Charles Walker
Originally from North Carolina and now based in Nashville, Charles embodies the modern singer/songwriter. Often compared to Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell and James Taylor, he has quickly established himself in the Americana scene. Growing up in Charlotte, surrounded by bluegrass and folk, he absorbed the South’s storytelling traditions. His music, inspired by his upbringing, tells tales of love, loss and the pursuit of freedom. In Nashville, he began blending classic country with indie rock’s gritty edge.
Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers
At the bottom of the Southwest Virginia foothills half-a-mile from the nearest neighbor, 21-year-old Colby T. Helms resides in an “underground house” built by his late father on land his family has owned for generations. Colby first dreamed of making music his life at age 12, when a group of Blue Ridge Mountain old-time and bluegrass players performed songs like The Ozark Mountain Daredevils’ “Standing On The Rock” and the gospel classic “A Beautiful Life” at his father’s funeral in Boones Mill, VA. To make this dream a reality, he taught himself guitar, banjo, and mandolin by watching local performers and YouTube videos. A veteran performer in the Blue Ridge/Appalachian Mountains region by age 18, Colby wrote the songs that would become his upcoming semi-autobiographical concept album, ‘Tales of Misfortune’, as a senior in high school.
Drew Foust &The Wheelhouse with Love, DEAN
A natural soul singer and blues musician, Drew Foust’s music sounds like it’s made between the bleary hours of a rock bar’s last call and a southern preacher’s early morning prayer. Hand made, self-made and arranged in dramatic structure, the music is lyrical and rhythm driven, always pushing a feeling forward. The Wheelhouse is an amalgamation of some of the best musicians in the piedmont region of North Carolina. Together, Drew and the band lend themselves to heartfelt songwriting with high test grooves, purveying their signature southern soul n’ roll sound. Current members are Jimmy Washington on rhythm guitar, Jared Church on bass, Chuck Pinckney on drums and Cole Covington on keys. The band is known for expanding beyond its core members, having collaborated in studio and on stage with DaShawn & Wendy Hickman, Sam & Eli Fribush, Maia Kamil and Jive Mother Mary. With notable performances at Shakori Hills Festival, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, and FloydFest 24 in addition to opening for The Wallflowers in Winston-Salem, NC. Drew’s second full-length album, “Good Thing,” released on Charlie Hunter’s SideHustle label in September of 2022, offers 8 tracks inspired by Memphis soul music from the 60s and 70s.Musicians, singer-songwriters, and husband and wife, Rachael and Luke Price, are bringing back the feel-good vibes of classic Americana. Love, DEAN brings a handcrafted musical mosaic of vintage soul, gospel, and folk. Rachael’s stunning vocals and pointed lyrics, along with Luke’s raw harmonies and soul-influenced guitar culminate in undeniable chemistry. With two voices and an old electric hollow-body guitar, they create music that is honest, timeless, yet uniquely new. Love, DEAN’s latest self titled album is themed around love and community, and coming of age milestones. It’s vibrant, personal, and it’s for everyone.
Abby Hamilton with Molly McGinn
Born and raised in Nicholasville, KY, artist-to-watch Abby Hamilton is in the midst of a breakout year following the release of her acclaimed debut album, #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo). Released this past fall via Blue Gown Records — a new imprint run by WhizzBangBAM’s Ian Thornton (Tyler Childers) in partnership with Virgin Music — the album was produced by Justin Craig and Duane Lundy and further establishes Hamilton as one of music’s most intriguing new voices. Of the record, American Songwriter praises, “infectious… introducing the acclaimed songsmith’s captivating blend of folk and indie rock,” while Holler declares, “one of the most refreshingly out of step voices in country music has made one of the year’s most genuinely brilliant and beautiful records” and Wide Open Country proclaims, “channels a universal relatability that will aid anyone’s journey of self-discovery and healing.” In just the past few years, Hamilton has garnered a reputation as an engaging live performer and musician and recently made her television debut performing on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” series. She has also opened for artists such as Tyler Childers, Deer Tick, Shakey Graves, Wynonna Judd, Blackberry Smoke, Kelsey Waldon and The Mountain Goats and performed at several major festivals including Bonnaroo, AmericanaFest, Railbird, Luck Reunion and more.
