Sam Foster returns with an appropriately named new album, ‘Heatwaves’ just in time for the summer sun. However, this album isn’t shallow party songs, but instead is packed with depth and subsistence from start to finish.
Highlighted by the title track, ‘Heatwaves‘, Foster touches on a variety of subjects including sobriety and social anxiety, while sharing his latest collection of songs. Included is a murder mystery, ‘Get It Tonight‘, and other local tales all before the final track ‘Loud and Clear‘ brings it home with a unique sound and message of the need for more empathy in today’s world.
His fourth record in eight years, Foster’s range, songwriting, and live performances continue to evolve, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for this native North Carolinian.
Recorded at Earthtones Recording Studio in Greensboro (NC) and produced by chief engineer, Benjy Johnson, ‘Heatwaves‘ paves the way for Foster to continue making music his own way while embracing a growing audience of fans across the state, region, and country.
Sam Foster and The Obsolete are celebrating their album release with Magnolia Green and Crenshaw Pentecostal at High Rock Outfitters on Friday (6/17) in Lexington.
Musicians featured on “Heatwaves“:
Lead Vocals/Guitar- Sam Foster Guitar/Vocals- Seth Williams Bass/Vocals- Brad Cardille Drums- Jacob Kuhn Drums- Brian Norris Keys- Nikki Forrester Fiddle- Emanuel Wynter Vocals- Laura Jane Vincent Vocals- Emily Stewart Vocals- Sara Twomey Theremin- Benjy Johnson
TRACK LIST: 1) Let Me Out 2) Heatwaves 3) Smooth Silk Suit 4) Custom Deluxe 5) (Somebody’s Gonna) Get It Tonight 6) Seven Alarm 7) Memorial Day 8) False Poet-Prophet 9) Even Steven 10) Drama Queen 11) Big Yellow Bat 12) Loud and Clear
Splitting time between Arizona and Texas, Drew Cooper has found an audience among those who enjoy story-telling and honesty from their singer-songwriters. Considered by many to be under the broad Americana umbrella, the truth is there’s a fine mix and influence of different genres – country, rock, red dirt, and more, throughout Part 1 of “This Life” (released April 15). Ultimately, it’s an artist sharing their personal thoughts and feelings just as they envisioned without making any sacrifice to fit a profile or match a label.
With an entertaining cover of John Prine’s ‘Angel From Montgomery‘, Cooper’s attention grabbing baritone sets the stage for a true life journey across a broad range of different topics. Highlighted by the title track, ‘This Life‘, Cooper touches on a variety of subjects while sharing stories to which many can relate, like a rocking ‘American Son‘. The second track precedes ‘Darker and Darker‘, another powerful piece that highlights Cooper’s range and leaves fans eager to see what the second part of this double-album has in store.
Recorded at Studio 606 in Los Angeles (home to the Foo Fighters) and produced by its chief engineer, John Lousteau, ‘This Life‘ paves the way for Cooper to continue making music his own way while embracing a growing audience of Texas and red dirt fans.
The Drew Cooper Band is John June on bass, Austin Sweeney on lead guitar, Austin Goff on drums and Drew Cooper on lead vocals and acoustic guitar.
Musicians featured on “This Life“:
Lead vocals/ acoustic guitar-Drew Cooper Bass-John June Bass- Evan Myaskovsky Drums- Matt Ryman Drums, percussion, background vocals- John lousteau Guitar- Patrick James Junior Guitar- Oliver Roman Guitar- Jack Maher Keys- Martine Guigui Mandolin-Drew Taubenfeld Dobro- Albert Hickman Fiddle-Jody Bartula
The annual pilgrimage of American Aquarium fans returns this weekend, February 3-5.
Fans of North Carolina based American Aquarium have become familiar with the annual journey to the state’s capital (Raleigh, NC) and Lincoln Theatre, orchestrated by front man B.J. Barham. Over the years, inviting talented artists from other parts of the country and those right here in our own backyard, Barham consistently pieces together a solid lineup for the ‘Roadtrip to Raleigh’, now on its seventh rendition after missing last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Initially gaining notoriety around the Carolinas with a tireless touring schedule. Barham continues working hard to connect with fans and it’s this persistence that has expanded the fan base, leading to national tours with sell outs in tow. From humble beginnings the band now regularly visits Texas, Oklahoma, and has repeatedly played festivals like Mile 0 Fest in Key West (Florida), Music Fest in Steamboat (Colorado) and many others – but none compare to seeing Barham perform on his home turf.
