they made the most out of the downtime caused by the pandemic.

Coming out of the other side of hell, Royal Thunder returns with a new focus – and a reunion with drummer Evan Diprima – on their fourth album, the aptly titled Rebuilding the Mountain. Singer/bassist Mlny Parsons, never one to dodge difficult subjects, opens up about her addictions and how she’s overcome them to focus on Royal Thunder.

Returning to Fishbone for the first time since getting off the tour bus in 1994, keyboardist Chris Dowd discusses what he’s been up to, why it was a good time to return to the band he helped form in 1979, the band’s new self-titled EP and what the future holds.

Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago checks in to discuss the rhythm of touring, his current favorite Pixies merch, being a nostalgia act and recording far away from temptation.

Big Takeover favorite Joe Pernice discusses the release of 1998’s Overcome by Happiness for the first time ever on vinyl, talks about some overlooked songs, and shares a story about the drunkest he’s ever been.

In constant writing mode, John Treanor says the new Tombstones in Their Eyes album, Sea of Sorrow, contains the cream of the crop from demos he’s been collecting the last few years and that he’s already got another album ready to go. Learn more about band’s unique sound in this conversation.

Making each other laugh is the driving force behind The Dirty Nil’s music, though the mix of punk rock and power metal is no joke from the Canadian trio. Singer Luke Bentham discusses the band’s songwriting process, what he likes about playing festivals, and how he was able to scam his way into a front row Buddy Guy ticket.

After a self-imposed hiatus, Skaters front man Michael Ian Cummings has reemerged with a solo EP proving to himself and others that the passion is still there. Cummings shares some insight into the songs and discusses how the whole process has been cathartic.

The Ironsides have created a ’60s sounding, cinematic soundtrack to a film that doesn’t exist on their debut full-length for Colemine Records. Taking inspiration from a variety of sources, from soul to jazz to classical scores, The Ironsides discuss how the band formed, how their sound has evolved, and play a game with their song titles in this conversation.

Pony’s sophomore release, Velveteen, is one of the brightest, most sugary albums of the year. Sam Bielanski and Matty Morand discuss the freedom of writing songs that aren’t personal, how a Sopranos episode influenced lyrics, and gush over ’90s alt-rock artists like That Dog and Letters to Cleo.

Savannah Conley’s debut album is an accurate portrayal of the trials and tribulations of a woman in her early 20s and all the emotions that are part of being that age. The Nashville born-and-raised songwriter discusses the album’s themes, working with collaborators, and musical friendships she’s made along the way.

A culmination of worldly music experiences, from going to his first rock shows as a teenager in Chicago to jamming with Motorhead’s Lemmy in L.A., have led Jonny Polonsky to his eighth album, Rise of the Rebel Angels, released on Loosegrooves Records, founded by Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard.

With a background primarily, but not exclusively, entrenched in the hardcore metal world, Vadim Taver’s solo album allows the singer/guitarist to expand his horizons into a blissful neo-psychedelia wonderworld. Taver discusses the album’s recording, the artists he’s toured with, and explains what the “California Hustle” is all about.

The tenth album by The Declining Winter finds Richard Adams continuing to explore a meditative soundscape through a folktronica sound. Adams discusses his music-making process, the importance of settings in his songs, and how his day job inspires how he thinks about music.

Hayden is back with his first new album in eight years, his ninth album overall, Are We Good, featuring collaborations with Feist and members of The National and Big Thief. We chat with the Canadian singer-songwriter about the making of the album, the collaborations, and a charity event he started that is very personal to his family.

Ruston Kelly says the impetuous for his third full-length album, The Weakness, was to channel the energy of a live show and put it on record. Working for the first-time with an outside collaborator (Nate Mercereau), Kelly’s accomplished his goals as he pushes closer and closer to the mainstream spotlight.

The last two years have been fruitful for Michigander’s Jason Singer, from moving to Nashville to getting married to releasing a new EP. Singer fills us in on his move, what it was like working with outside collaborators for the first time, and his dreams for his upcoming tour.

The latest release from The Dears front man Murray A. Lightburn is Bacharach-ian in nature, the lush instrumentation providing the cushion for Lightburn’s crooner-like vocals. In this conversation, Lightburn discusses the songwriting process, shares his touring philosophy, and offers insight into the stunning album cover.

