Ladybird breathes new life into the country genre with their latest single, “Short King Shuffle”. Ladybird’s music dances back and forth between the mason-jar-sweet-tea Lynyrd Skynyrd southern hospitality, the cowboy wallowing of Cash and a gritty modern blues feel seen in the likes of The Black Keys. “Short King Shuffle” is to be enjoyed by lonesome desperadoes of any height, anywhere.
Tag: Country
AUDIO: Ladybird – “Audrey’s Garden”
Ladybird unveiled their latest single this week. “Audrey’s Garden,” an absolutely beautiful tribute to one of the member’s childhood neighbors with a gorgeous garden, will be sure to bring tears to your eyes while making you smile that a person could make such an impact on someone else’s life. The track offers a warm country tone with elements of alternative rock peeking through for an overall nostalgic feeling. The raw portrayal of emotion and musical skill in this song are exemplary and leaves us counting down the days for another song by the band. Be sure to check out “Audrey’s Garden” here!
AUDIO: The Pulltops – Here We Are
Loosen the straps of your cowboy boots and listen to The Pulltops’ new hearty rock song with a twang that isn’t sorry about it, either. In an oversaturated country market that is run by the stadium folk, this duo brings their own diverse experiences to the mix and asserts “Here We Are” while doing it.
AUDIO: Eleyet McConnell – “Surrender”
Eleyet McConnell’s latest single, “Surrender,” offers a poignant exploration of love and vulnerability, making it a standout in the world of contemporary country. Compelling vocals and evocative storytelling create a captivating and emotional listening experience. Angie McConnell’s powerful vocals take center stage, conveying raw emotions that hit you right in the feels. Check out “Surrender” here below:
AUDIO: Jon22 – “Home Is Us (Nashville Edition)”
Texas-based singer-songwriter Jon22 has released the Nashville Edition of his latest single, “Home Is Us,” offering fans a heartfelt glimpse into his forthcoming album, “Muse.” Known for his genre-blending style that weaves together country, indie-rock, and psychedelic rock, Jon22’s music is characterized by its relatable lyrics and deep emotional resonance. The new single continues to showcase the artist’s talent for crafting songs that connect with audiences on a personal level. “Home Is Us” is now available for listeners eager to experience the latest evolution of Jon22’s sound.
AUDIO: Dan Lepien – “The Man For You”
Country standout Dan Lepien has a new EP out, after several singles that have helped cement his name as one of the city’s top singer/songwriters. “The Man For You” is full of his signature twang, with previous singles like “Single In Nashville” and “Better Buzzed” finding its best form in the context of a larger project. There’s even an homage to Wisconsin with the simple, yet effective “God Bless Kwik Trip.” Lepien is establishing himself in the wider scope of country, and looking beyond the city for support. You can check out “The Man For You” here:
AUDIO: The Ram – “Songs of Wanderlust”
Nashville-based artist, The Ram, has released his latest album, titled “Songs of Wanderlust,” which showcases his deep love for his family and his desire to explore the world beyond his hometown. The album features a collection of 70s-era blues rock n’ soul tracks that are bound to captivate listeners. “Songs of Wanderlust” is rooted in Nashville country and Americana, with a blues rock drive that carries things forward. Hear the album below:
AUDIO: Dres, Steve Hybicki & Richie Allen – “Red Sundress”
Dres is back with a new single, and he’s diversifying his sound with the help of country singer Richie Allen on “Red Sundress.” The track is about a girl that is hypnotizing, in the summer sun with all of the right features. Allen handles the majority of the track, but Dres comes in at just the right point to fuse rap with country, making it work surprisingly better than it should on paper. “Red Sundress” has a lot of potential as a single within the crossover market, and you can check out the track for yourself here below:
AUDIO: Eliza Hanson – “Hey Mama”
Singer/songwriter Eliza Hanson has a new single out, embracing a country twang with “Hey Mama.” The track is about a girl calling from the county jail, asking for her mom’s support in a tough time. While the lyrics may talk about goiing through a tough time, the song features a rolicking, rumbling guitar and a big solo. Layers of organs and vocals give the song a bigger feel, as well, and it all works well for a summertime single with country appeal. Check out “Hey Mama” below:
AUDIO: Hayward Williams – “Might As Well Turn It Up”
Hayward Williams’ latest album, “Might As Well Turn It Up,” is a potent brand of country and Americana music. Through the 12 songs on this record, Williams exudes an air of backwoods, country living. With his soulful songwriting and tight musicianship, he effortlessly captures the essence of secluded landscapes and the stories that unfold within them. From the anthemic “Small Town Boys,” to introspective tracks like “I Love You But This Can’t Go On,” where he delves into the complexities of relationships, Williams showcases his artistic strength on this record. “Might As Well Turn It Up” is a flat-out, well-made Americana record, and you’ll be better for listening to it below:
