This is one of the most impressive lyrical tracks I’ve heard all year. The opening line is an absolute stunner and the imagery doesn’t stop there. From irony to just outright cleverness, it’s about the depths of sin and human identity but doesn’t feel preachy at all. In fact, it’s not a sermon at all, but it’ll teach you a lot about how to live your life. The Americana pseudo-throwback style is the perfect vehicle for it, too…..READ MORE
West Virginia is far more than meets the eye. A native of Morgantown, singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin paints a rich and honest portrayal of his homeland and its people with his debut album. Seneca is a moving snapshot of his 26 years of life and well-soiled roots in the Appalachian hills, a backdrop that has given birth to some of the most intelligent and hard-working people in the country.
When you partake in his gripping storytelling, it comes as no surprise that Godwin’s shared bills with the likes of Shooter Jennings, Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Luke Combs, Aaron Watson, David Allan Coe, Sundy Best, Waymore’s Outlaws and Nicholas Jamerson. Godwin is truly at home on stage and alongside like-minded musicians who go against the grain and shake up the status quo.
“This album will give people a really good look into what it’s like culturally in Appalachia. People have a way-off view from the outside of what we’re all about, what our priorities are and how smart we are,” says Godwin. The record is steeped to perfection in gentle mountain streams and a way of living that is surprisingly universal. Through earnest, sinewy craftsmanship, he mitigates the stereotypes that plague the state and reconfigures expectations.
Another essential piece of his story, “Shrinks and Pills” exhibits a dry, sly humor and sees Godwin lament the roar of the open road in his ears and an unquenchable homesickness wedged deep in his bones. He misses the comfort of his homestead, but he wouldn’t have it any other way–heartache be damned. “Hardwood Floors” dazzles in the dim light of a local pub as he shares a tender embrace with his wife amidst the ho-hum of the crowd…..READ MORE
Mad Crush lead guitarist Mark Whelan worked at New World Records, a small independent shop in Charlotte, NC, in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He reflects on his time behind the counter. —Ed.
“Being surrounded by vinyl, listening to records all day expanded my taste, which is what I wanted.”
“Opportunities to explore music were scarce then, when you could only hear what was on the radio or what friends owned, or what you could afford to buy. Maybe it was a bit more exciting to listen to something the first time because of the ceremony it required—taking a record home, pulling off the shrink-wrap, and laying around on the floor or couch listening while studying the album cover. Record stores are part of that treasure hunt, the feeling that something fascinating was probably lurking in a bin somewhere….READ MORE
Patrick Damphier has established himself as a band guy in the Nashville scene, playing with the likes of Paper Rival, the Mynabirds, Lionlimb and others. But these days he’s working under his own name and gearing up for the Feb. 1 release of his first solo album, Say I’m Pretty, whose single “Pretend It,” featuring Richard Swift and Molly Parden, is premiering exclusively below. READ MORE…
For a relatively unknown project, the persona of EE Beyond has found a bold and distinct niche. Following in the footsteps of artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, the LA-based artist born Elaine Faye reckons with her life through music. Her debut EP, Watercolor Lies, is packed with societal commentary and personal experiences, speaking about living as a woman, a person of color, an American and a dreamer. READ MORE…