ALBUM REVIEW: Ashley McBryde’s ‘Wild’ Offers Raucous Redemption and Hope
Ashley McBryde releases her fifth studio album, Wild, a raucous blend of rock and country. The record opens with “Rattlesnake Preacher,” a snarling rocker that pairs screaming guitars with gospel‑tinged lyrics about a fire‑and‑brimstone preacher. Tracks like “Arkansas Mud” showcase psychedelic‑country swagger, featuring Black‑Sabbath‑style guitar duels against bluegrass mandolin. Throughout, McBryde delves into themes of trauma, redemption and hope, positioning Wild as both a personal catharsis and a genre‑bending statement.
THE READING ROOM: Revisiting Dave Mason’s ‘Only You Know and I Know’
Dave Mason, the understated guitarist and songwriter who shaped classic rock, died on April 19, 2026. Known for his crisp solos and subtle riffs, Mason contributed to bands like Traffic and released solo albums such as *Alone Together* and *Headkeeper*....
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘These Are the Days’ Michaela Anne Finds the Sacred in the Everyday
Michaela Anne’s fifth studio effort, "These Are the Days," drops Friday as her first crowdfunded project, financed through a Kickstarter campaign and issued on her newly formed Georgia June Records. The album, recorded after the birth of her second child, delves...
ALBUM REVIEW: India Ramey’s Feminist Outlaw Country Kicks Ass on ‘Villain Era’
India Ramey’s new album *Villain Era* redefines outlaw country by foregrounding a feminist narrative. The record opens with the cinematic single “We Ride at Dawn,” a revenge‑themed anthem that pits women against patriarchal bandits. Ramey’s gritty vocals and western‑flavored instrumentation...
The Milk Carton Kids' Top 5 Songs Right Now
Los Angeles‑based folk duo The Milk Carton Kids released their seventh album, Lost Cause Lover Fool, on April 24 through Far Cry/Thirty Tigers, and participated in No Depression’s new “Top 5” series. In the interview, they shared the five songs currently...
BEST OF THE BLUES: April 2026
April 2026 sees a wave of blues releases celebrating legacy artists. Stacy Mitchhart drops his 17th album “No Rhyme Or Reason” on April 17, featuring country star Gretchen Wilson and harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite. The month also includes the collaborative project...
ALBUM REVIEW: Hiss Golden Messenger Promise Hope Amidst Trying Times with ‘I’m People’
Hiss Golden Messenger frontman MC Taylor has unveiled his ninth studio album, *I’m People*, delivering a folk‑infused record that balances raw storytelling with warm, honeyed vocals. The album’s centerpiece, “Mercy Avenue,” showcases Taylor’s lyrical focus on everyday people navigating hardship, aging, and...
BONUS TRACKS: RIP David Allan Coe, New Punch Brothers, A Bob Dylan/Bon Iver Crossover, and More Roots Music News
Outlaw country legend David Allan Coe died at 86, leaving a contentious but influential legacy. The week also saw Punch Brothers announce a new instrumental album slated for July 24 on Nonesuch Records, while Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon will front...
SPOTLIGHT: Emily Nenni Steps Out with Newfound Confidence on ‘Movin’ Shoes’
Emily Nenni, the Nashville‑born alt‑country singer‑songwriter, released her fourth LP, Movin’ Shoes, today on New West Records. The 13‑track album follows 2024’s Drive & Cry and reflects a period of personal growth and artistic confidence. Nenni launched the record with a cross‑country...
THE READING ROOM: Erin Osmon’s ‘Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America’
Erin Osmon’s new book *Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America* (Norton, April 28 2026) chronicles how 1970s‑80s rock icons gave voice to a generation grappling with post‑Vietnam trauma, deindustrialization, and farm‑yard hardship. The narrative weaves lyrics from Jackson Browne,...
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SPOTLIGHT: Vincent Neil Emerson - Blue Stars Gumbo [ESSAY]
Vincent Neil Emerson, a Texas‑born singer‑songwriter, released his new LP "Blue Stars" on April 17 through independent label LaHonda Records. No Depression highlighted him as its Spotlight Artist for April 2026, giving the album a prominent platform. The release showcases...
QUEER COUNTRY: Putting It All On the Line
Heather Mae, a queer singer‑songwriter, was forcibly removed from the Tennessee State Capitol while protesting House Bill 754 and Senate Bill 676. The legislation would require the health department to release a public report on gender‑affirming treatments and mandate insurance...
