Tag: music

Mixtape Memories: Jacob Duarte’s Deluxe Edition Hits Hard and Haunting

Nihilistic Easyrider (Jacob Duarte of Narrow Head) announces debut album via Run For Cover. Photo: Derek Rathburn, used with permission.

🎤Nihilistic Easyrider’s DELUXE EDITION: A Mixtape of Memories, Melodies, and Melancholy

Nihilistic Easyrider is the brainchild of Narrow Head frontman Jacob Duarte—but make no mistake, this isn’t a solo endeavor in disguise. DELUXE EDITION is a genre-blurring mixtape: a collection of songs written across various phases of Duarte’s career. The album pulls from a colorful palette of styles—Y2K-era emo, pop punk anthems, Soviet fuzz-drenched alt rock, and shimmering pop reminiscent of Evan Dando. (another side, 2025)

The debut is brought to life by an ensemble that includes Narrow Head drummer Carson Wilcox, producer and former tour-mate Graham Hunt, and features from Momma’s Allegra Weingarten and Ella Friedman. Even with its eclectic range, DELUXE EDITION remains rooted in Duarte’s signature approach to songwriting—melodic, moody, and full of hooks.

An Emotional Companion to Narrow Head’s Depth

In both lyric and sound, DELUXE EDITION shares Narrow Head’s penchant for navigating the emotional wreckage of modern life. The themes—romantic failures, mental unraveling, and existential burnout—are now filtered through the lens of mundane reality. Hunt’s textured production brings Duarte’s inner world to life with buzzing synths, barroom piano bursts, rattling acoustics, and early-aughts-styled sonic quirks.

The Lead Single: “Getaway Plan”

Written during a 2021 stay in Florida, the album’s opener, “Getaway Plan,” launches straight into jubilant pop-rock territory. Duarte strings together irresistible hooks before unleashing a Smashing Pumpkins-style climax of arena-ready guitar theatrics. The song’s lyrics tell a tale of failed midnight meetups and the naïve hope of suburban escape—summed up with the bittersweet charm of a red Solo Cup on a front lawn.

The track arrives with a playful video directed by Nate Kahn, starring Matt Berry (The Berries), who “signs” Duarte to Run For Cover Records for a fictional one quadrillion dollars.

From the Road to the Studio

Fresh off a relentless touring cycle behind Narrow Head’s 2023 album Moments of Clarity—featuring dates with Interpol, Snail Mail, Senses Fail, and others—DELUXE EDITION feels like a welcome retreat. It captures a rawer, more off-the-cuff studio vibe while also looping in some of Duarte’s tour comrades for cameos.

“Narrow Head and this project are equally big parts of me, and I need to do them both,” Duarte explains. “But I always know if a riff is going to become a Narrow Head song or a Nihilistic Easyrider song the moment I first write it. In a funny way, these Nihilistic Easyrider songs are closer to the music I always wanted to make growing up — they’ve got that real ’90s and 2000s emo feel that I grew up loving and wanting to channel.”

🎶On Tour This Fall

Nihilistic Easyrider hits the road this fall for a North American headlining tour kicking off in Houston and Austin, with stops in Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C., and more. Support comes from On Being an Angel.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — don’t miss it.

Check below for full dates and locations.

Nihilistic Easyrider Live Dates:
Tickets Here | Hi Re Poster Here
Sep 12: Houston, TX – Secret Group
Sep 13: Austin, TX – Mohawk (Inside)
Sep 16: Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Sep 17: Bloomington, IN – The Bishop
Sep 18: Detroit, MI – Parts & Labor
Sep 19: Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s
Sep 20: Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
Sep 22: Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye
Sep 23: New York, NY – Night Club 101
Sep 24: Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
Sep 25: Washington, DC – DC9
Sep 26: Raleigh, NC – Kings
Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5

DELUXE EDITION Tracklist:
1 – Getaway Plan
2 – Weekend Forever
3 – Facedown
4 – Drive All Night
5 – Don’t Get Scared Now
6 – Well Kept Secret
7 – Sanitorium
8 – Smiles and Cries
9 – Everything Is So F*cked Up
10 – Howie On The Brain
11 – Waiting On Someone
12 – The Way It Crumbles

Welcome to the Gelliverse: Gelli Haha’s ‘Normalize’ Sets the Stage for Switcheroo

Gelli Haha releases new single ‘Normalize.’ Photo: Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp, used with permission.

