Playlist

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
“Bad Case”
From the album Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)
Fantasy Records
Straddling rock-and-roll, country, soul, folk and R&B, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real reach a new high-water mark on Turn Off the News (Build a Garden). This is Lukas Nelson at his best: as a songwriter, a singer, a guitarist and a band leader—an artist at the peak of his powers, backed by one of the most talented rock-and-roll ensembles working today.
Lukasnelson.com

Curse of Lono
“I’d Start a War for You” – Live at Toe Rag Studios
From the album 4am & Counting – Live at Toe Rag Studios
Submarine Cat Records
‘I’d Start a War for You’ is taken from Curse of Lono’s new album 4am and Counting (out July 12). Recorded live at Toe Rag Studios in London with Grammy-winning producer Liam Watson (The White Stripes), the track features a guest appearance from legendary pedal-steel player BJ Cole.
curseoflonoband.com

Yarn
“Now Is Our Time”
From the album Lucky 13, Vol. 2
Ardsley Music
You might expect a band that calls itself Yarn to, naturally, tend to spin a yarn or two. “That’s what we do: We tell stories, live and in the studio, truth and fiction,” singer-songwriter Blake Christiana insists. “We don’t always opt for consistency. There’s a different vibe onstage from what comes through in the studio.
yarnmusic.com

Nichelle Colvin
“Leave That Key”
From the EP Welcome to Gary
SSGM Records
Nichelle Colvin, born and raised in Gary, Ind., sings with great emotion and sincerity. This singer-songwriter wrote her first three songs, which became Billboard award-winning songs, as a sophomore in college. Not bad for your first time out, huh?
nichellecolvin.bandcamp.com

Spare Change Trio
“Slow Down”
Single
Self-released
Spare Change Trio is known for their eclectic live performances that incorporate the Australian didgeridoo into flowing soundscapes of reggae, funk and jazz-fusion. The band hopes to spread the message of peace, love and harmony, while laying down an infectious groove.
sparechangetrio.com

Quarter Horse
“Eliza”
From the album Quarter Horse
Self-released
Described as Americana, Quarter Horse’s sound includes folk, alternative and jazz influences. Vocal harmonies have come to define them, but other signatures of their sound include tandem lead guitar and improvisation. Their music truly comes to life onstage.
quarterhorseband.com

Sweet Sweet
“To the Stars”
Single
Self-released
The South Carolina-based, indie-folk duo doubled down and dubbed themselves “Sweet Sweet” to describe the fresh and inviting way they blend the elegance and mood of cello with the rustic roots of acoustic guitar—crafting songs of heartfelt tales and whimsical Southern charm.
sweetsweetband.com

Colin Fowlie
“Harmony”
From the album Party Music
Self-released
Critically acclaimed Canadian recording artist and versatile singer-songwriter Colin Fowlie has arrived on the scene bringing with him a storied past, unique and compelling compositions in song and charismatic vocal stylings. He is turning heads with his debut full-length album “Party Music.”
colinfowlie.com

Hartley’s Encore
“Burnin’”
Single
Self-released
Hartley’s Encore is a funk/soul band from Albany, N.Y. Their mission: making music equal parts soundtrack to your Saturday night and bacon for your Sunday brunch. They’ve played with icons/stars (Los Lobos, Eric Krasno), and work regularly with Alan Evans (of Soulive) at his Iron Wax Studios.
hartleysencore.com

Bandwich
“Escape on the Wind”
From the album Escape on the Wind
Self-released
Bandwich is a collective group of musicians from all corners of Maine, sharing a longtime connection through experimental jam-fusion, neo-soul grooves and progressive funk-rock. Years of chemistry and diverse influences have cultivated a unique wave of expression through composition, improvisation and beyond. Founded in 2017, Bandwich has cooked up two studio albums of original music and performed throughout the lands of the Northeast.
bandwichmusic.com/streaming

Leadbetter Band
“Shaking Queen”
From the album Leadbetter Band
Independent
Leadbetter Band is a power trio based out of Bend, Ore. They just released their debut album in May 2019. Driven by the songwriter, Eric Leadbetter, the band rips up the tunes and heavy blues-rock improv sections—echoes from the golden age of rock-and-roll.
ericleadbettermusic.com

The Tragedy Brothers
“City Limits”
From the album City Limits
Self-released
Portraying the American landscape with a hot palette of twang and blues, The Tragedy Brothers pursue rock-and-roll innovation with feet squarely planted in tradition.
tragedybrothers.com

Radio Airplay Winner: Bad Mama’s Blues Band
“My House”
Single
Self-released
Bad Mama’s Blues Band is a five-piece swampedelic blues-rock band based out of Syracuse, N.Y. All five members bring unique personalities to the beloved American tradition of the blues, resulting in invigorating live performances and all new senses and sounds. Look for our full-length release in July!
badmamasbluesband.com

