Category: News

New posthumous JJ Cale album announced for April

Because Music have announced the release of ‘Stay Around’, the first posthumous album by beloved songwriter, guitarist, and singer JJ Cale, on 26th April in the UK. ‘Stay Around’ has been compiled by those closest to Cale, his widow and musician Christine Lakeland Cale and friend and longtime manager, Mike Kappus. You can watch the video below of the album’s debut single, ‘Chasing You’, featuring footage of Cale touring (which he seldom did) and performing across the U.S.  Continue reading “New posthumous JJ Cale album announced for April”

The Mekons announce new album for March – Listen

Leaving you this weekend dear reader with news that British folk-punk collective The Mekons will release a new album ‘Deserted’ on March 29th via our friends at Bloodshot, their first formal studio album since 2011’s Ancient & Modern.  Emboldened by a sold-out tour and a surge of interest in the States after the release of the documentary Revenge of the Mekons, the Mekons retreated to the fringes of Joshua Tree National Park and popular culture to record their new album. Singer/guitarist Jon Langford said of the recording experience: Continue reading “The Mekons announce new album for March – Listen”

Here are all the winners from last night’s AMAUK 2019 awards

The fourth of the Americana Music Association UK’s award shows took place last night in Hackney Empire and it was as star-studded an event as always, with performances from Bennet Wilson Poole, Ethan Johns, Graham Nash, Rhiannon Giddens (who was also a keynote speaker at the AMA UK Conference), Jade Bird, YOLA, Seth Lakeman, Chris Hillman and Curse of Lono.   Continue reading “Here are all the winners from last night’s AMAUK 2019 awards”

Folk icons Dervish’s Rounder debut features Steve Earle

As one of the most renowned and imaginative interpreters of Irish folk music (and one time Eurovision entry for Ireland), Dervish have devoted the last three decades to gently reinventing the traditional songs of their homeland. On their debut release for Rounder Records,‘The Great Irish Songbook’, the Sligo-based band join up with over a dozen other acts across an eclectic range of genres, including Steve Earle, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Brendan Gleeson, Jamey Johnson, Kate Rusby, The SteelDrivers and Abigail Washburn. Continue reading “Folk icons Dervish’s Rounder debut features Steve Earle”

What is this Americana thing anyway… an introduction

Anybody who is a fan of the genre – by which we mean you our dear readers – is bound to have been asked at some point: “What kind of music do you like?” Your reply will have been “I really like Americana”. You will all, no doubt, have been met by the same blank faces or quizzical looks or maybe the classic question “What the hell is THAT?”. We’ve all been there. In this, a new occasional series, we attempt to get to the bottom of what the genre is (if indeed it is one thing) and how our particular love for it as writers for Americana-UK came about. As usual, your thoughts, comments and observations are warmly welcomed.

The Mountain Goats return, In League with Dragons!

The Mountain Goats, our favourite band to be named after animals since, er, The Animals, have announced their return with a new album called ‘In League With Dragons’ which is due April 26th on Merge. The cover of it’s spectacular, which you can gaze at below.  The album is described as “surging with wild tales of revenge and redemption, heroes at a crossroads, and great figures in decline,” with twelve new songs penned by John Darnielle that include a wide array of styles, from shades of the 80s Athens scene to swathes of outlaw country and a few motorik meditations.  Continue reading “The Mountain Goats return, In League with Dragons!”

Iron & Wine announce 15th Anniversary edition of “Our Endless Numbered Days”

Two of the best things in life are ironing and drinking wine and in celebration of that timeless fact, Sub Pop will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Iron & Wine classic ‘Our Endless Numbered Days’ with the release of a newly remastered and expanded deluxe edition on CD/2xLP/DL worldwide on March 22nd, 2019. This version will feature eight previously never before heard demos, new artwork, and a 12-page booklet including liner notes from author Amanda Petrusich.  You can now hear the demo version  “Passing Afternoon” below.  Continue reading “Iron & Wine announce 15th Anniversary edition of “Our Endless Numbered Days””

AMAUK’s 2019 conference begins today

So it’s all kicking off, not in a bad way, in London today as delegates arrive for the AMA-UK conference which takes place in Hackney House and is packed full of panels, conversation, presentations and the chance to meet up with that industry person who you embarrassed yourself in front of at least year’s conference but hey, it’s all water under the bridge now. Continue reading “AMAUK’s 2019 conference begins today”

Luke Sital-Singh announces UK dates for April

We leave you this weekend dear reader with news that following his short run of dates in December, Luke Sital-Singh has announced a more extensive UK Tour in support of his upcoming new album, ‘A Golden State’, which is out April 5th on Raygun Records via The Orchard.  Continue reading “Luke Sital-Singh announces UK dates for April”