This week's news recap is both a reminder to "just keep swimming" and to keep supporting live and independent music amongst the horrors.
Of the horrors out of Washington, the Kennedy Center will likely close this summer for the next two years. Trump made the announcement on Sunday via his own social media site, leaving the National Symphony Orchestra, which has called the venue home since 1971, and other performing artists at a loss for what to do next, according to NBC. Read more at PBS and NPR.
RIP to veteran music publicist Tracy Zamot, who passed away this week at just 56 years old. Zamot worked with artists all over the genre spectrum, including Matchbox 20, Lil Wayne, Iggy Pop, and Led Zeppelin, and Motown Records. She held PR and communication roles at multiple record labels, music education organizations, streaming services, and more. Read more at Billboard.
Marty Stuart broke his hand and postponed his tour with Molly Tuttle. Check out their notes on Instagram and stay tuned for refunds and/or rescheduled dates. Wishing him a speedy recovery!
Despite the horrors, Backline launched B-LINE this week, a music industry-specific 24/7 mental health and crisis support line. Anyone in the wider music sector (and their families) can now connect with trained counselors who, according to a press release, "understand the unique pressures of working in and around music." B-LINE can be accessed by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting 254-639. Funding for B-LINE comes from Spotify, Live Nation, Noah Kahan / The Busyhead Project, Adyen, AEG Presents, Red Light Management, and Wasserman Foundation.
As for what to keep spinning, today marks the return of Bandcamp Fridays, wherein the site waves all service charges and fees. Check out the rest of the 2026 dates here. And for inspiration, discover Bandcamp's Best Country Music of 2025 here, which includes ND favorites like Kelsey Waldon, Joshua Hedley, Dylan Earle, Brennan Leigh, and more.
Record Store Day announced its lineup for its annual holiday on April 18. Check out the full list here, featuring roots musicians like The Blasters, The Jayhawks, Kaitlin Butts, Brandi Carlile, and so many more. Look back at some of ND's picks from Record Store Day Black Friday here.
Finally, even though the FreshGrass Festival is taking a year off its North Adams event, the Foundation (No Depression's nonprofit publisher) will be presenting a special performance by Sierra Ferrell at The Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas on August 14! Tickets are available now.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO
Ye Vagabonds - All Tied Together
Durand Jones & The Indications - Flowers
Tashi Dorji - "gathering"
Tilaye Gebre - Tilaye's Saxophone With The Dahlak Band (የጥላዬ ሳክስ ከዳህላክ ባንድ ጋር)
Daniel Kahn - UMRU / unrest
Bad Bunny- DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
NEW RELEASES - 2/6/26
Tyler Ballgame - For the First Time, Again
Cordovas - Back to Life
Kim Moberg - All That Really Matters
Steve Poltz - JoyRide
Emily Scott Robinson - Appalachia
Ye Vagabonds - All Tied Together
COMING SOON - 2/13/26
Boy Golden - Best of Our Possible Lives
Gogol Bordello - We Mean It, Man
Clay Street Unit - Sing&Squalor
Jeremy Ivey - It's Shape Will Reveal Itself
George Jackson's Local Trio - Center of The Universe
The Lone Bellow - What a Time to be Alive
Mumford and Sons - Prizefighter
The Nude Party - Look Who's Back
The Waymores - The Knot
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