The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Sarah Morris, Doyle Turner, Christine Davis, and other guest contributors
Music Review: Riddy Arman
This weathered and wise debut album from newcomer Riddy Arman delivers a kind of rich, contemplative sound that evokes the classic country from decades past, full of story and gentle power.
Music Review: The Younger Brothers, ‘Hanging on July’
The retro folk-pop duo is back with a second release—a harmony-drenched EP of pure bliss.
Music Review: Barbaro, ‘Under the Covers’
The Minnesota neo-bluegrass outfit charms with a quirky benefit EP of covers for a good cause.
Music Review: Self-Titled Album from Buffalo Nichols
The debut album from this fascinating singer-songwriter is a stunning first glimpse at his talent and a tantalizing promise of more to come.
Music Review: Brother Galen’s On the Way
Self-proclaimed “street country troubadour” Brother Galen’s newly released album is a surprising and welcome escape into an enchanted forest of Americana you didn’t know you needed.
Music Review: Wolf Willow, ‘Old Guitars & Shooting Stars’
The Saskatchewan countrypolitan band’s latest album is a swanky retro delight.
Music Review: Leon Timbo, ‘Lovers & Fools’
On his new EP, the versatile roots artist adds country and folk to his already-rich blended sound, broadening the big tent of Americana in the process.
Music Review & Artist Interview: Humbird’s Still Life
Local singer-songwriter Humbird’s upcoming sophomore album, Still Life, is an experimental Nordic-synth-folk meditation on healing and building for each of our bruised and battered souls.
Music Review: Maygen & The Birdwatcher, ‘Moonshine’
The unlikely pair’s first full-length album highlights their individual and collective talents in a wide but fluid range of Americana sounds.
Music review: Anders Jörnesten, ‘Man on the Run’
The Swedish singer-songwriter’s love of country—along with some other unusual influences—shines through on his spare, haunting debut EP.
Exclusive: The Sapsuckers to announce a monthly residency at Palmer’s Bar in Minneapolis
You heard it here first! The Minneapolis winter forecast just got brighter thanks to an exciting upcoming announcement from Wisconsin-based country duo The Sapsuckers!
Show Review: El Drifte, Slim Stone, and Thelma & the Sleaze at the Hook and Ladder
Three stellar acts each delivered their distinct blend of country and rock at this high-energy Minneapolis show.
Artist Interview: Q&A with j.bell
The frontman of Minnesota roots rockers j.bell and the Lazy Susan Band talks about their album Unreliable Witness and upcoming release show—an unusual quadruple bill.
Music Review: Eric Harrison, ‘Good Intentions’
The New Jersey-based Americana artist has fun paying homage to his influences while staying true to his heartfelt vision on a new EP.
Music Review: Shannon Clark & the Sugar’s Marks on the Wall
This family trio from Ohio explore loss, grief, and healing in their newly released album Marks on the Wall, saturated with a truly Americana blend of country, blues, and indie-rock.
Artist Interview: The Younger Brothers
The up-and-coming throwback folk-pop duo talks about their origins, their recent debut album and their upcoming EP.
Event Review: 2021 Great River Folk Festival in La Crosse, Wisconsin
This festival is a low-key gem that attracts a rich vein of local and national talent. We caught as many acts as we could so we could share them with you!
Event Review: 2021 Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Carol took a real adventure in Americana—four nights of camping and three days of music in the middle of the woods in Wisconsin. Here’s her coverage of this epic event, with photos by Tom Smouse and Laura Lee Buhman!
Music Review: Sierra Ferrell, Long Time Coming
Sierra Ferrell’s dazzling debut album on the Rounder label takes the listener on a journey around the world while delving into the depths of heartache and a search for home—wherever, whatever, and whomever that may be.
Music Review: Saints & Liars, ‘These Times’
Seasoned Vermont roots band delivers an album loaded up with foot-stomping roadhouse-tested originals and a few softer, mellower surprises.