ALBUM REVIEW: Paisley Field’s ‘Are U Mad At Me’ Is an Instant Country Classic
Paisley Field’s debut album “Are U Mad At Me” fuses traditional country storytelling with hyper‑pop production, earning the reviewer’s label of an instant country classic. The ten‑track record blends nostalgia, queer‑focused lyrics, and aggressive beats, echoing pioneers like Patrick Haggerty...
FOUNDERS KEEPERS: Drivin' & Cryin' Scatter Memories Across 'Crushing Flowers'
The article revisits Drivin' & Cryin's 1987 major‑label debut, Whisper Tames the Lion, highlighting its eclectic mix of indie‑rock, southern chords, and hair‑metal flair. It frames the album’s release within the golden era of college radio, when DJs curated eclectic...
THROUGH THE LENS: Bruce Springsteen, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and Other Photos of the Week
No Depression’s "Through the Lens" column this week showcases new photographs of Bruce Springsteen, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, offering a visual snapshot of the roots music scene. The feature is gated for subscribers, underscoring the outlet’s premium content strategy....
SPOTLIGHT: Vincent Neil Emerson Stays True To Himself on 'Blue Stars'
Vincent Neil Emerson’s fourth album, Blue Stars, arrived on April 17 through his longtime indie partner La Honda Records and earned a Spotlight Artist feature in No Depression’s April 2026 issue. To promote the record, Emerson launched a tongue‑in‑cheek Instagram...
FRESH TRACK: Steven Keene - “How Much Blood’s in a Barrel?”
New York‑based folk singer‑songwriter Steven Keene released an urgent protest anthem titled “How Much Blood’s in a Barrel?” on April 27, 2026. The song, written and recorded in real time, directly addresses escalating geopolitical tensions between the Trump administration and...
ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Unwanted’ Is Vintage Dale Watson
Veteran Americana rocker Dale Watson returns with his ninth studio album, *Unwanted*, released April 27, 2026. The record blends his signature Ameripolitan sound with high‑octane rockabilly, surf‑guitar riffs, and classic country instrumentation. Highlights include the outlaw‑anthem “Willie Waylon And Whiskey,” the western‑swing...
A Postcard From Tyler Ballgame
Singer‑songwriter Tyler Ballgame, whose debut album “For the First Time, Again” launched on Rough Trade Records in January, recounted his recent European headline tour in a candid “Postcard From” piece. He described traveling in a Mercedes Sprinter van adorned with bug‑splatter art,...
NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at Milk Bar: The Lone Bellow
The Lone Bellow performed a No Depression Session at Milk Bar’s flagship bakery in Manhattan, delivering a pop‑up show for a mix of fans and surprised customers. The set featured the new track “Honeysuckle” and a cover of “Islands in...
ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Brooke ‘This One’s For You’ Is Classic Country with Modern Flare
Michigan songwriter Rachel Brooke releases her latest album, “This One’s For You,” delivering classic country songwriting infused with contemporary production. The record features a yodel‑driven title track that lampoons the music‑industry grind and dismisses artificial intelligence as a threat to...
ALBUM REVIEW: Terry Allen Brings a Family Full of Blood Sucking Maniacs on Latest Album
Terry Allen, the legendary Texas songwriter and visual artist, releases his first family‑band record, *Blood Sucking Maniacs*. The album weaves five generations—from great‑grandson Lucky’s prenatal heartbeat to late mother Pauline’s 1970s piano—into a 20‑track tapestry of reimagined classics, spoken‑word interludes,...
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘Goodbye Blues,’ Kiki Cavazos’ Stories and Voice Are Timeless
Brooklyn‑based Jalopy Records has released Kiki Cavazos’ third album, Goodbye Blues, following two independent projects including Early Mountain Songs. Critics highlight her timeless vocal delivery as the record’s centerpiece, while the songs retain her signature mythic storytelling and vivid imagery....
Taylor Dallas Vidic Soars on Marvelous 'Cat & Mouse'
Taylor Dallas Vidic, an Alaska‑born singer‑songwriter, releases her debut double album "Cat & Mouse," split into a jazz‑heavy Side C and a folk‑centric Side M. The lead single “Trash Birds” showcases a lush big‑band arrangement and Vidic’s soulful vocals. Critics hail the...
THROUGH THE LENS: Treefort Music & Tucson Folk Fests Rally Roots Music Fans Out West
The article spotlights two major roots‑music festivals in the West: Boise’s Treefort Music Fest (March 25‑29, 2026) and Tucson’s Folk Festival (April 10‑12, 2026). Treefort delivers a massive program of over 500 performances, while Tucson’s 41st‑year, volunteer‑run event offers about 150 free...