Gelli Haha Unleashes “Normalize” — The Final Single Before Debut Album Switcheroo

Gelli Haha has officially announced her newest single and video, “Normalize,” the final release ahead of her highly anticipated debut album Switcheroo, due out June 27, 2025. Drawing from the rich textures of 80s Nigerian soul boogie, the track delivers a smooth, mid-tempo synth-funk groove beneath Gelli’s raw yet velvety vocals. In the chorus, she aches for escape: “I want to fly away.” (another side, 2025)

The video for “Normalize” is a surreal extension of her live performances, directed by David Gutel. It continues the psycho-science experiment narrative introduced in her previous single “Spit,” revealing Gelli’s transformation into a parachute monster. Watch the video below.

Introducing the Gelliverse

Gelli Haha (pronounced Jelly-Haha) is more than a musician — she’s a shapeshifter, a sonic acrobat, and a visionary performer blurring the line between Studio 54 glam and Area 51 mystery. Her music dances in the tension between playful and profound, absurd and sincere.

Her debut album Switcheroo, via Innovative Leisure, serves as the official soundtrack to the Gelliverse — a vibrant, chaotic, and genre-bending world of her own design.

Switcheroo: A High-Voltage Creative Experiment

Created in collaboration with Sean Guerin of De Lux, Switcheroo is the product of spontaneous experimentation and a shared love for off-kilter pop and vintage gear. The duo leaned into analog oddities — Eventide Harmonizers, MXR Pitch Transposers, Electrix units — crafting textures that are intentionally flawed and brilliantly bizarre.

Every track is an invitation to let go, laugh, dance, and dive headfirst into the spectacle. Switcheroo is an inside joke turned theatrical masterpiece.

Don’t Miss Gelli Haha Live in LA

Gelli Haha’s wild, prop-filled, fully choreographed live performances have made her one of the most buzzed-about acts in the LA underground. She returns Friday, August 8, headlining at Resident in Downtown Los Angeles, with support from dance arts center and a DJ set by KCRW’s Travis Holcombe.

Presented by Minty Boi and Gelli Kompany. Tickets available here.

Let yourself get weird. Gelli Haha’s Switcheroo is coming.

Switcheroo tracklist:
1 – Funny Music
2 – Spit
3 – Normalize
4 – Bounce House
5 – Piss Artist
6 – Tiramisu
7 – Gelliverse
8 – Dynamite
9 – Johnny
10 – Pluto is not a planet it’s a restaurant

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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From Viral Covers to Emotional Club Anthems: Mareux Evolves with ‘Ébèné Fumé’

Mareux shares shares Ébèné Fumé video/single feat Riki. Photo: Jason Renaud, used with permission.

Mareux Teams Up with Riki for New Single “Ébèné Fumé” Ahead of Nonstop Romance🎶

Los Angeles, CA – Revered pop/darkwave musician and producer Mareux (Aryan Ashtiani) joins forces with multifaceted artist and singer Riki on his nostalgic new single “Ébèné Fumé,” out now via Revolution/Warner Records. (another side, 2025)

Riki’s charismatic, confessional vocal performance blends seamlessly with Mareux’s intricately crafted electronics, creating a compelling dance-pop track that’s as moody as it is magnetic. Her standout presence shines throughout the song’s striking music video, created by Muted Widows (Michael E Linn, Nedda Afsari, and Michael R. Zumaya), which visually channels the same fusion of elegance and edge.

Where most artists might double down on the slick darkwave and goth-pop that brought them initial fame, Mareux pivots with his upcoming sophomore album, Nonstop Romance, due out June 27. The new project is messy in all the right ways—drunk in love, feverish with emotion, and unafraid to stumble. Picture a frilly valentine dragged through city grit: gushing, fractured, but completely transparent in its longing.

Throughout Nonstop Romance, Mareux sets his songs like Venus fly traps—irresistibly romantic and danceable, but tinged with a sinister red glow. It’s a record that revels in pleasure while hinting at danger, a balance central to its ethos.

