Tag Archives: red dirt music

Red Dirt NC: Weekend Watch

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From Asheville to Jacksonville, there is no excuse to miss a Red Dirt show in NC this weekend…

Beginning on Thursday and through the weekend there are a number of opportunities to support live music throughout the state. While we are hopeful that a post of this variety is something that can be repeated on a weekly basis, we know the battle will be an uphill climb. As stated, it is our goal to spread the love for Red Dirt and Americana music across North Carolina and if you are a fan, get out to one of these events and take your friends.

Literally almost everyone in the entire state will be a two-hour maximum drive from some incredible music over the next few days. Take note, make plans and go enjoy a show!

THURSDAY – MARCH 1, 2018

Eli Young Band – The Tarheel in Jacksonville

“The ELI YOUNG BAND has always been unique in modern Country music – a true band of brothers who play their own instruments, write their own songs and cling fast to their Texas roots. They’d even go so far as to call themselves “misfits,” but with their fourth major label album, FINGERPRINTS (The Valory Music Co.), they’re finally embracing what makes them different once and for all.”

FRIDAY – MARCH 2, 2018

Cody Johnson – Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte

“Johnson delivers it all with an uncanny confidence. His smoky baritone and ultra-Southern enunciation gives him a voice as uniquely identifiable as country kingpins Jason Aldean or Tim McGraw. And he uses it to convey a Texas-proud swagger, a real-man charm and an unwavering honesty about who he is, where he comes from and where he hopes to go.”

Corb Lund – Ambrose West in Asheville

“The acclaimed singer-songwriter has been praised by Rolling Stone Country , NPR, and the Washington Post, among others, and his music has been featured on the Netflix show The Ranch. The Washington Post has called him, ‘a revelation, laconic and scary smart, with a devil’s eye for details’ while Rolling Stone named Lund among ‘the 10 new Country Artists you need to know.'”

Nathan Kornegay – Slim’s Downton in Raleigh

“Singer/Songwriter based in Raleigh. Influenced by great songwriters like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jason Isbell, and Ryan Adams.”

Corey Hunt Band – Cone Denim in Greensboro

“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.”

Eli Young Band – Cone Denim in Greensboro

A second opportunity this weekend!

SATURDAY – MARCH 3, 2018

Pistol Hill & Justin Clyde Williams – Puckett’s Farm Equipment in Charlotte

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

Corey Hunt Band – 105 Worth Street in Asheboro

A second opportunity this weekend and a hometown show!

Just a few more work days (maybe less) separate you from the weekend and one of these incredible shows. Make plans now and don’t miss out on a rare weekend filled with quality music.

Until next time, keep spreading the appreciation of these sounds and artists, one song at a time…

American Aquarium: Rebooted and Ready to Rock

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North Carolina’s own American Aquarium is the feature band of our first Music Monday…

American Aquarium was an easy choice for our first Music Monday feature being that the lead singer now calls our state capital home and has always been a proponent of the long leaf pine and his North Carolina roots. Originally flanked by a few North Carolinians in the band, the group has recently undergone a significant lineup shift but continues to press forward, gaining new fans and influencing others with their music on a consistent basis.

Having followed this group for over ten years we have been witness to both highs and lows along their musical journey but one constant remains – an unwavering commitment to the fans. After seeing B.J. Barham open with his band for another act and having their songs stuck in your head the following day, as opposed to the act you originally were there to see, it became quickly apparent that American Aquarium was worthy of following.

They initially gained notoriety around the Carolinas with a tireless touring schedule playing hole in the wall bars and restaurants from Blowing Rock to Statesville, the capital city of Raleigh and even homecoming shows pre-Thanksgiving in Reidsville. No matter the audience size or familiarity, Barham was going to connect with his fans and it is this persistence that expanded their fan base and led to national tours with sell outs in tow.

From humble beginnings the band now regularly visits Texas, has repeatedly played festivals like Steamboat and Medicine Stone, in addition to traveling across the pond for European tours over the past few years. Despite a rigorous tour schedule American Aquarium has also cranked out numerous albums which transcend the timeline and appeal to the current state of Barham and his feelings.

Burn. Flicker. Die. was originally intended to be the final album from the group but instead propelled them to even greater heights. Well received by both fans and critics, the album did just the opposite and allowed Barham and his band to continue touring and making a living but it came at a cost. A few years later the entire lineup would announce a shift in focus after their third “Roadtrip to Raleigh” with year four completed under Barham and an entirely new lineup behind him.

