Jade Jackson on “As You Run” and the Roots Rock Renaissance
If you’re wondering where to find the next Rosanne Cash, look no further than roots-rock artist Jade Jackson. In the late 1980s, Rosanne Cash and Bonnie Raitt had a string of radio hits, then their type of music unfortunately fell out of vogue. Now it’s making a comeback thanks to artists like Jackson and Aubrie […]
Deborah Stokol on “Stay Mine, Keens the Sailor” and Old Wives’ Tales
Deborah Stokol’s music occupies an interesting niche: the songs she writes are more than just folk songs or retellings of popular fables. Her music seeks to capture an oral tradition of storytelling that is deeply ingrained in the cultures that her music is inspired from. “Stay Mine, Keens the Sailor” from her latest album, Old […]
Steve Wynn’s “Simpler Than the Rain” is Sweet Country with an Unpredictable Edge
“Simpler Than the Rain” starts in an easy way with acoustic guitar, but after the band gently kicks in, the song’s warm and slightly loose playing is given an unusual tension as Steve Wynn starts singing. His edgy drawl’s DNA might be more likely to be heard in indie rock (and his work with The […]
Tess Henley on “Not in the Mood,” Great Parents, and Dino
Singer-songwriter Tess Henley should consider changing her name to Dawn Henley because many of her songs have the world-weary sophistication of The Eagles’ frontman. Her new single “Not In The Mood” perfectly captures the relationship ennui that the other Henley often sang about. There’s no other way to say I need my space I’m just […]
Gracie Ray on “Love, Quarantine,” Noble Breakups, and Rio
I predict that L.A. indie pop artist Gracie Ray will be one of the most important voices of the next decade. Long after the one-trick-pony singers have come and gone, she’ll be writing and singing songs that compare favorably to all-time greats like Sade, Valerie Carter and Roberta Flack. Gracie’s unique vocal phrasing, jazzy chord […]
Retrospective Review: “The Jezebel Spirit” by Brian Eno and David Byrne
When you type “the jezebel spirit” into the YouTube search engine, without Brian Eno or David Byrne’s names attached to it, their song of the same name is only the sixth result. The previous five videos are from Christian sources, and they all patiently explain the concept of “the Jezebel spirit” without a hint of […]
Rue Delaney on A Faux Funeral and Her New EP
Both UK artist Rue Delaney and her label-mate Fauness have hypnotic voices that feel half-elfin – sorta like what Liv Tyler would have sounded like if she sang her lines in Lord of the Rings. Not only is Rue’s new single musically charming, but the lyrics are first-rate, too: Wipe the tears across my skin […]
Fairhazel on “Comfort Inn” and the Wilson/Nilsson Connection
Fairhazel is a British-born artist now residing in L.A. whose music is reminiscent of two Southern Cal melodic geniuses: Brian Wilson and Harry Nilsson. His latest single “Comfort Inn” features a Wilson-esque tempo change – and last year’s “I Wanna Die With My Blue Jeans On” has an impish Nilsson-y charm. Fairhazel’s “Save The Planet!” […]
Kyshona on “Out Loud” and Music that Heals
Photo by Nora Canfield Throughout pop music history, there have been artists whose songs have provided emotional healing, not just entertainment. For example, James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” has given emotional solace to millions of listeners dealing with their own surprise pain and dashed dreams. Roots-Americana artist Kyshona’s song “Out Loud” is a beautiful addition […]
The Hard-won Joy of Gabrielle Grace’s “Lost Somebody Else”
Sad songs sell well. The modern cultural algorithm (and don’t get me started on the TikTok one) have latched onto a critical aspect of human nature: in a sickening way, it can feel good to be sad. Our art reflects what we love, and humans love to wallow. I’m hypothesizing here, but I think the […]
