Tommy Keene’s twelfth album Laugh In The Dark, will release this Friday, September 4th on Second Motion Records. The album is a collection of ten all new melody driven pop tunes-seasoned with a hefty dose of rock-that were written and recorded in a six month period last year. It’s an appealing listen from start to finish that, beginning with the opening track, may find you recalling the British bands of the 1980’s (in a good way), as well as the Beatles and Zeppelin throughout. Opening track “Out Of My Mind” is followed by the instantly catchy (and incredibly short) “Dear Heloise” and the infectious “Last of The Twilight Girls.” Personal favorites like the buoyant “All The Lights Are Alive,” and “I Want It To Be Over Now” as well as “Laugh In The Dark” and “I Belong To You” round out the record, which concludes with the slightly psychedelic and epic (in sound and length, at over six minutes long) “All Gone Away.”

With Laugh In The Dark, Keene who has been making music for well over three decades, continues to create memorable and melodic tunes delivered by a sweetly, sensitive voice.

Caleche Ryder may have sung on the stage in 2008 as Miss Nevada, but as an artist her goal is to make people want to “dance and….dance some more.” And that she does with her new single, the pop country “West Coast Cowgirl.” The melody is line dance ready while the lyrics, written to fill the void for all of the ladies from the west coast who, like her, were raised in rural California riding horses and memorizing country songs about the “south,” are prime for a sing along. Caleche’s vocals are soulful yet sassy telling how a California cowgirl lives life all while not letting anyone get her down.

“I’ve always had that country swag
Settled in my bones
But growing up old George and Garth never sang about my home
I’m no Texas tornado I’m straight California grown”

Watch the video for "West Coast Cowgirl" here

Hailing from Kansas, but now calling Nashville home, Matt Gary recently released his latest single "It's On You.” The country pop song, with its instantly hummable melody and thumping intro, is about something many (men and women) have experienced. It describes a night out when you meet someone and are definitely interested, but you’re not sure how to interpret the signals you are receiving. Is it flirting? Just a kiss? Something more or nothing at all? (Who hasn’t been there?!) Gary makes his feelings crystal clear while letting her know that how it all plays out is up to her.



“You’re calling the shots, don’t act like you’re not
Making me come unglued
Girl you’re coming in hot
If you don’t mean it stop
Before this night gets where it’s going to
You can blame it on the beat or the whiskey in my drink
For making me feel like I do
But it’s on you”

“It’s On You” will impact radio September 21st.

It's on you if you don't give this song a listen. Check it out here.

Scoot Horton began his musical career in 1990 as the guitarist and founding member of the hardcore punk band Awkward Thought. After years of touring, Horton decided to unplug and take his music in another direction, pulling together his love of Americana, folk and country. On September 27th, he will release his full length record, 627.

627, with its scaled back production, contains eleven thematically diverse tracks that touch on everything from the fun to serious. It opens with "Broke Man Blues" which touches on not having much money, but being rich in other aspects of life, like family and friends. The somber "Six 2 Seven" deals with the hellish trials one has to go through (the death of a child) before the better days while the thoughtful "You'll Always Be A Kid To Me" recalls a child who is now grown. The album also contains the autibiographical ("Life & Hope"), the humorous ("Alright"), the dark ("Billy McGill") and a religious duet ("Remember Me"). It closes with a good time on both "Chicken Pot Pie," a story detailing putting that meal on the table, and "Raise Your Glass" which salutes life and new days ahead. 

Formed in 2012, Silo Road is an Americana & Roots band out of Austin, Texas. The quartet consists of Billy Broome (vocals/guitar), Chris Swindle (guitar), Brendan Smith (bass) and Jarid Craig (drums).  This past May the band released their latest record, Last Call Love, which was recorded at The Echo Lab and supported by a successful Kickstarter campaign. The album’s twelve songs emphasize storytelling and catchy hooks with lyrics that are honest and relatable.

