Category Archives: Music Monday

New Music Monday: Cody Canada and the Departed – ‘If You Want It That Much’

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There’s no doubt Cody Canada has already cemented his place in what has become known as the red dirt music scene. From his early days as an integral part of Cross Canadian Ragweed, to the present with Cody Canada and the Departed, it’s the music and live performances that have always resonated with the fans. Fortunately for those same fans, Canada continues making quality music and already has other projects on the horizon.

This latest release, ‘If You Want It That Much’ is available right now however you consume new music and it truly taps into the heart and soul of what one would expect from Canada and the Departed. Written by Gary Wayne Thomason and Scott Melott, Canada, the band, and a few others bring the full sound to life while creating something fans will recognize and should immediately respond to with favorable acceptance.

In addition to this latest single, Canada also has plans in place for an upcoming re-recorded release of the Cross Canadian Ragweed album, ‘Soul Gravy’. Peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, this new version will also features collaborations with country superstar Lee Ann Womack.

Canada had this to say about the future release, “I never was satisfied with the recording of ‘Soul Gravy.’  I thought the songs were all spot on and thought out lyrically. That was a busy year so we recorded fast. No amps. All pod. I didn’t like that idea and got out voted. This time I did it the way I wanted. I can finally own recordings of these songs again and have them on vinyl.”

*credits* – Cody Canada – Lead Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Jeremy Plato – Bass, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Eric Hansen – Drums – Ryan Snipes – Baritone Guitar, Acoustic Guitar Pool – Lucas Taylor – Acoustic Guitar Pool – Mason Morris – Acoustic Guitar Pool

Again, be sure to check out ‘If You Want It That Much’ (available now) while keeping an eye out for the upcoming re-recorded release of ‘Soul Gravy’.

Bart Crow Lands In NC This Week

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Armed with new music, Bart Crow visits Charlotte this Saturday night…

Bart Crow is coming to North Carolina on Saturday, June 23 at Puckett’s Farm Equipment in Charlotte and he’s bringing new music with him. The Texas native got his start writing songs while serving in the United States Army and began performing once he returned to the Lone Star state. Moving to Austin, he set out on a career in music that has led to some significant milestones and recognition around the world.

Crow has topped the Texas Music Chart six different times and participated in musical tours taking him overseas on numerous occasions. A recent performer in the Red Dirt Pub Crawl through Ireland, Crow is also hopping aboard the Texas Country Music Cruise in late September to sing his songs.

Six albums in, his songs continue having an impact while reaching fans everywhere. In order to better prepare for the show this weekend, RedDirtNC caught up with Crow for a few questions about just that in addition to some others.

RDNC: Touring through NC before, do you have any good stories to tell or memories from the state?
BC: This will actually be my first trip through North Carolina and I’m really looking forward to it!

RDNC: Have you been in the studio recently or are there plans for any new music soon?
BC: Shooting to get in the studio next month. I’ve got what I think is a good batch of songs that I’m excited to see take shape and see how they pan out.

RDNC: I’m sure there are hesitations anytime you tour outside of Texas but is it also gratifying to see your music reaching fans across the country and world?
BC: I’ve grown to get excited about traveling outside of Texas to take our music to other regions. Anytime there’s a chance for growth and expansion that’s a beautiful thing! And since music can last a lifetime, it’s very exciting to spread that with as many new and old fans/friends as possible. Whenever we’re out of our comfort zone, but folks show up and sing along, it’s very rewarding.

RDNC: Do you have a personal favorite song of your own? Favorite to play in concert?
BC: I’d say ‘All I Need’, ‘Forever’ or ‘Doghouse Roses’ would be the songs I’m most proud of. They’re the ones where, in hindsight, everything that can click for me personally as a songwriter, did click. As far as playing live, I’m excited about the new songs, but that’s because I’m a fan of change. We just added two brand new tunes, ‘Bad Case’ and ‘A Pocket Full of Kisses.’