“I’m trying to make something that’s reflective of me getting older,” Mareux shares. But rather than quiet introspection, his version of maturity centers on joy: “Could you put it on in your house with people around and not bring the mood down?” That guiding question helped shape the sound and energy of the album.

Written and recorded in Mareux’s Lincoln Heights bedroom throughout 2024, Nonstop Romance draws cinematic inspiration from a muted old CRT TV playing everything from Tarkovsky and Jodorowsky to Hype Williams’ Belly. The result? Smudged tape-residue synths woven into readymade club anthems.

Though Mareux favors vibe over precision, longtime fans won’t feel lost. Whether you discovered him through his viral platinum-certified cover of The Cure’s “The Perfect Girl” or the noir heartache of 2023’s Lovers from the Past, there’s plenty to swoon over. Nonstop Romance is exactly what it promises: emotionally raw, sonically rich, and obsessed with love.

“I only care about one thing,” Mareux says. “And that’s being in love.”

📀 Pre-Order / Save Nonstop Romance

🎤 Upcoming Performances

  • Friday, December 12 – Fox Theater, Pomona
  • Saturday, December 13 – The Novo, Los Angeles

Tickets are on sale now. Stay tuned for more tour announcements!

Nonstop Romance tracklist:
1 – Blackmail
2 – Radio Club
3 – Nonstop Romance
4 – Wild at Heart
5 – Ébène Fumé Ft. Riki
6 – Prodigy
7 – Blue
8 – Laugh Now Cry Later
9 – Snake Eyes

Photo: Cameron McCool, used with permission.

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Arcades, Lawsuits & Love Songs: Walter Day’s Legacy Hits a New Note

Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day is the follow up film to the iconic indie The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎮🎶 Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day — Release News, Review & Director’s Insight

The highly anticipated follow-up to The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is finally here. Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day will be available globally on TVOD and digital platforms beginning June 9, 2025. (Cinematic Red PR, 2025)

🎬 About the Film

Directed by Ed Cunningham (Undefeated, The King of Kong), this musical documentary is his feature film directorial debut. Arcade & Love Songs revisits beloved characters from The King of Kong, reconnecting with the real-life gamers who captivated audiences since their Slamdance debut.

The film follows 74-year-old Walter Day, the father of esports and iconic star of The King of Kong, as he navigates a lawsuit that threatens his legacy. At the same time, he embarks on a deeply personal journey: finally recording and performing the rock-opera love songs he’s carried in his heart since a devastating 1980s heartbreak—right at the height of the arcade boom.

The film premiered in U.S. theaters earlier this year through Monkey Wrench Films, capturing the same nostalgic magic that made The King of Kong one of Slamdance’s most celebrated documentaries.

Run time: 1 hr. 31 mins.

🎥 Credits

  • Director: Ed Cunningham
  • Producers: Jonathan Perkins, Seth Gordon (Baywatch, The King of Kong), Mike J. Nichols (Zappa)
  • Writers: Ed Cunningham, Mike J. Nichols, Paul Leach (The Woodsman)
  • Executive Producers: Ed Cunningham, Byron Ashley, Scott Jackson, Harrison Kordestani Kerry, Cathy Loveland, Paul Campoamor
  • Editor: Mike J. Nichols

👨‍🎤 Director’s Statement

The King of Kong premiered at Slamdance 2007 to a packed house of just the right type of audience. As the filmmakers, we could not have selected a better group of people to be the first to see something we had lived with for three years. The gamers, tech-types and doc lovers were all into it from frame one….The whispers, laughs and touching moments were all hitting…We knew the film could be seen as mocking people we had grown to love, doubt and admire and had worked tirelessly to present them truthfully and empathetically. And this audience got it. From that night forward, the original documentary has changed many people’s lives – for better and worse – so when Billy Mitchell called to tell me Walter Day was being sued based on things that happened in our movie, I began helping make sure he was properly defended…I felt a responsibility to document the conclusion to Walter’s journey and it was also a great opportunity because I love his music and want to help get out in the world.

– Ed Cunningham

⭐ Movie Review: Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day

Arcade & Love Songs is a tender, quirky, and unexpectedly profound documentary that shines a spotlight on a cultural pioneer. Walter Day, once the steady-handed referee of The King of Kong, becomes the heart and soul of this new film—revealing the music, memories, and emotions that shaped his life.

