No Depression's Best of June 2025

No Depression set up the "studio" at the 37th annual MerleFest for a dozen sessions with legends and legends-in-the-making. The festival was founded in 1988 in memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, and features “traditional plus” music, meaning a broad range of styles from the sweet falsetto

Billy Allen almost made it. After progressing through regional tryouts in Huntsville, Alabama, waiting in line in Greensboro, North Carolina to sing for Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, L.A. Reid, and Demi Lovato, North Carolina, and advancing through to the Miami bootcamp, Allen was just one step away from advancing

This year has alternately flow and dragged by. But roots artists have been steadily releasing top-notch music all year long. As we arrive at its midpoint, No Depression writers and editors reflect on their favorite albums of the year, so far. 10. Valerie June – Owls  Like an alter with mystical