Editor’s Pick: White Denim
“NY Money”
From the album Side Effects
City Slang
White Denim have carefully studied the greatest records ever made, but they write songs just dumb enough to drink, dance and fight to. Theirs is music that aims for the whole body, while equally satisfying the mind.
whitedenimmusic.com

Joel Rafael
“Under Our Skin” (feat. Jason Mraz)
From the album ROSE AVENUE
INSIDE RECORDINGS
On Joel Rafael’s ROSE AVENUE the political world and climate of incivility are examined in light of the present and the past. But the album overwhelmingly is an examination of a man, by a man, and is a testament to a never-ending search for truth.
Joelrafael.com

Dogs in a Pile
“Look Johnny – Live”
Single
Self-released
Born from the deepest American roots of psychedelia, jazz, fusion, funk and rock and roll by way of Berklee and U’Arts Philly, the Dogs’ unique synergy and joy in creating “music as an atmosphere” equates simply to, as the band would say, “spreading good music and good energy to good people.”
http://dogsinapileofficial.com

Rosie Flores
“Simple Case of The Blues”
From the album Simple Case of The Blues
Last Music Company
Over the course of a career that has spanned more than four decades, guitarist/singer Rosie Flores has jumped feet first into punk rock, country, alt-country, rock and rockabilly. She returns to the blues now as a seasoned performer steeped in life’s uncompromising lessons.
Rosieflores.com

Drop The 4
“Freaksonic”
Single
Self-released
The New York-based funk outfit Drop The 4 is known for exploring new ideas through genre-pushing compositions and improvisation. Their newly released single, “Freaksonic” hits heavy with a supercharged fusion of throwback funk and body-shaking dance hooks. The tune strikes a sleek melodic balance between RETRO and FUTURE that keeps people moving.
dropthe4.com

loose loose
“vibe dealer”
From the EP candor
Self-released
loose loose is a future soul band from Columbia, Missouri. A project that simultaneously appreciates and rejects its genre tags, loose loose delves deep into the worlds of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop, only to expand into a unique musical setting of its own.
spoti.fi/31PEP8V

Slambovian Circus of Dreams
“Beez (I Know Where The Beez Have Gone)”
From the EP I Know Where The Beez Have Gone – UK EP
Storm King Records
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams’ brand of exotic rootsy psychedelica has been described as “Mightily impressive and hugely original rock from the cool end of Americana.” The band presents the hypnotic “Beez (I Know Where The Beez Have Gone).” Available on Storm King Records September 2019.
slambovia.com

Gary Backstrom
“The Story”
Single
Self-released
Gary Backstrom, the front man and founder of jam band Jiggle the Handle has toured the country many times, opening for The Allman Brothers, Los Lobos, Little Feat and more. His newly formed Gary Backstrom Band blends the soul of Stevie Wonder with the fiery Latin rhythm and blazing guitar of Santana.
facebook.com/garybackstromband

Gin Mill Hollow
“Scrap Metal Dowry”
From the album Busted Bullet
Self-released
In their five years together, Americana outfit Gin Mill Hollow have released two full-length albums and played over 300 shows around the Midwest. Always evolving, the group from Madison, Wisc. will host their own micro-fest this summer as well as embark on their first tour west through Colorado.
ginmillhollow.com

The American Hotel System
“21st”
From the EP A Search For Sunken Truth Vol. 2
Variare Music
The American Hotel System is a rock band from Grand Rapids, Mich. that aims to provoke the mind through heartfelt lyrics and intentional musicality while exploring themes of love, loneliness and politics.
Americanhotelsystem.com

The Chocolateers
“Joyride”
From the album Way Down
Self-released
Known for their “jamband” approach to the live stage, The Chocolateers have been spreading their love across Wisconsin for over seven years. “Joyride” is the power pop ballad that opens their third studio album Way Down, a diverse and tasty nugget of folk, blues, gospel and hard edged rock and roll.
chocolateerworld.com

The Material Boys
“Whiskey’s Gone”
From the album The Material Boys
Self-released
The Material Boys are a seven-piece American Roots Music band from Madison, Wisconsin. They blend their blues, jazz and bluegrass influences to form a unique Americana sound. They have performed their energetic music around the Midwest since 2011 and have recorded two full-length CDs of original music.
Thematerialboys.com

Moon Dunes
“Numb Thumb”
From the album Are You Kind?
Self-released
Moon Dunes vibe is organic, strong and eclectic. Their debut album Are You Kind? is a psychedelic blend of wavy jams and absolute bangers that will leave you feeling inspired and free! Four openhearted fellas from Texas in the now, evolving together with excitement and focus for the future. Homegrown!
moondunestunes.bandcamp.com