Ric Robertson
Ric Robertson is a generational songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist cut from the fabric of great American music of all kinds. He has the rare ability to deliver his authentic self on stage each night, and his personality and wisdom shine through both in his songs and any music he chooses to deliver. Ric is equally at home on Piano, Guitar, Mandolin, Drums, and Bass, and his musicianship and singing transcend the confines of any specific genre – as a part of Sam Grisman Project he has spent the last year delivering unique and inspired versions of some of his favorite songs from the musical universe of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman as well as his own originals.
Royal Cab Co
Thomas Royal’s 25-year endeavor of creating experimental lo-fi pop noir, producing various EPs and albums like “The Age of the Average” in 2023, evolved into Royal Cab Co. This transformation happened in 2023 through regular music sessions with friends, leading to the establishment of a six-member band. Royal Cab Co’s music is eclectic, blending influences across genres and periods. Imagine The Heartbreakers performing Replacements tracks, Wilco abandoning Country for Yacht Rock, The Jayhawks covering The Cure, Bill Callahan and Bill Frisell, Glenn Campbell and Glenn Tipton. You get the gist. Royal Cab Co, Thomas Royal, Rhett McAllister, and Jason Blalock on guitar and vocals, Hank Royal on keys, Todd Sizer on bass, and Tony Perez on drums, amalgamates nearly a century of musical experience. These folks have amassed thousands of performances across various bands, contributing to their rich, eclectic sound. Their collaboration results in a diverse musical tapestry, characterized by its uniqueness and influences that are left of the dial, finding normalcy in the unconventional and indie side of music. Their collective journey in music spans different genres and eras, resulting in a sound that is both seasoned and exploratory. An all-new Neo Dad Rock movement is here; defiantly maximalist and nostalgic – not a genre, but a catch-all term for anything you can get away with in the car that might offend but won’t annoy the wife and kids.
Amy Martin And Bonnie & The Mere Mortals w/ Matt Elias
Originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia, Amy Martin spent the majority of her adult life in her beloved hometown. In 2021, Martin relocated to Denver, Colorado. On her latest album, “Travelin’ On”, Martin explores the breaking point between investing in a problematic, yet beloved hometown, and moving on to fully realize one’s self and one’s dreams. She was first inspired by female powerhouse singers like Martina McBride and Janis Joplin, but after finishing high school she found herself fronting a bluegrass band. For ten years the band toured regionally and built a loyal local following, and Martin’s own musical voice began merging the line between string band and soul. On her album, Martin displays compassionate confidence, born from years of developing not only a musical voice but a certain outlook on life. “I feel like every song is saying something”, she says, “And within that, there is a message that I’ve found my stride as an artist and as a person. I am sitting in the pocket of myself. I’m finding out what it is to love, and to be true to myself.” Amy Martin’s latest album is produced by Grammy Award Winning Artist, Chance McCoy.Bonnie & the Mere Mortals are a Southern Gothic outfit that sound like what would happen if Dolly Parton ever met the Cure. Their signature blend of Appalachian Americana with Synthwave and Shoegaze has brought them all around the surrounding regions with a fast growing audience of everyone from cowboys to goth rockers, from Nashville to New York. Matt Elias grew up in one of many small coal towns in southwestern Pennsylvania, helping out on his grandfather’s farm and making his own fun, which mostly meant playing the guitar and using whatever substances he could get his hands on. He has honed his craft starting at age 9: playing lead guitar and being a side man in bands ranging from rock n’ roll to death metal, from tribute bands to Americana. He currently plays guitar in both Feralcat and the Wild and Bonnie & the Mere Mortals, as well as several cover and tribute acts. He has played thousands of shows in over a dozen states, all the while preparing to step to center stage in his own way.Elias has never been a fan of celebrity, stardom, or big personalities, but the music is a different story. To Elias, the song is the hero, not the person who wrote it, and his songs have plenty to say. Elias writes songs as a conduit, stepping out of the way so the stories can take the limelight. “Soil,” Matt Elias’s upcoming first album, is the culmination of years of stories–stories of dedication, love and loss, personal battles with addiction, and life and growth in a crumbling Appalachian coal town. “Soil” drops on February 29, 2024, and we’re guaranteed more stories from a man worth listening to. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube, and keep an eye out for his debut tour in 2024.
