THE LONG HAUL: Passing the Mic, Part 1
This month, I’ve been working on learning and unlearning, and trying to be a better ally in the fight for racial justice. Somewhere in that process, it came to my attention that my voice is not the one that needs to be heard on this platform at this moment.
Ryan Gustafson Finds a Singular Voice on The Dead Tongues’ ‘Transmigration Blues’
Phil Cook and Hiss Golden Messenger tend to attract a slew of incredible musicians and songwriters into their orbit, and one of them is Ryan Gustafson. Recording as The Dead Tongues, Gustafson has been on a consistent run over the last decade, but his latest release hits differently. Transmigration Blues
Cowboy Rocker Corb Lund Takes Stock of His World on ‘Agricultural Tragic’
Difficult realities and long-cherished values collide with a bang on Canadian Corb Lund’s first album of original material in five years. Eloquent and plainspoken, the excellent Agricultural Tragic finds the affable country rocker exploring his roots as a rancher and rodeo rider while striving to adapt this traditional identity
THROUGH THE LENS: Pull Up a Seat for Queer-antine Festival Porch Pride
This weekend (June 27 and 28), California’s Bluegrass Pride will celebrate Pride Month, and the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, by presenting Porch Pride: A Bluegrass Pride Queer-antine Festival. Headlined by Amythyst Kiah and Molly Tuttle, the festival will stream 23 half-hour sets showcasing LGBTQ+ roots musicians, with
Can’t Look Away: Musicians, Writers, and More Reflect on 30 Years of Uncle Tupelo’s ‘No Depression’
On June 21, 1990, alt-country pioneers Uncle Tupelo (Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn) released their iconic debut album, No Depression. Over the years, the record has been critically hailed as a significant musical mile marker for both its celebration of what came before it (the band was as
Toil and Trouble: Uncle Tupelo’s ‘No Depression’ Turns 30
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series marking the 30th anniversary of Uncle Tupelo’s debut album, No Depression, which was released on June 21, 1990. Check back Monday for the second part, a roundtable of artists and music industry insiders talking about the album, the