Tag Archives: Pistol Hill

First Listen: Pistol Hill’s ‘Brand New Bottle of Whiskey’

Posted on by
Reply

EXCLUSIVE: Hear North Carolina singer-songwriter Pistol Hill’s latest single here first.

In late April, rising artist Pistol Hill released the first of a few brand new singles, “Different You” and nearly a month later, “Worth a Damn,” the latter in collaboration with Justin Clyde Williams. The two songs were a predecessor to Hill’s first partial recording and now an extended release is set to debut as Part II on November 18. Prior to becoming available for everyone, the North Carolina native allowed RedDirtNC a first listen to his latest, “Brand New Bottle of Whiskey.”

Noticeable from the beginning are influences from some of his favorite artists, Merle Haggard and George Jones. A specific lyrical style is present in the song-writing as the music itself straddles a line between new and old, but his voice carries the song – as it should. A story tellers dream, the words point toward an appreciation for the literal whiskey in addition to a parallel of an actual relationship gone awry.

Hill exclaims, “If you only knew how happy I’ve been. I got a brand new bottle of whiskey, you should see the way it treats me.” His lyrics connect with the listener and it feels as if he’s telling the heartfelt tale for the first time as you hear the thoughtful explanation.

Gut wrenching, you can only hope for the best to all those involved as each word traps the listener into being concerned for the narrator but wondering what the bigger story holds. Often the case in real life, there are always going to be multiple sides to every broken relationship and depending on where you land, the interpretations will be different.

Such is the beauty with music and any other art form. The subject matter and impact are always open to a variety of different feelings and there is never a wrong answer but this one will have you raising a glass to those from the past with a wry smile. The good news – you can’t go wrong by adding Pistol Hill and “Brand New Bottle of Whiskey” into your regular playlist rotation.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

11/15 – Greenville, SC (Brewery 85) – 6pm
11/16 – Carrboro, NC (2nd Wind) – 10pm
11/17 – Charlotte, NC (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) – 7pm
11/23 – Shelby, NC (The Don Gibson Theatre) – 6pm*
11/24 – Raleigh, NC (Berkeley Cafe) – 8:30pm
11/28 – Folly Beach, SC (Surf Bar) – 10pm
11/29 – Shallotte, NC (The Soundhouse) – 8pm
11/30 – Wilmington, NC (Flytrap Brewing) – 8pm

12/1 – McClellanville, SC (The Bent Rod) – 6pm
12/4 – New Smyrna Beach, FL (Norwood’s Treehouse Bar) – 7pm
12/8 – Sunset Beach, FL (Ka’Tiki) – 1pm
12/9 – St. Augustine, FL (A1A Ale House) – 5pm
12/11 – Birmingham, AL (The Nick) – 8pm
12/15 – Oxford, MS (The Levee) – 8pm**
12/16 – Clarksdale, MS (Levon’s) – 3:30pm
12/20 – Simpsonville, SC (Sweet Sippin) – 7pm
12/21 – Spindale, NC (Barley’s) – 8pm
12/22 – Pendleton, SC (Hogtails) – 9pm
12/28 – Savannah, GA (Driftaway Cafe) – 6pm
12/29 – Charlotte, NC (Puckett’s Farm Equipment) – 7pm***

1/4 – Wilmington, NC (Goat and Compass) – 9pm
1/5 – Mebane, NC (Trackside Bottle Co.) – 7pm

*Supporting Edwin McCain
**Supporting Austin Lee
***Supporting Ward Davis

Find more at PistolHillMusic.com

Red Dirt NC: Weekend Watch, June 1-3

Posted on by
Reply

Local talent, rising stars and an east Texas band highlight the first weekend of June…

Last week was highlighted by two different festivals taking place across North Carolina and this week ends with one. Showcasing local talent from the region and our state in particular, the Tobacco Road Music Acoustic Jam is set for Sunday afternoon at Puckett’s Farm Equipment in Charlotte.

Prior, there are plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy a live show from rising talent and established groups in all corners of the state. Also, don’t forget that tickets to Medicine Stone 2018 went on sale Friday morning and will go fast. If interested in attending, visit their website for lodging options ranging from tent camping to hotel stays, all with access to the shows. They’ve compiled an amazing lineup worth making the trip from North Carolina out to the home or red dirt music in Oklahoma. We hope to see you there, if not before.

Get out and enjoy a show!

FRIDAY – JUNE 1, 2018

Whiskey Myers – Cone Denim, Greensboro

There may be no better word for Whiskey Myers than authentic. This music is in their blood, and it flows as naturally from them as a spring feeding a mountain creek … They make music they’re proud of that celebrates where they come from and makes people feel good. As far as they’re concerned, that’s all the success anyone could ever ask for.

Justin Townes Earle – The Grey Eagle, Asheville

Creating a nostalgic feeling with the return to his signature sound, JTE takes listeners on a journey through some of his most personal stories yet on what can only be described as an authentic country record.