AUDIO: Dan Lepien – “Single In Nashville”
Country singer Dan Lepien’s new single “Single In Nashville” captures the essence of southern women as it tells the story of a cowboy arriving in town and ending his relationship on the very first day. With a strong storytelling element, the track pays tribute to the captivating women strolling along Broadway. He’s quick to admire the ladies, but also reminds you of his guilt as he drives back home to his baby. All the elements of an old fashioned honky tonk track are here, and Lepien plays his role as the protagonist exceptionally well. Check out the track below:
VIDEO: Rat Bath – “Meat Poppet”
Horror/country punk band Rat Bath released a new video for the song “Meat Poppet” earlier this month. The song is off their album “Rat From Hell,” released in February of 2022. Writer, photographer and co-director Griffin Sauter caught scenes along the Milwaukee River of a chase scene between an animal exterminator, a dog and a rat. Flash back to Promises in Walker’s Point where the band plays to a hyped up crowd with moshing and a fight scene. The song’s theme is moody and dismal. The message? “Keep your hands to yourself.” Here’s the video.
AUDIO: Merrill Miller – “Wish We Would”
Country singer Merrill Miller’s new album “Wish We Would” showcases his talent for taking classic country and folk sensibility and refreshing it for the modern age. Miller’s voice is both powerful and emotive, as he taps into his deepest emotions to create a sound that is both authentic and modern. Throughout the eight songs on the album, Miller explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life, infusing each track with his own unique style and perspective. Drawing on a range of influences from some of country music’s greatest legends, Miller’s sound is both timeless and fresh, offering a modern take on the outlaw country. Overall, “Wish We Would” is a testament to Miller’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and a recommended listen for fans of classic country and modern outlaw country alike.
AUDIO: Ladybird – “Ladybird”
Americana / alternative country band Ladybird are back with their sophomore EP. The self-titled release follows 2021’s “Introducing” project, and it takes their sound into a newer territory. While the elements of traditional twangy country are there, this EP invokes more brash elements on songs like “Honky Tonk Mama” but also goes deep into some country roots on “Frederick County Redneck Raceway.” Across the board, though, there’s top-notch musicianship, and well-crafted songwriting that makes you feel genuinely excited for what’s coming around the corner for the band. Ladybird’s sophomore EP has an immense amount of potential, and you can check it out below:
VIDEO: Ladybird – “Lounge Car Love Song”
Alt country act Ladybird released a new single and video this past week. An Ian Johnson production with additional footage by Jordy Brazo, the visual finds the band on a train from Milwaukee to Columbus, Ohio jamming, goofing off and having beers together. Shots of the band playing at Circle A are weaved in as well; shots are had and bellies are full. It’s a love letter from the road by Ladybird; we look forward to seeing what they’ve got in store for 2023.
AUDIO: Adam Warner – “What We’re Known For”
Country and southern rock singer-songwriter Adam Warner released his new album “What We’re Known For.” The album, which was co-written with songwriting partners Mark Addison Chandler, Josh Gallagher, and Taylor Goyette on Warner’s family farm in Illinois, showcases Warner’s exploration of both southern rock and modern country sounds. The album includes a range of tracks, such as the rowdy “One Drink,” the emotional “Split A Beer,” the loving “Lost In Country Song,” and Warner’s tribute to Charlie Daniels and fundraising for the Journey Home Project with his version of “Long Haired Country Boy.” Warner says he is “excited” about the release of “What We’re Known For,” which is hailed as one of the most authentically named and appropriately released albums from Nashville in 2022. Check out the album here below:
AUDIO: Hughes Family Band – “One Last Night With Nathan Hughes”
Last year, the Milwaukee community was hit with the horrible news that Nathan Hughes had passed away. His legacy lives on with Hughes Family Band’s studio album out now on Good Land Records, which culminates all the wonderful moments the band had together in their years playing honky-tonk country rock around town. The record is eleven tracks of inviting, affable bar boogies where Connor LaMue, Nathan and Ian Hughes all take turns on lead vocals with tales of drinking til’ late, pretty women, walking around town and getting shit off your mind; additional musicians joining the fellas are Johanna Rose, Steph Lippert, Brett Westphal, William Akers, Nolan Thomas, Kyle Urban, Dana Pellebon, Jessica Jane Witham, LeRoy Deuster, Ryley Crowe, and Colin Sweeney. Hughes Family Band bring a beautiful celebration of good times with loved ones with “One Last Night.” RIP Nathan Hughes.
