hillbillyhippiemusicreview

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THE MUSIC OF APPALACHIA: FROM THE COMMONWEALTH TO THE KINGDOM

"Music is life itself. What would this world be without good music? No matter what kind it is." —Louis Armstrong

In life, music has the ability to move mountains—and to cross oceans—in order to bring people together. In fact, it is often the singular thread that connects strangers and turns them into family, both near and far, all across the world, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities...all for the love of music. And in our case, Appalachia! Hillbilly Hippie Music Review is elated to be one of many amazing sponsors aiding in the journey of three phenomenal musicians from the hills and hollers in Kentucky as they travel overseas to take their brand of tunes to the rambling streets of England.

For this tour, aptly entitled “Appalachia on Tour,” three of the Commonwealth’s finest singer-songwriters will soon be soaring in the skies alongside their dreams as they prepare to share their stories and elate new audiences along the way. Spearheaded by the newly established For the Love of Appalachia venture by KD Media, the tour will feature Berea’s Lance Rogers, Stanford’s Daniel Cain, & Somerset’s Hunter Flynn. Additionally, one of the UK’s most talented artists, Jack Browning, will join this remarkable rank of troubadours on select dates as they bare their souls in a variety of locales beginning on February 15th! More on the lineup later, firstly we want to introduce you to the mastermind endeavoring to bridge the ocean-wide musical gap between Appalachia and the UK in hopes to permanently establish a steady stream of Appalachian music being played in the United Kingdom: Kat Deeds.

First and foremost, Deeds is a true music fan and it was her fervor for good music juxtaposed with life-changing moments that first led her to connect with Kentucky musicians, where the forlorn sounds of Appalachia swiftly stole her heart. Born into a music loving family, it wasn’t long before she realized her true passion and found her way into a community of British country music supporters. When we spoke with her, Deeds explained her trajectory into music media and booking best when she said, “I don’t ever remember a time music didn’t play a part in my life.” At that specific point in her life, she was listening to popular American acts such as Eric Church, Gary Allan, and Blake Shelton, but a chance encounter with a stellar British musician named Stevie O’Connor broadened her horizons to a new style of country. Deeds explained: “Stevie's sound was different to anything else I'd heard before. He'd included several Tyler [Childers] covers in his set, and I had a listen to more after . . . I have been hooked on Tyler ever since.” Can’t say we blame her in the slightest!

For quite some time in this current era of Appalachian music, Tyler Childers has been not only an exemplary influence for many up-and-coming artists to emulate, but also a uniting force between musicians and fans alike. After falling in love with his sound as well as some other American singer-songwriters she had the opportunity to hear at her local BBQ & Music venue, Deeds was inspired to check out The Local Honeys, a fantastic female-led group hailing from Kentucky as well. As if she was reliving what seemed to be a fateful evening, Deeds conveyed: “It was what I can only describe as a magical night. Not just the songs themselves but the history behind them, and the obvious connection you could see between Montana and Linda Jean. A lot of what they were telling us about Kentucky and its history reminded me of the area in Germany I grew up in. Montana put the sweetest inscription on the CD I bought, and that was another moment instrumental to me falling in love with artists from Kentucky.” Following that intimate evening of music that lit a forever fire in her music-loving spirit, Deeds discovered a deeply connected and interwoven music scene via social media and began to make many connections, and even friends, all from her home in England. As she further recounted her timeline of falling in love with Appalachian artists, she echoed a sentiment that many “outsiders” notice about the lyrical mystique we have brewing in this area: “So, these were the first people I connected with and who led me to finding more and more Appalachian artists to the extent where I hardly listen to anything else now. I'm not sure if you all have something in the water, but you just have such a wealth of talent, and its music that has substance, if that makes sense. There is absolutely a place for feel-good music, but for me lyrics are so important, and boy…do you have amazing songwriters galore! And I'm not sure how to describe it, but the more I got to know people the more I could feel how genuinely supportive everyone was of each other.” HHMR truly believes in the magic of Appalachia—and that the music community we have today was built on any number of chance encounters with immense talent like Deeds experienced! We are so ecstatic to have her on our side in supporting these artists as they find their voices and hone their crafts.

Deeds with three of the American artists that inspired her to learn more about Kentucky music...recognize anybody?

