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: Eli Gardiner
In the second edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a Twin Cities artist about the song that inspired him to become a songwriter.
About That Song: Abbey Janii & Mike Lee of Goatroper
In the first edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews two Twin Cities country artists about the songs that inspired them to become songwriters.
Music Review: Katie Dahl, ‘Seven Stones’
The Wisconsin-born singer-songwriter delivers a poignantly joyful new collection of deeply personal, moving insights.
Single Premiere: Jerrika Mighelle, “Be Brave”
The Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter is releasing the title track to her profound new album tomorrow. Hear it first here!
Q&A with Storyhill Fest Founders Chris Cunningham & Johnny Hermanson
We caught up with Chris and Johnny before August’s Storyhill Fest to learn more about this remarkable event.
Single Premiere: Eli Gardiner, “Bad Weed”
The Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter’s live album comes out tomorrow. Hear a single from it first here!
Music Review: Dry So Long
The Swedish band’s latest release is a moody but fun mashup of blues, psychedelic rock and country music.
Single Premiere: Clare Doyle, “Devices”
The debut single from this rising Minneapolis singer-songwriter delivers dark insights about addiction with energy and attitude. Hear it first here!
Album Premiere: Easy Dreams, ‘Sunformer’
The L.A. folk duo-turned-rock band releases their luminous debut full-length on Friday, May 12. Get an exclusive first listen to the whole album here!
Music Review: Logan Halstead, ‘Dark Black Coal’
The young singer-songwriter’s eagerly anticipated debut album is a stripped-down, dark black masterpiece.
Music Review: Trapper Schoepp, “Siren Songs”
The rootsy Wisconsin singer-songwriter’s new album captivates with Irish-influenced songs of love and the sea.
Single Premiere: The Belle Curves, “Check Engine Light (Tape Version)”
New York singer-songwriter Delaney Hafener drops an alternate recording of a single from last year’s Watershed. Get an exclusive first listen here!
Music Review: Jonivan Jones, ‘Ragged Jangly’
The itinerant singer-songwriter’s album is a travelogue of places, experiences and roots music styles.
Music Review: Prateek, ‘’Til June’
The Boston singer-songwriter takes listeners on a wide-ranging journey of emotions and Americana sounds on his first full-length studio album.
Single Premiere: Luke Callen, “Lake Street Hustle”
The folk artist’s simmering, atmospheric new single paints a gritty but sympathetic portrait of a vibrant but troubled Minneapolis neighborhood.
Show Review: Chris Acker & Hemma at UME Studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
This intimate concert in a brand new venue, featuring a New Orleans singer-songwriter of the highest caliber, was a thing of beauty: truly a show for music lovers by music lovers.
Video Premiere: Superior Siren, “Love Poem”
The ethereal folk artist from Duluth, MN will release their new music video tomorrow, March 18. Get an exclusive first look here!
Music Review: Derek Pritzl & the Gamble, ‘Great Disaster’
The Wisconsin band serves up a round of gritty, road-tested songs about working-class life and whiskey-soaked love.
Music Review: Eric Harrison, ‘No Defenses’
The New Jersey singer-songwriter finds power and hope in vulnerability on his new album.
Video Premiere: The Jorgensens, ‘Leave Your Light On’
The St. Paul-based Americana duo’s new music video is a burst of warmth and connection, from the visuals to the music and lyrics. Watch it first here!