Smirk Announces New Album ‘Speculative Fiction,’ Shares New Single ‘Abide’

New album Speculative Fiction out July 3 via Smoking Room. Photo: another side

Track Premiere: Smirk Shares Melancholic New Single & Video “Abide” Ahead of New Album

Smirk has released the melancholic single and video “Abide” ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Speculative Fiction, due out July 3 on Smoking Room. Pre-order/pre-save here. (another side, 2026)

The indie-leaning track feels like a lost B-side from Surfer Rosa-era Pixies mixed with the twang of Gun Club and a solo straight out of the J Mascis playbook. Lyrically, the track slides right into the album’s overarching theme: abandoning longstanding ties for a fresh start and a new future on the horizon.

“‘Abide’ is based on an old British hymn that I reworked to be about the looming end of a long friendship. It’s about that slow drift where nothing really happens, but you can feel it fading and you aren’t trying to fix it.” — Nick Vicario, Smirk Mastermind

Unrest in the Suburbs: Facing the Past

Growing old sucks, but there comes a point in life when it becomes a necessity to ignore the pull to constantly wild out.

“When this band started in LA, it was a crazy time in my life,” Vicario admits. “I was crashing cars, doing drugs—I was doing horrible things and destroying my life.”

On Speculative Fiction, Vicario deals with a new twist on an age-old theme for punk rock: unrest in the suburbs. Instead of youthful rebellion, this version of unrest deals with looking back on past indiscretions and dealing with their repercussions—the disruption of the old life, settling into the new, and the reflection that comes with it. These thoughtful lyrics and themes, when paired with Vicario’s guitar-pop confection, make for a unique juxtaposition.

“When I was writing ‘Speculative Fiction’, a lot of that dealt with the ‘old me’ and some of the crazy life choices I made while abusing substances. So while the record is partially about the ‘old me,’ it’s also very much about putting them in my current world and the new set of problems that come from that.”

From Portland Hardcore to Solo Vision

Vicario has a deep history with punk rock. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, in the early 2000s, he was ingrained in the legendary scene that birthed Poison Idea and Wipers. He began playing in bands at an early age, hobnobbing with members of Tragedy and Criminal Damage in cover bands and even on the gridiron. At just 12 years old, his first band, The Diskords, were the toast of the Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll illuminati, leading to several releases and having The Exploding Hearts take them under their wing.

His musical journey spans an impressive array of genres and projects:

Hardcore & Indie Pop: Playing in hardcore bands like Cower eventually led him to the indie pop outfit Wild Ones, who released two records across eight years (the latter landing on Topshelf Records).
Collaborations & Touring: Stints with Public Eye, Cemento, Crisis Man, and others, alongside touring with Surfer Blood and Dreamdecay.
The Birth of Smirk: Vicario eventually decided to focus his energies on his solo project, Smirk, dropping a self-titled album in 2021 and Material in 2022.

A New Sonic Blueprint

On Speculative Fiction, Vicario is restarting both personally and musically. Smirk is slowing things down, taking a more measured, power-pop approach that strays away from the speedy punk marking earlier releases. The result is decidedly more mid-paced, reflecting the works of Big Star and The Paul Collins Beat as much as early Stiff Records releases, all filtered through the DIY spirit of Guided by Voices.

Written entirely by Vicario, Speculative Fiction is Smirk’s third full-length album. To round out the record, he called upon a stellar cast of old friends and live bandmates, including:

Ross Farrar (Ceremony)
Max Smadja (RIXE)
Ryan Mangione-Smith (Advertisement)
Current members of Smirk’s live lineup (who play in Hotline TNT, Poison Ruin, and Pardoner)

Production Credits

Recording: Mainly recorded in Vicario’s home studio, with additional tracks captured by Ian Rose at Daisy Chain Studios in Brooklyn.
Mixing: Handled for the bulk of the record by Andy Oswald.

Life Imitates Art

With Speculative Fiction, life imitates art. Smirk slows things down, retools, and gets meticulous—making deliberate decisions with respect to songwriting, approach, and collaboration to execute a new vision.

The final result is a refined, focused, and less chaotic approach to punk with an eye on pop-sensibility. It perfectly mirrors Vicario’s new lifestyle: outside of the fast lane and behind a white picket fence.

Smirk’s new album Speculative Fiction arrives July 3 via Smoking Room. Stream the new single “Abide” now.

