
The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Jaclyn Nott, Sarah Morris, Jacson Miller, and other guest contributors

Single Premiere: Tommy Goodroad, ‘Linger’
Get an exclusive first listen to the Midwest country act’s new track, dropping May 20, which puts an unexpected honky-tonk spin on a classic 90s alternative radio hit!

Music Review & Interview: Fellow Pynins’ Lady Mondegreen
This Oregon-based folk duo with Minneapolis ties celebrate the traditional music of Ireland, the British Isles, Newfoundland and Appalachia on their stunning new album, Lady Mondegreen. By evoking the history, stories, landscapes, ancestry, passion and tragedy of the people from these regions, this album offers listeners a musical conduit to explore their own experiences and emotions.

Tips for Festival-Goers From Blue Ox Organizers
We spoke to three co-founders about the iconic Wisconsin music festival—and got some insider tips for prospective attendees!

Event Review: 2022 Mid West Music Fest in Winona, Minnesota
The AiA crew took in two days of music on a rainy but magical weekend in southeast Minnesota.

Music Review: Eleganza!, ‘Water Valley High’
The genre-straddling Minnesota rock band serves up their trademark eclectic blend of styles and influences on a potent new album.

Artist Q&A: Brandon Henry of Art Vandalay
As the Americana rockers prepare for a long-delayed album release show, the band’s founding member shared his thoughts about their recent record Champagne & Chandeliers and more.

Music Review: Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes, ‘FORE!!!!’
Though the themes are darker than past releases, the new EP from this working-class Midwest folk act is bursting at the seams with warmth and heart.


Music Review: The Cactus Blossoms, ‘One Day’
Nostalgia, pain and optimism coexist on the Minnesota group’s new album, which showcases a new facet in their ever-evolving sound.
Show Review: Joshua Ray Walker with Andrew Hibbard at the Turf Club
On a frigid Sunday night at the Turf Club in St. Paul, the headliner exceeded high expectations and the opener won over the crowd.

Music Review: David Jameson, ‘Tall Dark Pines’
On his new album, a world-traveled singer-songwriter finds home in classic country, traditional folk and romanticized Old West outlaw imagery.

Blue Ox Reveals Initial Lineup & Details for 2022 Festival
Find out who’s playing and what’s new at this annual Wisconsin gem.

Virtual Listening Party: Mark Joseph
A song-by-song exploration of Mark Joseph’s ‘Vegas Motel’

Top 5 Ways to Support Musicians & Venues in 2022
When times are tough, supporting the artists who create the music that support us makes us part of an ecosystem, a community based on connection, love, and joy. A community that shows up for each other is only stronger for its struggles.

Music Review: Cole Allen, ‘The Other Side’
The veteran Minnesota blues rocker strips down his sound to tell a powerful, emotional story on his new acoustic EP.

Music Review: Boots & Needles
The self-titled debut EP from this charming Minnesota duo is like a candy sampler, with tantalizing tastes of what’s to come.

Music Review: Russell James’ ‘Feel Your Pain’
Native American indie-folk singer songwriter Russell James’ fourth album dives down into struggles with autism, depression, and trauma but also provides space to explore vulnerability, pain, and transcendence.

Music Review: Land at Last, ‘Windbound’
Minnesota superduo Jake Ilika and Mike Munson join forces on a new, surprisingly multilayered EP.

Music Review: Anthony St. James, ‘Songs of Anthony St. James’
The Pennsylvania folk singer-songwriter’s debut album is a vivid collection of working-class story songs about his native state.

Music Review: Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen, ‘The Unreal Deal’
The southern Minnesota band’s debut album delivers punchy, story-driven Americana alt-rock.