AUDIO: Buffalo Nichols – “Meet Me In The Bottom / Friends”
Singer-songwriter Buffalo Nichols released two new songs this week – his first since last year’s eponymous debut album. “Meet Me In The Bottom” brings electrifying blues while “Friends” shares evocative storytelling of hope, kindness and pain. The pairing creates a powerful and cathartic contrast – stay tuned for more to come from Buffalo Nichols in the near future.
AUDIO: Long Mama – “Poor Pretender”
At long last, Long Mama are out with their debut LP today. It’s ten songs that find singer-songwriter Kat Wodtke pouring her heart out to sweet melodies of Americana-tinged rock, country and folk. Incorporating themes of love, heartbreak, tough skin and running off to find yourself again, Long Mama detail the poignant affairs of companionship in life with “Poor Pretender.” Musicians contributing on this record in addition to Wodtke are Samual Odin, Andrew Koenig, Nick Lang, Eva Nimmer and Erik Koskinen.
VIDEO: Mike Mangione – “Anastasia”
Fine craftsmanship should always be appreciated, and the newest single from Mike Mangione, “Anastasia,” is some work of the highest quality. The song is a plea for reconciliation, trying to win back the woman that has already decided to leave. Mangione captures the downtrodden feeling of rekindling a fire that has been put out with dark notes, and lyrics that feel like an inner thought process come to life. Mangione and Thomas West collaborate for the video, which features choreographed dances and a narrative, but all of it intersperses with the theme of the song. Make sure you check out Mangione’s catalog, which is ever expanding with new singles as of late, and the video for “Anastasia” below:
VIDEO: Alyssia Dominguez – “Somewhere Near Mexico”
Country singer-songwriter Alyssia Dominguez dropped a new single and video this past week. This song is all about being with your lover in paradise, and the video finds Dominguez against an adorable backdrop complete with a pool, dancing cactus floaties, bubbles and sunshine – oh, and don’t forget the beach ball! The romantic euphoria here definitely makes you want to book your next vacation. Alyssia Dominguez is working on an EP next, so stay tuned!
AUDIO: Dead Horses – “Brady Street”
Indie folk fixture Dead Horses have returned with a new album. Three years in the making, it’s ten tracks of warm, hopeful Midwestern charm that reflect the well-traveled evolution of Sarah Vos and Dan Wolff’s musical journey. Inspired by the titular Milwaukee strip, these songs intimately recognize the influence that places you’ve either grown up in or lived in leave a lasting impact on who you are, allowing you to retain an observant demeanor and an appreciation for the simple things as you venture out. Dead Horses juxtapose life on the road with their hometown roots with “Brady Street.”
AUDIO: Alyssia Dominguez – “Where We Left Off”
Country singer/songwriter Alyssia Dominguez has a distinct pop element to her sound, and she uses that to her advantage on recent single “Where We Left Off.” Vocal melodies are Dominguez’s strong suit here, as she talks about those initial moments of falling for someone, and the excitement of a physical attraction. When she locks into the groove of the track, there’s the potential for a smash crossover hit, and she certainly does that here. Following her debut album, Dominguez has put out a string of singles over the past few years, and this particular one shows her potential to have something catch fire quickly. Check out “Where We Left Off” below:
AUDIO: Dan Lepien – “For You I Can”
True to core country values, Dan Lepien returned with a new single, “For You I Can.” The solemn-sounding track is rooted in taking pride for hard work and being humble. Lepien sings about his parents’ influence on his life, and that he can channel that into loving his significant other. He also sings about what makes him a man, and values to stand up on. The production is top-notch here, with crisp vocals and an earnest delivery. While there aren’t many original country acts making waves locally, Dan Lepien is looking to change that. Check out the song below:
AUDIO: Johanna Rose Featuring Old Pup – “What If I Told You”
Johanna Rose has a new collaboration with Old Pup that came out at the beginning of the month, and “What If I Told You” has a retro country bounce to it. Rose sings about being resilient, not needing anyone to make them happy or provide for them. The guitar glistens on this one, and the vocal harmonies have a twang that feels rooted in the country singer/songwriters of a bygone era. “What If I Told You” is a track of empowerment, built around the flare of a traditional Americana gem. Listen to the song below:
