Lizzie No
With the release of her debut album, ‘Hard Won,’ in March 2017, NYC singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary folk music. Billboard Magazine called the album “simultaneously understated and fervent.” She followed up the album with the release of “Sundown,” a benefit track for Black Lives Matter. Lizzie showcased at Americanafest, SXSW, the Mile of Music, and as a featured soloist at the Louisville Orchestra’s Festival of American Music. Building on the songwriting prowess displayed in her critically acclaimed debut album [her song “Outlaws” won the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Prize], No is unsparing in self-reflection in her new album. The nine songs on ‘Vanity’ are epic tales of ego, featuring narrative shifts within vividly crafted characters. Inventive arrangements written in collaboration with drummer and co-producer Nick Rapley elevate the record to shimmering heights, alternating between swaggering grooves and intimate clarity.
With the release of her debut album, ‘Hard Won,’ in March 2017, NYC singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary folk music. Billboard Magazine called the album “simultaneously understated and fervent.” She followed up the album with the release of “Sundown,” a benefit track for Black Lives Matter. Lizzie showcased at Americanafest, SXSW, the Mile of Music, and as a featured soloist at the Louisville Orchestra’s Festival of American Music. Building on the songwriting prowess displayed in her critically acclaimed debut album [her song “Outlaws” won the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Prize], No is unsparing in self-reflection in her new album. The nine songs on ‘Vanity’ are epic tales of ego, featuring narrative shifts within vividly crafted characters. Inventive arrangements written in collaboration with drummer and co-producer Nick Rapley elevate the record to shimmering heights, alternating between swaggering grooves and intimate clarity.
Slowdive
The fifth album from shoegaze giants Slowdive contains the duality of a familiar internal language mixed with the exaltation of new beginnings.
Everything is alive is transportive, searching and aglow, the work of a classic band continuing to pitch its unmistakable voice to the future. Six years after the group’s monumental self-titled album, everything is alive finds Slowdive—Rachel Goswell, Neil Halstead, Christian Savill, Nick Chaplin, and Simon Scott—locating evermore contours of its immersive, elemental sound.
The new record began with Halstead in the role of writer and producer, working on demos at home. Slowdive’s collective decision-making ultimately drew the group back towards their signature reverb-drenched guitars. “As a band, when we’re all happy with it, that tends to be the stronger material,” Halstead says. “We’ve always come from slightly different directions, and the best bits are where we all meet in the middle.” The convergence of five unique characters has made the sound.
Everything is alive, is exactly what the title suggests: an exploration into the shimmering nature of life and the universal touch points within it. Spanning psychedelic soundscapes, pulsating 80’s electronic elements and John Cale inspired journeys, the album lands immediately as something made for the future; which figures, as their fanbase has grown younger and younger as time has gone on, and their influence on forward thinking musical artists continues to prevail.
Hiss Golden Messenger
The songs that make up “Jump for Joy”—the sharpest and most autobiographical that Taylor has written under the Hiss name—read as a sort of epistolary, postcards between the present-day songwriter and his alias Michael Crow, a teenaged dreamer very much like Taylor himself, who trips his way through the 14 tunes that make up the record. In this way, “Jump for Joy” is a meditation on a life lived with art, and the ways that our hopes and dreams and decisions bump up against—and, with a little bit of luck, occasionally merge with—real life.
Read MoreWunderhorse
Wunderhorse is a band consisting of Jacob Slater, Harry Fowler, Peter Woodin, and Jamie Staples. In 2022, the group made a significant mark with the release of their debut album ‘Cub’. The collection of songs from the album captured the attention of renowned figures in the music industry such as Zane Lowe, NME, and BBC Radio 1. This led to exciting opportunities for Wunderhorse, including touring with acclaimed artists like Fontaines D.C., Pixies, Sam Fender, and Foals. Additionally, the band successfully sold out their own headline shows, showcasing their growing popularity and talent. Their latest release ‘Midas’ is now available, adding to their impressive discography.
