Dynamic Guitar Duo: Keel & Stickley’s Self-Titled EP Drops September 5

Two master guitarists with distinct, complementary personalities join together for bold music full of depth, energy, and inspiration. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Larry Keel & Jon Stickley Release Debut Duo EP

ASHEVILLE, NC — Larry Keel and Jon Stickley have long been recognized as two of the finest flatpicking guitarists of this generation. Now, they’ve joined forces to celebrate the pure joy of acoustic guitar music with their new duo project. Their chemistry is undeniable—effortlessly weaving rhythm and lead, creating an intimate conversation between two guitars and two voices, while maintaining their own distinct musical personalities. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

Their self-titled debut EP, Larry Keel and Jon Stickley, will be independently released on September 5. Pre-save/Pre-order here.

A Duo Years in the Making

“I’ve wanted this project to happen for so long!” Keel says. “Jon and I have been on many of the same bills all over the place for so many years, teaming up in jams, sit-ins, and campfire pickings, and yet we’ve never gotten our fill of playing together as guitar players—which we both seem to crave. So, now we’ve put this guitar duo act in motion, playing shows and making a record, and it feels great getting to scratch that itch.”

About the EP

The five-track collection blends lyrical songwriting with adventurous instrumentals:

“Future Ghost” – A shredding, dynamic instrumental that highlights the duo’s contrasting styles. Stickley describes the interplay as “very freeing and exhilarating.”
“Sailor Suit” – A cover of Steve McMurry’s 1990s Acoustic Syndicate tune, with Stickley on lead vocals.
“Pioneers” – Written by Keel during a 1990s tour along the Oregon Trail, this track reflects on the journeys of early settlers in the American West.
“Take the Air” – A Stickley original, inspired by David Grisman and Tony Rice, written in 7/4 time during the pandemic as a meditative, uplifting riff.
“Starborn” – Classic Keel: upbeat yet tinged with melancholy, closing with a spacey outro that serves as a tribute to a released soul.

Together, these songs push the boundaries of two-guitar arrangements, resulting in a progressive and compelling acoustic collection.

“Pioneers” is out as an early single. Stream/buy here.

Festival Favorites

Keel and Stickley are no strangers to the stage. Both have been staples on the bluegrass, Americana, and jam band circuits for years, sharing late-night jams and festival stages at Strings and Sol, Jam Cruise, DelFest, Hulaween, Suwannee Spring Reunion, Roots Revival, Hoxeyville, The Bender Jamboree, WinterWonderGrass, and Billy Strings’ Renewal, among many others.

✨ The Keel Stickley Duo brings raw virtuosity, creative spirit, and late-night jam energy to every note. Their debut EP is just the beginning of an inspired new chapter in their musical journey.

Larry Keel and Jon Stickley track listing
1.) Future Ghost (2:34)
2.) Sailor Suit (4:07)
3.) Pioneers (3:24)
4.) Take the Air (2:56)
5.) Starborn (4:03)

Produced by Larry Keel and Jon Stickley
Recorded/Engineered by James McLaughlin
Mastered by Crystal Mastering
Artwork/Design by Luther Blevins

The Berries Return: Matthew Berry’s Most Personal Album Yet

The Berries announces forthcoming new album. Photo: Ajalena Dewolf Moura, used with permission.

The Berries Announce New Self-Titled Album — Out August 29

A Return to Form for Matthew Berry

The Berries marks a pure return to form, delivering Matthew Berry’s strongest take yet on the hallowed tradition of the guitar-wielding singer-songwriter. The LP masterfully channels the tradition’s iconic sentiments—naked Americana, chemical winds whistling over barley shafts, longing-swollen livers, and pleading romance—while infusing them with a rich melancholy that is distinctly Berry’s. (another side, 2025)

Breaking from the Past

Berry describes the record as an act of survival and rebirth:

“This record came out of a need to break from my old self, to break from a lifestyle that I could no longer bear waking up to everyday. It’s equally fueled by remorse and relief—I can rejoice a bit in having found a renewed purpose, but I had to finally stare down everything that was standing in the way of that sense of dignity first.”

