Tap your feet to this performance of ‘Wildcat Creek’ by Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters, recorded at the Mag Bar in Louisville this summer. The song is taken from the brand new LP, an extended edition of the ‘Companion’ EP, which was originally released in 2019. The new LP version includes a bonus track and an acoustic live set on the B-side. The Indiana singer-songwriter has released a number of EPs and full-length albums, featuring strong narrative songs and the sort of interesting characters Dittmeier has met while out touring relentlessly. Enjoy.
Author: Andrew Frolish
From up north but now hiding in rural Suffolk. An insomniac music-lover. Love discovering new music to get lost in - country, singer-songwriters, Americana, rock...whatever. Currently enjoying Lukas Nelson, Midland, Jarrod Dickenson.
Video: Mary Scholz “Lady Liberty”
Mary Scholz’s vocal soars on ‘Lady Liberty’ as she sings: “Break down the barriers // And tear down that wall // And make good the promise // Of freedom and justice for all.” It’s direct and open-hearted and all the better for it. The song is a positive response to the turmoil of 2020, particularly the racial injustices she saw around her. The song’s message of inclusion is reinforced by the accompanying video, which features the lyrics in sign language. Continue reading “Video: Mary Scholz “Lady Liberty””
Video: Mountaintop Junkshop “Misadventureland”
The exquisite violin and lovely vocal melody are highlights of the new song from Mountaintop Junkshop. On their new single, the Leicester four-piece band display excellent songcraft and harmonies. With layers of sound, a strong rhythm and intriguing lyrics, Mountaintop Junkshop have created an engaging, absorbing song with a quirky accompanying video. Enjoy.
Video: Old Sea Brigade “How it Works”
The dreamy voice of Ben Cramer, also-known-as Old Sea Brigade, is underpinned by a strong rhythm and layers of sound in his latest single, which manages to be at once both mellow and vibrant. This is Cramer’s first new music since the collaboration with Luke Sital-Singh, ‘All the Ways You Sing in the Dark’, and is taken from his upcoming album, due for release in 2021. ‘How it Works’ is about the realities of the music industry and was written following an encounter with someone in the business. Continue reading “Video: Old Sea Brigade “How it Works””
Video Premiere: Phill Reynolds “Is it Painful”
The layered vocals that rise up as ‘Is it Painful’ builds are exquisite and are the highlight of this striking song from Italian singer-songwriter Phill Reynolds. Reynolds’ voice is deep, earthy, rootsy and full of character, bringing to mind the likes of Nick Cave or Tom Waits. Marion Moroder’s gorgeous backing adds further depth and texture and the result is absorbing. Continue reading “Video Premiere: Phill Reynolds “Is it Painful””
Exclusive AUK ‘Mega-Concert’ Premiere: VanWyck
Throughout this challenging year, Americana-UK has posted occasional ‘mini-gigs’ to connect artists with their audiences. At a time when attending live music events was out of the question for many, these little shows, from artists’ living rooms to yours, was a way of spreading the joy music can bring. Now, for the first time, we bring you a full 40-minute concert film from Dutch singer-songwriter VanWyck. Continue reading “Exclusive AUK ‘Mega-Concert’ Premiere: VanWyck”
Video: Wolf & Moon “While We Ride”
Wolf & Moon Follow up the release of their second full-length album, ‘Follow the Signs’, with this cleverly-produced new video. The visual beauty matches the lush sound of the duo’s ‘dream-folk’ sonic soundscape. The Berlin-based pair are well-known for their adventurous approach, having booked a US tour before they’d even recorded any music together. Continue reading “Video: Wolf & Moon “While We Ride””
Video: Paul Simon “Still Crazy After All These Years”
So, it’s Thanksgiving for our American friends. The perfect way to celebrate is to watch one of the great singer-songwriters dressed as a turkey for Saturday Night Live. When he realises how ridiculous he looks, Paul Simon cuts the song short and heads backstage to complain. Simon proves his comic skills are right up there with his musical abilities. What a good sport. Simply brilliant. Paul Simon: “It was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life.” Lorne Michaels: “What? The band came in late?”
Video: Sunny Ozell “American Tune”
This is a glorious version of Paul Simon’s classic, ‘American Tune’. Sunny Ozell’s voice is pure, insistent and resonant. The song came from a recording session at EastWest Studios ready for a live-stream festival. It’s been a busy year for the Reno, Nevada-raised singer-songwriter, who released her acclaimed second album, ‘Overnight Lows’, and a live EP recorded at the Village. Continue reading “Video: Sunny Ozell “American Tune””
Video: Luke Concannon “Doing Nothing”
Although it’s quite disturbing to see a marionette of Ed Sheeran dancing, this is a wonderfully creative video from Luke Concannon. The inventive use of a puppet-version of Concannon, dancing alongside the real deal, conveys a message about being in control of your life and is central to the song’s themes. Concannon explains: “I wrote this in a friend’s remote Welsh shepherds hut – no electricity, running water or reception. It’s an honest song about the addictions that keep me from flourishing sometimes, wanting to take the easy route of consuming media, or whatever distractions I can get, rather than bravely showing up with my heart on my sleeve.” Continue reading “Video: Luke Concannon “Doing Nothing””