Read MoreTV On The Radio
From their beginnings as Brooklyn-based experimenters to one of the most acclaimed bands of the 2000s and 2010s, TV on the Radio mixed post-punk, electronic, and other atmospheric elements in vibrantly creative ways, and are both visual artists as well as musicians. The group began when multi-instrumentalist/producer David Andrew Sitek moved into the building where vocalist Tunde Adebimpe had a loft; each of them had been recording music on his own, but realized their sounds worked well together. Sitek’s brother Jason began playing drums and other instruments with the pair during their recording sessions, which resulted in OK Calculator, a self-released disc of four-track recordings. Jason Sitek left the band for a short time due to other musical commitments but returned to the band when it recorded its Touch & Go debut, the Young Liars EP.
After the EP was completed, TV on the Radio added guitarist/vocalist Kyp Malone to their fold. Young Liars, which also features the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Brian Chase and Nick Zinner, was released in summer 2003 to critical acclaim, coinciding with their gigs opening for the Fall. Their first full-length release, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, arrived in spring 2004. The band remained busy for the rest of the year, embarking on its own tours as well as dates with the Faint and the Pixies. That fall, they released the New Health Rock EP and won the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize.
In 2005, the band kept busy with touring and returned to Sitek’s Stay Gold studio to work on its second album. They also made an MP3 criticizing President George W. Bush, “Dry Drunk Emperor,” available on their website. TV on the Radio signed with 4AD for European distribution of their albums and moved to Interscope in the U.S. In summer 2006 they resurfaced with Return to Cookie Mountain, a more polished but still searching collection of songs that featured David Bowie on backing vocals. The band went in a sleeker direction on 2008’s Dear Science, which featured cameos from Antibalas and Celebration’s Katrina Ford.
The band went on hiatus following Dear Science. Malone worked on his own project, Rain Machine, and appeared on Iran’s 2009 album Dissolver, while Sitek formed the collaborative pop project Maximum Balloon, which released its self-titled debut in 2010. As planned, their hiatus ended the following year, and TV on the Radio released their fifth album, Nine Types of Light, early in 2011. In March of that year, the band announced that bassist Gerard Smith, who had joined the TV on the Radio lineup in 2005, was suffering from lung cancer; the following month, on April 20, 2011, Smith passed away at the age of 34 as a result of the disease. Later that year, the band released World Cafe Live, taken from a set recorded for National Public Radio. Late in 2014, TV on the Radio returned with Seeds, a hopeful, streamlined-sounding set once again featuring production by Sitek.
Read MoreKatie Pruitt
Katie Pruitt, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, exemplifies the profound impact of music in reshaping our perception of the world. Following the success of her celebrated debut album, ‘Expectations,’ released in 2020, where she shared her narrative of navigating queer identities in the conservative Southern culture, Pruitt received an outpouring of messages from fans expressing how her music deeply touched their lives. Now, with her second album titled ‘Mantras,’ Katie Pruitt delves into introspective themes like gender identity, self-acceptance, and the quest for inner peace amidst turmoil and ambiguity. This collection of songs serves as a testament to the liberation found in discarding destructive self-doubts and embracing one’s authentic self.
Recognized for her authentic and relatable songwriting, Katie Pruitt places great value on the visceral experience of live performances. She is gearing up for her upcoming Headline Tour, marking her return to the stage since 2021. Fans can secure tickets for the tour from her official website, www.katiepruitt.com. Furthermore, Pruitt’s eagerly awaited second album ‘Mantras’ is set to be released on April 5th, 2024, and is currently open for preorders. This new musical endeavor promises a deep dive into profound reflections and promises to resonate with listeners seeking solace and empowerment through music.