Sound and Structure

Sonically, The Berries draws inspiration from a long lineage of studio-centered pop songcraft—from the comedown genius of Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac to the reverb-drenched expanses of The War on Drugs.

The album unfolds as a series of impressionistic vignettes, each track carving out its own emotional terrain rather than conforming to established genre convention.

Lead Single: Angelus

On standout track and lead single “Angelus,” Berry threads together tender vocal melodies over a sparse progression, slowly building a wall of melancholy. The song resonates with a distinctly Californian desolation—capturing the loneliness of highway overpasses and the apocalyptic brightness of staring out across the Pacific.

Evolution of The Berries

The Berries began as a bedroom project—cosmic Americana and fuzzy guitar heroics that quickly secured Berry a multi-record deal with Run for Cover Records.

Since then, Berry has explored:

Berryland — country-inflected balladeering
Throne of Ivory — distorted, stadium-sized melodrama
High Flying Man — Californian burnout pop

Now, with The Berries, Berry steps fully into his role as a self-made studio auteur. Written in early 2025 and recorded that summer at engineer Jimmy Dixon’s home studio, the record reflects both urgency and precision, co-produced by Berry and Dixon.

Release Details

The Berries (self-released) will be available in stores and online August 29, 2025. It is available for pre-order/pre-save.

The Berries tracklist:

1 – Sedentary Blues
2 – Vagabond
3 – Angelus
4 – White Peach
5 – Wind Chime
6 – Run You Down
7 – Salt Of The Earth
8 – Lie In The Fire Again
9 – Something Better
10 – Seventh
Album Art/Photo By Ajalena Dewolf Moura

Hannah Delynn’s Trust Fall: A Vulnerable and Soulful Debut Album

Finding freedom through vulnerability, Delynn writes heartfelt songs of hope and healing. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Hannah Delynn Releases Debut Album Trust Fall — Out September 5

NASHVILLE — Nashville-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Delynn will independently release her debut full-length album, Trust Fall, on September 5. Known for her ability to view life through many perspectives, Hannah crafts songs that are emotionally engaging, compelling, and rooted in vulnerability. (Dreamspider Publicity, 2025)

This record is a heartfelt exploration of self-responsibility and the tangled web of emotions that come with it—a journey toward finding freedom by embracing one’s true self.

“I write about matters of the heart and hope my words and songs bring you hope and healing and connect you with the beauty that is all around us—even when it feels difficult to see.” — Hannah Delynn

A Spotlight on “Jealousy”

Hannah recently released “Jealousy,” the album’s third single, which premiered on The Bluegrass Situation. They described it as “anchored by emotive piano, exploring the depths and catacombs of often squashed emotions.”

The track leans toward a raw, almost pop sound, offering complete vulnerability by shining a light on a difficult emotion.

“Instead of being a shameful thing, jealousy can be an insight into what one really wants by seeing others as mirrors to oneself.” — Hannah Delynn

A Journey Across Continents

Originally from Florida, Hannah’s path to Nashville in 2013 took her through New Zealand, British Columbia, and Australia, collecting life stories along the way. Many of these experiences now live in the songs of Trust Fall, which reflects a season of profound grief, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, but also love, generosity, friendship, and beauty.

A Collaborative Creation

Produced by fellow songwriter Maya de Vitry, who also provides harmonies and performs on the record, Trust Fall features a talented cast of Nashville musicians:

Alex Wilder — harmony vocals, piano/Wurlitzer
Ethan Jodziewicz — arco and ukulele bass
John Mailander — fiddle, electronics
Jordan Tice — guitar
Annaliese Kowert — violins
Lizzy Ross — harmony vocals

The Songs of Trust Fall

The album features 11 original tracks by Hannah Delynn, with notable co-writes:

With Maya de Vitry: “Leaf on a River,” “Blood Alone,” “No Small Thing,” and string arrangements on “For the Record”
With Josh Rennie-Hynes: “For the Record”
With Clare Reynolds: “Jealousy”
Chordal arrangements for “Waiting” by Emily Mann

Trust Fall will be available September 5 on all major streaming platforms. It’s available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

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Western Swing Royalty: Asleep at the Wheel Drops Star-Studded Title Track

‘Riding High In Texas’ is the newest single from their forthcoming album. Photo: Bismeaux Records/Signature Sounds Recordings, used with permission.