Joe Kaplow
A person is made from their moments, like their music is made. I know this is a bio but I shouldn’t have to say much. Listen to the record. If I’ve done my job well, you will know me by the end. Posh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe is the third full length album from Santa Cruz based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Kaplow. Appropriately named after his bandmates’ nicknames, this record is a more cohesive ‘band’ statement than his previous self-recorded work. Most tracks were cut over a five day span, performed live at the OK Theater in Enterprise, OR with engineer Bart Budwig. They were learned and workshopped on the spot, thus capturing very honest, energetic, and ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ moments. The record was mixed underground at Vin Christopher’s studio, Heavy Meadow in Portland, Oregon. Posh, Poodle, Krystal and Toe takes Kaplow’s singularly unique, honest and raw songwriting style and propels it forward with spontaneous collaboration, undeniable rhythm, and sound imagery. The record will be released on 5.17.24 on Fluff and Gravy Records.
Max Gomez
Singer and songwriter Max Gomez grew up in Taos, New Mexico, the son of a Portuguese-Spanish father and an Irish-Scottish mother. He fell under the influence of country blues early on, and then moved to classic modern singer/songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and John Prine, as well as folk-based rockers like Tom Petty and Neil Young, honing his songwriting skills and developing a style that melded all of his influences but was still uniquely his. Gomez released a debut album, the Jeff Trott-produced Rule the World, on New West Records in 2013. After touring steadily following the release of his debut, Gomez paired with producer Jim Scott for the 2017 EP Me & Joe. ~ Steve Leggett, Rovi
Farewell Friend (Album Release Show) with Minor Gold
Hailing from the cornfields of Indiana and now residing in the heart of North Carolina,front man and singer/songwriter Tom Troyer’s eclectic style traverses folk, rock, andblues. Farewell Friend’s music resonates with authenticity, vulnerability, and anunwavering commitment to the power of poetic storytelling. Their sound is a delicateavalanche of sonic texture, blending recognizable and distorted folk and Americanaforms to create a truly unique musical experience.Tom’s exceptional talent extends beyond his role as a frontman and songwriter. He cuthis teeth musically by performing with The Collection and contributing multipleinstruments and vocals to the recording of their album “Ars Moriendi.” In 2018, Troyerbegan honing his music engineering skills and founded Black Rabbit Audio, a musicproduction studio in Greensboro, NC. Since then, he has produced over 18 albums,showcasing his technical expertise and ability to bring out the best in his own musicand that of other artists.Troyer’s dedication to both his craft and making a positive impact is evident in hisinvolvement with We Carry Kevan, a non-profit organization focused on raisingawareness about disabilities and promoting creative solutions for accessibility. Throughtheir travels, Troyer has personally carried Kevan Chandler, the organization’sadvocate, to iconic destinations worldwide, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.With his multifaceted background, Tom Troyer brings a unique perspective to music andstorytelling. His introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melodies create a powerfulconnection with audiences, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the humancondition. Farewell Friend’s discography showcases Troyer’s musical journey, from theconceptual exploration of generational stories in his debut album “Lineage” to theautobiographical introspection of “[SAMSON]” and the contemplation of gentrificationin the EP “Glenwood and Gomorrah.”With enchanting soundscapes and thought-provoking narratives, Farewell Friend inviteslisteners on a transcendent musical journey. Tom Troyer’s dedication to his craft as botha musician and a producer shines through in every note, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and fellow artists alike.Minor Gold are the new Australian based, Americana duofeaturing ARIA nominated artists Tracy McNeil & Dan Parsons.Their debut, self-titled album Minor Gold (Out AUG 11, 2023)captures the duo at their finest, weaving masterful harmoniesaround stripped-back, organic arrangements that draw oneverything from 70’s west-coast pop and Bleecker St.steeped folk to the ballad-power and polaroid romance of the80’s. Through this superb collection of songs, Minor Golddisplay a spellbinding musical connection, reflecting thecomfort and ease experienced as the album washes over you.With all three of their debut singles added to national highrotation on ABC Radio’s ‘Double J’ – a 20+ date debut NorthAmerican album tour, with four shows supporting the TeskeyBrothers in the US and Canada, an ‘official showcase’ atAmericanaFEST in September, it is fair to say Minor Goldhave hit the ground running.
