
The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Jaclyn Nott, Sarah Morris, Jacson Miller, and other guest contributors

Show Review: The Resonant Rogues and Steam Machine at Icehouse
A lively and engaging pair of acts delivered old-time music with fresh perspectives.

Event Review: 2022 Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
The bluegrass-focused festival’s 2022 lineup was stacked with heavy hitters, but the lower-profile acts were just as impressive.

New Video Series ‘Dissonance Sessions’ Explores Mental Health Through Music
Minnesota artists open up about mental health and how it shapes and is affected by their music in this powerful, revealing interview series.

Event Review: 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Day Four
FAI’s first hybrid conference in late May was a wild (and rewarding) ride for this first-timer. This is the final piece of an immersive four-part series about my experience.

Event Review: 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Day Three
FAI’s first hybrid conference in late May was a wild (and rewarding) ride for this first-timer. This is part three of an immersive four-part series about my experience.

Event Review: 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Day Two
FAI’s first hybrid conference in late May was a wild (and rewarding) ride for this first-timer. This is part two of an immersive four-part series about my experience.

Event Review: 2022 Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Day One
FAI’s first hybrid conference in late May was a wild (and rewarding) ride for this first-timer. This is part one of an immersive four-part series about my experience.

Single Premiere: Cole Diamond, “Golden Rule”
Take a listen to the Minnesota country artist’s new single, a classic honky-tonk shuffle and the second of six tracks he’s releasing over the next few months!

Single Premiere: Jeffrey Robert Larson, ‘Promises’ (feat. Clare Doyle)
A veteran Twin Cities country artist and a relative newcomer to the scene join forces on an exquisite honky-tonk heartbreaker. Hear it first here!

Single Premiere: Tommy Goodroad, ‘Linger’
Get an exclusive first listen to the Midwest country act’s new track, dropping May 20, which puts an unexpected honky-tonk spin on a classic 90s alternative radio hit!

Music Review & Interview: Fellow Pynins’ Lady Mondegreen
This Oregon-based folk duo with Minneapolis ties celebrate the traditional music of Ireland, the British Isles, Newfoundland and Appalachia on their stunning new album, Lady Mondegreen. By evoking the history, stories, landscapes, ancestry, passion and tragedy of the people from these regions, this album offers listeners a musical conduit to explore their own experiences and emotions.

Tips for Festival-Goers From Blue Ox Organizers
We spoke to three co-founders about the iconic Wisconsin music festival—and got some insider tips for prospective attendees!

Event Review: 2022 Mid West Music Fest in Winona, Minnesota
The AiA crew took in two days of music on a rainy but magical weekend in southeast Minnesota.

Music Review: Eleganza!, ‘Water Valley High’
The genre-straddling Minnesota rock band serves up their trademark eclectic blend of styles and influences on a potent new album.

Artist Q&A: Brandon Henry of Art Vandalay
As the Americana rockers prepare for a long-delayed album release show, the band’s founding member shared his thoughts about their recent record Champagne & Chandeliers and more.

Music Review: Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, ‘FORE!!!!’
Though the themes are darker than past releases, the new EP from this working-class Midwest folk act is bursting at the seams with warmth and heart.


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.