The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Sarah Morris, Doyle Turner, Christine Davis, and other guest contributors
About That Song: Elexa Dawson
In the 116th installment of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the powerful Kansas singer-songwriter about music and experiences that impacted her artistic journey.
Artist Interview: Q&A With Allison Russell
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, poet, activist and multi-instrumentalist talks about her new album, In the Hour of Chaos, and her upcoming show at First Avenue in Minneapolis on November 1.
Event Review: The 50th Great River Folk Festival in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Fifty years in, La Crosse's volunteer-run folk festival is still one of the Upper Midwest's best-kept secrets, and its lineup and listening crowds are as strong as ever.
Music Review: BAILEN, ‘SWIM!!!’
In the New York trio’s third album and first independent release, they trust their instincts and express their truest, rawest selves.
About That Song: Kaatwalk
In the 115th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Twin Cities artist about important points in her musical journey and about some of the songs on her recent EP and upcoming album.
About That Song: Andy Ulseth
In the 114th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Minnesota songwriter about game-changing songs in his creative journey.
About That Song: Sumanth Gopinath of The Gated Community
In the 113th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Americana bandleader and singer-songwriter about songs and moments that helped shape his artistic journey.
Music Review: Laura Hugo, ‘Where We Go to Grieve’
The beloved Twin Cities singer-songwriter’s debut EP is a showcase of her breathtaking vocals and tender, intricate lyrics about grief and heartbreak.
Music Review: Christopher David Hanson, ‘The Bewilderness’
The northern Minnesota artist’s new album reflects his earned wisdom and musical experience, delivering profound truths with disarming honesty.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 12
This is the final chapter in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Josh Cleveland
In the 112th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the soulful Minnesota artist about game-changing songs and moments in his songwriting journey and about songs off his new album.
About That Song: Sarah Something
In the 111th edition of our special interview series, Sarah Morris talks to the Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter about game-changing songs and memorable moments in her artistic journey.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 11
This is the 11th in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Laura Hugo
In the 110th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Twin Cities artist about important points in her musical journey and about some of the songs on her new EP.
Artist Interview: Q&A With Todd Albright
The Detroit artist talks about recording his new album and all things prewar blues.
Blue Ox 2026 in Pictures
The beloved Wisconsin music festival was a feast for all the senses. Here’s what it looked like through the lens of photojournalist Tom Smouse.
The Ins and Outs of Blue Ox
Get to know the iconic Wisconsin music festival through the eyes of attendees, artists and volunteers.
About That Song: Vanessa Lively
In the 109th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the Austin-based singer-songwriter about songs and experiences that helped shape her artistic journey.
Josie Langhorst: Diary of a Minnesota Musician, Chapter 10
This is the 10th in a yearlong monthly series following the experiences and creative journey of a Minnesota musician new to the Twin Cities.
About That Song: Dan Rodriguez
In the 108th edition of our special series, Sarah talks to the soulful Americana singer-songwriter about songs and moments that helped shape his artistic journey.