The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Jaclyn Nott, Sarah Morris, Jacson Miller, and other guest contributors
Music Review: The Cactus Blossoms, ‘One Day’
Nostalgia, pain and optimism coexist on the Minnesota group’s new album, which showcases a new facet in their ever-evolving sound.
Show Review: Joshua Ray Walker with Andrew Hibbard at the Turf Club
On a frigid Sunday night at the Turf Club in St. Paul, the headliner exceeded high expectations and the opener won over the crowd.
Music Review: David Jameson, ‘Tall Dark Pines’
On his new album, a world-traveled singer-songwriter finds home in classic country, traditional folk and romanticized Old West outlaw imagery.
Blue Ox Reveals Initial Lineup & Details for 2022 Festival
Find out who’s playing and what’s new at this annual Wisconsin gem.
Virtual Listening Party: Mark Joseph
A song-by-song exploration of Mark Joseph’s ‘Vegas Motel’
Top 5 Ways to Support Musicians & Venues in 2022
When times are tough, supporting the artists who create the music that support us makes us part of an ecosystem, a community based on connection, love, and joy. A community that shows up for each other is only stronger for its struggles.
Music Review: Cole Allen, ‘The Other Side’
The veteran Minnesota blues rocker strips down his sound to tell a powerful, emotional story on his new acoustic EP.
Music Review: Boots & Needles
The self-titled debut EP from this charming Minnesota duo is like a candy sampler, with tantalizing tastes of what’s to come.
Music Review: Russell James’ ‘Feel Your Pain’
Native American indie-folk singer songwriter Russell James’ fourth album dives down into struggles with autism, depression, and trauma but also provides space to explore vulnerability, pain, and transcendence.
Music Review: Land at Last, ‘Windbound’
Minnesota superduo Jake Ilika and Mike Munson join forces on a new, surprisingly multilayered EP.
Music Review: Anthony St. James, ‘Songs of Anthony St. James’
The Pennsylvania folk singer-songwriter’s debut album is a vivid collection of working-class story songs about his native state.
Music Review: Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen, ‘The Unreal Deal’
The southern Minnesota band’s debut album delivers punchy, story-driven Americana alt-rock.
Music Review: Riddy Arman
This weathered and wise debut album from newcomer Riddy Arman delivers a kind of rich, contemplative sound that evokes the classic country from decades past, full of story and gentle power.
Music Review: The Younger Brothers, ‘Hanging on July’
The retro folk-pop duo is back with a second release—a harmony-drenched EP of pure bliss.
Music Review: Barbaro, ‘Under the Covers’
The Minnesota neo-bluegrass outfit charms with a quirky benefit EP of covers for a good cause.
Music Review: Self-Titled Album from Buffalo Nichols
The debut album from this fascinating singer-songwriter is a stunning first glimpse at his talent and a tantalizing promise of more to come.
Music Review: Brother Galen’s On the Way
Self-proclaimed “street country troubadour” Brother Galen’s newly released album is a surprising and welcome escape into an enchanted forest of Americana you didn’t know you needed.
Music Review: Wolf Willow, ‘Old Guitars & Shooting Stars’
The Saskatchewan countrypolitan band’s latest album is a swanky retro delight.
Music Review: Leon Timbo, ‘Lovers & Fools’
On his new EP, the versatile roots artist adds country and folk to his already-rich blended sound, broadening the big tent of Americana in the process.