Asleep at the Wheel Releases New Single “Riding High In Texas” Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Austin, TX — In celebration of their 50+ years as a cornerstone of Texas music, legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel has released the title track of their new album, Riding High In Texas, out August 22 via Bismeaux Records and Signature Sounds Recordings. (IV-PR, 2025)

The track, “Riding High In Texas,” was originally written by bluegrass great Peter Rowan and first appeared on his 1980 LP Medicine Trail. This new version features Ian Stewart—the band’s newest member—on lead vocals, delivering a quick, twangy take on the song.

In a nod to Rowan’s bluegrass roots, bandleader Ray Benson invited modern-day guitar phenom Billy Strings to lend his virtuosic picking to the track.

“Love everything about this song,” says Benson. “It also made for a great title for the record. Ian can yodel, and having Billy Strings play guitar on it… took it to a whole new level.”

The song’s hook—
“Let’s go riding high in Texas in my mind / Said sometimes I feel I gotta leave this crazy world behind”—
rings out with the band’s signature harmonies, pedal steel, and fiddles, all elevated by Strings’ unmistakable flatpicking.

Holler. premiered the track and its accompanying music video, calling it an “effortlessly cool road anthem with their signature pedal steel and fiddle licks.”

The video features Stewart on horseback, singing through the streets of Austin. Intercut with footage of saddle bronc riders and full-band performances at Dallas’ Longhorn Ballroom and Benson’s Austin studio, the video captures the Lone Star spirit that defines the band’s sound and this record.

🎵 Hear previously released singles “Texas In My Soul” and “Texas.”
📦 Pre-order or pre-save the full album Riding High In Texas.

🎉 Coming Up: Hall of Fame Induction

On August 9, Asleep at the Wheel will be officially inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Riding High In Texas tracklist:
Riding High In Texas
Texas In My Soul
Long Tall Texan
Texas
Texas Cookin’
Lonesome Pine Special
T for Texas (Blue Yodel #1)
All My Exes (Live in Texas)
There’s Still a Lot of Love in San Antone
Beaumont Rag

Catch Asleep At The Wheel On Tour

August
Wednesday, August 6 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
Thursday, August 7 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center (with Lyle Lovett)
Saturday, August 9 – Carthage, TX – Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 13 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
Thursday, August 14 – Norwalk, CT – District Music Hall
Friday, August 15 – Newton, NJ – Newton Theatre
Saturday, August 16 – Peekskill, NY – Paramount Hudson Valley
Sunday, August 17 – New York, NY – City Winery New York City
Tuesday, August 19 – Kent, OH – Kent Stage
Wednesday, August 20 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

25 Years of Chaos: Slipknot Reissues Debut Album with Rare Tracks & Live Cuts

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition). Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slipknot Celebrates 25 Years with Explosive Anniversary Reissue of Their Debut Album

Slipknot is marking a major milestone in their storied legacy with the 25th Anniversary Edition of their groundbreaking, self-titled debut album — a record that reshaped the heavy metal landscape and launched the Iowa nine into the stratosphere. (another side, 2025)

Originally released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot was a sonic Molotov cocktail that exploded onto the scene with raw energy, brutal precision, and an uncompromising creative vision. Produced by the legendary Ross Robinson, the album went double platinum, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a metal classic. Now, 25 years later, the band is revisiting the chaos and creativity of that moment with a deluxe reissue that reveals how it all came to be.

Deluxe Edition Details

Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) will be released on September 5, 2025, via Roadrunner Records and will be available across digital platforms and physical formats.