If Greta Van Fleet is this generation’s Led Zeppelin, then Crown Lands is this generation’s Rush. Kevin Comeau shares how classic and prog rock from the ’70s inspired the band, from the way they write songs to how they arrange albums.

While never dreaming of being a rock star as a kid, Somebody’s Child’s Cian Godfrey discovered the art of songwriting when he started college and has written an album full of alt-rock radio bangers. In this conversation, Godfrey discusses his past, what he gets from performing live, and the things that inspire him.

After a six-year recording hiatus, Frankie Rose has returned with Love As Projection, an album full of ’80s post-punk, new wave pop bangers. The singer discusses the songwriting process, covering The Cure’s Seventeen Seconds album, and hustling on social media to promote music.

Forty years after the first release by The Church, founding member Steve Kilbey says, when talking about the band’s 26th album, The Hypnogogue, “Just when you thought you could write these guys off, we’re not going gently into the night. We’re going down screaming.”

With their parents’ CD collections serving as inspirations, the NYC trio Hello Mary, featuring two college students, has released one of the best ’90s-sounding alternative rock records of the year.

With a sound based in bluegrass music, Rose’s Pawn Shop incorporates different elements (Americana, Country, Folk, Rock) to stand out among peers. Singer Paul Givant shares how his band is unique, why it took 8 years to release new music, where he draws lyrical inspiration, and which famous actor he’s been compared to in this conversation.

Presented with careful intimacy, poolblood’s full-length debut, mole, succeeds on the strength of Maryam Said’s gripping delivery and aided by the help and support of producers Louie Short and Shamir as well as a number of Toronto indie rock musicians.

A former member of Set Sail, High Morale, and Casual Vice, Brandon Hoogenboom discusses his debt solo album and how the Beach Boys served as an influence on his sunny, sandy soft rock sound.

While Hamish Hawk is known first and foremost as a musician, this discussion about topics ranging from favorite coffee cups to listening to CDs in the car positions Hawk as a great conversationalist as well.

Tropical Fuck Storm’s Gaz Liddiard discusses the Australian band’s latest covers EP, checking out free jazz cassettes from the library, and bassist Fiona Kitschin’s recent breast cancer diagnosis.

With their sophomore album – written and recorded before Covid lockdown – finally released to the world, Kelley Deal and Mike Montgomery discuss the advantages of delaying the album by a few years and the creative packaging that makes the album special and unique.

During the pandemic, John Schmersal took stock of all the Brainiac demos and unreleased tracks he had been collecting since the band’s untimely end in 1997. The latest, and perhaps last, batch of songs have recently been released as The Predator Nominate EP. Schmersal discuss the release and the impetus behind upcoming Brainiac live shows.

A silver lining to lockdown was the ability to have access to a studio. We Are Scientists took advantage by recording songs for two albums, 2021’s Huffy and the brand new release, Lobes. Singer/guitarist Keith Murray shares how the downtime gave the band a chance to experiment.

As a child, Blur drummer Dave Rowntree would spin the dial on his longwave radio and listen to exotic music from all corners of the world. On his debut solo album, Rowntree envisioned his songs as the type that someone might find while exploring the radio.

Shiner frontman, and Third Gear Scratch podcast host, Allen Epley discusses his first solo album, Everything, released 30 years into his career as well as the role the pandemic had on his creativity.

After releasing 10 albums since 2004, Micah P. Hinson found himself at a critical juncture where stepping away from music seemed to be a viable option. With a new champion in his corner, a budding new relationship providing inspiration, and a move from Texas to Spain, Hinson’s now excited for the next chapter in his musical career.

Life has been a whirlwind for The Backseat Lovers whose members are in their early 20s. Josh Harmon, Jonas Swanson and KJ Ward reflect on the year that saw the band release their sophomore album, play festival stages, and perform on multiple television talk shows.

In this in-depth interview, Bob Holmes, Pat Irwin, and Jonathan Gregg of SUSS share how they developed their ambient country sound and the thinking behind compiling four EPs for a new, self-titled double album.