The Smithereens
Dressed in leather, brandishing heavy guitars, and exhibiting an unabashed fetish for British Invasion pop, the Smithereens were an anomaly on the American college rock scene of the late 1980s. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Pat DiNizio stood out not only with his strange beatnik goatee, but also because his catchy hooks were haunting, not punchy, and because his lyrics were morose. As time wore on, the group became more straightforward, turning into an excellent bar band, one that attacked pop songs with the weight of AC/DC. The group wound up with two Top 40 hits during the late ’80s and early ’90s — ‘A Girl Like You’ was a powerhouse on modern and mainstream rock, ‘Too Much Passion’ showed off their pop side — but as the ’90s continued, the Smithereens turned into a working band, playing regular gigs and recording on occasion. They’d continue in this direction even after DiNizio’s death in 2017.
Of course, the Smithereens essentially started out as a working band. After playing in several cover groups, including a handful of prog rock and metal groups, DiNizio was inspired to form his own band after listening to Buddy Holly. Placing an advertisement in a New York paper for musicians influenced by Holly, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and the Clash, DiNizio eventually came into contact with New Jersey high school students Dennis Diken (drums), Jim Babjak (guitar), and Mike Mesaros (bass), who had all played together in school. By the end of 1980, they had independently released Girls About Town, an EP featuring four songs with ‘girl’ in the title that was a moderate local success. For the next three years, the group played around New Jersey and New York, not releasing another record until 1983’s Beauty and Sadness. While the EP earned some play on college radio and received a positive review in Rolling Stone, they still had trouble gaining an audience, so they began supporting traveling oldies artists like Otis Blackwell, with whom they recorded an album’s worth of material, and the Beau Brummels.
By 1985, the Smithereens were growing frustrated by their lack of progress, as most of the demos they sent to labels were ignored. They did send a demo to Enigma, where Scott Vanderbilt, a former college DJ who was a fan of the band several years earlier, signed the group. In 1986, the band released its debut album, the Don Dixon-produced Especially for You, to positive reviews. On the strength of college airplay, as well as MTV’s airing of ‘Blood and Roses’ — a video financed by a film studio that included the song in the B-movie Dangerously Close — the album became a moderate hit, climbing to number 51 on the charts and leading to a major-label contract with Capitol. The Smithereens supported the album with an extensive tour, and they recorded their second record weeks after they left the road.
T. Rex
Marc Bolan, the visionary behind T. Rex, was a key figure in the U.K. glam rock movement of the ’70s. Bolan, born Mark Feld in London, displayed early talents in music and acting, forming a skiffle band at the young age of nine and making his acting debut in the early ’60s. His musical journey took off with the band Tyrannosaurus Rex, later transformed into the iconic T. Rex, marking a shift towards electric rock and a flamboyant stage presence. Bolan’s unique style and sound resonated globally, influencing genres like metal, punk, and new wave, leaving an enduring impact on the music scene.
Transitioning from folk to rock, Bolan’s artistry evolved with each album, culminating in the monumental success of Electric Warrior in 1971, solidifying T. Rex’s position as a trailblazer in the glam rock era. Bolan’s innovation extended beyond music, as he ventured into hosting pop music shows, showcasing both established stars like David Bowie and emerging punk rock acts. The tragic loss of Bolan in 1977 marked the end of an era, but T. Rex’s legacy lives on through their timeless music, celebrated through reissues and covers by a diverse array of artists, ensuring Bolan’s profound influence continues to resonate in the world of rock music.
Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe is a multi-talented artist known for his exceptional skills as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist. His career journey spans various musical genres, from pioneering pub rock to becoming a pivotal figure in the punk and new wave scene. Lowe’s evolution as an artist includes successful phases as a power popper and an elegant crooner, showcasing his versatility and enduring influence in the music industry. Starting his musical career with Brinsley Schwarz, Lowe later cemented his reputation by producing iconic albums for artists like the Damned and Elvis Costello during his time at Stiff Records.