Pre-order formats include:

A 6LP box set on blood-splattered vinyl (limited to 1,899 copies)
2LP and 2CD editions
Full digital release across streaming services

The 6LP set includes the original album, plus never-before-heard recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased takes sourced from SR Audio, Indigo Ranch, and more. These rare tracks provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the debut—charting the band’s evolution from raw brutality to refined chaos.

In a nod to the fans who’ve been with them since the beginning, the band also released an ultra-limited blood-filled vinyl version via their secret website — limited to just 100 copies, which sold out instantly and even crashed the site.

Exclusive Live Recordings & Rare Demos

The anniversary edition includes live recordings from Slipknot’s first world tour in 1999–2000. One set captures their unfiltered power on a small stage in Hartford, CT, while another from the UK shows them commanding a festival mainstage with explosive force. These performances have been remixed and mastered from original soundboard tapes and handpicked by the band to best reflect their primal early era.

Fans will also get access to a previously unreleased demo of “Prosthetics,” recorded before entering the studio with Ross Robinson. This early version reveals the seeds of what would become one of the album’s most haunting tracks.

A Legacy of Innovation

Guitarist Jim Root reflects:

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that. We just wanted people to hear it… The dream scenario, in some ways, came true for us.”

That dream evolved into Knotfest, the band’s signature touring festival launched in 2012, and Knotfest.com, a thriving media platform amplifying new voices in the heavy music world. From genre-shattering albums to game-changing live performances, Slipknot has built a multi-generational fanbase that stretches across borders and decades.

Founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan adds:

“Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up.”

The 25th Anniversary Is for the Maggots

This anniversary is more than just a reissue—it’s a thank you to the fans, the Maggots, who’ve carried the band for a quarter century. Slipknot is bringing the story full circle, revisiting where it all began while reminding us why they’ve remained one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Pre-order now and prepare to relive the chaos that started it all.

[Slipknot (25th Anniversary Edition) drops September 5, 2025.]

L-R: Box Set 6LP Packshot, 2LP Packshot. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slow Crush Announces Thirst: A Haunting New Chapter in Shoegaze

Slow Crush reveals ‘While You Dream Vividly’ from their new album Thirst. Photo: Stefaan Temmerman, used with permission.

🎤Slow Crush Announce New Album Thirst, Out August 29 via Pure Noise Records

Slow Crush is back—and more immersive than ever. The Belgian four-piece has announced their upcoming album, Thirst, due out August 29 via their new label, Pure Noise Records. Known for their powerful fusion of rock and shoegaze, Slow Crush further solidifies their place at the forefront of the genre with this emotionally rich and sonically textured release. (another side, 2025)

A Dreamscape of Sound: New Single “While You Dream Vividly”

Last month, the band gave listeners a taste of what’s to come with their latest single, “While You Dream Vividly.” Ethereal and haunting, the track unfolds as a layered journey through longing and surrender.

“We wanted to capture the sensation of being tethered to someone yet drifting weightlessly, lost in the surreal beauty of the moment,” the band shares.

Set to a hypnotic rhythm and draped in melancholic tones, the song draws you into a hazy dreamscape where time fades and only connection remains. Frontwoman Isa Holliday’s evocative lyrics—what she calls “true blue”—echo like a timeless promise, leaving you floating, falling, and forever yearning.

A Gritty Evolution

On Thirst, Slow Crush’s signature gauzy riffs and propulsive rhythms return with even more grit and depth. The band used the downtime between tours to dive deep into their creative process following the success of their acclaimed albums Aurora (2018) and Hush (2021), which collectively sold tens of thousands of physical copies worldwide.

This time, they decamped to The Ranch in Southampton, U.K., teaming up with producer Lewis Johns. With no expectations except transformation, vocalist/bassist Isa Holliday, drummer Frederik Meeuwis, and guitarists Jelle Ronsmans and Nic Placlé pushed their sound into new territory.

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability

Across Thirst’s ten tracks, Slow Crush explores themes of renewal, connection, and emotional intensity. The album is heavier and more vulnerable than ever. Isa reached new emotional depths in the recording booth—some tracks brought her to tears, marking the band’s rawest and most personal work yet. Pre-Order / Pre-Save Thirst.