Fast forward to this year, and it’s been a year of new and exciting endeavors for Deeds as she channels that free-flowing love and creative passion she found to embark on her KD Music Media journey. After 30+ years working in the corporate sector, she left it behind to begin a work of heart that speaks to her soul, all “For the Love of Appalachia.” When asked what motivated her to begin this endeavor, Deeds stated "I set up For the Love of Appalachia initially just to share about Appalachian artists because the majority of British fans seem to be all about Nashville, and I feel really passionate about changing that.” At the time of KD Music Media’s creation, she had already once before helped Lance Rogers plan a run of shows for himself and Jack Browning, and she was already assisting Lance in planning another overseas tour for himself, as well as Daniel Cain and Hunter Flynn, so it was merely a natural progression into establishing a promotion agency to both endorse and book the music she loves and believes in where she lives. (Lance Rogers and her husband James Deeds also join her in spearheading this project). To us here at HHMR, it is beyond endearing and inspiring to find someone else whose mission so closely aligns with ours. What a small musical world!

Speaking of the phenomenal artists on this tour, it’s time to introduce you to a few of Kentucky’s musical kings. Below you will find some info about each artist and a video of a performance:

Longtime friend of the review, Rogers is an immensely talented singer-songwriter that we have championed heavily over the years–and for good reason. First and foremost, he’s a true poet with an uncanny way of weaving stories throughout his songs who is relentlessly dedicated to the pursuit of his craft. One could never tell he’s been active in the scene for less than a decade because he writes with a pen worthy of a road-weary balladeer, wearing his heart on his sleeve both on stage and in his music. Rogers is not only expressive in his writing, but also deeply emotive as the stories he creates come alive when he sings. His music is authentically Appalachian and full of mountain folklore, yet it deeply embodies genre-bending diversity in every note. To top it off, Rogers is one of the biggest, most genuine supporters of other artists in industry, and he works tirelessly to help further the careers of others, as much as he does his own. Our favorite tune by Rogers is “Flyin’ on Momma’s Feet,” with “Fire and Flame” being a close second! 

Bound and determined to bust through walls as he carves out his own stylistic niche in the industry, Stanford’s Daniel Cain is a force to be reckoned with when he sits down with a pen and paper to create. As he stands on stage belting his songs with nothing but an acoustic guitar backing him, he quickly captivates audiences with his unique raspy vocal and the sheer depths of his spell-binding tone. Back in 2020 he began to turn what was once a hobby into a burgeoning career as a tribute to his father who taught him everything he knows. As a relative newcomer to the Appalachian music scene, he is still making the rounds paying his dues and growing a fan base, but we have no doubt that one day he’ll have his well-earned spot in Kentucky’s rich legacy of music. Simply put–he’s just that good, a bona fide diamond in the rough. Lend an ear to “Copperhead” and “Black Dogs and Alley Cats” to get a taste of why we love this feller and his sound so much!

Armed with a penchant for honest, heartfelt songwriting and lungs full of passion, Hunter Flynn is one of the state’s newest stars to shine bright, lighting up the musical mecca that is Kentucky. He spent his formative years exploring art of a different kind, but the art of music was always in his blood. Having only recently picked up an instrument to begin performing back in 2022, it’s a true testament to his innate talent as to what he’s already accomplished. Flynn refers to his style of music as “Appalachian Soul,” and it’s an embodiment of who he is as an artist because he puts every ounce of heart and soul he has into his art that transcends the limitations of a singular sound. Fair warning: prepare your tissues when you listen to Flynn’s works–they'll deeply move you! He's a master wordsmith in the making. “Can’t Never Could,” a cover of a tune penned by Kentucky’s Cody Lee Meece with Hannah Howard on background vocals, is one of our favorites that demonstrates his vocal prowess, but for a different glimpse at his talent, give his latest release “Wilted Flowers” a good listen!

When asked about his thoughts on the tour and his new endeavor alongside Kat Deeds, For the Love of Appalachia, Lance Rogers proudly stated: "Partnering with KD Music Media has been such an exciting stride forward in this music journey. Meeting Kat Deeds and her husband James on a solo tour last year with Jack Browning and seeing her booking and organizing skills, we talked about how this could help other musicians on into the future. The idea blossomed into a business plan and a dream, beginning with this inaugural tour, with Hunter Flynn, Daniel Cain, our friend and road/sound manager, and myself. This first tour will hopefully be the beginning of something great, artists being able to tour overseas at a reduced rate. With sponsorships helping defray costs of travel, artists can be confident that they will be able to afford to make the trip, focusing on making new fans and spreading Appalachian music to new ground. This will establish a pattern to where UK artists will be able to tour in the US the same way we are over there.” With that kind of passion and determination, there is no doubt in our minds that this maiden voyage under the For the Love of Appalachia brand will grow into many more tours, helping artists realize their dreams of taking their music on the road—er, plane—to different countries. For three relatively new musicians that likely never thought they could or would ever play their songs much further than the hills and hollers they grew up in, this is what dreams are made of and what the Appalachian music community is all about!

