The five some that make up Shotgun Holler - Shawn Brock (mandolin/harmony vocals), Matt Jones (guitar/lead vocals), Rod Lunger (bass/harmony vocals), Nathan Treadway (banjo), and Alex Benefiel (fiddle/harmony vocals) - are not your typical bluegrass players. They cover Miley Cyrus, have tattoos and aren’t given to sporting retro looks, but none of this should give you pause. The up and coming bluegrass band has incredible harmonies and keen instrumentation, both of which can be found on their debut album, Loaded, which was released on Dry Lightning Records in September.

Loaded, produced by Jim Van Cleve, consists of eleven tracks that mix unexpected covers with three Jones penned originals – “I've Got Ramblin’ On My Mind,” “Miners Grave” and “One Lone Tree”. The songs are vivid portrayals of all of the aspects of life - the good and notably, the bad, as Shotgun Holler are not afraid to tackle less than sunny subject matter.

The songs they put their unique take on are decidedly not typical choices, particularly Son Volt’s somber “Methamphetamine,” and Jason Isbell’s tale of struggle, “Relatively Easy.” They also take on the classic “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” and Guy Clark and Darrell Scott's "Out In The Parking Lot," which is given the Shotgun Holler stamp with an up-tempo, feel good melody.

Although Shotgun Holler is instrumentally traditional, they have an originality that pushes genre boundaries in a good direction. Pull the trigger and give Loaded a listen or two.

Listen to "Out In The Parking Lot" here

California-based singer-songwriter Callie Twisselman released her newest 5-song EP, Party Lights, in February of this year. Her first single, “Breathe,” hit top 30 on MusicRow’s Country Breakout Chart and her follow-up single, "Hung Me On The Line" is certainly poised to do the same. 

Written by Ford Thurston and Brynn Marie "Hung Me On The Line" is an immediate ear grabber; an instantly likeable, catchy country tune about being swept away, then abandoned, by the one you love. Told from the female perspective, the song is one where the upbeat, shuffling melody contrasts the lyrics. However, there is something nuanced in Twisselman's sweet delivery, suggesting the hurt may not be without retribution. 

"You hung me on the line babe, you left me on Sunday
Why you always walk away from love, you hung me on the line babe
Feels like yesterday we got swept away oh no
But you hung me on the line babe
I should’ve seen it coming boy I must be blind
I gave you a million chances but you never gave me mine
Now I don’t want ‘em no I don’t want ‘em anymore, no"

"I never set out with any particular strategy or ambition, and I still don't have one," Golightly concludes. "It just comes from luck and tenacity, and from being completely indifferent to what everybody else is doing. I love writing songs and playing music, and I've always worked my tits off to be able to have music in my life. Everything else in my life is hard graft, but music is what I do for fun.”

If music is what Holly Golightly does for fun, then 2015 must be one enjoyable year - as well as an incredibly productive and busy one. In August, she released her delightful Slowtown Now! and on October 16th she will release Coulda Shoulda Woulda with The Brokeoffs (Holly and her partner Lawyer Dave). They recorded their latest record on the Georgia farm that they share with their animals (horses, dogs, chickens, geese and goats) and brought on neighbor Jeff Walls to add guitar on three tracks in a twelve track collection where each song has the ability to stand alone as well as together.

“Heaven Buy and Buy” kicks things off with a punkabilly-gospel vibe while “Apartment 34” entices with its menacing feel paired with a story for which you must really keep your ears open. “Jackhammer” is sort of a noir-waltz, “Little Mule” mixes in some blues and the retro flavored, make ya shimmy and shake title track could have easily been found on Slowtown Now!

Lawyer Dave takes lead with his distinct vocals on the take me to church (but not really) “Jump In The River,” and the raver “Karate,” while the two duet on the bleak bluegrass tune “Lonesome Grave.” Sweetness mixes with an underlying tone of sour on “What He Does” while the duo quash what may come next on the infectious “No Judgement Day” as well as a certain holiday on “Christmas Is A Lie”. Thrown in the mix is their rendition of “Marijuana, The Devil’s Flower,” a song about the evils of marijuana originally recorded by Mr. Sunshine decades ago.

Don’t say coulda, shoulda, woulda about getting your hands on Holly Golightly and The Brokeoffs’ new record. It’s a genre mash up full of grooves, sharp lyrics, humor and heart that’s a keeper.

Originally from South Dakota 18 year old Colin Browen now calls Austin home and has recently released his debut EP, Blink. Browen wrote and plays guitar on the four tracks all of which are infused with a hard rockin’ edge. The EP kicks off with an ode to the end of the work week on “Let’s Party” and includes three other songs that are heavy on crunchy guitars and pulsating percussion. With its metal-esque bridge, “Good Girl” tells of one with a “naughty side” while on “More Than Luck” (which reminds one of Green Day) he finds happiness with the one. The title track is the EP’s highlight, mixing rootsy verses with a southern rock chorus spelling out some serious truth: “The life you live is the life you lead/How fast it goes you just won’t believe.”  