At its heart, Thirst revolves around what Isa calls:

“The romance of being with a loved one.”

Whether navigating the ache of distance or savoring the fleeting perfection of reunion, Thirst captures that delicate tension—of being tethered to someone while drifting together through something dreamlike and beautiful.

Upcoming Fall Tour

To celebrate the release of Thirst, Slow Crush will embark on a headlining Fall tour beginning in early September. The run kicks off on the East Coast and includes stops across both coasts, the Midwest, and more.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now.

Thirst tracklist:

1 – Thirst
2 – Covet
3 – Cherry
4 – Leap
5 – Hollow
6 – Haven
7 – While You Dream Vividly
8 – Bloodmoon
9 – Ógilt
10 – Hlýtt

Stay tuned for more from Slow Crush as Thirst approaches. This one promises to be their most transcendent chapter yet.

‘RED’ by Jet Jurgensmeyer: A Country Anthem That Bleeds Unity

‘RED’ cover art. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎶Jet Jurgensmeyer Releases Powerful New Music Video for “RED”

Nashville, TN – Rising country artist Jet Jurgensmeyer has officially dropped the music video for his latest single, “RED,” now available on all major streaming platforms. (Aristo PR, 2025)

🎥A Visual Tribute to Heart, Hard Work, and Heritage

Filmed at the scenic Galloway Farms in Franklin, Tennessee, the video showcases Jurgensmeyer immersed in rural Americana—waving the American flag, working the land, and reflecting on shared values. Directed by the Riker Brothers, the film pairs sweeping drone shots and raw, grounded imagery with the song’s soul-stirring message: “At the end of the day, we all bleed red.”

“Filming this music video was an absolute blast,” says Jurgensmeyer. “I felt right at home working on the farm, and I think this video really captures the heart of what we wrote the song about. It’s a freedom anthem for everyone.”

The Story Behind “RED”

Written by Jurgensmeyer, Ericca Latza, and Kayleigh Clark, the idea for “RED” was sparked during Jet’s drive to their first-ever writing session together. He pitched a concept centered around the color red—a symbol of both unity and struggle.

The song evolved into a powerful anthem celebrating the shared human experience, touching on themes of hard work, love, pride, and identity. From red dirt on blue-collar boots to the stripes on the American flag, “RED” reminds us that, despite our differences, we all bleed the same.

Produced by Jurgensmeyer and Dan Frizsell at Farmland (Berry Hill) in Nashville, the track is a bold statement wrapped in an authentic country sound.

Building Momentum with “Going Next”

“RED” follows the release of Jet’s emotionally charged single “Going Next”—a heartfelt reflection on relationships and perseverance, co-written with Andrew Rizzuto. The acoustic-driven ballad paints a tender portrait of love through uncertainty, vulnerability, and the promise of what’s to come.

From THE RIDE: phase 2

Both singles are featured on Jurgensmeyer’s 2024 album, THE RIDE: phase 2, released in July. The 11-track collection blends country, rock, and pop, delivering fan favorites like “Good Days,” “Coffee Bar,” and “Falling Too.” Each song showcases Jet’s evolving songwriting, diving into themes of love, growth, and emotional resilience.

Available now on all streaming platforms, THE RIDE: phase 2 cements Jurgensmeyer as one of country music’s most promising new voices.

More Than Music: A Career in Entertainment

Beyond his musical talents, Jet Jurgensmeyer is a seasoned actor and voice artist, with standout roles in hit series like Last Man Standing, Adventures in Babysitting, and TOTS (as the voice of Pip the Penguin). He’s also appeared in acclaimed projects such as Ozark, American Sniper, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI.

His voice work spans beloved shows like Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, and Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie. In every project, Jurgensmeyer brings heartfelt authenticity and vibrant energy.

Giving Back

Outside of the spotlight, Jurgensmeyer is also known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, showing a commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the stage.

Stream “RED” and watch the official video today – a heartfelt anthem from an artist who’s just getting started.

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

‘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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