In years past, fans have traveled from all over the United States and even the world to experience these unique sets of consecutive American Aquarium performances. Every year the lineup has been stacked as fans enjoy and discover other artists, all while having an opportunity to take in Barham’s hometown sights often referred to in his lyrics. Once in Raleigh you can, hear “the church bells ringing down at old St. Mary’s” and experience “landlocked nights down at Slim’s” all on your own.
As always, Barham has mapped out the cities finest restaurants, coffee shops and other entertaining establishments (available here), in addition to the return of ‘Tough Folks’ craft beer.
The full 2022 lineup features, Margo Cilker and Old 97’s on Thursday, Adeem the Artist and Aaron Lee Tasjan on Friday, and John R. Miller with Zach Bryan on Saturday – all ahead of American Aquarium who close the show each night.
Margo Cilker (Thursday 2/3)
Old 97’s (Thursday 2/3)
Adeem the Artist (Friday 2/4)
Aaron Lee Tasjan (Friday 2/4)
John R. Miller (Saturday 2/5)
Zach Bryan (Saturday 2/5)
American Aquarium (Thursday 2/3, Friday 2/4, and Saturday 2/5)
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’.
Set times for ‘Strings and Suds Fest’ at Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain on August 23-24.
Fans of live music and craft beer will have an opportunity to enjoy both when the inaugural Strings and Suds Fest takes place in just under two weeks, on August 23-24. Hoosierdevil and Pisgah Brewing Company have combined to present what is going to be a thoroughly entertaining weekend.
Mirrored after the now defunct Jam In the Trees with a few added perks, the new Strings and Suds Fest is set to offer the best in Americana music from many of the top musicians currently in the scene. A two-day event, whose name is derived from a one-time jamboree held in 2013, activities are scheduled to kick off inside the Pisgah Brewing taproom on Friday night before rotating between both the outdoor and indoor stages on Saturday.
The lineup features Danny Burns (8:00pm-8:45pm), Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen (9:15pm-10:30pm) on Friday night ahead of Ashley Heath and her Heathens (11:00pm-12:15am) to get things started. Saturday shows kick off with East of Monroe (1:45pm-2:30pm) inside the taproom before Sarah Shook and the Disarmers (2:30pm-3:30pm) get things going outdoors. Fans can then bounce back and forth to catch Yarn (3:30pm-4:15pm), Sierra Hull (5:15pm-6:00pm), Jim Lauderdale (4:15pm-5:15pm), Junior Brown (6:00pm-7:00pm), Donna the Buffalo (7:30pm-8:45pm) and The Mavericks (9:15pm-10:45pm) before a late night jam indoors (11:00pm-Until…) concludes the event.
A limited number of two-day and VIP tickets are currently available with special incentives for the latter – artist meet and greets, brewery tours and tastings, etc. – and a guaranteed good time for everyone. Created around a family atmosphere, both days welcome all ages as patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the multiple artists scheduled to perform on Saturday.
Fans will also have multiple options for food as vendors will be on site offering various types of fare for those in attendance. A perfect setting, loaded lineup and excellent beer selection join together in order to form the perfect combination of ‘Strings and Suds’.
“Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold” serves as the next step on a stairway to greatness for Mike and the Moonpies.
For months Mike and the Moonpies have hinted at the possibility of a brand new album and a recent release of the single, ‘You Look Good in Neon‘ only added fuel to the fire. ‘Danger‘, a song penned straight to lead-singer Mike Harmeier’s young son has also been a part of the set list for a while but there was no word on when (or even if) the full record was coming.
Then came midnight on Friday, August 2, 2019.
The band first created a stir by blanking out their social media profiles earlier in the day and the group’s website also appeared offline. Then they reappeared, first as a full silver slate before turning to gold later in the evening. Finally, at midnight many fans knew what to expect but the album, and story behind its recording, were far better than anyone could have imagined.
Pushing the limits and proving to think outside-the-box, producer Adam Odor and David Percefull took the band to the historic Abbey Road Studios in London. Harmeier cut a cover of ‘London Homesick Blues‘ from Gary P. Nunn and the entire record is backed by London Symphony Orchestra members.
The Moonpies haven’t swayed too far from center though, there’s still plenty of country guitar licks available from Catlin Rutherford and smooth pedal steel out of Zach Moulton. Kyle Ponder keeps everyone in line on the drums and bassist Omar Oyoque, a fan favorite at live shows, is noticeably solid making his Moonpies album debut, in addition to former traveling member John Carbone on keys. Guest appearances from Shooter Jennings, Nikki Lane and Season Ammons are also scattered throughout the track list.