Speculative Fiction tracklist:

01 – Greetings
02 – Victimry
03 – Cheap Greed
04 – Going Off To Die
05 – Sistine Junk
06 – Dog Years
07 – I Shall Be Released
08 – Perfect World
09 – Abide
10 – Ritual Torture
11 – Interlude
12 – Shit Song
13 – Crime Pays

Girls’ Generation Icon Tiffany Young Celebrates 10-Year Solo Anniversary with ‘Summer’s Not Over’

Tiffany Young celebrates 10 years as a solo artist. Photo: Pacific Music Group, used with permission.

K-Pop Icon Tiffany Young Drops New Single “Summer’s Not Over” & Announces Global 360 Partnership

HONG KONG – Global icon Tiffany Young officially marks a major milestone in her career with the release of her new single, “Summer’s Not Over,” out now worldwide. (Miller PR, 2026)

The track arrives as Tiffany celebrates the 10th anniversary of her solo debut and offers the first glimpse into her highly anticipated upcoming full-length album.

A New Era with Pacific Music Group

The track also signals Tiffany’s first release under Pacific Music Group (PMG) and its flagship label, Pacific Records, following her landmark global 360 partnership with the company. As the flagship artist leading PMG’s Korean expansion, Tiffany’s return represents both a personal achievement and a pivotal strategic moment for the rapidly growing entertainment powerhouse.

Best known as a member of Girls’ Generation, one of the most influential groups in global pop history, Tiffany Young has spent over a decade shaping the global reach and evolution of K-pop. Now, 10 years into her solo career, she steps confidently into a new era defined by:

Creative independence
Global vision
Artistic growth

The Sound of “Summer’s Not Over”

“Summer’s Not Over” perfectly embodies her evolution. Built on warm synths and polished electronic production, the mid-tempo pop track captures the feeling of a love that feels like home—where time slows, joy lingers, and moments stretch endlessly.

The song beautifully blends nostalgia with forward momentum, mirroring Tiffany’s own journey as an artist celebrating her past while stepping boldly into the future.

With this release, Tiffany sets the tone for a defining chapter, one that celebrates her journey while embracing bold new directions. The single also carries a deeply personal message of love for her fans around the world, while sparking curiosity about the exciting direction her artistry will take next.

Meet the Artist & The Label

About Tiffany Young

Born in Los Angeles, Tiffany Young moved to Seoul alone at just 15 to pursue her dream of becoming a performer, ultimately debuting as a member of the legendary K-pop group Girls’ Generation.

As one of the most influential girl groups in pop history, the group has achieved:

16 No. 1 singles
1.8 Billion+ YouTube views
120+ awards worldwide
15 album releases

After years of global tours and millions of records sold, Tiffany launched a highly successful solo career, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart and earning the Best Solo Breakout award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Now entering a new chapter with Pacific Music Group, Tiffany is gearing up for a major year with new music, global collaborations, and exciting projects on the horizon.

About Pacific Music Group

Pacific Music Group is a next-generation music company founded by industry heavyweights NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and Jonathan Serbin. Headquartered in Hong Kong with a Pan-Asian presence, the company is committed to developing global careers from Asia and fostering cultural exchange between East and West. The label supports emerging and established artists through world-class production, strategic promotion, and mentorship from industry icons.

Maya de Vitry Announces New Album ‘All My Faith’ and 2026 Tour Dates

Maya de Vitry offers rhythms of time, love, & self-acceptance in self-produced 5th studio album. Photo: Ethan Jodziewicz, used with permission.

Maya de Vitry Announces Fifth Studio Album ‘All My Faith’ & Summer/Fall Tour

Energized by the spontaneity of live performance and a revelatory pursuit of truth in her lyric writing, Maya de Vitry returns with her fifth full-length album, All My Faith. Prioritizing presence and grit over studio polish, she sounds joyously at home in the alt-country and indie-folk realms. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Recorded and mixed by 5-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Sean Sullivan and self-produced by de Vitry, All My Faith is a buoyant gathering of songs brought to life by a cast of her closest confidantes and collaborators.

Release Date: All My Faith will be released on de Vitry’s own Mad Maker Studio label on July 24 and it’s available for pre-order.

