Released in 2005, “Helena” became an emo anthem and a heartfelt tribute to Gerard and Mikey Way’s late grandmother. Though written late in the process, it shaped the entire sound of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge.
Goldy Locks Sparks National Conversation With “Buy the Record, Not the Bod” Campaign
Goldy Locks, the electrifying frontwoman of The Goldy lockS Band and a trailblazing pro wrestling personality, has ignited a powerful new movement that calls out the exploitation of women in the music industry — and demands real support for working artists. Her new photo campaign, titled “Buy the Record, Not the Bod,” boldly features Goldy posing nude, shielded only by physical copies of her music. The message is unmistakable: this isn’t about sex, it’s about survival — and it’s time to fund the art, not just ogle the artist.
“I’ve had enough of people telling women like me to start an OnlyFans if we want to keep making music,” says Goldy. “This campaign is my answer. I’ll strip down for the message, not for a subscription. I’ll get vulnerable not for clicks, but to push a conversation that needs to happen. If you love an artist, buy their album. Don’t just stream it and scroll on.”
Goldy’s campaign arrives at a time when musicians earn on average $0.003 to $0.005 per stream on major platforms like Spotify — a figure that forces many independent artists, especially women, to consider alternative revenue models that often rely on sexualization. But Goldy is choosing a different path — one grounded in creativity, courage, and conviction.
“You want to support women? Support their work. Their art. Their grit. I’d rather be covered in CDs than ask strangers to subscribe to a fantasy,” she says.
Goldy’s approach also highlights the very real financial backbone that physical media and merchandise still provide to working artists. According to a 2024 Nielsen report, vinyl sales rose for the 18th consecutive year, with younger fans driving demand for physical product as a show of genuine support. For indie musicians, merch and album sales at shows often cover the basic costs of touring and recording — something no amount of streaming royalties can achieve.
“Artists make money off what you take home with you — a T-shirt, a CD, a download. That’s what keeps the music alive. And when fans buy something directly from me, they’re not just buying a record. They’re funding the next one.”
Beyond the economics, “Buy the Record, Not the Bod” serves as a cultural statement on how female artists are expected to navigate an industry that frequently ties success to sex appeal. “I wanted this campaign to empower women who feel like they have to sell themselves short — or sell themselves, period — to stay relevant,” says Goldy. “You don’t need perfect abs to be powerful. You need to believe your worth isn’t tied to the algorithm.”
Goldy’s journey from wrestling ring to stage to spotlight has always been driven by fearless reinvention. As a former TNA Impact Wrestling performer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and rock powerhouse, she’s stood alongside legends like Stevie Nicks, Nickelback, and Maroon 5. But it’s her honesty and resilience that have earned her a devoted following across generations and genres.
The inspiration for the campaign came from a higher place, too. “This idea came to me in prayer,” Goldy shares. “I was asking how to move forward as an artist, and I had this vision. Every store owner I spoke with said yes — before I even finished explaining. It reminded me there’s so much goodness out there, so many people who still believe in art with a purpose.”
Her new single, “I Didn’t Know,” featuring Mickie James Aldis and country rap icons The LACS, expands her reach even further. The track tells a story of betrayal, heartbreak, and rediscovery — a fitting companion to her current message of self-worth and reclaiming power.
Goldy is using every tool at her disposal to shift the narrative — not just for herself, but for younger women watching. “I want to show the next generation that they can lead with talent, truth, and bravery. That they don’t have to go along with everything just because it’s popular.”
The campaign is gaining traction on social media with fans using #BuyTheRecordNotTheBod to share their own stories, purchases, and support for women in music on her socials: YouTube and Spotify, Website, Facebook or Instagram. Goldy encourages others to join the movement by:
- Buying or downloading music directly from artists
- Purchasing physical albums, vinyl, and merchandise
- Sharing the work of indie creators across platforms
- Encouraging conversations about equity and respect in entertainment
- As Goldy puts it: “This isn’t about modesty or morality. It’s about agency. I took control of my body and my message. And now I’m asking the world — will you take action, or just take a peek?”