RDNC: Can you briefly describe your evolution as an artist from starting out to having now released six albums?
BC: That’s a pretty simple one – in the beginning I had no clue what I was doing, just playing guitar and scribbling songs that were forever long. Now, 15 years later, I’ve been taught to say what I need to say and pay attention to melodies that can help carry the message.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE and be a part of what is expected to be one of the best shows to hit Puckett’s this year!

Reckless Kelly: Ready to Roll Through NC

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Reckless Kelly is set for two NC dates this weekend on Friday and Saturday night…

Reckless Kelly is an Austin, Texas based band with a history developed from musical inheritance while forging their own independent path. Brothers, Cody and Willy Braun originally hail from the mountains of Idaho and via Oregon found themselves in the heart of Texas – Austin, capital city of the Lone Star State.

This week, those brothers along with fellow bandmates Jay Nazz, David Abeyta and Joe Miller bring their sound to the capital city of the Tarheel State after a stop in Hickory of western North Carolina.

The inaugural show of the Music In the Mill series for 2018, The Crossing at Hollar Mill has developed an extensive lineup of red dirt, Texas country and Americana bands this season. Reckless Kelly kicks off a lineup that features other prominent artists in the scene like John Moreland, Shovels and Rope and Tyler Childers among others.

Named for the Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly, Reckless Kelly has been paving their own way since 1997. Growing from their original residency at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar on Sixth Street, the band performed both originals and covers on many a Monday night before releasing their first studio album, Millican.

Since, the band has released numerous albums behind worldwide acclaim and toured relentlessly building a rabid fan base across the country. Their latest, Sunset Motel, was released in conjunction with Thirty Tigers and their own record label, No Big Deal.

Their ninth studio album, Reckless Kelly has mastered the art of both ballads and southern rock with a personal blend and touch of additional flavor added to each. Their live show performances come with a reputation for energetic, crowd engaging performances and having rocked the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh before, expect another legendary show this time around.

With scheduled stops in both Hickory and Raleigh, fans across the state will have at least one opportunity for a local show and the option to see both. Get your tickets for each below and don’t miss the opportunity to see Reckless Kelly rock North Carolina this weekend.

Hickory – Music In the Mill – Tickets Here

Raleigh – Lincoln Theatre – Tickets Here

Whiskey Myers: Preceded Reputations of Rock and Roll

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Beginning Thursday, Whiskey Myers makes three consecutive stops across North Carolina…

East Texas group, Whiskey Myers, is set for a three day run across North Carolina providing everyone an opportunity to see them perform live this weekend. Known for their unique blending of southern rock, red dirt and country into a sound all their own – Whiskey Myers has found success by creating their own path.

The band has created a loyal following developed through relentless touring across both the United States and United Kingdom. Their four studio albums have seen a rise in popularity as, Mud, the latest release from 2016 rose to No. 4 on the US Country Billboard charts.

Fresh off their very own festival, held in the band’s hometown of Palestine, Texas, Whiskey Myers cultivated a lineup consistent with their own understanding and fan base. The inaugural Wiggy Thump Festival (named after their record label) took place on May 19 with support from Kevin Fowler, Scooter Brown Band and Kolby Cooper.

Self described as, “no frills, no bullshit rock and roll” by lead singer Cody Cannon the music of Whiskey Myers fits no genre in particular. However, they have been widely accepted and have already sold out two of their three stops here in North Carolina.

A few tickets remain for Greensboro on Friday night, but both an Asheville show on Thursday and finale in the state capital of Raleigh on Saturday have been sold out for some time. Excitement abounds for this mini-tour through the state and it is expected that Friday night’s show will sell out as well.

If lucky enough to find a ticket, get out and enjoy the one of a kind sounds and always amazing live performance of Whiskey Myers when they visit this week.

For tickets, visit the official tour site of Whiskey Myers here.