Ed Cunningham blends archival footage, heartfelt interviews, and theatrical musical sequences to create a vibrant portrait of resilience. Walter’s songs—strange, sincere, and oddly beautiful—are as much about heartbreak as they are about healing. Especially moving are the testimonials from younger gamers, who speak to how Day and the esports community shaped their sense of belonging.

This is more than a film about retro games—it’s about chasing your passions, no matter your age. Arcade & Love Songs is a love letter to the 8-bit generation, to late-blooming artists, and to anyone still holding onto the dream of finishing their song.

📅 Watch It

🗓 Release Date: June 9, 2025
🎟 Pre-order Now: Apple TV & Vimeo-on-Demand
📺 Available On: Apple, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Fandango, Vimeo-on-Demand

Let your heart hit “Start.” Walter Day’s ballad is one worth listening to.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for a review of this film and received a screening link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘The Isolate’ Explores Inner Turmoil in Demons My Friends’ Latest Heavy Release

Demons My Friends share new single and video for The Isolate. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Demons My Friends Drop New Single “The Isolate” Ahead of Sophomore Album

Last month, Demons My Friends, the heavy-hitting trio from Mexico City and Austin, unveiled their latest single, “The Isolate,” marking their debut release with acclaimed heavy music label Ripple Music. (US/THEM Group, 2025)

A Sonic Reflection on Teenage Anxiety

“The Isolate” is a deeply personal track, capturing the intense anxiety the band members experienced during their socially awkward teenage years. The song lays the thematic groundwork for their upcoming sophomore album, soon to be officially announced.

“Demons My Friends continues to be a therapeutic effort for all of us,” says guitarist/vocalist Pablo Anton. “With this new song we wanted to shine a light on our teen years… so much of the drama in our lives is invented by our own minds, by our own demons.”

Behind the Music

  • Music by: Demons My Friends
  • Lyrics by: Pablo Anton and Luis Salinas
  • Recorded at: One Pot Mexico (Querétaro, Mexico) and Red Nova Ranch (Austin, TX)
  • Produced & Mixed by: Jeff Henson (Red Nova Ranch)
  • Mastered by: Alberto de Icaza

Band Members:

  • Pablo Anton – Guitars and vocals
  • Lu Salinas – Bass and vocals
  • Tarro Martinez – Drums

From SXSW to Sonic Catharsis

Formed during an impromptu session at SXSW 2022, Demons My Friends brings together members of Fellowcraft (Washington, DC) and Mexican rock veterans QBO. What began as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into a fully-formed musical identity.

Their concept is clear: confront inner demons—anxiety, depression, rage—and transform them into creative fuel.

Debut Album Demons Seem To Gather (Out Now)

Their 2023 debut Demons Seem To Gather (via Gravitoyd Heavy Music) showcases a powerful blend of drop-tuned grunge riffs, doom-laden structures, psychedelic harmonies, and groove-heavy rhythms. Fans of Monolord, King Buffalo, All Them Witches, Soundgarden, and Baroness will feel right at home.

“The Austin/Mexico City groove unit applies their sonic dominance toward deftly-written, clever songs… climactic hooks shake up their luxuriously groovy pacing.” — Invisible Oranges

Available now on LP, CD, and streaming platforms.

Demons Seem To Gather tracklist
1.The Tower Falls
2.Bring The Night
3.Inner Slay
4.Ghosts Of You
5.Make Them Pay
6.Fire Mountain
7.Your Bones
8.We Are The Resistance

Stay tuned for more from Demons My Friends as they gear up for their next chapter—haunting melodies, introspective themes, and thunderous grooves included.

Grayson Jenkins Finds His Voice on ‘Hard Heart to Hold’ and Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Grayson Jenkins leans into the rock side of country with new song and video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Grayson Jenkins Unveils New Single “Hard Heart to Hold” Ahead of Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Kentucky-born country artist and songwriter Grayson Jenkins has released his new single “Hard Heart to Hold,” an anthemic country-rock track from his upcoming album Country Parables, set to release everywhere on July 25. (Covered Bridge Creative Co-op, 2025)

The single is paired with a live performance music video, filmed at Jenkins’ 2025 headlining show at The Burl in Lexington, KY—the very venue that inspired the song’s creation.