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘Blues For Dexter Linwood,’ Todd Albright Performs Straightforward Standards
Todd Albright, a 12‑string guitar virtuoso, has issued his fourth album, *Blues For Dexter Linwood*. The record revisits pre‑war blues classics, drawing from legends such as Blind Willie McTell, Mississippi John Hurt, and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Albright’s finger‑style arrangements blend meticulous...
THE READING ROOM: Joe McEwen’s ‘Tastykakes, Soul Songs and Shining Stars: Affections and Reflections, 1973-2025’
Joe McEwen, a Philadelphia‑born music journalist, DJ, and former record executive, has released his memoir‑style collection "Tastykakes, Soul Songs and Shining Stars: Affections and Reflections, 1973‑2025" on April 28 2026 via ZE Books. The volume assembles decades‑long profiles, short reviews, and personal essays originally...
ALBUM REVIEW: Dirk Powell Showcases Clever, Wide-Ranging Artistry on ‘Wake’
Dirk Powell’s first solo record in six years, "Wake," arrives as a richly arranged folk‑rock collection that showcases his multi‑instrumental prowess. The album opens with the waltz “Étoiles Cachées,” evoking classic Americana vibes, and moves through jigs, piano‑driven ballads, and layered...
THROUGH THE LENS: Cayamo 2026 Captivated Roots Music Fans While Cruising In The Caribbean
The 18th Cayamo cruise departed Miami on March 13, 2026, sailing to San Juan and the Dominican Republic before returning on March 20. Marketed as “A Journey Through Song,” the week‑long floating festival featured 38 artists, including Jason Isbell, Patty Griffin, and Tommy Emmanuel,...
NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at Chelsea Studios NYC: The Brook & The Bluff
The Brook & The Bluff, a Nashville‑based trio, recorded a No Depression Session at Chelsea Studios in New York City. The three songs—"Can’t Figure It Out," "105," and "Gone For The Weekend"—are taken from their recent album Werewolf and were...
ALBUM REVIEW: Mikaela Davis Plays With Genre On ‘Graceland Way’
Mikaela Davis’s fifth studio effort, Graceland Way, drops in April 2026, showcasing a seamless fusion of hazy pop, whimsical folk, jam‑band grooves, and mystic rock. Though she dons a Western‑inspired visual motif, the record steers clear of conventional country, leaning...
ALBUM REVIEW: Retro Folk Rock Purrs From Fantastic Cat
Fantastic Cat, a New York‑based super‑group of four seasoned singer‑songwriters, released a retro‑70s folk‑rock album that leans heavily on nostalgic soundscapes. The record, titled “Cat Out Of Hell,” showcases the band’s penchant for cat‑mask imagery and self‑deprecating humor about their limited...
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘Total Dive’ Brown Horse Balance Originality and Derivation
Brown Horse released its third album, Total Dive, building on the momentum of 2024’s Reservoir and 2025’s All the Right Weaknesses. The record features richer, more lush arrangements and showcases Patrick Turner’s increasingly nuanced vocal delivery. Critics highlight the band’s...
ALBUM REVIEW: Nashville Rebel Tenille Townes Reboots Her Music on ‘The Acrobat’
Tenille Townes, the Canada‑born Nashville singer‑songwriter, has dropped her fourth album, The Acrobat, as an independent release. After a successful stint with Sony Nashville—including a 2020 debut and ACM New Female Artist of the Year—she chose to produce, mix, and...
NO DEPRESSION SESSIONS at Chelsea Studios NYC: Peter Levin Band
Peter Levin delivered an intimate No Depression Session at Chelsea Studios in New York City, backed by drums, bass, guitar, and saxophone while playing a Hammond B3. The set opened with a Smokey Robinson classic, moved into a re‑imagined Stevie...
ALBUM REVIEW: Jessye DeSilva ‘Glitters Up the Dark’
Jessye DeSilva’s new album “Glitter Up the Dark” marks her first release recorded as a woman, embracing trans self‑creation. Produced with Aaron Lee Tasjan, the record fuses soulful country storytelling with pop‑driven grooves, delivering a timeless yet contemporary sound. The...
ALBUM REVIEW: Thomm Jutz Practices the Alchemy of Songwriting on ‘Ring-A-Bellin’’
Thomm Jutz releases his 18‑track album "Ring‑A‑Bellin", a concept project inspired by Carl Jung’s alchemy and the songwriting process. The record features sparse arrangements, primarily Jutz’s guitar paired with bassist Mark Fain, with occasional contributions from co‑writers. Drawing on his...