Born into a family with a military background, Lowe’s early life experiences shaped his musical path. Playing in bands like Three’s a Crowd and Sounds 4 Plus 1, he eventually co-founded Brinsley Schwarz and embraced the country-rock sound. Lowe’s artistic vision evolved over the years, leading him to explore unconventional pop songs and establish himself as a prominent songwriter and producer. His collaborations with renowned musicians like Dave Edmunds and involvement with Rockpile further solidified his presence in the music scene, marked by hit singles like ‘Cruel to Be Kind’ and a transition towards country-rock and roots rock in the ’80s.
Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with alcohol abuse, Lowe’s passion for music endured, leading to a remarkable comeback in the ’90s with albums like ‘The Impossible Bird’ and ‘Dig My Mood.’ His dedication to creating authentic music resonated with audiences, contributing to the resurgence of his career and critical acclaim for his works. Lowe’s commitment to his craft continued into the 2000s and beyond, marked by successful releases and collaborations with artists like John Hiatt and Los Straitjackets. With a diverse discography that showcases his musical evolution, Lowe remains a respected figure in the music world, celebrated for his unique style and enduring contributions to various genres.
Widespread Panic
Widespread Panic has been together for 30 years. The band was formed by original members vocalist/guitarist John “JB” Bell, bassist Dave Schools, and late guitarist Michael Houser. They lived together in a suburban house in Athens, GA, where they met as students not far from the University of Georgia campus. The original line-up was later joined by drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, and keyboard player John “JoJo” Hermann. The band’s current line-up was solidified with the addition of Jimmy Herring on guitar in 2006 and Duane Trucks on drums in 2016.
Over three decades have passed since the formation of their original line-up in 1986. Widespread Panic continues to strive to be the best band they can be every single night for their loyal fan base. Throughout their journey, the band has achieved remarkable success, including the release of 12 studio albums, such as Street Dogs, and 43 live albums. Their music has resonated with fans worldwide, resulting in the sale of over 3 million copies and establishing them as one of the most successful touring acts in the music industry. Widespread Panic’s presence is highlighted by breaking attendance records at prominent venues nationwide, notably achieving 61 sold-out shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
Los Lobos
Los Lobos, one of America’s most venerated bands since the mid-’80s, emerged as seasoned musical veterans with a unique blend of rock, blues, Tex-Mex, country, R&B, and folk influences. Despite their short-lived pop star status, they garnered a dedicated following with hits like ‘La Bamba’ and albums such as ‘How Will the Wolf Survive?’ and ‘Kiko.’ Their musical journey evolved from playing acoustic Mexican folk to creating groundbreaking melodic experiments. Los Lobos’ diverse sound symbolizes America’s cultural melting pot, transcending boundaries with their eclectic music.
Formed in 1973 by David Hidalgo and Louie Perez, Los Lobos explored Mexican folk music before delving into newer sounds influenced by the L.A. punk scene. Their collaboration with T-Bone Burnett and the addition of Steve Berlin expanded their musical horizons, leading to the release of groundbreaking albums like ‘Kiko.’ Over the years, Los Lobos continued to innovate, recording children’s albums, collaborating with renowned artists, and exploring different labels. In 2021, they paid homage to California-based acts with ‘Native Sons,’ showcasing their enduring creativity and versatility.
O.A.R.
For over 25 years, O.A.R. have embodied the kind of joyfully communal spirit that’s transcendent for both artist and audience alike. Since forming in Maryland in 1996, the multi-platinum-selling band have merged their musical DNA into a free-flowing sound and exhilarating live show, repeatedly selling out legendary venues like Madison Square Garden thanks to their massively devoted community of fans.
For O.A.R., the work of endlessly uplifting their followers is equal parts charmed responsibility and immense privilege—a dynamic that singer/guitarist, Marc Roberge considers essential to the band’s remarkable longevity. “We’re still always saying to each other, ‘Can you believe we’re still doing this at this level, and it’s still this much fun?’” he reveals. “Apart from communicating, I think the number-one thing you need to keep a band going is really appreciate and find joy in what you do, and that’s absolutely the case with us. We don’t ever take any of it for granted.