Capturing the Magic in Real Time

From canyons to kitchens, from cold lakes to highway truck stops, the songs form a vibrant collage of joy, sorrow, and gut-wrenching honesty. Whether spinning an inspirational tale about hungover bachelorettes at the Nashville airport or exploring the prison of our own adaptations, de Vitry brings a grounded confidence and quiet charisma rooted in her belief in the power of song to change us.

All My Faith consists of 10 original songs written by Maya over the last year. Forgoing the technology often used to “perfect” studio recordings, de Vitry chose instead to fully trust the moment-to-moment musical conversations of the players and singers gathered around her.

A Commitment to No Edits

“When the band realized that I was planning to do no edits whatsoever on these tracks, the level of commitment from everyone just soared. It was a really exciting atmosphere in the studio,” de Vitry recalls.

True to her vision, everything you hear on this record was captured in real time and recorded over three days at The Tractor Shed in Goodlettsville, TN, from November 23 to 25, 2025.

The All-Star Studio Lineup

To bring this raw energy to life, de Vitry assembled an incredible crew of musicians:

Spencer Cullum & Ethan Ballinger (Miranda Lambert’s touring band) – Pedal steel and guitar
Jo Schornikow (Phosphorescent) – Keys
Ethan Jodziewicz – Bass
Dominic Billett – Drums
Shelby Means & Joel Timmons – Harmony vocals

Inspiration and Themes

A profound connection to nature runs throughout the record, not as a passing metaphor, but as an elemental and transformative force shaping both her voice as a songwriter and her orientation as an artist. At its heart, the album reflects on the ways human beings choose to care for one another in myriad forms and on the generative healing and wisdom that emerge from our relationships with each other and with the natural world. There’s also a common thread running through this record of being willing to name the painful and difficult parts of human relationships.

First Single: “Confidence of the Sun”

With her armor fading and her fire burning from within, “Confidence of the Sun” is bold and bright. It is the album’s first single and is one of several songs on All My Faith that Maya wrote at Blue Rock Artist Ranch & Studio in Wimberley, Texas, where she had been gifted a weeklong songwriting residency in April 2025.

Catch Maya de Vitry on Tour

Maya continues to tour in North America and Europe, whether solo, with her band, as part of other projects, or supporting artists like The Wood Brothers, Aoife O’Donovan, John Craigie, and Mighty Poplar. Tour dates are available online.

More About Maya de Vitry

Originally from the green rolling hills of Lancaster, PA, Maya de Vitry is a Nashville-based fiddler-turned-songwriter whose music blurs the lines of folk, indie rock, and Americana.

Her earliest years in the music industry are represented by the 4 full-length albums and 2 EPs with the roots-Americana trio The Stray Birds, with whom she toured year-round for 7 years throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe.

After this formative chapter, she launched her solo career with her 2019 album Adaptations, earning praise from Rolling Stone Country, NPR Music, and No Depression. Since then, she has released three more full-length albums—How to Break a Fall (2020), Violet Light (2022), and The Only Moment (2024)—and an EP, Infinite (2023).

When she is not on the road, she works as a record producer for other artists within her musical circle (Joel Timmons, Shelby Means, Hannah Delynn). Maya’s songs have also been recorded by The Milk Carton Kids, Nicholas Jamerson, Lindsay Lou, Steve Poltz, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.

The result is music that is, quite literally, the intoxicating sound of faith in action, a bandleader fully trusting in her life experiences, her craft, her collaborators, and the moment. It captures the exact presence she has been cultivating in her live shows, and hearing it magnified on record is its own revelation.

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Boone Creek’s 1977 Debut Reissued with Vince Gill & Unreleased Tracks

The genre-defining 1977 album: Boone Creek’s self-titled debut returns. Photo: Craft Recordings, used with permission.

Lost Bluegrass Treasure Unearthed: Boone Creek’s Legendary 1977 Debut Returns with Unreleased Tracks

The wait is finally over for bluegrass purists and progressive roots fans alike. Craft Recordings and HighTone Records have announced the long-awaited return of Boone Creek, the self-titled 1977 debut from the boundary-pushing supergroup. (Craft Recordings, 2026)

Featuring future bluegrass luminaries Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding, and Terry Baucom, this landmark album is stepping out of the vault and into the modern era.

A Historic Reissue Across All Formats

Long out of print and previously unavailable outside its original release, Boone Creek is making a massive comeback on June 26.

First Vinyl Pressing in nearly five decades.
Debut Releases on CD and all streaming platforms (including hi-res digital).
Pre-orders are available.