Michael Lawson Releases Emotionally Charged Single “It’s Love” From Upcoming EP ‘Vibe Talking’
With roots in Seattle, Washington and a creative home now in Hoover, Alabama, roots-rock artist Michael Lawson continues his extraordinary musical resurgence with the release of his heartfelt new single “It’s Love.” Out now on all streaming platforms, “It’s Love” is the lead single from Lawson’s upcoming seven-song EP Vibe Talking, a piano-forward collection of songs that showcases his melodic sensibilities and hard-earned perspective.
A former frontman of a pre-grunge Seattle thrash band in the 1980s, Lawson took a 25-year detour before re-emerging as a singer-songwriter in 2019. The road back began with open mics in Tuscaloosa and took a transformative turn when he began recording at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. That journey now reaches a new peak with “It’s Love,” a single that blends Lawson’s emotional depth with refined musicianship and studio magic.
“If you have a song, I’d like to sing along… Cuz I’m on your side.”
Written on Christmas Eve during a quiet moment of last-minute shopping, the song came to life in just a few hours. “The line popped into my head while driving,” Lawson shares. “From there, the rest just flowed. I rushed home and finished it that night.”
Produced by Jimbo Hart (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit), “It’s Love” captures a sense of spiritual and emotional renewal. Lawson explains that the song explores how love can be both the force that breaks us and the one that heals. “Love is the one ingredient that can move us from hurt to healing, from disillusionment to truth. We’re all on the same team, and that realization is powerful.”
Joining Lawson on the track is a cast of seasoned musicians: Jimbo Hart on bass, Justin Holder (The Band Loula) on drums, Trevor McKay (Eric Gales Band) on guitars, and Brad Kuhn (Shenandoah) on piano and keyboards. The track was recorded and mixed by Wes Sheffield at FAME Studios and mastered by Randy Merrill, delivering a rich sonic palette that supports Lawson’s warm, earnest vocals and piano-driven arrangement.
“It’s Love” follows Lawson’s summer 2024 releases “Tennessee River Shakedown” and “Tears and Whiskey,” each of which drew praise for their blend of southern soul and introspective songwriting. With “It’s Love,” Lawson leans even further into what he calls the “emotive core” of his music—a sound that feels both classic and timely.
Though this marks his fifth studio release, Lawson feels the EP Vibe Talking represents a creative homecoming. “I hadn’t played piano much in 25 years, but it came back like an old friend,” he says. “The piano allows me to tap into the melodic side of my songwriting in a way that feels natural and real.”
With each new release, Lawson adds new depth to his story—a story defined not by fame or flash, but by sincerity, craft, and connection. “It’s Love” offers all of that and more, an anthem for unity and healing in a time that sorely needs both.
Anna Goldsmith Drops Fiery Anthem “Wake Up The People” for the Next Generation
Emerging rock artist and outspoken feminist Anna Goldsmith has released her powerful new single “Wake Up The People,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Fierce, fearless, and impossible to ignore, the song is a rallying cry for today. With its unapologetic lyrics and raw energy, “Wake Up The People” signals the arrival of a new kind of rock musician: one unafraid to speak truth to power.
Blending the grit of grunge, the drive of punk, and the boldness of classic protest music, Anna’s latest single takes aim at the systems that suppress individual voices, particularly those of young women. “This song is a feminist anthem,” Anna says. “But more than that, it’s for anyone who’s ever felt dismissed, underestimated, or silenced. It’s about reclaiming space and using your voice—even when it shakes.”
Written originally as a poem, “Wake Up The People” is deeply personal, reflecting Anna’s own journey from quiet frustration to confident activism. “I’ve always been afraid to speak up,” she admits, “but silence doesn’t lead to change. The world needs noise.” Produced by Rui Pedro at Harmony Hive Records, the single translates Anna’s righteous anger and defiant optimism into an electrifying sonic experience.
