The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Sarah Morris, Doyle Turner, Christine Davis, and other guest contributors
Event Review: Storyhill Fest 2023 in Deerwood, Minnesota
For possibly the last time, music lovers and artists gathered in Clearwater Forest Camp for the intimate annual gathering.
About That Song: Vance Gilbert
In the 10th edition of our special series, Sarah Morris asks prolific songwriter and folk festival mainstay Vance Gilbert about songs that shaped his music journey.
Single Premiere: Ben Cook-Feltz, “Magnet On Your Refrigerator”
The Minnesota-based singer-songwriter applies his trademark wry wit to a new single about the joys of settling down far from Music City. Hear it first here!
About That Song: Justin Roth
In the ninth edition of our special series, Sarah Morris asks Colorado-based artist Justin Roth about influential songs in his songwriting journey.
Artist Interview: Q&A with Listening Party
The Milwaukee folk-rock Americana mainstays talk about the evolution of their sound and their new album.
About That Song: Scott Cook
In the eighth edition of our special series, Sarah Morris asks Albertan singer-songwriter Scott Cook about pivotal songs in his life.
Event Review: Mile of Music 2023 in Appleton, Wisconsin
Even seeing a small sliver of the hundreds of artists at this four-day multi-venue festival added up to an epic weekend of music.
About That Song: Nikki Morgan
In the seventh edition of our special series, Sarah Morris asks North Carolina singer-songwriter Nikki Morgan about pivotal songs in her life.
Artist Interview & Single Premiere: Grant Glad, “On the Ropes”
The Duluth MN transplant talks about his upcoming single, the second off a concept album about the life of a military veteran. You can hear it first here!
About That Song: Lauren Calve
In the sixth edition of our special series, Sarah Morris interviews D.C.-based singer-songwriter Lauren Calve about the artists and songs that helped shape her musical journey.
Show Review & Photo Gallery: Sarah King & Samantha Grimes at kj’s Hideaway
Two fiery singer-songwriters put on an unforgettable show at a unique St. Paul venue.
About That Song: Kevin Bowe
In the fifth edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews an award-winning songwriter and producer about formative songs in his life.
Show Review & Photo Gallery: Molly Brandt, Pit Stop & Becky Kapell at the Turf Club
Classic honkytonk and edgy alt-country came together in St. Paul for a sublime night celebrating Brandt’s album release.
Music Review: Molly Brandt, ‘Surrender to the Night’
The Twin Cities-based alt-country rocker’s fiery debut album cements her place in the Midwest Americana landscape.
About That Song: Kelley Smith
In the fourth edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a rising Northern Minnesota artist about the songs that inspired her to become a songwriter.
About That Song: Jillian Rae
In the third edition of our special series, Minnesota singer-songwriter Sarah Morris interviews a Minneapolis artist about the songs that inspired her to become a songwriter.
Single Premiere: Fathom Lane, “Sad Songs and Waltzes Revisited”
On their new album In the Driftless, the Minneapolis country-folk rockers cover a Mary Cutrufello classic. Hear it first here!
Claiming ‘Our Rightful Space’: Women of Blue Ox Discuss Triumphs and Challenges
Wisconsin’s Blue Ox Music Festival had more women acts than ever this year. We spoke to some of the artists about their experiences and the industry at large.
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.