🎧 First Listen: “I’m Gonna Settle Down”

To celebrate the announcement, you can stream or download Boone Creek’s soul-stirring take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic, “I’m Gonna Settle Down,” right now. The track perfectly showcases the dazzling musicianship and fiery chemistry of these four masters.

50 Years in the Making: The Mystery of the Lost Tapes

In 1976, fresh off their tenure with J.D. Crowe & the New South, Ricky Skaggs (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, vocals) and Jerry Douglas (Dobro, vocals) joined forces with songwriter Wes Golding (guitar) and Terry Baucom (banjo). Together, they created a daring new sound that honored bluegrass tradition while boldly expanding its possibilities with elements of jam-band looseness, timeless pop, and 1970s soft-rock.

But for decades, a piece of that history was missing.

“When it came time to collect the tapes, it was found that the engineer had absconded with them.” — Jerry Douglas

Nearly five decades later, the tapes were finally tracked down, but they were moldy and badly damaged. Following an intense restoration effort, four previously unreleased session recordings were rescued. These bonus tracks reveal an even bolder, more experimental side of Boone Creek, including the freewheeling “Hitchhiking to California” and the horn-laced, subtly psychedelic “Dream Song.” One of the recovered tracks, “Misty Wind,” even features harmony vocals from country legend Vince Gill, who briefly played bass for the band.

What the Legends Are Saying

“It’s been over 50 years since Boone Creek made these recordings and it’s great to hear them remastered. They sound better than ever, and I never thought the previously unreleased cuts would see the light of day. A big thanks to my bandmate, brother Jerry Douglas, for assisting in the remastering process—great job!” — Ricky Skaggs

Where Are They Now? The Boone Creek Legacy

Boone Creek only put out one more album (One Way Track in 1978) before disbanding, but its members went on to shape the face of American roots music:

Ricky Skaggs: Just 23 during Boone Creek, he went on to join Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band and forged a legendary career, earning 15 GRAMMY Awards.
Jerry Douglas: Recognized as one of the most influential Dobro players in history, Douglas has garnered 16 GRAMMY Awards and is a featured member of Alison Krauss and Union Station.
Wes Golding: Later performed with the beloved Shenandoah Cut-Ups and co-founded Wes Golding & Sure Fire.
Terry Baucom: A founding member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out, Baucom passed away in 2023, receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award at that year’s IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.

A Snapshot of Bluegrass History

Today, Boone Creek stands as both a time capsule and a revelation: a snapshot of four extraordinary musicians at the start of their journeys, unafraid to test the limits of their craft.

Are you excited to spin this progressive bluegrass classic on vinyl? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to pre-order your copy today!

Choir Boy Teams Up With Producer Jorge Elbrecht for New Track ‘I’ll Always Let You Down’

Choir Boy L-R: Chaz Costello, Adam Klopp, Michael Paulsen, Jeff Kleinman
Photo: Kris Kirk, used with permission.

Ethereal Indie Darlings Choir Boy Triumphantly Return With New Single, “I’ll Always Let You Down”

Ethereal indie darlings Choir Boy have triumphantly returned with their brand-new single, “I’ll Always Let You Down,” produced by the legendary Jorge Elbrecht (Sky Ferreira, Japanese Breakfast). (another side, 2026)

Marking their first taste of new music since 2020, the track hit just in time for their support tour with AFI. The single is available now via Dais Records and is accompanied by a charmingly bizarre, self-directed animated music video.

Sensual, Sinister, Sardonic

“I’ll Always Let You Down” finds Choir Boy at the height of their powers, taking their nostalgia-laced, romantic dream pop to thrilling new depths. The track manages to sound simultaneously sensual and sinister, equal parts delight and sorrow.

Musically, drum machines shuffle over a dirty synth bass while bright bells blossom under the light of frontman Adam Klopp’s angelic vocals. When pressed to describe the deeper meaning behind the track, Klopp offers a grin:

“(I’ll Always) is an anti-love song—a sardonic self-indictment of a failing lover.”

Watch the official music video below:

“Just Say That We ‘Got Lost'”

“Triumphantly return?” Time is a notorious trickster, and the band is jovial when confronting the four-year gap since their last major release.

“Just say that we ‘Got Lost,'” they joke.

Over the past four years, Choir Boy hasn’t exactly been idle. They have continued making surrealist music videos, sharing avant-garde updates on social media, and playing live across North America and Europe. Yet, for their dedicated fanbase, the lack of new music has felt like an eternity.

“Tell everyone the delays are my fault,” Klopp asserts through laughter. “Blame everything on me.”

Following the end of their run with Provoker, Choir Boy’s momentum was at an all-time high. After kicking off 2026 with a series of one-off shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, a creative rebirth took place, leading directly to the recording of “I’ll Always Let You Down.”

The Jorge Elbrecht Connection

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when the band tapped Jorge Elbrecht, a renowned songwriter and stalwart of Los Angeles’s underground music community, to produce the new single.

Together, the band and producer immediately clicked, finding a harmonious workflow and “a shared sense of humor about the bleakness.”

“In [the song’s] previous incarnation, before we were working with Jorge, there was something missing,” the band reflects. While producing the track, Elbrecht contributed fresh sounds and arrangements, encouraging the band to dive even deeper into the depths.

The result? A new day, carrying on right where they belong. Serendipitously, the themes of their upcoming music and the greater arc of Choir Boy are finally coming together.

Their ultimate takeaway? “Redemption.”

About Choir Boy

The Origin

“Choir Boy” was what kids called singer/songwriter Adam Klopp in his early teens when he fronted punk cover bands in Cleveland, Ohio. Though intended as an insult, the label seemed fitting given Klopp’s religious upbringing and angelic voice. After high school, Adam left Ohio for college in Utah. While his academic career was short-lived, he seamlessly integrated into Provo and Salt Lake City’s underground music and art scenes, left religion behind, and officially named his new project Choir Boy. (Dais Records, 2026)

The Evolution

Since their debut album, Passive With Desire, the dream-pop outfit has gained a massive cult following in underground circles. Choir Boy’s signature sound relies on a perfect blend of nostalgia-laced romantic pop music, brought to life by a stellar lineup:

Adam Klopp – Stunning vocal range, lyrics, and melodies
Chaz Costello – Bass (Fossil Arms, Sculpture Club, Human Leather)
Jeff Kleinman – Saxophone and Keyboards
Michael Paulsen – Guitar

“I’ll Always Let You Down” is out now on Dais Records.

Victoria Cardona’s Que Pasó: Chart-Topping Album Meets Live-Looping Mastery

Victoria Cardona releases a solo video series performing songs from her debut album Que Pasó. Photo: Dreamspider Publicity, used with permission.

Artist Spotlight: Victoria Cardona is Redefining the One-Woman Band

West Palm Beach, Fla. — Based out of South Florida, Victoria Cardona is a Cuban American singer/songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist who is rapidly turning heads in the music world. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Her live looping performances are a true sonic and visual experience, taking the audience on a ride through the mind of a spontaneous improvisationalist. With the aid of the Boss RC-600 loop pedal, Victoria masterfully stacks intricate layers of guitar, bass, percussion, and vocal harmonies. The result? A rich, massive backdrop for her smokey alto vocals and ripping lead guitar solos.

The Critical Success of Que Pasó

Victoria recently released her debut studio album, Que Pasó, to critical acclaim across Latin and world radio and media. The record has put up some seriously impressive numbers on the charts:

#1 on The Roots Music Report’s Top 50 World Album Chart (holding the top spot for three consecutive weeks).
Top 20 on the NCAA (North American College and Community) Radio Chart for 20 weeks, peaking at #10.
Currently Climbing: The album is now making fresh waves on Americana and Triple A radio.

Que Pasó Fast Facts

Feature	Details
Producer	Tim Goodman (Founding member of Southern Pacific)
Tracklist	8 original tracks + 3 creative covers
The Sound	A blend of Cuban rhythms, jazz, rock, and world influences

The album features a powerhouse lineup of legendary guest musicians, including Jimmy Haslip on bass, Jimmy Branley on drums, Justo Almario on horns, Bill Payne on piano, Francisco Torres on trombone, and Tim Goodman pulling multi-instrumental duty on organ, mandolin, guitar, marimbas, and synthesizer.

From Studio Elegance to Live Looping Mastery

While Que Pasó showcases Victoria’s music with the lush backing of a full studio band, she is best known for the raw energy of her live-looping solo performances.

To bridge these two worlds, Victoria recently filmed an exclusive solo performance showcasing the songs from Que Pasó at The Grange in Martha’s Vineyard.