Singer/songwriter/actress Alison Sudol’s new album, Still Come the Night, addresses the emotions tied with love and loss and does so in an unflinching manner.

Though Samira Winter was just a toddler in the early ’90s, her newest album, What Kind of Blue Are You?, with shimmering guitars and dreamy vocals, sounds like the shoegazing movement led by My Bloody Valentine. Winter talks about her fascination with ’90s music, the impact of moving to L.A., and how producer Joo Joo Ashworth helped bring her vision to life.

“I think my job is to make people cry or hold each other or laugh or feel something they were holding in and were afraid to feel,” Glen Phillips says. His new album, There Is So Much Here, accomplishes these goals and more. The on-again, off-again Toad the Wet Sprocket singer talks in-depth about his solo career and how he kept his songwriting sharp during the pandemic.

Belgium’s Brutus has returned with Unison Life, an album that incorporates Bjork-like vocals into the kind of post-rock music that often is presented as instrumentals. Drummer/vocalist Stefanie Mannaerts and bassist Peter Mulders discuss the album’s journey, teenage favorites, and the rare mistake on stage.

a-ha guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savory reflects on the band’s 40-year-career, the overnight success of “Take On Me,” and the band’s newly-released eleventh album, True North.

Songwriter Brooke Annibale talks about her mental wellbeing journey and how it influenced the songs on her fourth album, Better By Now.

Billy Duffy of The Cult checks in on the eve of the band’s new album, Under the Midnight Sun, to share his thoughts on his lengthy career, meeting audience expectations, the influence his band has had on music, and splitting time between L.A. and the UK.

Singer/songwriter Derek Hoke shares thoughts about the Nashville music scene, maturing as a songwriter, his new album Electric Mountain, and hosting $2 Tuesday at The 5 Spot for over a decade.

The long-awaited debut full length by LA’s Dear Boy is a Brit pop fan’s dream come true. Singer/guitarist Ben Grey shares stories recording the album, discovering punk music, being on an ongoing text thread with Richard Butler (The Psychedelic Furs) and Tim Booth (James), a memorable (but strange) encounter with Rivers Cuomo and having an unlikely pen pal as a child.

Goon’s founding member Kenny Becker shares how new band members contributed to the band’s latest release, Hour of Green Evening, being creative through both music and art, the joy of making videos with friends, and encountering celebrities in Los Angeles.

Ramesh Srivastava is guardedly optimistic about Voxtrot’s future. Reuniting for the first time since 2010, the Austin-based band has reissued two albums worth of older material (EPs, B-Sides, demos) and has a short tour coming up this fall. If nothing else happens, it will have been worth it but Srivastava envisions more touring and potentially writing new music with his bandmates.

Carré Callaway’s life story may be as interesting and wild as her latest album, Couples Only, released under the Queen Kwong moniker. Callaway discusses both in this in-depth conversation.

There’s a chance The Deslondes extended hiatus may have lasted longer had John James Tourville (fiddle/pedal steel) not proposed getting the band back together during the pandemic. Riley Downing (vocals/guitar) talks about the band’s reunion, it’s new album, Ways & Means, life on the road and more.

Thanks to support from the PRS Foundation and Help Musicians, UK artist Pit Pony was afforded the opportunity to record it’s blistering, melodic-punk debut, World To Me, during an otherwise daunting time in world history. Jackie Purver, Garth Purver, and Andrew Jones discuss how living in Newcastle helps shape the band’s sound.

Spacey Jane’s sophomore album, Here Comes Everybody, follows close on the heels of the Australian band’s debut which came out in June 2020. Singer Caleb Harper talks lyrical inspirations, mental wellbeing, and seeking Jeff Tweedy’s approval on the album title.

With a sound rooted in folky and dreamy psychedelic-pop, Haunted Summer’s third album, Whole, proves you can judge a band by it’s name. We catch up with wife-and-husband duo Bridgette Moody and John Seasons as they happily return to the touring lifestyle they put on hold for the last two years.

After experiencing a whirlwind career-starting single, “No Roots,” (which currently has been streamed over 1 billion times worldwide), Alice Merton is learning to slow down and enjoy whatever life throws at her. Her new album, S.I.D.E.S., is the result of purging two years worth of dark thoughts and emotions as a form of therapy.