Things kick off with the shuffling cadence of “Texas, Not Tennessee” then segue into the toe tapper “Honey Grove” with its clever opening line “Just because it’s a Sunday don’t mean it’s a fun day/She left on the 12:05.” The tempo takes a slower turn on “Southside Liquor” in which he laments the lack of liquor in a dry town and “Together Blues” which ponders that oft asked question whether it’s better to stay together or fall apart. “Gus” is the story of a happy go lucky ladies’ man who doesn’t easily get bothered while the rockin’ “Taco Girl” is pure fun. The astute “Last Call Love” recalls meeting someone when you’re drunk and lonely and how you know at the time it “ain’t love but honey it’ll do.”

Missing the Lone Star State is the focus of the mid-tempo “Going Back To Texas” while the honky tonk flavor of “Load In” tells the story of life on the road and paying your dues. “Prayers, Pills, and Alcohol” and “Juarez Get Away” round out the record. The former is about the triad he can turn to (for better or worse) when he’s missing her and the latter is a play on words with an overall menacing vibe.

Last Call Love has that Texas feel with plenty of pickin’ and pedal steel, perfect for a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon.

Well known in the Texas music scene, Jason Cassidy has had two #1’s and four top 10’s as well as two Billboard charting singles. This past May, he released his third album, 717. The album consists of ten tracks including his first single, “Cowboy Girl” and a cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Co-produced with Greg Hunt, 717 has a satisfying mix of traditional country songs as well as those with a modern feel, all united by strong storytelling and Cassidy’s appealing, authentic vocals, which especially shine on the ballads. 

The collection opens with the clever lyrics and outlaw feel of “Something Waylon Wouldn’t Say.” That’s followed by the mid-tempo swoon-worthy “How Good Love Feels,” in which he offer himself as a caring partner and best friend, rather than just a lover. “Beers To You” is an ode to the fans that is sure to be a crowd pleaser live as is “Country Girls Do It Better” and ode to ladies everywhere that singles out the reasons why country girls are the ones for him. The country rocker “Baby Come On,” about that perfect night, is romantic without being sappy or sexual. “We can fade away into a big dust cloud.” The highly relatable (and catchy) “I Got It Good” reminds us that even though we might not have much, we probably “have it pretty good.”

The touching and tender “Dancing With Jesus” reflects on and celebrates the life of someone who has passed. “Honky tonk heaven never shuts down/She’s on a clouded dance floor up in heaven/Dancing with Jesus now.” While “Rest of Forever” is an endearing fiddle filled ballad about finding the one you want to spend forever with. “What are you doing for the rest of forever, please tell me that you’ve got the time, cause if you’re not busy for the rest of forever/I’d sure like to make you mine.”

With its traditional ballads, honky tonk tunes and country rockers about love and real life, 717 makes for a solid listen from start to finish.

Singer-songwriter Holly Golightly’s career has spanned 25 years and more than twenty albums. On September 11th, Golightly returns with her first full-band effort in over a decade, Slowtown Now!. The album reunites Holly with her longstanding band of guitarists Ed Deegan and Bradley Burgess, bassist Matt Radford and drummer Bruce Brand.

Recorded at London’s Gizzard Studios, the twelve song project was entirely written by Golightly, sans for one cover (“Fool Fool Fool”), and is permeated by a 1960’s feel. The collection kicks off with “Seven Wonders” a truly groovy tune that makes you feel like doing The Shimmy or The Swim. The rest of the tracks are all gems that shine in their own unique way. The jazzy (trombone!), shuffling 1920’s melody of “Frozen In Time” finds her singing seductively, “Even though I’ve tried, I can’t seem to find any way to leave you behind.” That same melodic theme is continued in “Empty Space” which prominently features the bass.

Haunting melodies can be found in “Catch Your Fall” and “Forevermore” which emits a twangy, yet dark vibe. “Stopped My Heart” adds a touch of psychedelic swagger while “What You See” has a rockabilly feel. “As You Go Down” returns us to the easy going 1960’s with hand claps and a spunky sassiness. “Grin on your face that you just can’t ignore/And that knife in your back will be turning some more/May it all become clear as you reach out your hand hoping for someone just to keep you standing as you go down.” Rounding out the album is “When I Wake,” whose female harmonies bring to mind the girl groups of the era, and “Slowtown,” about taking a break from the fast paced road life.