ALBUM REVIEW: Maria Taylor Juggles Hope and Despair on ‘Story’s End’
Maria Taylor returns with "Story’s End," her first solo album in seven years, delivering a moody folk‑pop collection that balances hope and despair. The record features lush string arrangements and a chamber‑music aesthetic, highlighting her introspective songwriting. Collaborations with high‑profile...
In The Deep End With Tinariwen
Tinariwen, the legendary Tuareg blues‑rock collective, released its tenth studio album *Hoggar* on March 13 through their own Wedge label. The 11‑track record blends traditional desert sounds with contemporary influences and features collaborations with younger Tuareg groups Imarhan and Terakaft,...
THROUGH THE LENS: Big Ears 2026 Was a Homecoming
The 2026 edition of the Big Ears music festival returned to its Knoxville roots, emphasizing a home‑grown, intimate atmosphere. Curated by longtime organizers, the lineup blended avant‑garde performers with folk and blues acts, spotlighting local talent alongside established names. Attendance...
FRESH TRACK: Son Little - “Be Better”
Son Little, the West Coast‑born, Northeast‑raised multi‑instrumentalist, has launched his new album CITYFOLK, a project inspired by a deep dive into his Southern ancestry. The record, released on March 31, 2026, blends blues, soul, and folk to articulate the search...
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SPOTLIGHT: Cat Clyde's Grounding Rituals on the Road [ESSAY]
Cat Clyde, the March 2026 Spotlight Artist for No Depression, released her new LP Mud Blood Bone on March 13 via Concord. In a recent essay she explains how constant touring forces her to create grounding rituals, especially structured morning...
ALBUM REVIEW: Big Harp Lives with ‘Runs to Blue’
Big Harp released *Runs to Blue*, their first album since 2015, marking an 11‑year gap. The LA‑based duo, Stefanie Drootin and Chris Senseney, channel fifteen years of marriage, parenting, and musical evolution into a folk‑inflected record. Critics note the album’s...
The Hard Balance of Real Life Renders Jon Dee Graham’s Body of Work All The More Impressive
Jon Dee Graham, the Austin‑based singer‑songwriter known for his raw, autobiographical folk‑rock, died at 67 after a fatal fall on March 27. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he released five solo albums and contributed to the influential...
ALBUM REVIEW: Andy Hedges Sings Cowboy Songs for Now on ‘The Westerner’
Andy Hedges, the Lubbock‑based singer‑songwriter and cowboy poet, has issued his new album *The Westerner*. The record blends historic cowboy verses with fresh melodies, including a new setting for Charles Badger Clark’s title‑track poem and a Tejano‑flavored rendition of John...
THE READING ROOM: Charles K. Coffman’s ‘Clowns in the Burying Ground: The Grateful Dead, Literature, and the Limits of Philosophy’
Charles K. Coffman's new Duke University press book, *Clowns in the Burying Ground* (Feb. 10, 2026), dissects how the Grateful Dead borrowed lines and motifs from classic literature, ranging from Mary Shelley to Shakespeare. By conducting close readings of live performances and...
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘Hurts Like Hell,’ Charlotte Cornfield Lets It All In
Charlotte Cornfield’s new album *Hurts Like Hell* marks her most intimate work to date, directly inspired by her recent transition to motherhood. The record balances stark, confessional lyrics with lush folk‑rock arrangements, showcasing a vocal confidence that has deepened over six...
BEST OF THE BLUES: March 2026
March 2026’s "Best of the Blues" column highlights several notable releases, including the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s new album *Future Soul* and Selwyn Birchwood’s *Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues*. The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s record earns three Blues Music Awards nominations and showcases...
ALBUM REVIEW: Drayton Farley Wrestles with Big Feelings, Offers Even Bigger Sound on ‘A Heavy Duty Heart’
Alabama singer‑songwriter Drayton Farley is gaining national attention after multiple tracks landed on Paramount+’s hit series Landman and CBS’s Sheriff Country. His new ten‑track LP, A Heavy Duty Heart, was recorded live‑to‑tape with his touring band and produced by former...
FOUNDERS KEEPERS: The Triumphant Return of Crooked Fingers, Plus New Music From the Delines, Steve Poltz, and More
Eric Bachmann revives his Crooked Fingers project with "Swet Deth," his first album under the moniker in 15 years. The record draws on personal experiences, including a near‑fatal heart attack and his son’s artwork that inspired the title. High‑profile guests...