What’s Next: She will be releasing a series of videos from this session across her social media platforms and YouTube. The series kicks off with her original song “Ghost” and will drop every other week.

It’s one thing to deliver a stellar studio record, but it’s another talent entirely to recreate that dynamic, full-band sound completely solo on stage.

Roots, Rhythm, and Global Influence

Victoria’s Cuban roots and deep familiarity with multicultural genres provide the driving inspiration for her music. She delivers a heavy rhythmic undertone fused seamlessly with jazz, blues, soul, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, salsa, and rock ’n’ roll.

The Upbringing: Growing up in a traditional Cuban household, she was heavily influenced by legends like Celia Cruz, Buena Vista Social Club, and Gloria Estefan.
Modern Inspiration: Today, she closely resonates with culturally conscious contemporary acts like Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma.

After formally studying jazz guitar in Florida and Minnesota, Victoria developed her signature live-looping, one-woman-band project. International tours have already taken her across Europe, while her relentless performance schedule throughout the Southeast U.S. continues to sharpen her unique, boundary-pushing sound.

Follow Victoria Cardona on YouTube and social media to catch the bi-weekly Martha’s Vineyard video series!

Legendary Tony Rice 1977 Self-Titled Album to Be Reissued for 75th Birthday

Tony Rice’s 1977 self-titled album returns on vinyl and digital. Photo: Craft Recordings, used with permission.

Bluegrass Legend Tony Rice’s 1977 Masterpiece Returns for 75th Birthday Celebration

Los Angeles, CA — In celebration of what would have been influential bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice’s 75th birthday, Craft Recordings has announced the return of his seminal 1977 self-titled album. (Craft Recordings, 2026)

Out of print for more than 40 years, Tony Rice captured a pivotal shift in bluegrass toward a more expansive, ensemble-driven sound. Featuring a “who’s who” of bluegrass legends, the record remains a cornerstone of the “new acoustic” genre, seamlessly blending bluegrass standards with contemporary compositions.

The Definitive Reissue

For the first time in decades, fans can experience this foundational recording in its purest form.

Release Date: June 5
Format: Vinyl (featuring AAA mastering) and Digital (Standard/Hi-Res)
Audio Quality: Cut from the original tapes with all-analog (AAA) mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
Packaging: A faithful replication of the original 1977 jacket design.
Listen Now: Rice’s take on the traditional folk ballad “Banks of the Ohio” is available to stream today.

Pre-save/Pre-order the album here

A Revolutionary Force in Bluegrass

Tony Rice (1951–2020) was more than just a guitarist; he was an innovative force who shaped the very sound of modern bluegrass.

Born in Virginia and raised in Los Angeles, Rice first rose to prominence in Louisville, KY, as the lead vocalist and guitarist for J.D. Crowe’s legendary group, The New South. In the mid-’70s, Rice returned to California to join the David Grisman Quintet, where he began incorporating jazz, classical, and other sophisticated styles into his playing.

The Birth of “New Acoustic”

Released during his tenure with Grisman, Tony Rice was the guitarist’s third studio album and his first for Rounder Records. It stands as a prime example of the “new acoustic” style—an improvisation-driven blend of bluegrass, jazz, and prog-rock played on wholly acoustic instrumentation.

The album features an incredible lineup of collaborators:

Larry Rice: Mandolin
J.D. Crowe: Banjo, Backup Vocals
Jerry Douglas: Dobro
David Grisman: Mandolin
Darol Anger: Fiddle
Todd Phillips: Bass
Richard Greene: Fiddle

Together, they artfully blend tradition with progression, moving from Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon” to contemporary compositions like Grisman’s “Rattlesnake.”

An Enduring Legacy

Rice’s influence cannot be overstated. Ricky Skaggs once hailed him as “the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years.”

Over a four-decade career, Rice released over a dozen solo albums—including the acclaimed Church Street Blues (1983)—and over two dozen collaborative titles. A GRAMMY® Award winner and International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, Rice’s distinctive touch and harmonic complexity continue to influence generations of pickers worldwide.

Tony Rice Track Listing (Vinyl)

Side A:

Banks of the Ohio
Rattlesnake
Mr. Engineer
Plastic Banana
Don’t Give Your Heart to a Rambler
Farewell Blues

Side B:

Way Downtown
Stoney Creek
Hills of Roane County
Eighth of January
Big Mon
Temperance Reel

John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP ‘Little Wheel // Hope Looming’

John Mailander’s Forecast has unveiled its spellbinding adaptation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s ‘Little Wheel Spin and Spin.’ Photo: Steph Heath with Smiling Eyes Media, used with permission.