Most of the songs on Slowtown Now! hover under and around the three minute mark which makes for a quick succession of songs; songs that are distinctive, infectious, and delightful. 

I came to enjoy Cory Bishop's music when he released his Americana/Folk EP in late 2014. In September of the same year, he and friend Michael Bare began collaborating with Nashville-based producer Andrew Bergthold on Bishop's next solo EP. But Bergthold’s involvement aided their sound in becoming wider, bigger, and bolder; drifting towards modern rock ’n roll. Bishop switched gears, forming The New Schematics with Bare. Now a duo, The New Schematics layer lush harmonies on top of sprawling electric guitars and synths while still maintaining story driven lyrics.

Their lead single, the bold, honest “Born Without Borders” was released in May. Now the duo return with a new tune, "The Breakdown." The song instantly calls to mind-in a good way-Duran Duran ("Rio" and "Save A Prayer" in particular) both sonically and in Bishop's delivery, while combining all of the above elements-electric guitar, synths and pulsating rhythms-into a well crafted rock song. Open up your ears and give it a listen.

Their debut EP will be available October 2nd.

In his first album of new music in over six years, Home, Pat Green sings in the opening title track, "I was blind to the game/I sang the wrong songs and disappeared for way too long/But I've finally found my way home,” lyrics that cement the sentiments of the album; an album, dealing with life, love and family, which will please old and new fans alike.

The collection contains thirteen tracks, including ten week #1 "Girls From Texas" and current single, the tearjerker "While I Was Away,” penned by Zane Williams. The remaining tracks include "May The Good Times Never End," a humorous, harmonica filled, rollicking tune featuring Delbert McClinton as well as "Bet Yo Mama,” a funky, edgy ode to a woman and the other “lookers” in her family. Personal favorite "Break It Back Down" has an undeniably appealing melody which accompanies lyrics that encourage getting back to the basics of just two people, which is a theme that can also be found in the romantic ballad “No One Here But Us” and “I Go Back To You” about that one person you always return to. "Right Now," is an emotional duet with Sheryl Crow about earning the forgiveness of someone you hurt and aiming to be "the real love you always dreamed of right now," while "I'll Take This House" focuses on family life.

The most difficult day after a relationship dissolves, "Day One," is a touching mid-tempo, universal tune about picking up the pieces and moving on while a similar theme is the focus of "Life Good As It Can Be" which reflects on consciously making that change to step out of whatever your darkness may be and truly live life. Closing out the project is "Good Night In New Orleans" which through its varied tempos, takes you out for a night on the town in the Big Easy.

Welcome Pat Green’s Home into yours. The album hits stores August 14th and will be released in partnership with Thirty Tigers.

Singer songwriter Camille Rae recently released her debut full length record, I Need Me. The collection contains twelve tracks, including her current single (the fabulous) “Shadows Dance Tonight,” that look at the varied aspects of love and are highlighted by Rae’s strong vocals. Things begin with the ballad “All In” which focuses on the push and pull of staying in a relationship. That is followed by the scaled back “Best Of Me” in which a relationship, now over, is viewed in a positive light, having brought out the best in her.

Holding oneself back from falling in love and hiding one’s heart is the focus of “Crumbling Wall” while memories take center stage in the mid-tempo duo of “It All Comes Back” and “Keep Me There."

The tempo kicks up a few notches with “Dial Tone” about getting your hopes up and getting knocked down, yet still wondering why, and in the sassy rocker “Get Outta Town” in which she realizes she has been looking for love in the wrong places and would “rather choke on these feelings than be with a man, with a man I can’t trust.” That breakthrough continues in “I Need Me” and “Nowhere.” On the former she focuses on relying on herself and making her life her own and in the latter, wonders why love isn’t fair, but realizing it isn’t, decides to stop compromising and waiting.

The album closes with two standout tracks, “Waiting” an intimate, almost painful duet and “Where Did He Go” a sad song that leaves her, and the listener, wondering why he left.

I Need Me, with its highly relatable, well written songs of love and heartache, should definitely be given a listen.