With the listener in mind, progressive jam band Dopapod put a lot of thought into how they want the audience to experience their new album. From the sequencing of the songs, to the album artwork, to the board game that is part of the vinyl package, everything was carefully calculated. Eli Winderman talks about the album, touring and more.

Isaac Gibson reflects on how living in a small mountain town in Virginia helps shape 49 Winchester’s sound on the band’s new album, Fortune Favors the Bold and how to feel a sense of “home” when playing in big cities.

Following the release of his fifth solo album, The Social Animals, former Verbena bassist Duquette Johnston shares what it was like working with John Agnello, talks about balancing priorities, and shines the light on Birmingham, Alabama.

After drugs and alcohol nearly derailed Nashville’s Joshua Hedley’s career, the now-sober singer/songwriter is back with an album paying homage to the ’90s country music he grew up listening to.

Pat Graham of Philadelphia’s Big Nothing shares how the band approached writing and recording Dog Hours in the midst of the pandemic and the never-ending quest he’s on to write the perfect pop song.

What do you get when you mix the outlaw country songwriter/producer Shooter Jennings with a predominant name in the hip-hop world, Yelawolf? Probably not what you’d expect. Sometimes Y delivers a modern rock album with influences from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Jennings and Yelawolf share with us how they came together and why two opposites attract.

Racking up honors and accolades in the UK with their explosive brand of guitar-driven rock, The Mysterines now has its sights set on the U.S. Singer Lia Metcalfe and drummer Paul Crilly discuss making the debut album, Reeling, influences, festival lineups and “pinch me” moments.

Constant change has been the norm for Oh Hiroshima since their formation in 2017. Paired down to a duo in early 2021, brothers Jakob Hemström and Oskar Nilsson have challenged the post-rock stereotypes on their fourth album, Myriad and delivered a stunning cinematic masterpiece.

When Ben Bridwell says he never meant to be a musician, that it just happened, he sells it with conviction. Thankfully, things worked out the way they did as Band of Horses’ sixth album, Things Are Great, is as honest and unflinching as the band has ever been. Learn about the making of the album, life in South Carolina, and why Band of Horses tries to never phone in a live performance.

Known for their technical and complex death metal, Blood Incantation’s new, all-instrumental, ambient release, Timewave Zero, is a palate cleanser that owes a lot to ’60s and ’70s influences, according to singer/guitarist Paul Riedl.

Lo Moon is back with a new album, A Modern Life, on a new label, Thirty Tigers. We catch up with Matt Lowell who talks about influences, being in it for the long haul, and making low-budget videos,

Brothers Parker James and Caden Shea weren’t even a twinkle in their parents eyes during the ’90s grunge era, but hearing the music around the house while growing up was directly responsible for their band’s nostalgic sound.

Perhaps a surprise artist on a label known for its Americana and Roots Rock roster, Boulevards brings a lifetime of funk and cinematic soul to his New West Records debut, Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud and the results are as vibrant and colorful as the album cover.

With his sights on composing for TV and film, Ryan Key’s newest EP, Everything Except Desire, is a warm and complex calling card showcasing the songwriter’s ability to set a cinematic tone through the ebbs and flows of his electronic-based music.

Isaac Flynn’s talent of writing memorable hooks is on full display on Hembree’s new album, It’s a Dream! Flynn shares how he’s spent the last two years honing his craft not only in his new band but when collaborating with other songwriters.

Legendary guitarist Steve Stevens joined The String Revolution on a special cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” to honor guitar hero Randy Rhoads’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Stevens talks about his involvement with the project, his early days in NYC, touring with Journey and more.

When he’s not palling around with Dale Earnhardt Jr, Bobby Markos is playing bass with the shoegazing power trio Cloakroom. A decade into their existence, Cloakroom has just released the stunning Dissolution Wave which will undoubtedly appeal to Hum, Failure, Swervedriver and Nothing fans.

The Dollyrots have cleared out their closet with the release of Down the Rabbit Hole featuring 20 years worth of unreleased tracks, demos, B-sides and covers. Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas share how the pandemic had some silver linings as they balance being in a punk-rock band with being parents.