Lilly Hiatt – The Grey Eagle, Asheville

Trinity Lane is full of gifts and full of guts – an album that is a healing process and a road map forward, filled with Hiatt’s wildly expressive approach to songwriting and stark, honest lyrics. To get there, she finally had to put her faith into something she couldn’t see. But to hear that journey, all you have to do is listen.

Grover Windham – Catawba Coffee, Mount Holly

Local talent with original songs and clever songwriting.

Jonathan Parker – Ole Dallas Brewery, Dallas

Independent and traditional country music. Rising local artist within the genre featuring original songs and a few classic covers from some of your favorite outlaws.

Corey Hunt Band – The Lazy Pirate, Carolina Beach

“Hunt’s songwriting ranges from sincere romanticism to outlaw rebellion, and their do-it-yourself approach to booking, recording, and gigging has given them the freedom to explore and expand their music as they grow.  With room to grow and momentum on their side, their crowd-pleasing and relatable take on modern roots music is poised for bigger and better things every time they hit the stage or the studio.”

SATURDAY – JUNE 2, 2018

Whiskey Myers – Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh

Pistol Hill – Da Bayou, Wilson

Independent and traditional country music. Emerging local artist within the genre featuring both original songs and covers from some of your favorite individuals and bands.

Justin Clyde Williams – Da Bayou, Wilson

Independent and traditional country music.

Dirty Grass Soul – Riverview Raw Bar, Charlotte

Whether it is the hint of bluegrass, outlaw country, or rock & roll you hear in each song, their sound is uniquely Dirty Grass Soul. From Dedmon’s down home/working class lyrics to the blazing instrumental breaks, Dirty Grass Soul is sure to offer a little something for everyone.

SUNDAY – JUNE 3, 2018

Tyler Childers – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

Purgatory, co-produced by Grammy Award winners Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson, is a chiaroscuro painting with darkness framing light in high relief. There’s catharsis and redemption. Sin and temptation. Murder and deceit. Demons and angels. Moonshine and cocaine. So much moonshine and cocaine. All played out on the large, colorful canvas of Eastern Kentucky.

Tobacco Road Music Acoustic Jam – Puckett’s Farm Equipment, Charlotte

3:00pm – Corey Hunt, Michael Cansler, Chip Perry, Justin Clyde Williams, Jordan Middleton

4:00pm – Nicholas Jamerson, Kevin Dedmon, Tyler Hatley, Wes Smith, Grayson Jenkins

5:00pm – Pistol Hill, Todd Allmon, Carolina Keller, Jonathan Parker

—
Look for us out on the road this weekend and enjoy the shows! Don’t forget, keep spreading the love, one song at a time…

Red Dirt NC: Weekend Watch, April 20-22

Posted on by
Reply

From Black Mountain to Greenville, there’s plenty of opportunities for great live music this weekend…

Regardless of your preferred method for enjoying live music, this weekend has you covered. From enjoying a good meal and drink with friends, a more typical venue or even a festival, there’s something for everyone across the state here in mid-April (that can’t seem to shake January).

Barley’s Taproom has some of the best pizza in the western part of the state and the “Fiddlesticks” are a must. Both the Visulite Theatre and Buccaneer Music Hall are more traditional venues and you’ve got two great options to see John Moreland.

Tuck Fest is happening at the US National Whitewater Center with all sorts of events occurring over the weekend, including live musical performances – of which Moreland is performing a set on Friday night. Saturday, you can catch him at Pisgah Brewing up in Black Mountain – another wonderful music venue with great craft beer.

FRIDAY – APRIL 20, 2018

Pistol Hill – Barley’s Taproom, Spindale

Independent and traditional country music. Emerging local artists within the genre featuring both original songs and covers from some of your favorite individuals and bands.

Old 97’s – Visulite Theatre, Charlotte

“There aren’t more than a handful of bands in history who can claim to have an intact, unchanged line-up as they approach twenty-five years together. There is, of course, no real blueprint or rulebook for sustaining the kind of chemistry that Miller, Bethea, Hammond, and Peeples enjoy. ‘I think our longevity can be attributed primarily to our friendship and ability to overcome those moments when egos want to overtake and obliterate everything in their path,’ says Miller … ‘We’re just very lucky to be able to do this for a living. It’s insane and beautiful and we never, ever take it for granted.”

John Moreland – Tuck Fest, Charlotte

“In churches learning how to hate yourself/Ain’t grace a wretched old thing” he sings, the song called “Ain’t We Gold.” Big Bad Luv is unmistakably a rock ‘n’ roll record. If, that is, one understands the term to include Ray Wylie Hubbard, John Hiatt, and Lucero. Or The Band, maybe. Insistent songs, coming from a voice as elegant as unfinished barn wood, songs which insist upon their words being heard.