An eight-song journey that seemingly arrived out of nowhere taking listeners through the witty lyrics of ‘Miss Fortune‘, an upbeat ‘Fast as Lightning‘ with an exceptional ending and the title track, ‘Cheap Silver‘ that precedes the aptly named “Solid Country Gold”.
Arguably the best live show around just got even better with the (hopeful) addition of these novel and soon to be classics. Harmeier continues to impress and you can witness it all for yourself next month across North Carolina.
Not one, but two opportunities to see Max and Heather Stalling this week!
Max and Heather Stalling are a singer-songwriter duo based out of Dallas, TX. Max handles rhythm guitar and lead vocals and Heather provides fiddle and harmony vocals. Their collaboration has been a long time in the making and they are excited to bring their show to new audiences.
Heather is an award-winning violinist and fiddle player who picked up her instrument at 3 years old and has never stopped playing it since. As a child she traveled with her parents across Texas and the surrounding states competing in fiddle contests. As a teenager she moved to Branson, MO to be a member of the “The Texas Gold Minors”. They performed 7 days a week for two straight years. Upon returning home she took side jobs playing for various touring acts to include Johnny Lee, Cory Morrow, Bob Schneider, Ed Burleson, Mark David Manders and The Old 97s. In 2005 she put together her own project, blactopGYPSY, released two full length studio albums and toured relentlessly until the lead singer (and her best friend) became gravely sick.
Max followed a slightly different path into the music business. He has a master’s degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University and left a day job as a research scientist for snack food giant Frito Lay to pursue a full-time career as a songwriter. He has 6 studio albums and two live projects including a full-length DVD. He is a staple in the Texas/Red Dirt scene as well as having chart-topping history in the Americana radio format. He has a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame and is a former member of the Board of Governors for the Texas Chapter of NARAS. In addition to solo and duo shows, Max travels with a five-piece band and does 150+ shows annually. Of recent, Heather has been playing with Max’s band after her band’s lead singer fell ill.
Max and Heather were married in 2007 and are now finally finding that the timing is right for them to do a project together.
While they perform the occasional song they have written together as well as a handful of cover songs, the bulk of the show is songs that Max has written in his 20+ year career as a performing singer-songwriter. First-time listeners can expect a fun and witty show balanced between solid original songs, amazing fiddle playing and fun banter.
Thursday – July 18 at The Evening Muse (Charlotte, NC) – 7:00pm Doors* TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Friday – July 19 at The Grey Eagle (Asheville, NC) – 7:00pm Doors** TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Thanks to social studies and history classes almost everyone is familiar with the word preamble – but typically only because it comes before, “to the Constitution.” However, a more in depth review reveals its true meaning – “a preliminary or preparatory statement, an introduction.” As Justin Clyde Williams releases his debut EP, it seems an appropriate and fitting title.
Four songs in length, “Preamble” begins with three originals before a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s‘Pancho and Lefty’, taken to No. 1 by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard in 1983. Putting his talent on full display and coupled with its three predecessors, listeners get just what the title suggests – an introduction to how Williams views the world of music and the world an introduction to Williams.
‘Signin’ On That Line’ begins with an upbeat tempo and although attacking divorce – a serious subject, it hits home for those who may be on their way out of a legal union but destined for a brighter future. A clever characterization, Williams admits, “I’ve packed my bags, ’cause this roads at a crossing / I’m signing on that line, I should’ve been walking.”
In somewhat of a contrast, ‘Damn Me for Doing You Wrong’ follows by putting all self reflective feelings of a broken relationship on full display. The fiddle mixes well as Williams pines through each verse and chorus carrying listeners on a classic tale of hurt and blame. Halfway through it’s apparent that country music remains alive and well – not just by sound alone, but in the depth and transparency of his lyrics.
‘Wounds’ keeps pace with more deep sentiments of hardened hearts and tough times. “This wound I have, time won’t heal / What I tried to hide has been revealed / I’m the wound that time won’t heal.” Guilt, sorrow and remorse linked to bruises, scrapes and cuts – all of which time normally serves to fix except for the self deprecating personal issues that have never been made to sound so good.
The ‘Pancho and Lefty’ finale completes a solid debut EP and fits well not only to display Williams’ versatility but also his deeper storytelling aspects intertwined within a similar lyrical style. A combination of the bandit wearing his feelings on his sleeve “for all the honest world to feel” and Lefty, who used to “sing the blues all night long” – Williams’ own enigmatic persona begins to surface. Leaving his own impression on the tale results in a perfect complement for what was a daring proposition – electing to include a timeless classic pieced together by some of the best ever over all musical genres.