A Rising Voice in the Appalachian Country Scene

“Hard Heart to Hold” follows a string of successful releases, including:

  • “Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow” (feat. Brit Taylor), featured on Spotify’s All New Country playlist
  • “Taxes & Time”
  • “Good Times Go” (feat. Pony Bradshaw), highlighted by The Bluegrass Situation and Whiskey Riff

Fans can watch the video, stream the new single, and pre-order vinyl and merch online.

A “Hillbilly Springsteen” Sound

Jenkins’ bandmates jokingly describe “Hard Heart to Hold” as sounding like a “hillbilly Springsteen”—a track driven by pulsing drums and heavy guitars, elevating Jenkins’ vocals and vivid storytelling.

Jenkins views the song as a reflection of both his influences and his ongoing sonic evolution.

Telling Stories from the Heart of Kentucky

Lyrically, the track tells the story of a young woman navigating early adulthood and finding comfort in the Lexington music scene—a nod to the thriving musical culture of Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region.

Nearly a Decade on the Road

Grayson Jenkins is no newcomer. With nearly ten years in the music industry, his career has weathered:

  • The ups and downs of indie artistry
  • A global pandemic
  • Over 250,000 miles touring across the US, Canada, and Europe

Raised on a small farm in Muhlenberg County, KY—yes, that Muhlenberg County from John Prine’s “Paradise”—Jenkins carries with him a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that continues to shape his music and career.

Country Parables: Jenkins’ Most Ambitious Work Yet

Now in his 30s, Jenkins returns with Country Parables—a ten-track LP that marks his most comprehensive and mature work to date. The album combines the lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a fully realized sonic palette that Jenkins has long been chasing.

Crafted by a Powerhouse Team

To bring this album to life, Jenkins teamed up with frequent collaborator and touring partner Pony Bradshaw to co-produce the record. The album was recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR, with a team of acclaimed musicians, including:

  • Paddy Ryan (Parker Millsap, John Fullbright)
  • Jesse Aycock (JR Carroll, John Moreland)
  • Aaron Boehler (Wilderado)
  • Fats Kaplin (Jack White, John Prine)

Collaborations on the album include Brit Taylor, Madelyn Baier, and Pony Bradshaw, with two tracks co-written by Nashville veteran Pat McLaughlin (John Prine, Bahamas).

With Country Parables, Grayson Jenkins offers a heartfelt, roots-driven collection that further cements his place in the next wave of Americana storytellers.

Country Parables tracklist:

1.Old Trails
2.Hard Heart to Hold
3.Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow (feat. Brit Taylor)
4.Grand Slam
5.Scarecrow
6.Taxes & Time
7.Good Times Go (feat. Pony Bradshaw)
8.From Now On
9.Calling Out Your Name (feat. Madelyn Baier)
10.Country Parables

“But beyond the smoky bars and days out on the farm, Jenkins embodies one of Country’s more abstract, yet most important qualities: its philosophical soul.”

— American Songwriter

“In case you aren’t familiar with Grayson Jenkins’ prior work, the Muhlenburg County, KY native aptly follows in the footsteps of John Prine and all of the other folk and country troubadours before him who forged their career on the strength of clever lyricism and truthfully authentic storytelling.”

— Whiskey Riff

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‘Suitcase Blues’: Shelby Means Hits the Road with Her Solo Debut

Shelby Means gets help from her all-star friends for a heartfelt road song, “Suitcase Blues.” It’s the latest single from the Maya de Vitry-produced self-titled solo debut. Photo: Hunter McRae, used with permission.

Shelby Means Packs Up the “Suitcase Blues” and Heads Down a New Road

“I had driven out of Nashville hundreds of times as a touring musician, but this time I was packed up and moving to a different city,” says songwriter, singer, and bassist Shelby Means.

Known for her dynamic work with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the GRAMMY-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Means is now stepping into the spotlight with her debut solo album, Shelby Means. The bittersweet memory of leaving Nashville is captured in her latest single “Suitcase Blues.” (IV-PR, 2025)

Backed by an all-star lineup—Billy Strings on harmony vocals, along with Bryan Sutton, Michael Cleveland, Ron Block, and Sam Bush—the track offers a poignant twist on the classic road song.