Despite the ongoing global pandemic, German post-rock band There’s A Light managed to not only record a new album in 2021 but signed a deal with Napalm Records for worldwide distribution. Drummer Jan Lüftner talks about the album’s theme, shooting videos and the music that inspired him in 2021.

With the Spirit of the South tour, originally scheduled for 2020, postponed until 2021, The Wild Feathers used the down time to record it’s fourth full-length, Alvarado, and score a deal with New West Records. Singer/guitarist Ricky Young talks about recording the album and touring with big names.

While we all wish for new music from The Wrens, things are a bit complicated these days. But, half of the songs on Aeon Station’s new album, Observatory, were written by Kevin Whelan for The Wrens so fans should savor the moment that has been 18 years in the making.

After taking a 17-year-break, Failure returned in 2014 and with the release of Wild Type Droid, the third album since reuniting, the band has now equaled the output from the first part of their career. Drummer Kellii Scott checks in to talk about the new album, the songwriting process, and why saying “yes” is his guiding force in life.

Zakk Wylde talks about the ballads on the Black Label Society’s eleventh album, Doom Crew Inc., the artists that influenced his songwriting, having fun while shooting videos and who he wants to induct him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Earlier this month, Palm Ghosts released it’s second album of 2021, The Lost Frequency. Joseph Lekkas shares the story behind both albums, discusses the ’80s influence found in the band’s music, and reveals what it will take to feel like the band has “made it”.

Fresh off a late 2019 release, The Darkness return with more stadium-ready hard rock on Motorheart. Guitarist Dan Hawkins discusses what it’s like to return to playing shows, how the band has stayed relevant for 20 years, ’80s references that can be found throughout the album and 2022 tour plans.

Christian Glakas shares the journey he’s been on, with many regenerations, that ultimately resulted in his new EP, For Now, released under the Merciful Heavens name.

Justin Osborne of SUSTO believes that his band’s newest release, Time in the Sun, finds the band at the point that he always dreamed of in the early days. Though often lumped into the Americana category, SUSTO’s music is a reflection of Osborne’s upbringing in the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina.

A year after releasing her fourth album, the critically-acclaimed Walking Proof, Lilly Hiatt is back with an all-new collection of songs for New West Records. Lately was released in October and Lilly’s finally able to get back on the road, something she really missed during the pandemic.

Always writing for the next album, Pokey LaFarge was ready to record once touring came to a halt in 2020. Incorporating worldly influences (rocksteady, Caribbean, etc), LaFarge’s 7th album, In the Blossom of Their Shade is a silver lining born out of the pandemic.

As has been the case with every Howlin Rain release, The Dharma Wheel is filled with groovy psychedelic jams that evoke everything from the Allman Brothers to ’70s conversion vans with shag carpeting to James Bond theme songs. Ethan Miller talks about how his musical upbringing brought him to where he is today.

After wowing the blues-rock world with her self-titled debut, Emily Wolfe sets to broaden her appeal by bringing elements of pop-rock to her latest album, Outlier.

With his fifth album, Be Here Instead, finally available, Parker Millsap can’t wait to play the new songs live in front of people. We talk about touring during a pandemic, trying new writing methods, and working with producer John Agnello.

What started off as a request for one song turned into an entire album’s worth of music for The Card Counter soundtrack by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club frontman/guitarist Robert Levon Been. The request came with some challenges as Levon Been explains in this conversation.

The Joy Formidable’s Rhydian Dafydd intended to spend a few months with his bandmate Ritzy Bryan in Utah to record new music. Eighteen months later, thanks to the pandemic, with Into the Blue written and recorded, Dafydd was able to return to the U.K. for a little break before jumping into the tour cycle.

Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate, Gutterball, The Baseball Project) checks in to report on his backyard and living room house tour covering 16 shows in 17 days.

The Wallflower’s first album in nearly a decade, Exit Wounds, finds Jakob Dylan returning to his Americana roots with a collection of songs produced by Butch Walker. Dylan talks about recording, lyrics and The Monkees in this conversation.

Quicksand’s second full-length release in the last four years now equals the output from the NYC post-hardcore band in the mid-90s. Singer/guitarist Walter Schreifels shares how grateful he is to be reunited with his friends after once saying that Quicksand would never reunite.