Every artist takes a true leap of faith by putting their music out into the world for consumption and by these standards Williams is no different. Even before his songs reached the public airwaves, they served as a fulfilled accomplishment and impacted many throughout the southeast – one goal every artist strives to achieve. “Preamble” sets the stage for Justin Clyde Williams’ raw, natural sound that doesn’t need the polish of heavy production while creating anticipation for what is next.
These four songs serve as an appetizer but when the time comes, imagine what the full meal will entail.
A new festival with a revived name is set for Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain this August.
Fans of live music and craft beer will have an opportunity to enjoy both when the inaugural Strings and Suds Fest takes place August 23-24 this year. As the festival approaches, RedDirtNC caught up with Steve Johnson, a consultant for Hoosierdevil, to discuss the lineup and a few details about the event.
Mirrored after the now defunct Jam In the Trees with a few added perks, the new Strings and Suds Fest is set to offer the best in Americana music from many of the top musicians currently in the scene. A two-day event, whose name is derived from a one-time jamboree held in 2013, activities are scheduled to kick off inside the Pisgah Brewing taproom on Friday night before rotating between both the outdoor and indoor stages on Saturday.
Three bands, including Asheville’s own Ashley Heath and her Heathens are scheduled to play first. Joined by Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen plus Danny Burns – these groups appear poised to set the bar for an excellent musical weekend. On Saturday, The Mavericks headline a stacked lineup featuring Jim Lauderdale, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Junior Brown, Donna the Buffalo, Sierra Hull, Yarn and East of Monroe.
A limited number of two-day and VIP tickets are currently available with special incentives for the latter – artist meet and greets, brewery tours and tastings, etc. – and a guaranteed good time for all. Created around a family atmosphere, both days welcome all ages as patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for the multiple artists scheduled to perform on Saturday.
Fans will have multiple options for food as vendors will be on site offering various types of fare for those in attendance. A perfect setting, loaded lineup and excellent beer selection join together in order to form a perfect combination of ‘Strings and Suds’.
EXCLUSIVE: Listen to ‘Big Top Town’ by Whiskey Foxtrot today.
Whiskey Foxtrot, comprised of Seth Williams – Vocals/Guitar, Sam Foster – Vocals/Guitar, Brad Cardille – Bass/Vocals, Terry VunCannon – Lap Steel and Steven Worley – Drums/Percussion has been methodically releasing songs throughout 2019 as work on their debut album continues. A recent Indiegogo Support campaign for the record wrapped with the band achieving over their anticipated goal, in part due to the small taste fans have received over the past few months. Their first two singles, ‘The Broken End’ and ‘Turn Off the Headlights,‘ were released in January before ‘San Isidro‘ last month. Each provides a glimpse into the group’s sound, featuring a talented lineup that many have witnessed first-hand at shows across the southeast over the past couple years. Whiskey Foxtrot now has a fourth single, ‘Big Top Town‘ and RedDirtNC caught up with the band for a first listen before it’s available everywhere tomorrow – April 20 (Saturday).
Each release has been unique and this one is no different, immediately drawing listener’s attention as a carny hustling cotton candy bookends the studio version of a song filled with lyrical imagery. The diversity of sound Whiskey Foxtrot continues to display is impressive – especially for a band who is currently compiling their first ever album as ‘Big Top Town‘ leans in more of The Allman Brothers Band direction with two prominent guitar solos and a southern rock feel.
Williams’ tale seemingly focuses on the small town dynamic that so many people can relate to regardless of where you live. Adjusting and learning to accept and love life where you are, regardless of the circus going on around you. “This place has it’s ups and downs, well hell now don’t we all … can’t change where I am, make the best of what will be – truth be told, this place, well it’s the place for me.” Another great sounding piece as well, recorded at Earthtones Recording and mastered by Alien Beans Studio/Kings X.
The momentum continues to build for Whiskey Foxtrot, who will soon enter the studio again to complete recording of the debut album that according to Foster, “is going to be an excellent demonstration of what exactly we’re capable of as a unit, and reflective of the time we’ve spent woodshedding songs together, as well as sharpening our playing skills as a whole.”
No official release date has been set but with the previews provided it’s apparent a masterful body of work is about to be unleashed into the world. Until then, keep spinning these four tunes, go see a live show and wait – patiently of course.
Red Dirt NC 