“Bryan, Michael, Ron, and Sam brought incredible life and depth to the recording,” Means shares. “Already a very strong collaboration with the band, I was honored that Billy Strings agreed to sing harmony. His voice and energy mixing with mine and the sentiment of the song paint a vivid picture of chasing down a dream on the open road.”

Musically, “Suitcase Blues” rolls forward on a moody chord progression, its trepidation mirrored in the interplay of fiddle and banjo, with tasteful flourishes on guitar and a brief, emotive mandolin solo. The lyrics tell a story many touring musicians know all too well:

“I don’t know when I’ll be back
I gotta go with Cackalack Jack
It’s a lonesome road that I choose
Packing up my suitcase blues”

🎧 Listen now: Stream or purchase “Suitcase Blues.”
📀 Explore more music: Check out previously released singles — “Farm Girl,” “Streets of Boulder,” and “Million Reasons.”
🛒 Pre-order the full album: Shelby Means arrives May 30. Pre-order now.
💾 Want to pre-save on Spotify? Click here.

🎶 Catch Shelby Means on Tour

May 23 – WMOT Finally Friday @ 3rd and Lindsley – Nashville, TN
June 4 – The Ramkat & Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston Salem, NC
June 6 – Midwood Guitar Studio – Charlotte, NC
June 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🌟 Album Release Show
June 25 – The 5 Spot – Nashville, TN 🌟 Album Release Show
July 4 – Soundcheck Summer Music Series – Pinedale, WY
July 6 – Hot House West – Salt Lake City, UT
July 13 – Means House Concert – Laramie, WY
July 17 – Big View House Concerts – Westcliffe, CO
July 18 – Music on the Green – Telluride, CO 🎤 with Maya de Vitry
July 25 – RockyGrass – Lyons, CO 🎤 with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
August 22 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🎤 with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
October 18 – Henderson Bluegrass – Henderson, NV
October 20 – WoodSongs – Lexington, KY
October 22 – Red Barn Radio – Lexington, KY

📍 See all tour dates online.

🌾 About Shelby Means

Shelby Means was born in the bluegrass of Kentucky and raised on the high plains of Wyoming. With nearly two decades of experience across bluegrass, folk, rock, Americana, and country, she’s one of the most respected upright bassists in the roots music world.

During her years in Nashville, she was a core member of the GRAMMY-nominated Della Mae, bringing her magnetic presence and deep rhythmic pocket to stages across the globe. She’s since toured nearly 30 countries as a musical diplomat and collaborated with some of the genre’s finest artists.

Now based in Charleston, SC, Means also performs with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, earning her first GRAMMY with the group’s 2023 release, City of Gold. Her accolades include multiple IBMA awards for her work with both Della Mae and Golden Highway.

With her upcoming solo debut, Means opens a new chapter—blending tradition with individuality, heartache with hope, and musicianship with soul.

From NPR to the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, and beyond, Shelby Means is forging a path that’s both grounded and boundless.

Shelby Means album cover. Courtesy photo,used with permission.

Cowtown Unplugged 2025: A Star-Studded Night of Country Music in Fort Worth

Omni Fort Worth Hotel announces 8th Annual Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter’s Showcase. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎶 Cowtown Unplugged Returns to Fort Worth This Memorial Day Weekend

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is thrilled to announce the return of Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter’s Showcase, bringing a revamped and refreshed live music experience to Fort Worth. This exclusive concert event is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025, during Memorial Day Weekend, featuring a stellar lineup of country music talent. (Omni Fort Worth Hotel, 2025)

⭐ Headlining: ERNEST

Country music powerhouse and Grammy-nominated artist ERNEST will headline this year’s showcase.

  • 2X ACM Award nominee
  • Co-writer of the record-breaking hit “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
  • Eleven No. 1 hits to his name
  • New album NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE includes collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll, and HARDY
  • Praised by Billboard, Los Angeles Times, and The Tennessean
  • Known for blending influences from Eminem to George Jones, redefining country music while staying true to its roots

🌟 Featured Act: Jenna Paulette

Texas-native Jenna Paulette brings a unique blend of neo-traditional country with a modern twist.

