When Tenille Townes released her debut EP, Living Room Worktapes, she introduced herself as the kind of songwriter who was unafraid to tackle the most difficult of subjects. Her first single, “Somebody’s Daughter,” told the story of a homeless woman through precise and potent lyrics full of empathy. Then there …
Read More »Hear Robbie Robertson's Swampy, John Lennon-Inspired 'Let Love Reign'
Robbie Robertson is gearing up to release Sinematic, his first studio album in more than seven years that marks a shift in the legendary Band guitarist’s writing: while he wrote mainly character songs for years, his 2016 bestselling autobiography Testimony pushed Robertson to more personal territory. “There is something blatantly …
Read More »Nashville Songwriter Nick Wayne Mixes Coffee With Bourbon on New Themed Music
If all goes according to plan, by next spring Nashville songwriter Nick Wayne will have released an entire album of songs in the same manner that one might make coffee: drip by drip. In fact, the Tennessee native is releasing his material under two distinct themes, Coffee Black and Bourbon …
Read More »Song You Need to Know: The Messthetics, 'Better Wings'
Fugazi‘s songs were filled with fierce, ear-catching guitarwork, but out-and-out solos? Not so much. That’s why it’s so fascinating to hear the post-hardcore heroes’ rhythm section, bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty, playing in a new group, the Messthetics, that’s practically built around the idea of giving the guitar …
Read More »Wayne Newton Sued After Pet Monkey Bites Visitor at Famed Mansion
Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton is being sued by a woman who claims his pet monkey bit and injured her daughter during a visit to the singer’s former mansion-turned-tourist attraction two years ago, The Associated Press reports. Jocelyne Urena, a Vegas resident, filed a civil negligence complaint on behalf of …
Read More »Hear Johnny Marr's Searing New Song 'The Bright Parade'
Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr unveiled his second new song of 2019, “The Bright Parade.” Though much of the song is cloaked in a gauzy, shoegaze aura, “The Bright Parade” is anchored by a mesmerizing scorcher of a guitar riff and a churning bass line. In an interview with DIY, …
Read More »Jeff Buckley Estate Preps Massive 25th Anniversary Reissue of 'Grace'
The Jeff Buckley estate will reissue Grace for the 1994 album’s 25th anniversary as well as a massive digital expansion of the late artist’s catalogue, set for release on August 23rd. More than 50 tracks will be digitally released, including the rare “Sky Blue Skin” demo, one of the last …
Read More »Drake Closes Out OVO Fest with Meek Mill, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion
Drake closed out the final night of his annual hometown OVO Fest in Toronto Monday with a bevy of surprise guests. Although Drake was the only artist scheduled to perform, the rapper brought out Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion (who performed “Big Ole Freak” and also teamed up to perform …
Read More »Hear Jesse Dayton Cover Neil Young, AC/DC on New Album 'Mixtape Volume 1'
Jesse Dayton releases his new album Mixtape Volume 1 on August 9th. It’s a collection of cover songs that highlight the East Texas songwriter’s diverse influences — Dayton interprets everyone from Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot to the Cars and AC/DC. Ahead of Friday’s release, the Americana multi-tasker is streaming …
Read More »On 'Care Package,' Drake Returns to Nostalgia
As the 2010s come to a close, rappers are beginning to look backwards. Drake put his 2009 mixtape So Far Gone on streaming services for the first time in February; Chance the Rapper followed suit, making several of his releases officially monetizable at the end of June. Drake returned Friday …
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