The band released another album, “Wolves” and the next is set to be released later this year and may be the best yet. “Things Change” encompasses the influences surrounding Barham and his band in addition to the personal aspects in his own life. Since Wolves, Barham has gotten sober, married and is soon expecting his first child, a daughter.

While no future tour dates are available on their website, a first in over a decade, to doubt that Barham will not be able to manage both touring and being a father is to underestimate the commitment he has to the music and his craft.

Taking a much needed and well deserved break for the first time that anyone can remember, expect Barham and his revamped band to come back stronger and better than ever. The impact on this genre of music has been made and people from around the country are taking notice.

American Aquarium is destined for great things behind Barham and their latest break will only leave fans wanting more. “Things Change” in every aspect of life, but the ability to adapt and forge a way has been a staple of Barham and his music. Telling personal tales that anyone can relate to and striking a chord among his followers, although changes are in store the foundation remains.

American Aquarium isn’t going anywhere and we can’t wait until they return full force behind a new album, lineup and reinvigorated lead singer.

North Carolina Red Dirt shows

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Another new feature has been added on our website to showcase local shows for bands and artists of Red Dirt and Americana music…

As we continue on our mission to spread the love of Red Dirt and Americana music throughout North Carolina, highlighting both local and visiting talent supplying these particular types of sounds is key. For this reason, a new feature has been added to the site listing all upcoming shows from various artists throughout the state.

From an unknown rising star playing at your local watering hole to country legends and those who will soon find themselves standing among them at PNC Music Pavilion, Walnut Creek Amphitheater and everywhere in between (there are a number of great venues in all areas of the state) we hope to shed a light on those performing every night of the week.

Despite our best efforts, this list is not comprehensive and will continue to fall short without your assistance. If you know of a show or artist performing in North Carolina that falls somewhere in the realm of real country music then please don’t hesitate to contact us either here or through social media so that it may be added. It is our goal to provide the knowledge of live North Carolina listening opportunities in a timely manner, giving everyone an opportunity to attend.

Murphy to Manteo can be driven in roughly nine hours, so no matter where you are in the state chances are you’ll be close to a live show at one point or another. Check the site and make plans to go hear someone you love or even find something new.

Your support of live music is much appreciated and helps to ensure the continuation of such acts and events into the future. The power of music is unmatched, lyrics and sounds can remind you of a person, place, or thing and transport you to a different time – a particular memory – or just help you forget about the realities of the day to day, if even for just a moment.

Continue spreading the love, one song at a time…

One week from today, #MusicMonday debuts

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A new special feature for RedDirtNC begins one week from today…

Beginning a week from today we will feature a band or artist with a specific article devoted to their music. In an attempt to spread the love of Red Dirt and Americana music, this newly derived experience will not be limited to local musicians only but is expected to feature its fair share. The #MusicMonday series begins on February 26, 2018 and will continue weekly over the next year.

As mentioned, groups and individuals from anywhere in the world are eligible and we would love to hear who you are listening to as well. Moving forward, feel free to share recommendations for those artists we should cover and hopefully all of your suggestions will be highlighted at some point in the future of this series.

While new music is always a plus, shining a light on the abundance of good music already available is also our goal. Expect to see a mix of North Carolina homegrown sounds, music from neighboring states and an impressive helping of individuals from Texas and Oklahoma.

After our announcement earlier today, we’ve already received excellent suggestions for our first feature next week, but would still appreciate hearing who you would like to see as our initial individual or band spotlighted. Hopefully, this new series will assist in our mission to continually spread the love for Red Dirt and Americana music across the great state of North Carolina.

Feel free to share your thoughts here, contact us via email at reddirtnc@gmail.com or hit us up on social media through Facebook or Twitter to shine a light on the artists you want featured. Thank you again for your initial suggestions and contributions in helping us to reach our goal as we look forward to spreading the love one song at a time.

Local NC listening options for Red Dirt music

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Immediate solutions to continually spinning the radio dial in search of good Red Dirt music…

If you live in North Carolina, or anywhere on the east coast, finding today’s best Red Dirt country music can be a bit of a challenge. Despite countless radio stations and satellite radio, no stations have been solely devoted to the music coming out of Texas, Oklahoma and other states – North Carolina included – to highlight the artists who can still sell out a venue without the push of a major record label.