New Music: John Mailander’s Forecast Announces New EP Little Wheel // Hope Looming

NASHVILLE — Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John Mailander and his visionary collective, Forecast, have announced the independent release of their new 3-track EP, Little Wheel // Hope Looming, arriving May 8, 2026. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Following their 2025 full-length album Let The World In, this latest offering marks a poignant exploration of historical cycles, post-rock textures, and adventurous improvisation.

The Tracklist: A Study in Light and Dark

The EP clocks in at 13 minutes and 18 seconds, weaving together a potent mix of vocal urgency and instrumental atmosphere:

“Little Wheel Spin And Spin” (Buffy Sainte-Marie cover)
“Hope, Looming” (Original instrumental)
“(turnstile)” (Ambient sample piece)

Breaking the Cycle: “Little Wheel Spin And Spin”

The EP opens with a timely rendition of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1966 classic, featuring guest Kristina Train on lead vocals. Recorded just days before the U.S. entered the conflict with Iran, the track serves as a chilling commentary on the “war machine.”

“It’s chilling to me how relevant these lyrics are today,” says Mailander. “I think our version, and Kristina’s delivery… is felt with a renewed urgency, anger, and resistance… We turned it into a jam vehicle for group improvisation.”

The B-Side: “Hope, Looming”

Inspired by post-rock giants like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Ros, this instrumental piece explores the “grey areas” of emotion. It serves as a tonal counterweight to the opening track, a slow-building crescendo meant to signal a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The Coda: “(turnstile)”

The project is tied together by an unsettling yet hopeful ambient piece, featuring a manipulated sample of a train station turnstile layered over synth improvisations.

Meet The Forecast

Recorded live at Southern Ground Studio by Dan Davis, the ensemble features some of the finest players in the Nashville scene:

Musician	Instrument(s)
John Mailander	Fiddle, Piano, Electronics
Ethan Jodziewicz	Upright & Electric Bass
Chris Lippincott	Pedal Steel Guitar, Wurlitzer
Dean Miller	Tenor Saxophone
Mark Raudabaugh	Drums, Percussion
Jake Stargel	Acoustic guitar

About John Mailander

Beyond leading Forecast, Mailander is a prolific collaborator and a current member of Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, his fiddle and multi-instrumental work have graced recordings by a “who’s who” of modern music, including:

Billy Strings (The Grammy-winning Home)
Noah Kahan
Dermot Kennedy
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lucy Dacus

Moving to Nashville in 2015, Mailander formed Forecast to step outside the bounds of bluegrass and explore themes inspired by film scores and jazz-fusion greats like the Pat Metheny Group.

Little Wheel // Hope Looming is available on all major streaming platforms May 8, 2026.

Photo: Michael Weintrob, used with permission.

Danny Griego’s ‘Angelina’ Hits New Heights on Billboard & Mediabase AC Charts

Texas-based country artist adds another chart milestone to a catalog forged alongside outlaw legends. Photo: InPerpetuity Entertainment

Danny Griego’s “Angelina” Skyrockets: A New Milestone for the Outlaw Country Artist

Nashville, Tenn. — Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego is reaching new heights as his latest single, “Angelina,” climbs to No. 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase AC chart. (Aristo PR, 2026)

The track, a captivating blend of Latin, Americana, and Griego’s signature outlaw country influences, is rapidly gaining momentum across the airwaves.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, “Angelina” was co-written by Griego alongside Jerry Crutchfield and Mark Nessler. Since its AC chart debut on April 4, the track has seen a steady rise, fueled by heavy rotation on 28 Mediabase AC stations.

Key markets showing major support (with over 50 spins each) include:

Huntsville & Phoenix
Omaha & Tucson
Reno & Atlantic City
Nassau, Bridgeport, and Johnson City

This Top 25 placement adds to Griego’s impressive Billboard résumé, which already includes recognition as a Top 10 Billboard recording artist.

The Story Behind the Song

“Angelina” is more than just a chart-topper; it is a haunting, emotionally driven ballad that explores the ripple effects of heartbreak.