Turnpike Troubadours: Come See For Yourself

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The Turnpike Troubadours are headed to western North Carolina this week…

Anytime an artist or band who is cemented into the local red dirt and Texas music scene ventures this far east it creates a sense of excitement but when that band is The Turnpike Troubadours, it’s cause for elation on extreme levels. It won’t be the first, and hopefully not the last time lead singer Evan Felker and his band mates visit North Carolina but it has been a while.

Having played dates in Raleigh and Charlotte over the past few years, the band lands in western North Carolina for a Thursday night show at Salvage Station in Asheville, this week. While the venue and city make for an easy trip from Charlotte, Winston-Salem and all points west, the band itself should draw patrons from across North Carolina and many neighboring states as well.

Even if you have not yet heard of The Turnpike Troubadours, it is likely that if you follow country music the name Evan Felker rings a bell. Recently it was revealed that Felker and country music superstar Miranda Lambert have been involved in a relationship, although the media’s portrayal of Turnpike as a neo-folk group was comical to those who have been following the band for some time.

Originating around 2007 from Oklahoma, the band has organically grown a following outside the heart of red dirt music. Both recent and upcoming tours with Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town should assist in growing their already spirited fan base.

Most songs are contrived from Felker and bassist R.C. Edwards, whose storytelling abilities to compose parallels between, not just separate songs, but over entire albums and even across different records is remarkable.

The band itself, comprised of other members: Kyle Nix (fiddle), Ryan Engleman (lead guitar), Gabriel Pearson (drums) and Hank Early (steel guitar) has a unique sound of their own. A blending of so many red dirt staples, including an occasional accordion, harmonica and banjo serve as a strong foundation for their music.

It is this sound coupled with creative lyrics that have aided their rise in the red dirt scene. Arguably the best and most successful band currently touring, The Turnpike Troubadours continue to escalate their game and live performances with each passing show.

Featured on Austin City Limits with Chris Stapleton and preparing for another television taping at the Bluegrass Underground, coming up on Saturday, their exposure has seemingly been growing across all platforms for some time.

Make your way to Asheville on Thursday and find out for yourself what makes this band so special. If you are a fan of live music and want to witness first-hand a group of extremely talented musicians who are continually working to hone their craft, then make plans now to be in attendance.

Doors at 8:00pm, purchase tickets here.

Aaron Watson: Underdog no more

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West Texas singer and songwriter Aaron Watson performs this Saturday night in Charlotte…

Aaron Watson has always been committed to his fans and music. Original music backed by lyrics dedicated to lasting relationships, loving families and life in general, his hard work over time has created a significant following both in and out of Texas.

This Saturday night, North Carolina gets to experience Watson and his band, Orphans of the Brazos, first-hand as he performs on the 103.7 Super Stage at Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte. An awesome place to enjoy a live show, it is guaranteed to be an event you do not want to miss.

Releasing numerous independent albums since his first work, Singers and Songwriters, came out in 1999, Watson has seen a recent surge in his audience over the last six or seven years. His latest record, Vaquero, is a 16-song marathon filled with hit after hit.

Named for the Spanish horseman that originated into the modern day American cowboy, Watson epitomizes the relentless work ethic necessary to succeed. His efforts are paying off as he remains committed to being himself while enjoying success.

The Underdog, predecessor to Vaquero, was the first time an independent male country artist debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Outselling major labels, Watson achieved a milestone that has helped pave the way for other independent artists in this scene.

It won’t change who he is though. Someone who has long been committed to his own style of music and doing things his way.

“It doesn’t really matter whether I’m playing a dancehall in Texas or a stadium tour around the world, I’m just me,” he says. “I won’t change. I’m just too rooted in what I believe in. When you’ve played for such a long time to nobody, now that there’s somebody, you really don’t take that for granted.”

There is somebody now and this weekend it could be you. Make plans to be in attendance on Saturday night as Watson and his band roll into town. If you’re unfamiliar but appreciate real country music, you will be a fan from the very first note.