The lyrics don’t hold back. With lines like “Women gave you life, so give us back ours,” and “I am a person, but I am not one of the people,” Anna challenges listeners to question societal norms, repressive systems, and the ongoing erosion of personal freedom. “I was mad at the American government,” she explains. “But the more I looked around, the more I saw it wasn’t just one country. The problem is global—and generational.”
That anger, however, is paired with purpose. “Wake Up The People” is about what we can do. It’s a call to action for people to unlearn, to question, to fight for freedom, and most importantly, to listen to each other. “We’re all human. We all have different experiences. But we all deserve to live with dignity, equality, and autonomy,” says Anna.
At just 18, Anna Goldsmith has already earned national recognition. In 2024, she took top honours in the NATS National Student Auditions (Commercial Music) and dazzled audiences at Canadian Music Week. In 2025, she claimed the solo performance title at Canada’s Teen Jam. But beyond the trophies, Anna is quickly earning a reputation for something even more valuable: courage.
For the past two years, she’s worked with the Canadian Musicians Co-operative, honing her songwriting and developing a stage presence that’s as emotionally raw as it is commanding. She credits her collaborators—including producer Rui Pedro and the band MuteSounds—with helping her transform her message into music that moves people.
“Wake Up The People” is just the beginning. With a full slate of new music in the works and a growing audience hungry for artists who aren’t afraid to say something, Anna Goldsmith is poised to lead a new wave of socially conscious musicians. “If I’ve learned anything,” she says, “it’s that passion and fire mean you’re meant to be where you are. And I’m exactly where I need to be.”
Sultans of String Feat. Donne Roberts Celebrate Freedom On UN International Day Of Hope
Sultans of String are sharing their song “I’m Free” from their REFUGE project in conjunction with the UN International Day of Hope July 12. “In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions, and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force. Recognizing this, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 12 July as the International Day of Hope—a day to celebrate and promote hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities, and nations alike.”
“I’m Free” features Madagascar-born Donné Roberts and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Denis Mastromonaco, with orchestration by Ben Bolt-Martin.
REFUGE is a collaboration with over 30 musicians, including Majd Sukkar, Leen Hamo, Tamar Ilana, Padideh Ahrarnejad, Saskia Tomkins, Ahmed Moneka, Juan Carlos Medrano, Robi Botos, Ifrah Mansour, Demetrios Petsalakis, Imad Al Taha, Amir Amiri, Béla Fleck, Dr. Duke Redbird and others on wide-ranging treatise on displaced peoples.
Addressing the struggles of life on Mother Earth has always inspired Toronto-based quintet, Sultans of String. On their visionary seventh and eighth albums, Refuge and Sanctuary, Sultans of String bring their unique brand of musical synergy and collaboration to bear on songs that speak to the challenges facing the world’s displaced peoples–their stories, their songs, their persistence and their humanity.
Joined by an international cast, some of whom are recent immigrants to North America, the celebrated quintet immerses themselves in the plight of the international refugee on Refuge, and the humanitarian response that should greet everyone in search of a home.
“This project is centered around the positive contributions of refugees and new immigrants to North America,” says bandleader Chris McKhool (ancestral name Makhoul), whose Lebanese grandfather stowed away on a ship bound for North America a century ago.
“We’re collaborating with special guests on the project who are newcomers to this land, Indigenous artists, as well as global talents who have been ambassadors for peace. We wish to celebrate the successes of those who make the journey here and bring their extraordinary talents with them. We hope the conversations we can have as musicians will provide a model for peace that will inspire our politicians and citizens.”