SATURDAY – APRIL 21, 2018

Corey Hunt Band – The Buccaneer Music Hall, Greenville

“Hunt’s songwriting ranges from sincere romanticism to outlaw rebellion, and their do-it-yourself approach to booking, recording, and gigging has given them the freedom to explore and expand their music as they grow.  With room to grow and momentum on their side, their crowd-pleasing and relatable take on modern roots music is poised for bigger and better things every time they hit the stage or the studio.”

John Moreland – Pisgah Brewing, Black Mountain

A second opportunity this weekend!

SUNDAY – APRIL 22, 2018

No shows currently listed.

—
Look for us out on the road this weekend and enjoy the shows! Don’t forget, keep spreading the love, one song at a time…

Red Dirt NC: Weekend Watch, April 12-14

Posted on by
Reply

Another weekend begins on Thursday as three shows are peppered across the south, central portion of North Carolina…

Spring has arrived and as the weather warms, so too is the concert calendar. This week requires a bit of decision making but the opportunity to catch multiple shows across North Carolina remains. The good news is that you can’t go wrong, no matter which show(s) you decide to attend.

This weekend also features a good mix of North Carolina based acts in addition to visitors from across the Americana, Texas country and Red Dirt genres to our state. Further, while a majority of the shows will be taking place in Charlotte, there are still opportunities for fans located in other parts of the state.

There is no shortage of shows this weekend, so get out and support live music in North Carolina!

THURSDAY – APRIL 12, 2018

*Pistol Hill – Newgrass Brewing, Shelby

Independent and traditional country music. Emerging local artists within the genre featuring both original songs and covers from some of your favorite individuals and bands.

Blackberry Smoke – The Fillmore, Charlotte

Blackberry Smoke has never been a band that stands still. Whether pursuing the dream by logging hundreds of thousands of miles on America’s highways and abroad or relentlessly exploring the many facets of its most unique art form, the Atlanta quintet is always on the move. The songs on Blackberry Smoke’s sixth album, Like an Arrow show just how far this authentic American rock band has come as the accomplished group of musicians tackles a diverse set of new ideas, sounds and territories, long after most bands with half the success might have settled into a well-worn groove.

Jaimee Harris – The Rooster’s Wife, Aberdeen

Jaimee Harris is poised to become the next queen of Americana-Folk, a slightly edgier Emmylou Harris for the younger generation. Her new album draws comparisons to Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams, and Kathleen Edwards – all writers who know how to craft a heartbreakingly beautiful song with just enough grit to keep you enthralled. Harris writes about the basic human experience, in a way that is simple, poetic, and often painfully relatable.

FRIDAY – APRIL 13, 2018

*Mipso – Visulite Theatre, Charlotte

Chapel Hill’s indie Americana quartet Mipso – Jacob Sharp (mandolin, vocals), Wood Robinson (bass, vocals), Joseph Terrell (guitar, vocals), and Libby Rodenbough (fiddle, vocals) – release their fifth album, Edges Run, on April 6th, 2018 via a newly inked record deal with AntiFragile Music. Influenced by the contradiction of its progressive home and the surrounding rural southern landscapes, Mipso has been hailed as “hewing surprisingly close to gospel and folk while still sounding modern and secular” (Acoustic Guitar) and was recently recognized by Rolling Stone as an “ Artist You Need to Know.”

The Lone Bellow – Music in the Mill, Hickory

The Lone Bellow burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 2013. The Brooklyn-based band quickly became known for their transcendent harmonies, serious musicianship and raucous live performance — a reputation that earned them their rabid fan base.

*Caleb Caudle – The Ramkat, Winston-Salem

One of Caudle’s strongest attributes, which journalists and listeners alike continue to find endearing, is his unique and genuine method of songwriting, which Paste Magazine compared to Jason Isbell. “The lyrics are very biographical. I write about what I know, so my albums are a snapshot into a six month window of my life.” From announcing his romantic vulnerability with Paint Another Layer On My Heart to actually finding love on Carolina Ghost, Caudle’s strong lyrical driving force makes him consistently relatable. And his newest project, Crushed Coins, is no exception to that rule.

Brent Cobb – Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte

Brent Cobb didn’t set out to write an album that feels and sounds like the place he grew up. But now that the grooves have been cut in his debut LP, Shine on Rainy Day, there’s no denying the people, the places and the vibe of his south central Georgia home infuse almost every song.

SATURDAY – APRIL 14, 2018

Casey Donahew – Coyote Joe’s, Charlotte

The Burleson, Texas native, (with the help of his wife Melinda,) has painstakingly carved out an impressive niche for himself on the country music scene over the past decade, attracting a solid base of loyal fans who flock to his legendary live shows. Building his career from the ground up one show at a time, he’s managed to perform on countless stages night after night in front of thousands, topped the Texas music charts several times, released four albums independently to critical acclaim, and forged a path all his own through the music scene without the aid or muscle of a major record label or power-suit management company.

—
Look for us out on the road this weekend and enjoy the shows! Keep spreading the love, one song at a time…

*denotes NC artists