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: Molly Brandt, ‘Surrender to the Night’
The Twin Cities-based alt-country rocker’s fiery debut album cements her place in the Midwest Americana landscape.
About That Song: Kelley Smith
In the fourth edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a rising Northern Minnesota artist about the songs that inspired her to become a songwriter.
About That Song: Jillian Rae
In the third edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a Minneapolis artist about the songs that inspired her to become a songwriter.
Single Premiere: Fathom Lane, “Sad Songs and Waltzes Revisited”
On their new album In the Driftless, the Minneapolis country-folk rockers cover a Mary Cutrufello classic. Hear it first here!
Claiming ‘Our Rightful Space’: Women of Blue Ox Discuss Triumphs and Challenges
Wisconsin’s Blue Ox Music Festival had more women acts than ever this year. We spoke to some of the artists about their experiences and the industry at large.
About That Song: Eli Gardiner
In the second edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a Twin Cities artist about the song that inspired him to become a songwriter.
About That Song: Abbey Janii & Mike Lee of Goatroper
In the first edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews two Twin Cities country artists about the songs that inspired them to become songwriters.
Music Review: Katie Dahl, ‘Seven Stones’
The Wisconsin-born singer-songwriter delivers a poignantly joyful new collection of deeply personal, moving insights.
Single Premiere: Jerrika Mighelle, “Be Brave”
The Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter is releasing the title track to her profound new album tomorrow. Hear it first here!
Q&A with Storyhill Fest Founders Chris Cunningham & Johnny Hermanson
We caught up with Chris and Johnny before August’s Storyhill Fest to learn more about this remarkable event.
Single Premiere: Eli Gardiner, “Bad Weed”
The Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter’s live album comes out tomorrow. Hear a single from it first here!
Music Review: Dry So Long
The Swedish band’s latest release is a moody but fun mashup of blues, psychedelic rock and country music.
Single Premiere: Clare Doyle, “Devices”
The debut single from this rising Minneapolis singer-songwriter delivers dark insights about addiction with energy and attitude. Hear it first here!
Album Premiere: Easy Dreams, ‘Sunformer’
The L.A. folk duo-turned-rock band releases their luminous debut full-length on Friday, May 12. Get an exclusive first listen to the whole album here!
Music Review: Logan Halstead, ‘Dark Black Coal’
The young singer-songwriter’s eagerly anticipated debut album is a stripped-down, dark black masterpiece.
Music Review: Trapper Schoepp, “Siren Songs”
The rootsy Wisconsin singer-songwriter’s new album captivates with Irish-influenced songs of love and the sea.
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.