Banned & Outlawed Deliver Prairie Country Heat With New Single “Backyard Bar”
Hazelridge, Manitoba country duo Banned & Outlawed, nominated for 5 Josie Music Awards, taking place November 2, 2025, at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, are igniting summer playlists with their latest release, “Backyard Bar,” now spinning on country radio and streaming across platforms. Known for their hard-working prairie roots and gritty charm, brothers Jon and Daniel Hnatishin offer up a track that blends backyard storytelling with singalong spirit.
Written with hitmaker Chris Buck in Nashville, “Backyard Bar” began as a high-energy party tune. Once in the studio, the band pulled the tempo back and leaned into their signature style—warm, melodic, and grounded in real-life moments. “It became a drinkin’ tune,” they explain. “A song for relaxing after a long day, surrounded by friends, fire, and good country music.”
The single opens with downhome imagery:
“We got a little spot on the outskirts of town / On a 100-acre lot where they all come round”
and the chorus drives it home:
“We light that fire like the Fourth of July / Strumming six strings with the crickets at night.”
The music video, directed by Unreel Creative, stays true to the band’s roots. Filmed during a real backyard party with friends, cold drinks, and live jamming, it also features footage from a sold-out rodeo—capturing the kind of joy and connection that defines the Banned & Outlawed experience.
Hailing from Hazelridge, Manitoba, Jon and Daniel deliver what they know best—authentic, blue-collar country music rooted in family, fields, and fun. Their sound draws from indie country, classic rock, and prairie grit, gaining traction across Canada and earning respect from Nashville to Northern Ontario.
“Backyard Bar” follows the buzz of their spring single “People Talk” and sets the stage for their full-length album arriving later this year. The brothers continue to build a strong fanbase through relentless touring, heartfelt songwriting, and a dedication to the craft that reflects their upbringing.
Catch Banned & Outlawed live at these upcoming dates:
July 26 – Austin Thresherman’s Reunion & Rodeo (Austin, MB)
August 30 – Totem Resort (Sioux Narrows, ON)
September 6 – Double B Rodeo (Beausejour, MB)
Neena Rose Rises Above With Powerful New Pop Anthem “Superman”
With a voice that cuts like a comet and lyrics that strike the heart, Canadian pop sensation Neena Rose returns with her latest single, “Superman.” The fiery, emotional ballad is a bold next chapter in her unstoppable rise—one that now includes more than 12.4 million total digital streams, 875,000+ TikTok followers, 240,000+ playlists, and a growing fanbase that spans the globe.
“Superman” flips the fairytale. It’s not about waiting for someone to save you—it’s about realizing your worth when they don’t. Wrapped in Neena’s smooth, cinematic vocal performance, the track delivers soaring hooks and heart-on-sleeve honesty: “In the shadows / I fought your battles / When you said you were the one protecting me / But you’ll never be my Superman.”
“I wrote ‘Superman’ as a kind of unmasking,” Neena explains. “It’s about that moment you stop romanticizing someone and start realizing they were never the hero in your story—you were. You always were.”
Released under the mentorship of industry giants, Neena’s work continues to grab attention across major platforms and industry circles. She recently took home “Original Recording of the Year” at the 2023 Hollywood Independent Music Awards and has collaborated with Grammy winners and hitmakers like Eric Hudson (Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige), Blush (Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland), and Travis Kr8ts (Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Flo Rida).
The 22-year-old Hamilton, ON native has been stunning audiences since her debut single “Games” in 2018. With performances reaching over 50,000 people and features in dozens of media outlets, Neena Rose has become a defining voice of Canada’s new pop era—fierce, authentic, and impossible to ignore.
“Love working with her because she wants it so bad and she’s willing to take direction. She has all the boxes ticked,” says Tiyon Christian (multi-platinum, 4x Grammy-nominated producer). Eric Hudson compares the experience to working with “the great late Whitney Houston,” while Travis Kr8ts praises her for being “fast and easy to work with” and having “a very special voice.”
Neena’s empowering message has found fertile ground on social media as well. With over 875K TikTok followers and viral clips showcasing her vocal range, vulnerability, and writing, she continues to prove she’s more than a pop artist—she’s a generational storyteller.