Come see for yourself.

Doors at 7:00pm, purchase tickets here.

Shinyribs: Get Your Dose Today

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Shinyribs is a band unlike any other with the cure you need, even if you didn’t know you did…

Shinyribs, a name synonymous with entertaining, high-energy, can’t miss performances. The ability to entertain through stage presence, voice, music and the sheer talent of everyone involved – audiences are always left wanting more after any of their shows. From the always fun and thoughtful introductions to a never know what you’re going to get show, Shinyribs has been wowing audiences throughout the land since 2007 and in their current form for the past few years.

Led by lead singer Kevin Russell, formerly of The Gourds, Shinyribs began as a side project before morphing into the awesome show they are today. Performing both their own original music and a number of covers, Shinyribs never fails to entertain and their reputation precedes them.

Our first experience with Shinyribs was a 12:20am (start time) show on Day 1 of Mile 0 Fest and Russell was electric. Backed by the Tijuana TrainWreck Horns and Shiny Soul Sisters, Russell wore an eye catching outfit and danced the night away while jamming to the tunes and appearing to enjoy every last second of his set.

So too did the crowd who treated the late night set as a warm up for their main stage performance. Donning a bright yellow suit, Russell took the stage for a few songs before leaping from the riser and initiating a conga line throughout the festival grounds.

Whether you are familiar with the sounds of Shinyribs or not, one thing is guaranteed. You will be entertained. Always worth the price of admission, Russell and his crew never disappoint and he’s brining the cure to whatever ails you at MerleFest this year.


Their latest album, “I Got Your Medicine,” was released in 2016 and couldn’t have come equipped with a better title. Even if you’re oblivious to the gaping hole in your musical spectrum, Shinyribs will fill it with one live performance.

The combination of country, folk, bluegrass, funk, rap and any other genre you can think of creates a sweet elixer of enjoyment that you won’t soon forget.

Don’t miss Shinyribs on day one (April 26) as they kick off MerleFest here in North Carolina!

Thursday, 4:15pm-5:15pm (Watson Stage)

View the full MerleFest schedule and stage lineup here.

John Moreland: Changing your tune

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Now there’s a John Moreland song for whatever mood you’re in…

Singer and songwriter John Moreland has built a reputation for passionate lyrics and acoustic performances that connect with audiences across the country. Born in Texas, Moreland spent time there and in Kentucky before another move brought him to Tulsa, Oklahoma when he was 10 years old.

It was here where Moreland began to play guitar and write his own songs. A member of a few different bands, his initial interest was in hard core music but a transition to his more familiar sound began to occur following high school. Moreland has built a following largely on his own, consistently writing songs, self-producing and releasing three solo albums. Even using his parent’s home as a recording studio for his third album, High on Tulsa Heat.

Becoming known for his story telling capabilities and piercing lyrics that often not only hint at, but face dark and depressing tones full on, Moreland himself began to succumb to his own endeavor. He shared these feelings with Rolling Stone in a past interview.

“When I heard the sad bastard thing more and more, it came to a point where I felt like a caricature of a real person. It made me really depressed for a little while, where I kind of believed it and put too much stock in that. I felt like it was all I had to offer: just bumming people out. It got really dark. I was a happy person, and then everybody called me a sad person, and then that made me sad. I felt like, ‘Am I just bumming everybody out? Is my art just this one-dimensional, negative thing?'”

Now a few years older, in love and married, Moreland released his first full band record, Big Bad Luv last year. His most recent performances have been a mix of his rock based beginnings, fully backed anthems and a peppered mix of his acoustic renditions, which still can quiet a venue demanding their appropriate attention.

Moreland has been heralded by country superstar Miranda Lambert but won’t be writing anything for her or anyone else, anytime in the near future. A rising star in his own right, Moreland continues to receive praise from Lambert and countless others in the music industry.

As his evolution continues, expect Moreland’s music to maintain its hard hitting ability to impact an audience – now, covering an even wider array of emotions.

