Your Front Row Seat To Americana Music
In this era of manufactured blonde Barbie Doll country queens, the landscape is crying out for authenticity and truth. Nikki Lane has answered that call. With her third album, Highway Queen, set for release on February 17th via New West Records, Lane bares her soul. In the grand tradition of the lauded female pioneers of... Continue Reading →
Many sites have crafted all manner of "Best Of 2016" lists, reviews, and other musical offerings--we decided not to partake this year, because honestly, we go to great lengths to feature only the best music all year long--and what a year it's been! In 2016, Mother Church Pew reviewed over 40 stellar releases from amazing... Continue Reading →
Since its formation in 2004, the Joplin, Missouri-based Ben Miller Band has taken the DIY approach to a whole new level, tipping its collective trucker hat to the rootsy ruckus of America's musical past, while carving out its own quirky niche in the modern tsunami of Americana music--a style Miller has dubbed "ozark stomp." The... Continue Reading →
"The Highway Queen don't need no king," declares Americana icon-in-the-making Nikki Lane, in the title track of her forthcoming record, set for release on February 17, 2017 via New West Records. The album, poised to be Lane’s major mainstream breakthrough, is a journey through heartbreak that takes exquisite turns; from whiskey-soaked laments to rollicking bangers... Continue Reading →
Shovels & Rope - Little Seeds With their uniquely distinctive sound, intelligent songwriting, and energetic live performances, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent (a.k.a. Shovels & Rope) have established themselves as glimmering threads in the Americana tapestry. Their third studio album, Little Seeds, out today via New West Records, is by far their most personal and socially conscious... Continue Reading →
Aaron Lee Tasjan is set to release his latest album, Silver Tears, on October 28th via New West Records, which follows last year’s self-released In The Blazes. Silver Tears was produced by Eli Thomson (Father John Misty) and features a band comprised of Thomson, David Vandervelde, Frank Lenz (Starflyer 59, Richard Swift), Dan Bailey (First Aid Kit), Max Hart (Guster), and Charlie... Continue Reading →
I’ve always had an affinity for Nickel Creek; when Chris Thile headed out on his own, his was the path I followed. Sara Watkins was an impressive fiddle player, but in some oddly-misplaced notion that the fiddle is not a songwriter’s tool, I never listened to her solo work until now—something that was, simply put,... Continue Reading →
With his new self-titled album, Texas songwriter Robert Ellis has embarked on a sonic, and somewhat theatrical adventure, has expanded the limits of Americana music, and has invited us along for the ride. Out today via New West Records, Robert Ellis shows the Americana craftsman giving his normally acoustic tone a shot of dynamic production... Continue Reading →
Nashville songstress Lilly Hiatt played her stirring song, "Far Away", exclusively for us at New West Records in Nashville recently. "Far Away" is the first song from Hiatt's latest release, 2015's Royal Blue; the record, produced by Adam Landry, embodies a gritty spirit of freedom that is a shining example of all things good about Americana music. Without further... Continue Reading →
Canadian award-winning veteran country and folk artist Corb Lund is on tour supporting his latest album, Things That Can’t Be Undone, which came out last October via New West Records, and was produced by the legendary and beloved Nashville-based Dave Cobb. “He’s very hands-on. He’s fearless," says Lund of the man with the musical Midas touch. "He requested that... Continue Reading →