“Maybe you’ll never know how hard I really had to try,” she sings in the bridge, peeling back the curtain on the emotional weight of loving someone who can’t meet you halfway. “Superman” speaks not only to heartbreak but to healing—and the realization that strength often comes from walking away.
Whether she’s on stage, on screen, or on your screen, Neena Rose keeps proving that vulnerability is power, and truth is timeless. “Superman” is out now on all streaming platforms.
John Dawson Shares Reflective New Single “Take the Time” and Quietly Shines as One of Canada’s Finest Singer-Songwriters
From Newmarket, Ontario, songwriter and guitarist John Dawson releases his latest single “Take the Time,” a beautifully reflective and emotionally grounded piece that reaffirms his place as one of Canada’s quietly brilliant voices in folk and roots music. With lyrical depth, warm arrangements, and an honest vocal delivery, “Take the Time” reveals Dawson’s rare ability to explore the human condition with clarity, humility, and heart.
Written and performed by Dawson, the track is accompanied by a stellar rhythm section featuring Manny DeGrandis on bass and Anthony D’Angela on drums. It was produced by Mike Walsom and mastered by Justin Perkins, whose work helps bring out the song’s rich sonic texture without overwhelming its intimate message.
“When I take the time to look back as I should / I know that I have seen less bad than good / And I know that all I have is enough.”
The single was born from a place of introspection. Dawson explains that the song was inspired by the advice of a composer he admired: “Never seek art at the expense of life or you will lose both.” From this starting point, Dawson crafts a lyrical journey that acknowledges the disappointments of life while embracing gratitude and emotional honesty as guiding lights.
“Take the Time” is the latest example of Dawson’s thoughtful approach to songwriting. His lyrics carry the weight of lived experience and a willingness to be vulnerable, offering a kind of musical companionship for listeners navigating their own uncertainties and self-reflection. He writes not to impress, but to connect.
A graduate of the Humber College Music Program with additional degrees in Music and Education from York University, Dawson has quietly spent decades honing his craft. His career includes performances with Juno and Grammy-nominated artists, work in music education, and a memorable moment backing up Jackie Lomax at a Beatles Festival in 2011. He is also endorsed by Yamaha Canada, further reflecting his credibility within Canada’s musician community.
When not recording or performing, Dawson is a dedicated educator, podcaster, and music advocate. He co-hosts a weekly wrestling radio show called Ringside Heat and continues to find inspiration in both the everyday and the extraordinary. His songwriting influences include George Harrison, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler, and his music reflects that same balance of technical skill and soulful intent.
“Take the Time” is another step in a deeply personal and ongoing conversation between artist and listener. It invites us all to pause, reflect, and remember the simple but profound truths that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.
With quiet conviction and unmistakable talent, John Dawson continues to offer songs that feel like gifts. “Take the Time” is one such gift—open-hearted, beautifully crafted, and well worth hearing.
Alex Blum Blends Blues Guitar & Future-Funk on “Believe Everything You Hear About Me”
North Carolina native Alex Blum delivers a heady, genre-bending statement with his latest single, “Believe Everything You Hear About Me”—an introspective, blues-soaked odyssey that sits somewhere between confessional and cosmic, wrapped in gritty guitars and minimalist electronic production.
Now streaming everywhere, the track is a standout from Blum’s 2025 album Good Weather, a self-produced tour through blues-rock terrain with detours into hip-hop, ambient, and progressive sonic realms. Built from the ground up with Blum on guitar, vocals, harmonica, drums, keys, and production, “Believe Everything You Hear About Me” is equal parts confrontation and transcendence.
“It’s a song about things people say about each other,” Blum writes. “On one level, you know it’s in your power not to let other people’s lies affect you. But at the same time, your life is very much affected by them no matter what you do.”