California country artist Rob Carona will release his new EP, Drive, on November 8th. The title track of the EP is a pulsing modern country tune that is uplifting and hopeful, encouraging one to follow their true calling, chase dreams…and simply try, even if the road gets rough.

“So the road’s a little longer than you thought it’d be
When is this endless desert gonna reach the sea?
Just on the other side of this mountain high it gets clearer
You won’t ever win just by staring in the rearview mirror”

Carona is a Heart Songs for Veterans ambassador and 40% of all proceeds from the song are donated to the organization and Team: Overwatch to support wounded veterans. His EP, Drive, is currently available for pre-order on iTunes.

Originally from Arkansas, singer-songwriter Ward Davis has lived and worked in Nashville for 15 years, composing tunes for artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Sammy Kershaw and many more. In addition to his own solo career, in 2009 he and fellow singer-songwriters Rick Huckaby and Matt Nolen formed The Beagles, an alt-country band that has released two studio albums. A few weeks ago, on September 18th, Davis released his debut solo album, 15 Years in A 10 Year Town. The album is an honest collection of songs that you can tell truly came from the heart (not just the pen) with Davis’ vocals being just as deep and emotive as contemporaries Jamey Johnson and Whitey Morgan.

The compilation opens with the gritty, harmonica laced “No Goin’ Town” which is followed by eight more acoustic tracks of sincere American music in the vein of Chris Knight. These are songs, including “Old Wore Out Cowboys” featuring Johnson and Willie Nelson that embrace struggles, question decisions (and the future) and welcome love.

The good, bad and in-between of love is the focus of the mid-tempo “More Goodbye” which deals with the remains of a relationship, “I Got You” which finds solace in having the one and “Nobody’s Looking” a song that sees two co-workers continuing a clandestine relationship. There’s depth and reflection on the introspective “15 Years In A 10 Year Town” which paints a vivid picture of chasing your dreams in Music City; the tender, heartfelt ode to friendship, “Unfair Weather Friend” (which also can be found on Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard’s Django and Jimmie), and “The Overpass” an emotional tale of a man who lives “below the cars and trucks rolling by” that will hit your heart and make you think.

The song that closes the record becomes more powerful with each listen. “Skeptic’s Prayer” ponders what many of us have wondered at one time or another, asking the Lord to show us the way, a sign as to what His plan is for us. “Hey Jesus what’s the plan/If you’ve got it figured out then spill it man/Don’t feed me riddles, I can’t understand.”

After fifteen years, Davis seems to be following the plan--the rest of us simply need to catch up because 15 Years in a 10 Year Town is a musical journey worth accompanying him on.

Maces Spring, Virginia was the place where A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and his sister-in-law Maybelle began their careers and made their mark on the history of music as the Carter Family. Beth Harrington’s documentary about this family, The Winding Stream — The Carters, The Cashes and the Course of Country Music, has played festivals and won awards all over the world. The soundtrack to the film will be released on Omnivore Recordings, October 16th. With songs from the original Carter Family, performed by them as well as George Jones, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash and others, The Winding Stream takes listeners on a journey through the origins of country music.

According to director Harrington: “The story of the Carter Family is one about gleaning the best of American roots music and passing it on. That’s what the Carters did with their song collecting and writing and that’s what happened with their music down through the generations of family music-makers as well as other musicians. This soundtrack to the film is in that tradition, highlighting the work of the Carters themselves as well as a variety of family and friends interpreting that music. It’s exciting to have it out there on Omnivore.”

What can be said about a compilation that includes esteemed artists honoring these beloved paragons of country music? Only that you would be remiss if you did not at least give it a listen. If you love these iconic artists, want to hear wonderful music, or delve into the genre’s origins, then jump into The Winding Stream. Just don’t forget to look at the photographs and read the liner notes that start you off with an introductory history lesson and leave you wanting to learn more.

Track Listing:

Bear Creek Blues – John Prine
Lord, I’m in Your Care – Grey Delisle & Murry Hammond
Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree – The Original Carter Family
Single Girl, Married Girl – The Original Carter Family
Worried Man Blues – George Jones
Hello Stranger – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Keep on the Sunny Side – The Original Carter Family
Cannon Ball Blues – The Original Carter Family
I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes – The Original Carter Family
Wildwood Flower – Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters
Will the Circle Be Unbroken – Johnny Cash & the Carter Sisters
In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain – Murry Hammond
Sweet Fern – Maybelle & Sara Carter
Gold Watch and Chain – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band With Kris Kristofferson
Step Light Ladies – Home Folks, Joe Carter & John McCutcheon
The Winding Stream – Rosanne Cash

Order The Winding Stream here
The film will be in theaters around the country this fall. Screenings in select cities will feature local artists performing Carter Family music. Check ArgotPictures.com for details. 