Los Lobos saxophonist Steve Berlin talks about the band’s new covers album, Native Sons, and shares how he got into playing in bands back when he was a teenager in Philadelphia.

Dot Allison has returned with her first album in over a decade, the hauntingly beautiful Heart-Shaped Scars. Dot shares why she took a break and how she’s been honing her songwriting skills.

The stigma surrounding mental health is something we often are afraid to talk about. Brett Newski has found a way to lighten the topic and share his experiences through not only his music, but also as the host of the Dirt from the Road podcast and as an author/illustrator.

After spending his teen years playing punk rock, Hunter Pinkston discovered Gram Parsons and the rest, as they say, is Americana history. With well-crafted songs, and a founding member of Drive-By Truckers as part of the lineup, The Pink Stones signed to Normaltown Records and released their critically-acclaimed debut earlier this year.

Director Matt Hinton’s documentary about the Georgia band Luxury, sometimes described as Morrissey-fronting-Fugazi, is full of twists and turns including a nearly-fatal auto accident and three band members becoming Eastern Orthodox priests. Hinton shares how the film came together and some of the challenges he’s faced in getting people to give it a chance.

Drummer William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft, Foo Fighters) opened up about where he’s been the last decade and how forming the band Assertion has reignited his passion for sitting behind a drum kit.

With some acting experience under his belt, Jesse Marchant’s music often takes on a cinematic quality, as do the videos he makes to accompany his singles. Marchant’s latest release, Antelope Running, paints beautiful pictures with rich and complex instrumentation and wistful vocals that are easy to get lost in.

Already four albums into her career, 23-year-old Faye Webster’s newest release, I Know I’m Funny haha, is a collection of real-life experiences from the lifelong Atlanta resident’s last two years set to a unique mix of pop, jazz, R&B and alt-country. And, it’s special enough to have caught the ear of a very important person who named “Better Distractions” one of his favorite songs of 2020.

T. Hardy Morris (Dead Confederate, Diamond Rugs) set aside an album he started recording in early 2020 and wrote a band new album, The Digital Age of Rome, influenced by the rapidly changing world we all found ourselves in last year. We talk about the album as well as take a walk through his back catalog.

Southern California’s Joe Bourdet is the first to acknowledge the critical role that mid-to-late ’70s singer/songwriters – whose music, these days, fills dollar bins at the local record store – played in the development and recording of his outstanding debut album, Meadow Rock.

Brooklyn’s Superbloom are bringing mid-90s grunge back with raspy vocals and fuzzy guitars. Learn how the members of the band first heard grunge, the names they tossed around before settling on Superbloom and what it was like working with Will Yip on their debut album, Pollen.

While the pandemic put a halt to any plans Jim Ward may have made for promoting and touring to support the new Sparta record, the singer/guitarist has kept busy by hosting an Instagram interview series and writing and recording a solo album which is out now.

Coming this month, The Allman Betts Band will be performing three unique livestream shows – one will be all acoustic, the second will be playing the 2020 release Bless Your Heart in full for the first time, and the third will be a set of Allman Brothers classics. Guitarist/vocalist Duane Betts talks about releasing two albums in two years, the summer Spirit of The South tour, and what it was like playing shows in 2020.

With a sound comparable to modern rock bands like Royal Blood, Muse and Death From Above 1979, the Canadian duo cleopatrick, made up of guitarist/vocalist Luke Gruntz and drummer Ian Fraser, have gone from basement shows to the Lollapalooza stage in a short amount of time. Learn more about the young band leading the “New Rock Mafia”.

Without the ability to play shows in early 2020 to support their newly released EP, stillifeburning, due to the pandemic, L.A.-based Bizou used the time to write and record a full-length debut, Tragic Lover. Singer Marisa Prietto talks about the band’s formation, how the songs come together, and how having a former member of Smashing Pumpkins and Veruca Salt helps with the buzz.

There may have been a silver lining to 2020. Singer Jesse Barnett was forced to take time off the road with his band Stick To Your Guns and use it to write and record with his electronica-based project, Trade Wind. For someone who makes a living screaming, Barnett showcases his gentler side with compelling results.

Guitarist Kunal Prakash of Silver Synthetic shares how the pandemic set the band’s Third Man Records debut back a year and discusses the rock scene of the band’s home town of New Orleans.