The song reads like a modern-day blues diss track without names, biting with sarcasm:
“So believe everything you hear about me / And make sure you ask for details too / And go take all your authority / And go make it true.”
The track’s psychedelic guitar solo—layered with delay in the spirit of Eddie Hazel’s “Maggot Brain” and John Frusciante’s whammy-warped leads—anchors the emotional surge. “It’s not quite rock music because of the electronics, and not quite electronic music either because it’s mostly driven by the playing,” Blum explains. “But overall the song still feels bluesy.”
This duality defines Good Weather, the follow-up to Blum’s fast-tracked blues LP Speak Dreams to Me. It’s a cohesive yet eclectic body of work that threads together his diverse catalogue: from traditional blues and instrumental guitar EPs to danceable beats, ambient textures, and even a rap mixtape. Still, it always returns to what matters most: the guitar and the message.
Blum’s music, rooted in Chapel Hill and forged from late-night Asheville sidewalks and solo studio sessions, is soaked in authenticity and unfiltered expression. A line cook by day and a sonic architect by night, he brings the same raw energy to the studio as he once brought to the streets of Asheville and Nashville, busking with an amp and an idea.
45 Americana Artists You Need in Your Life
From dusty highways to dimly lit honky-tonks, Americana music captures the heart and soul of the American experience. Whether it’s country-leaning, folk-soaked, or rock-tinged, these artists bring truth, twang, and timeless storytelling to every note.
Amanda Shires
A fiddler, poet, and powerhouse vocalist, Amanda Shires brings heartache and grit to every lyric. Whether solo or with The Highwomen, her voice shines.
The Avett Brothers
With foot-stomping energy and tender harmonies, The Avett Brothers blend bluegrass, folk, and punk-spirit into unforgettable live shows and introspective albums.
Bob Dylan
The blueprint for modern songwriting, Dylan’s influence touches every corner of Americana. His lyricism, melodies, and fearless reinvention remain unmatched.
Bruce Springsteen
From small towns to the open road, Springsteen writes the soundtrack to working-class life. Albums like Nebraska and The Ghost of Tom Joad feel like worn-in denim.
Buddy Miller
Known as a go-to guitarist and soulful singer, Buddy Miller brings warmth to every collaboration. His production work and solo records are steeped in deep American roots.
Calexico
Spanning desert landscapes and border towns, Calexico’s cinematic blend of Americana, mariachi, and indie rock evokes wide-open skies and whispered secrets.
Chris Hillman
A founding member of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Hillman’s mandolin and harmonies helped shape country rock as we know it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Swampy grooves, Southern imagery, and John Fogerty’s unmistakable voice make CCR a cornerstone of rootsy rock ‘n’ roll.
Damien Jurado
With whispery vocals and vivid storytelling, Jurado’s haunting songs unfold like dream sequences on long drives through quiet landscapes.
Dave Alvin
A master of West Coast roots rock, Alvin blends rockabilly, blues, and poetry into narratives that feel pulled from California backroads.
The Delines
Led by novelist Willy Vlautin and singer Amy Boone, The Delines craft noir-toned Americana with cinematic soul and velvet melancholy.
Drive-By Truckers
These Southern rockers pen songs with bite and brains. With layered guitars and fearless lyrics, their music explores the American South with honesty and fire.
Emmylou Harris
With a voice like a prairie wind and a career filled with daring collaborations, Emmylou Harris is a guiding star in the Americana universe.
The Felice Brothers
Rambunctious and lyrical, The Felice Brothers channel Dylan, The Band, and beat poetry into scrappy songs full of heart and mischief.
Gillian Welch
Sparse, haunting, and rooted in Appalachian tradition, Welch’s music echoes with timeless beauty. Her partnership with David Rawlings is a model of quiet brilliance.
Grateful Dead
Born from psychedelia, the Dead fused folk, blues, country, and improvisation into a freeform Americana style that continues to inspire generations.