These artists are some of the hardest working individuals and bands in the industry. Playing dates that fill up a majority of their calendar, criss-crossing America in an attempt to support themselves and spreading the love of their music. Individuals on the east coast and especially in North Carolina can have a hard time finding a forum from which to hear their music.

These outlets will immediately remedy this situation and provide an awesome listening experience for anyone who tunes in to their broadcast.

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Mile 0 Fest: An untold story from the crowd

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A few untold stories of an inaugural Mile 0 Fest from Key West…

The inaugural Mile 0 Fest from Key West, Florida was an astounding success. Everyone we talked to had nothing but wonderful things to say about the individuals from Oh Wook! Productions, including artists, fans and volunteers. With such a talented lineup everyone knew going in the music would be amazing, but what about the logistics of pulling off a four day festival on an island, far from a core group of red dirt music fans?

Flawless execution on all accounts.

Okay, so maybe there were a few general complaints involving the lack of shuttle transportation to and from hotels closer to the airport into Old Town, Key West or the amphitheater but there were plenty of other options. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are all prevalent on the island in addition to scooters, golf carts and once you arrive on Duval Street – walk.

Walking from the main stage back to the post show venues wasn’t too difficult and there were plenty of people heading that way if you needed a ride. This aspect was by far one of the most enjoyable parts of a four day, red dirt music festival in paradise. Meeting people from all over the United States who share a love and appreciation of music and what these artists do to entertain us fans.

There have been plenty of reviews about the concerts and off-site performances which often featured more than one artists collaborating on stage and even a few of their kids shining in the spotlight.

Our friends over at Gallywinter really nailed the overall festival review but it was near impossible to see all of the great acts with four stages of pre-shows and three following the main event every night. That said, don’t change.

The untold stories were found in the crowd, those golf cart and shared Uber rides were a blessing and people were more than willing to accommodate. There were little to no lines at the restroom or concessions and every conversation when faced with a wait, was friendly.

Everyone was on “Island Time” and seemed perfectly content with taking a step back and making sure everyone present was enjoying themselves. We met quite a few people from North Carolina, but were far out numbered by Texas and Oklahoma. No matter where you came from, Kansas or Kentucky, Carolina or California, for four days everyone was a red dirt fan in Key West.

The crowds seemed to also appreciate the venue and simplicity from a wonderful set up. There was little to no trash left following the shows as workers constantly were policing the grounds and picking up, even while the acts were on stage. Four days with portable toilets could have also been a bad situation but for the most part each was kept clean throughout the night and must have been serviced daily.

Chairs could be set up, left to go stand with others who wanted to dance or be close to the stage and then returned to unmoved. The people of Mile 0 really were a joy to be around, in addition to seeing many of the same faces daily, as most were there for the entire festival.

Rides were shared, drinks were bought, and everyone had a good time thanks to the countless hours of preparation by Oh Wook! Productions and their team.

See you next year!

Welcome to Red Dirt NC

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On a mission to spread the love for red dirt & Americana music throughout North Carolina…

The sounds of Texas country, red dirt music and Americana ring true throughout the south central region of the United States. Artists can make a living traveling through these areas and rarely need to venture outside the Texas panhandle in order to find new fans.

Thanks to the far-reaching powers of Internet, people everywhere can now enjoy the sounds of guitars mixed with fiddles, drums, harmonicas, pedal steel and sometimes, even an accordion. While listening can transport you to a different place, remind you of a past event or propel you into the future – getting to witness these amazing artists in person is an entirely different treat.

Here at Red Dirt NC, we’re not promoters attempting to sell out venues or find the next big star but we are interested in shining a light on all of the musicians who bring their words to life in the form of red dirt, down home, Americana music.

The good thing about red dirt is it can expand from a simple “One Chord Song” to be “All I Need” while knowing that “The Road Goes On Forever (And the Party Never Ends).” Nearing the line of rock music and often crossing over while simultaneously swinging back to the other side of the spectrum with acoustic simplicity and entertaining lyrics that tell a story of hard times, good times and everything else in between.

We only want more people in North Carolina to experience these feelings. You won’t find it on the radio but it’s out there. Music that can speak to your soul and artists who appreciate each and every one of their fans. Good people all around, both on stage and in the crowd. Behind the scenes and in front of the microphone. All coming together for a good time.

The artists, sound and red dirt music is already present in North Carolina but we’re hoping to make it easier to find and enjoy. Shine a light on our own homegrown talent and introduce North Carolinians to the many others who share a similar taste in music and lifestyle.

All while finding new fans along the way … one song at a time.