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: Old Soul Society’s Self-Titled Album
The Wisconsin-based band proves there’s beauty in letting the music breathe.
About That Song: Mac Leaphart
In the 55th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the award-winning Nashville singer-songwriter about moments, people and songs that helped shape his artistic journey, including the new single off his upcoming album.
The Jayhawks to Appear at Silver Bay MN's Music in the Park Series; Q&A With Bassist Marc Perlman
Learn about the free outdoor music series on the North Shore of Minnesota and hear from bassist Marc Perlman of the Jayhawks, who play the series on August 23!
About That Song: Megan Bee
In the 54th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Athens, OH-based singer-songwriter about songs that helped shape her artistic journey.
One of the Midwest’s Best Kept Secrets: Rochester MN’s Riverside Music Series
The long-running concert series pairs national and regional acts for free outdoor shows in downtown Rochester, and this summer’s lineup has some can’t-miss gems.
Music Review: The Lostines, ‘Meet the Lostines’
The debut album from the New Orleans-based duo offers a unique and welcome twist on Americana.
Single & Video Premiere: Molly Brandt, “Sunup”
The rising Twin Cities country diva’s new song conjures a “desert disco” in a daring evolution of her sound, brought to life with a spicy, hallucinatory video. Watch it first here!
About That Song: Becky Kapell
In the 53rd edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Minneapolis-based country artist about game-changing songs in her artistic journey.
Artist Feature: Willie Watson
Seasoned singer-songwriter Willie Watson (formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show) explores “Real Love” with a video for the new single off his forthcoming self-titled debut album.
About That Song: LAAMAR
In the 52nd edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah Morris talks to the rising Minneapolis artist about music that had an impact on his songwriting journey.
About That Song: Julian Taylor
In the 51st edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the acclaimed Toronto-based artist about game-changing songs in his musical journey.
About That Song: Katy Vernon of Favourite Girl
In the 50th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Minnesota-based, England-born ukulele player and folk-pop singer-songwriter about songs that had a big impact on her artistic journey.
Music Review: Ashley Ray, ‘ANIMAL’
Nashville-based Americana rocker Ashley Ray turns up the guitars and honesty on ANIMAL.
Artist Feature: Seth Gallant
Singer-songwriter Seth Gallant weaves captivating and contemplative stories from the threads of everyday life in rural Maine.
About That Song: Joe Pug
In the 49th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the lauded singer-songwriter about game-changing songs in his musical journey.
About That Song: Rachael Kilgour
In the 48th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Minnesota-based songwriter about her emotionally rich latest album and game-changing songs and moments in her musical journey.
About That Song: Davina
In the 47th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah Morris talks to the frontwoman of Minneapolis retro jazz-blues group Davina and The Vagabonds about songs that had an impact on her creative journey.
Song Premiere: The Twins of Franklin, “Worry”
The Minnesota duo known for their captivating harmonies provide an exclusive early listen to a song off their upcoming album. Hear it first here!
Artist Interview: Q&A with Zack Fedor
The Chicago-based country artist talks about his journey from pre-teen performances in dive bars to the release of his debut album with his current band, ‘Zach Fedor and The Long Goodbyes.’
About That Song: Tina Schlieske
In our 46th edition of this special blog series, Sarah Morris talks to a mainstay of the Midwest rock scene about game-changing songs in her development as an artist and her new jazz album.