Gram Parsons
A cosmic cowboy and pioneer of country rock, Parsons helped bridge honky-tonk and hippie culture. His work with The Byrds and solo albums remain essential.
Jason Isbell
A storyteller of staggering empathy, Isbell’s songwriting touches on recovery, relationships, and redemption. His work with The 400 Unit is modern classic material.
Jayhawks, The
With soaring harmonies and jangly guitars, The Jayhawks helped define the alt-country scene of the ’90s. Their melodies are endlessly replayable.
John Hiatt
Hiatt’s gravelly voice and clever lyrics shine across blues, rock, and Americana. A true songwriter’s songwriter with decades of stellar material.
John Mellencamp
Chronicler of small-town life and social truths, Mellencamp’s music bridges rock and roots with a populist spirit and Midwestern heart.
John Prine
Equal parts wit and wisdom, Prine’s songs carry a quiet power. His catalog is filled with characters, compassion, and lines that linger long after.
Johnny Cash
The Man in Black stands tall in every corner of American music. His deep voice and moral clarity gave voice to the downtrodden and the defiant.
Josh Rouse
Blending folk-pop charm with Americana soul, Rouse writes breezy, thoughtful songs perfect for long drives and quiet mornings.
Justin Townes Earle
A gifted songwriter with a rich musical legacy, Earle’s catalog weaves folk, blues, and country with honesty and flair.
Kacey Musgraves
With a voice like sunshine and lyrics full of wit, Kacey Musgraves blends country and pop with Americana storytelling and wide-open emotional depth.
Los Lobos
From East L.A. to global stages, Los Lobos merge Chicano rock, blues, folk, and roots music with irresistible rhythm and cultural pride.
Lucinda Williams
A master of poetic grit, Williams lays bare life’s heartbreak and joy with a weathered voice and fearless spirit. Her songs are Southern gothic treasures.
Lori McKenna
A quiet powerhouse in the songwriting world, McKenna crafts emotionally detailed portraits of family, love, and everyday life.
Marty Stuart
A keeper of country tradition and a fearless explorer of its edges, Stuart blends rhinestone flair with deep respect for roots music.
Neil Young
From acoustic ballads to electric anthems, Young’s restless creativity and raw emotion make him a cornerstone of American musical storytelling.
The Byrds
Their fusion of folk and rock sparked a revolution. With chiming guitars and harmony-rich arrangements, The Byrds redefined what country-rock could be.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Fiddles fly and boots stomp when Old Crow hits the stage. Their revival of Appalachian traditions brings old-time music roaring into the present.
Patty Griffin
With soulful vocals and lyrical depth, Griffin’s songs cut to the emotional core. She brings both intimacy and strength to every note.
Robert Earl Keen
A Texas favorite and master storyteller, Keen’s laid-back wit and road-weary tales have earned him a loyal following across generations.
Rosanne Cash
Elegant and introspective, Rosanne Cash carries forward her family’s legacy with literary songwriting and a distinctive voice all her own.
Ry Cooder
Slide guitar genius, global music advocate, and roots revivalist—Cooder’s work spans cultures and continents while staying grounded in tradition.
Son Volt
Formed after Uncle Tupelo’s split, Son Volt’s gritty sound helped define alt-country’s mix of twang and feedback. Jay Farrar’s voice is unmistakable.
Stephen Stills
A cornerstone of folk-rock, Stills brought searing guitar work and complex songwriting to groups like CSNY and Buffalo Springfield.
Steve Earle
Outlaw poet, political voice, and roots rocker, Earle’s songs come packed with grit, heart, and messages that resonate far beyond the studio.
Wilco
From twangy beginnings to experimental horizons, Wilco stretches the Americana genre in new directions while staying true to storytelling roots.
Willie Nelson
With his signature phrasing, unmistakable guitar, and outlaw spirit, Willie Nelson remains a beloved icon of American music and a national treasure.