The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Jaclyn Nott, Sarah Morris, Jacson Miller, and other guest contributors
Single Premiere: The Belle Curves, “Check Engine Light (Tape Version)”
New York singer-songwriter Delaney Hafener drops an alternate recording of a single from last year’s Watershed. Get an exclusive first listen here!
Music Review: Jonivan Jones, ‘Ragged Jangly’
The itinerant singer-songwriter’s album is a travelogue of places, experiences and roots music styles.
Music Review: Prateek, ‘’Til June’
The Boston singer-songwriter takes listeners on a wide-ranging journey of emotions and Americana sounds on his first full-length studio album.
Single Premiere: Luke Callen, “Lake Street Hustle”
The folk artist’s simmering, atmospheric new single paints a gritty but sympathetic portrait of a vibrant but troubled Minneapolis neighborhood.
Show Review: Chris Acker & Hemma at UME Studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
This intimate concert in a brand new venue, featuring a New Orleans singer-songwriter of the highest caliber, was a thing of beauty: truly a show for music lovers by music lovers.
Video Premiere: Superior Siren, “Love Poem”
The ethereal folk artist from Duluth, MN will release their new music video tomorrow, March 18. Get an exclusive first look here!
Music Review: Derek Pritzl & the Gamble, ‘Great Disaster’
The Wisconsin band serves up a round of gritty, road-tested songs about working-class life and whiskey-soaked love.
Music Review: Eric Harrison, ‘No Defenses’
The New Jersey singer-songwriter finds power and hope in vulnerability on his new album.
Video Premiere: The Jorgensens, ‘Leave Your Light On’
The St. Paul-based Americana duo’s new music video is a burst of warmth and connection, from the visuals to the music and lyrics. Watch it first here!
Music Review: Kelley Smith, ‘Moon Child’
The Minnesota artist’s debut EP captures the essence of being human, experiencing life, love and loss against a backdrop of a beautiful but indifferent natural world.
Artist Interview: Q&A with Tyler Pautsch of Ty Pow and the Holy North
The Minnesota blues-rock Americana artist talks about his recently formed supergroup and their upcoming 7th Street Entry show that’s a personal milestone for him.
Video Premiere: Humbletown, “Pretty Little Things”
A new music video from the South Dakota duo reflects on the old days with mixed emotions. Get an exclusive first look here!
Q&A with Neeta Ragoowansi About Folk Alliance International Conference 2023
The FAI Conference is coming back to Kansas City Feb. 1–5, and new Executive Director Neeta Ragoowansi shares what’s new and exciting this year!
Music Review: Juniper, ‘She Steals Candy’
The retro-pop sophomore album from a high school senior (and her dad) is a sugary delight and a music geek’s dream.
Music Review: Haters Club, ‘RIYH’
The reunited Twin Cities group’s earwormy new EP finds them exploring a range of Americana styles.
Music Review: The Lostines and Nick Shoulders & the Okay Crawdad, ‘Heart of Night’
Two labels and two acts join to offer a tantalizing sampler of modern alternative Americana’s possibilities.
Show Review: Logan Ledger & Zack Fedor at the Golden Dagger in Chicago
My long-overdue first time seeing Logan Ledger surpassed expectations as he wowed the crowd at Chicago’s Golden Dagger.
9th Annual 2023 Blue Ox Festival Artist Lineup Announcement
The 2023 Blue Ox Festival line up is fresh off the press, and tickets are now on sale for this popular music festival in Eau Claire, WI June 22-24!
Album Review & Show Gallery: Plains’ “I Walked With You A Ways”
Indie-rockers Katie Crutchfield and Jess Williamson join forces to form a new band, Plains, to let their love of classic country from their southern roots fly, taking listeners to places of heartbreak, reflection, and release.
Artist Interview: Q&A with Taylor James Donskey
This tireless supporter of the Twin Cities music community has a lot going on—including a new single of his own and an upcoming concert to celebrate it!