  • Recognized by CMT, Billboard, and the Grand Ole Opry
  • Brand ambassador for Justin Boots and Ranch Water
  • Debut album The Girl I Was featured on major DSP editorial playlists
  • Celebrated for her authentic cowgirl lifestyle and dynamic sound

🎤 Opening Act: Bryce Leatherwood

Bryce Leatherwood, winner of The Voice Season 22, kicks off the night with classic country vibes.

  • Known for his smooth baritone and genuine stage presence
  • Deeply rooted in traditional country with influences like George Strait and Travis Tritt
  • A rising star committed to preserving the genre’s timeless appeal

🎟️ Exclusive Hotel Packages

Make it a full getaway experience with one of Omni Fort Worth’s three premium hotel packages, crafted to elevate your Cowtown Unplugged weekend:

🥂 Platinum Package – Starting at $529

  • All Gold & Silver Package perks
  • Exclusive VIP dinner before the show
  • Artist meet-and-greet

🌄 Gold Package – Starting at $349

  • All Silver Package perks
  • Breakfast for two the morning after the show

🛌 Silver Package – Starting at $299

  • Luxurious accommodations for two (night of the show)
  • Two concert tickets to Cowtown Unplugged
  • Pre-show cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres & cash bar

🔗 Book now.
📞 Or call 817-535-6664 for more details.

🎫 New This Year: Single Concert Tickets Available!

For the first time, single concert tickets are available for those who prefer not to book an overnight stay. Enjoy the music and pre-show cocktail reception with a limited number of tickets available for $175 each (pre-tax) on Eventbrite.

🏨 About Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, the Omni blends Western spirit with casual elegance. The hotel is steps away from iconic Texas destinations like:

  • The historic Fort Worth Stockyards
  • Sundance Square entertainment district
  • The Fort Worth Zoo
  • World-class museums and cultural attractions

Experience genuine hospitality, refined comfort, and the rhythm of Texas—only at Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

🎸 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of live country music. Whether you’re booking a full weekend escape or grabbing a single ticket, Cowtown Unplugged 2025 promises a night to remember.

Commoner’s ‘Change of Heart’: A Raw and Reflective Breakthrough

Commoner’s new EP is available now. Photo: Yeshua Flores, used with permission.

Commoner Announces New EP Change of Heart via New Morality Zine

Tucson-based alternative rock band Commoner has announced the release of their new EP, Change of Heart, out now via New Morality Zine. The title track “Change of Heart” delivers a hard-hitting, emotionally raw experience, digging deep into themes of fractured relationships and shifting personal dynamics. The accompanying music video reflects this narrative visually, using fragmented edits of the band’s performance to emphasize the feeling of instability and change. (Big Picture Media, 2025)

A Dynamic, Emotional Sound

Change of Heart blends elements of emo, alternative, and post-hardcore, showcasing Commoner’s ability to strike a balance between cathartic intensity and stripped-back vulnerability. The band’s sound is raw, dynamic, and highly personal—each track moving seamlessly between heavy, driving moments and quiet emotional reflections.

“The process of recording this EP was truly healing for me,” says lead singer Romin Mattison. “We had been sitting on these songs for a while and getting a little stir crazy with listening to them over and over again. It was really awesome to hear the final product and be able to listen back to the memories in real time.”

Produced in collaboration with Zach Tuch (Touche Amore, Knocked Loose, Zulu), the EP leans into what makes Commoner’s sound so compelling: emotive vocals, tight instrumentation, and a gritty, aggressive edge that commands attention. The release features five tracks, each delivering a distinct emotional and sonic punch.

Meet the Band

Commoner is made up of:

  • Romin Mattison – Vocals
  • Matthew Bryant – Bass
  • Jeremy Buck – Guitar
  • Beto Marroquin – Guitar
  • Tyler Casillo – Drums

Together, they create music that invites listeners to lose themselves in the noise, drawing inspiration from early 2000s and 2010s influences like Citizen, Movements, Incubus, and Fuel. Their high-energy performances bring their emotional songwriting to life on stage, leaving a lasting impact on their growing fanbase.