Ted Z and the Wranglers--Dan Mages (bass), Mike Myers (drums, vocals), and Jackson Leverone (lead and slide guitar, vocals)--are one of Southern California's most sought after Americana/Country roots bands. On October 16th they will release their new album on Rip Cat Records, Ghost Train. The first single form the project, “Go Find Your Heaven,” is a sad, yet hopeful mid-tempo tale of letting the one you love go with the willingness to wait for her return. There’s skilled picking and slide guitar along with a shuffling melody and Ted’s warm vocals on lyrics which simultaneously convey encouragement, sorrow and anticipation.

“Sad goodbyes ain’t something cowboys do 
Seasons change that ain’t no excuse
Go find your Heaven, Cause I’d never do
Go fine your new love, Cause I’ll wait for you” 

Listen to "Go Find Your Heaven" here

Austin’s Mike and The Moonpies recently released their third studio album, Mockingbird, and it is without a doubt, their best sounding album to date. The six piece, fronted by Mike Harmeier, also includes Kyle Ponder (percussion), Preston Rhone (Bass), Catlin Rutherford (guitar), Zachary Moulton (steel guitar) and John Carbone (piano, organ). The ten track collection of all original tunes was recorded at Cedar Creek Studio in Austin by John Silva (the Trishas) and finds Harmeier (who penned all ten) in a nostalgic state of mind, both lyrically and musically. The Moonpies’ sound is authentic, steeped in tradition (think Porter Wagoner), and heavy on customary instrumentation (as well as a welcome infusion of horns and strings) that is actually used in the forefront, not as filler.

Kicking off with their current single, “Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em” which recounts the growth of the band, Mockingbird is brimming with well-crafted songs of life, love and sorrow. There’s heartache (and a pinch of Elvis) in the two-step of “Say It Simply” about a righteous man who can’t read the writing on the wall and on “South First Blvd” (hello saxophone!!) where he finds his gal cheating with another “With a shot of Patron and a raise of your glass you cut me down to size.”

“One Is The Whiskey,” a doleful drinking tale lamenting being abandoned by another, is highlighted by viola, violin and cello while the waltz of  “Never Leaving Texas” finds him professing his love for the Lone Star state…even if it means being without her. “I’m happy here in Houston with a bottle in hand.”

Mockingbird isn’t all heartache, however. The warm, shuffling cadence of the title track tells of the similarities of three generations of men. “My daddy was his father’s son loved drink bear and have fun/Passed it all down to me along with his old faded jeans.” While the rollicking “Delilah” is a keys filled tune about returning to the one you love, not wanting to have to leave again.

While there isn’t a “skipper” on the album, two tracks stand-out, “I Don’t Love You” and “Miserable Man.” The former is an achingly (to the point of being visceral) sad duet with Carson McHone about the dissolution of a relationship seen from both sides. “I thought the whole thing over when I was relatively sober…..I don’t love you is too hard to say and I don’t need you is a lie, I used to think about you every day and now you barely even cross my mind.” The latter, which closes the album, is the sorrowful (amplified by the trombone and French horn at its conclusion) tale of a couple who, for better or for worse, are “Both committed to the rings on their hands/this heartbroken women and this miserable man.”

Mockingbird may best be heard live in a honky-tonk or dance hall (think Broken Spoke or Gruene Hall), whiskey in hand and watching patrons two-step. If that can’t happen, turn it on, turn it up and let it transport you there, but whatever you do, don’t let Mockingbird fly off your radar. 

In the span of under a year playing the Los Angeles area, Boroughs—Kyle Neal (vocals, guitar), JD Carrera (guitar), Derrick Wong (bass) and Tyler Johnson (drums)—are poised to make an impact outside of the Golden state. The quartet are working with engineer/producer John Spiker (Tenacious D) in preparation for their self-titled debut EP due November 13th. 

Bringing to mind Jason Mraz and Sean McConnell, Boroughs blend elements of country, rock, folk and Americana in a welcoming and poignant six track collection. The well crafted songs focus on love, heartache and uncertainly, with the contemplative and forthright lyrics delivered with an intensity, and an ache, that render them authentic and relatable.

Starting things off is "Keep It Up," a story of reckless youth where “nothing’s quite as bad as it seems, until it is." “Alive” tells the story of the despair felt with heartbreak, “Self-destruction is the only way I know/To feel alive, to feel alive/I’ll take what you got just don’t leave me alone” while the tranquil, almost fragile “Give It Time” (with its haunting harmonies) deals with that point in a relationship many have come upon. “Couldn’t shake off that feeling/Love would drag us down/Make us hate what we once held dear.” With its reflective lyrics, there’s a gentle request for another to simply remain on “Stay With Me.” “Every now and then I accidentally let you see, the weakness in me.” The EP also includes the rootsy, shuffling “Anytime” and “Enough,” a song that kicks off with a bang (hand claps!) and takes on an anthemic feel in the chorus, realizing anxieties and celebrating acceptance and love.

This year has been flooded with excellent releases, but what makes Boroughs stand out is how Neal and Co. bring lyrics to life with an incredible honesty that just hits your heart.