Caleb Caudle: Crushing It

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Get to know North Carolina native Caleb Caudle and his music…

Recently, Caleb Caudle returned home to North Carolina for an album release show at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. The late February release of Caudle’s eighth album, Crushed Coins, has been well received by all who have listened and has him gaining serious recognition for his music, in addition to comparisons of Jason Isbell and John Moreland.

Caudle left the comforts and familiarity of home to record his latest record out in Los Angeles at Mixtown USA’s studio. His storytelling and songwriting is based on a lot of personal experiences and since his previous release, Caudle has gotten married and traveled across much of the United States.

According to him, “Crushed Coins is a departure from my past records in a few ways. In the months leading up to recording these songs, I was listening to a lot of jazz, specifically a copy of Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way that my wife bought me. That album helped me realize you can truly do whatever you want with music, and it put me in that mindset heading into the studio. I also did the majority of the record near Skid Row in Los Angeles, which took me out of my comfort zone having made the last couple albums at home in North Carolina. I worked with my long-time engineer and collaborator Jon Ashley, but we approached this record with an anything-goes mentality, unafraid to do whatever the songs called for.”

Listeners will also enjoy the sounds of other talented musicians who are featured on the album including: Joshua Hedley, Erin Rae, electric guitarist Megan McCormick, pedal steel player Brett Resnick and bassist Kevin Black (longtime member of the band with Sturgill Simpson, who has also more recently played with Margo Price). Caudle himself has also been on the move, performing on this year’s Cayamo Cruise, South by Southwest and Willie Nelson’s own Luck Reunion.

Caudle has a few more North Carolina dates upcoming on Friday, April 13 in his hometown of Winston-Salem and Thursday, April 26 back in Carrboro. Following, he embarks on a summer tour extending across 13 states over the next couple of months.

If at all possible, get to one of his shows this month and find out first-hand why Rolling Stone describes Caudle as, “the musical equivalent of high-proof bourbon – rich in flavor, with a subtle, satisfying bite.”

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers: Years in the Making

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Sarah Shook and the Disarmers new album, “Years” is set for release this Friday…

Sarah Shook wasn’t born in North Carolina but after moving to the state at 19 years old has spent the majority of her adult life here. The lead singer has been on a musical journey since beginning her first band in 2010, Sarah Shook and the Devil.

After disbanding, Sarah Shook and the Dirty Hands were formed and relatively short lived in 2013, before the now well known Sarah Shook and the Disarmers came into being late that same year.

The group put out their first record, “Sidelong”, in October of 2015 and after signing with Bloodshot Records, the re-release early last year put Shook and her band into the spotlight for new country and Americana artists to watch.

Over the past year, Shook has been touring all over with recent stops at South by Southwest in Austin and in the southeast with Nikki Lane. She returns to North Carolina this Friday for an album release show at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro.

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers "Years" album cover

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers “Years” album cover

“Years,” the bands’ second album, has been described as a “record about finding a way. A way through exhaustion, frustration, betrayal, hangover after hangover, upper after downer after upper, fight after never-ending fight. It’s about picking yourself and dusting yourself off after years of being trampled and beaten down, jutting your chin out, head high, after they’ve done their worst, and saying ‘Still here.’” by Shook herself.

The Disarmers also benefited from another North Carolina band dissolution as former American Aquarium drummer Kevin McClain recently came on board. McClain is no stranger to touring, traveling with his former group for many years and fits perfectly into Shook’s band with his own unique style on the drum kit.

Following the album release party on Friday night, Shook and the Disarmers will visit Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte as they begin a 14 state tour through the end of May, before boarding a plane to Sweden.

Once there, the band will play multiple shows across the country and into Norway before a grand finale at the Stockholm Americana Festival on Saturday, June 16.

Years in the making, “Years” should only serve to further the rise of Sarah Shook and the Disarmers into the future.