Poet Noah Lekas shared five entries from his first book, 2019’s Saturday Night Sage, with musicians and filmmakers and gave them free reign to create their own interpretations of his poems. How that all came to be is just one of the highlights of a recent conversation with the talented writer.

Though her debut album has some twang, Morgan Wade’s music doesn’t fit snuggly into the country genre, there’s much more to it. We talked about defying genres, working with Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit), and her impressive collection of tattoos.

Everything Will Be Ok Eventually is the perfect title for an album written, recorded and released in the midst of a global pandemic. Jason Singer reveals Michigander’s origin story, his thoughts on Spotify, and best and worst tour experiences.

Not many artists wait until their late 30s to start their music career, but that’s exactly what Andy McFarlane did when he released 2017’s Oh What An Honor, Oh What A Drag. In this conversation, we talk about his late start, what took him so long, and his new album, There Be Monsters.

With the latest Death From Above 1979 album, Is 4 Lovers, Sebastian Grainger and Jesse Keeler took on the production responsibilities for the first time. In this conversation, the duo talk about how that went and how the delay in release due to the pandemic allowed them a second chance to get things right.

Singer/guitarist Jack Underkofler says his band, Dead Poet Society, tries to keep things fresh and never write the same thing twice. The band’s debut, – ! –, defies categorization – it’s modern rock with elements of many different genres throughout the songs.

The Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum trio, which includes actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under), keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen (Blondie) and drummer Peter Yanowitz (Wallflowers, Natalie Merchant, Morningwood), shares how Hedwig and the Angry Inch brought them together and how they went about writing their debut album, Thanks for Coming.

Chris White (writer/director) and Daniel Smith (songwriter) discuss the inspiration behind both the Electric Jesus movie and the soundtrack which is loaded with ’80s Christian hair metal original songs.

Singer/songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan shares how he avoids the trappings of being easy to classify, how moving to Nashville was one of the best things he’s ever done, and has some fun answering questions about the “Thank You” credits on his new album, Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!.

Marshall Gallagher and Anthony Salazar provide some insight into the new Teenage Wrist album and how a lineup change gave the duo a chance to bring new musical ideas to the table.

For an artist who spends a lot of time on the road and whose songs are written while traveling, it seems a bit unfair that with a recently-released debut album to promote, Lilly Winwood is stuck at home due to the global pandemic. The young singer-songwriter discusses how it’s both a blessing and a curse

Dale Crover (Melvins / Redd Kross) talks about his new release, Rat-a-Tat-Tat!, shares how he wound up being in multiple bands with bassist Steve McDonald, and how he’s discovering new music while spending time at home, rather than in a tour van.

With a surprise January 1 new album drop, Ben Kweller has delivered a perfect 8-song, 28-minute pop masterpiece. He shares the reason why Circuit Boredom clocks in under half an hour as well as spilling some Spotify playlist secrets and the magic of email marketing in this engaging and entertaining conversation.

If there could be an official soundtrack to 2020, Activity’s debut, Unmask Whoever would be a worthy submission as it’s dark, cold, paranoid and, at times, creepy. Travis Johnson shares how the band formed, what they are trying to accomplish, and what the future holds.

Emma Swift discusses how it took a global pandemic for the world to hear her interpretations of Bob Dylan classics and deep cuts, shares what it’s like as a touring artists to pivoting to singing into her laptop camera, and gives her thoughts on another singer with the same last name.

Bob Forrest talks about how Thelonious Monster reunited for the outstanding Oh That Monster, how the songs came together, and how “Sammy Hagar Weekend” will forever be the band’s most well-known song.

In Part 1, Bob Forrest of Thelonious Monster shares his thoughts on the current state of rock music and how the internet has enabled a culture that he isn’t particularly fond of.

With day gigs in other bands, Andy Platt and Shawn Lee have found a creative outlet for their “yacht rock”-inspired smooth rock sounds in Young Gun Silver Fox. The duo discuss their new album, Canyons, and how the pandemic laid waste to 2020 tour plans.

The Findlay sisters share how their parent’s music collection is directly responsible for shaping Stonefield’s heavy, classic rock sound.