About Commoner

Formed in Tucson, Arizona, Commoner blends emo, alternative, and post-hardcore into a style that feels raw and cathartic. What started as a solo project by Romin Mattison with the track Japanese Apartments eventually evolved into a full band when Matthew Bryant joined on bass. The lineup was completed with the addition of Jeremy Buck, Beto Marroquin, and Tyler Casillo, solidifying the band’s identity and collaborative sound.

In 2023 and 2024, the band released two singles as part of their Winter Promo series—“Misery Mistaken” and “Whatever’s Left is Yours”—exploring themes of abandonment, neglect, and healing. These tracks laid the groundwork for Change of Heart, both in tone and depth.

With plans to tour and keep evolving their sound, Commoner is just getting started—and Change of Heart marks a powerful new chapter in their journey.

Change of Heart tracklist:

1.Test Your Luck

2.Change of Heart

3.Parting Gift B-Sides (Vinyl Only)

4.Misery Mistaken

5.Whatever’s Left Is Yours

‘Alone in a World of Wounds’: Steve Von Till’s Meditative Ode to Nature and Loss

Steve Von Till releases new single/video from Alone in a World of Wounds. Photo: Bobby Cochran, used with permission.

Steve Von Till’s Alone in a World of Wounds: A Haunting Tapestry of Loss, Nature, and Reflection

Ploughing a different furrow from his work with post-metal pioneers Neurosis, Steve Von Till’s latest solo album, Alone in a World of Wounds, is a sweeping, gothic-tinged collection of Americana infused with ambient textures and world-weary vocal melodies. It’s a deeply introspective journey—both sonically and thematically. It will be released on May 16 via Neurot Recordings. (another/side, 2025)

A Cinematic Opening

The album opens with “The Corpse Road,” a track that unfolds in a haze of mauve-toned drone textures, immediately immersing listeners in a creaking, dust-laden wilderness. Von Till sings of being placed in the “solitude of our inner spaces,” his voice framed by the mournful resonance of French horn and beautifully subtle cello arrangements by Brent Arnold. The track is accompanied by a haunting visual, directed by Josh Graham.

Rooted in Atmosphere and Intuition

Initially inspired by the harmonic resonance of piano and synths, Alone in a World of Wounds follows the reflective ambience of 2021’s No Wilderness Deep Enough. This new album sees Von Till opening up his voice like never before, with songs that emerged from intuitive improvisations—raw, emotional, and unguarded.

Music, Poetry, and Purpose

Outside of music, Von Till is also a published poet. His 2021 collection, “Harvestman,” draws from a deep well of personal and philosophical writing. His lyrics and prose often reflect on humanity’s place in the cosmos, touching on themes of longing, loss, and the vastness of existence. In this album, a profound connection to—and disconnection from—nature serves as the thematic core.

The title Alone in a World of Wounds is inspired by a quote from environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold’s 1949 book A Sand County Almanac:

“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.”

Life Beyond the Music

Von Till’s commitment to the natural world goes beyond his art. He has been an elementary school teacher for over two decades and serves on the board of directors for the Firekeeper Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing youth suicides among the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.

A Sonic and Visual Aesthetic

While Alone in a World of Wounds may seem far removed from the aggressive tones of Neurosis, the raw spirit of punk and DIY ethos remain essential to Von Till’s process. His search for deeper connection, his willingness to live with sorrow, and his instinctive approach to creativity all ground this project in authenticity.

Recorded largely at his barn studio in Idaho and mixed by Randall Dunn at Circular Ruin in Brooklyn, the album also features artwork by Spokane-based alternative process photographer Brian Deemy. Working in colloidal wet plate tintype, Deemy’s visuals perfectly complement Von Till’s ancient-yet-modern aesthetic—a haunting tribute to our bond with the more-than-human world.

Steve Von Till Live Dates:

May 30 – June 1: Prepare the Ground Festival – Toronto, CAN
July 25 – 27: Fire in the Mountains Festival – Blackfeet Nation, MT

Alone in a World of Wounds tracklist:
1 – The Corpse Road
2 – Watch Them Fade
3 – Horizons Undone
4 – Distance
5 – Calling Down the Darkness
6 – The Dawning of the Day (Insomnia)
7 – Old Bent Pine
8 – River of No Return

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