“‘Angelina’ is a song that’s always felt personal to me,” says Griego. “I’ve often wondered if Angelina would be the love of my life.”

The song tells the story of a woman shaped by the early loss of her father, a wound that leads her to build walls and move through relationships, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake to protect her own.

Music with a Mission: Freedom Horse Ranch

Beyond his musical achievements, Griego is deeply committed to service. He is the owner and operator of Freedom Horse Ranch, a 501(c)(3) organization in Weatherford, Texas.

The ranch is dedicated to helping:

Veterans & First Responders
Individuals with physical or cognitive challenges
Those seeking emotional recovery

Through therapeutic equine-assisted activities and outdoor experiences, the ranch provides a sanctuary for healing, confidence-building, and growth.

A Voice for Veterans

Griego’s advocacy for the military is a cornerstone of his career. He frequently performs at military bases and has released powerful tracks like “Lady Liberty” and “Twenty-Two” (a collaboration with K.P. Fitz highlighting the Veteran suicide epidemic).

About Danny Griego

Born in Arizona and based in Texas, Danny Griego’s sound is a rich tapestry of outlaw, cowboy, and Latin influences. His journey is one of incredible resilience: after surviving a lightning strike during his college years, he taught himself to fingerpick on his grandfather’s nylon-string guitar as part of his rehabilitation.

Notable Discography:

Destination (2007)
Cowboys, Outlaws & Border Town Dogs (2014)
22 (2018)
“You Never Stop Loving Somebody” (2019)
“Angelina” (2024/2026)

With a full slate of touring and new music on the horizon, Danny Griego continues to prove why he is one of the most authentic voices in modern Americana.

Live Music & Local Vibes: Otto’s Ice House Launches ‘Local Wednesdays’ in San Antonio

Otto’s Ice House announces live music series and a steak night event. Photo: Otto’s Ice House, used with permission.

Live Music & Live Fire: What’s New at Otto’s Ice House

Located right on the banks of the San Antonio River, Otto’s Ice House is more than just a place to grab a tallboy, it’s becoming the city’s go-to spot for community, culture, and incredible flavors. There are two major events coming up that you won’t want to miss. (Otto’s Ice House, 2026)

🎸 Introducing: Local Wednesdays

Announcing the launch of Local Wednesdays, a free, all-ages live music series highlighting the incredible talent right here in San Antonio.

This five-week series kicks off with Wally Robles on the backyard stage. Whether you’re a fan of Americana, country, or soulful acoustic sets, their rotating lineup has something for everyone.

Kickoff Date: Wednesday, April 29
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Vibe: All-ages, free entry, and diverse local acts.
Bonus: The series continues every Wednesday throughout the month of May

Featured Artist: Wally Robles – A Texas-born powerhouse, Wally Robles brings over a decade of experience to the stage. His genre-defying style pulls inspiration from the 1950s all the way to modern hits, ensuring a performance that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

🔥 Special Event: Steak Night with Levi Goode

Get ready for live-fire cooking. On Thursday, May 7, Otto’s will host a special Steak Night featuring their founder, three-time James Beard Award nominee Levi Goode, and the Goode Co. culinary crew.

Traveling in from Houston, the team will be using a Mill Scale pit to showcase authentic vaquero-style cooking. This event serves as a delicious preview before the crew heads to Lockhart Rising on May 9.

The Featured Plate ($26):

10 oz. Picanha Steak: Smoked and finished over mesquite.
Sides: Chile pequin chimichurri, ranchero potatoes, and a monkey bread roll brushed with persillade butter.

Note: Steak Night starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until sold out. Show up early!

🍔 Sip & Snack

While you enjoy the music or the mesquite smoke, their full menu will be available all day. Pair your evening with house favorites like:

Food: Cantina Queso, Hill Country Deluxe Smashburger, or Redfish on the Half Shell.
Drinks: The Damn Goode Margarita, a classic Michelada, or an ice-cold beer.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Otto’s Ice House 111 Newell Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212

Event	Date	Time
Local Wednesdays Kickoff	April 29	6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Steak Night	May 7	5 p.m. – Sold Out
May Music Series	Every Wed. in May	6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

About Levi Goode – A fifth-generation Texan, Levi Goode has spent his life honoring the diverse culture of the Lone Star State. From Gulf Coast seafood to mesquite-smoked BBQ, Levi is committed to preserving the hospitality and rich traditions that make Texas dining legendary.

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