It is our absolute honor to be able to sponsor this tour! While we certainly wish we could be in person at shows on this tour in England, we will have to settle for living vicariously through the adventures of Lance, Daniel, Hunter, and their standup tour manager Greg Adams! We wholeheartedly support the goals of KD Music Media and our “sister-company,” For the Love of Appalachia, and hope to see this venture and its accompanying community flourish throughout the coming years. Our goal at Hillbilly Hippie Music Review has always been to highlight original music across Appalachia as well as to showcase the work of “underground,” lesser-known artists from anywhere and everywhere, so we are extremely fortunate to have people like Kat Deeds and her company in our corner and spreading the love of our kind of music across the world. As we said earlier, music is a universal thread that ties us all together, no matter how near or far…sometimes it’s worth crossing oceans for! When this article is published, these three amazing Appalachians will have boots on the ground in England, eagerly preparing for their first show this upcoming Saturday—so give them a follow on all their socials to keep up with their adventures! Also, be sure to give KD Music Media & For the Love of Appalachia a follow on social media, join the Facebook community, and check out the website to keep up with news and upcoming tour announcements!

Below is the phenomenal tour posted created by Appalachian graphic design artist Jimbo Valentine–on it you will find show dates, locations, and on which shows Jack Browning and Megan Lee will join the Kentucky trio on:

Interested in learning more and receiving updates on upcoming tours? To join this likeminded community of music lovers, visit For the Love of Appalachia | Facebook.

Visit the KD Music Media website here: http://www.kdmusicmedia.com

From L-R: Hunter Flynn, tour manager Greg Adams, Daniel Cain, & Lance Rogers (Photo from Kat Deeds' Facebook)

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“ONE DAY IT’S GONNA GET IN YOU, AND IT AIN’T EVER GONNA GET OUT:” THE ROAD TO THE HALL OF FAME

Sturgill Simpson, 2024 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductee, left an enamored audience hanging on his every word with that emotionally impactful & inspiring statement as he reflected on his journey to music on Saturday, October 26th at historic Renfro Valley. In his acceptance speech, where he appeared visibly overcome with emotion and humbly appreciative, he summed up in one simple statement the ethos of the whole evening: the power of music that found 12 individuals somewhere along their way and resided deep in their soul, never to leave, but to lead them down many roads all over the world filled with highs and lows, accomplishments and failures, all the while always leading back home—specifically that night to the Hall of Fame in their beloved Kentucky.

Sturgill Simpson accepts his induction into the Hall of Fame.

The chilly October evening was filled to the brim with heartwarming moments and stories by longtime friends and family of the inductees who had the momentous honor of inducting them into the Hall of fame, as well as earnest speeches from the inductees themselves. For the inductees that have since left their earthly homes, friends and cherished family members took the stage to share a bit about their lives prior to accepting the prestigious award in their honor as expressed the appreciation and joy they knew the late inductees would feel. Prior to the induction speeches, the Hall of Fame also took a moment of silence to honor several former inductees and integral members of the music community who have passed on. In addition to the guaranteed memorable moments of incredible music and lasting memories, Executive Director Jessica Blankenship and her team had some surprises up their sleeves, most notably a presentation of videos from a multitude of music stars across a myriad of genres cheering on many of the inductees.

WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/mRmX-SLsHEg?si=BrMH8gBsmWAx5HU7

The first to be inducted was legendary sound engineer Billy Moore. Exile, 2013 inductees, introduced Moore while reminiscing on their time on the road together as well as some of his career highlights, with lighthearted jests about the innocence of rockstar life. When accepting his invitation to join the Hall of Fame, Moore stated that he had since left the "milk and cookies" found on the road behind, retiring instead to family life and exclaiming that "when it comes to home, [there's] nothing like Kentucky." With deep gratitude, he also expressed that the honor means so much more coming from his home state as he emotionally proclaimed that "it don't get no better!" Next up, in one of the more humorous yet passionate moments of the evening, members of The Kentucky Headhunters headed to the stage to truly keep it in the family as they inducted Fred Young's son's band, Black Stone Cherry. Eleven years separated both band's inductions into the Hall of Fame, and it was clear just how much the prestigious honor made them all feel after years of hard work and dedication to stages in both the Commonwealth and beyond. Ahead of the induction ceremony, Black Stone Cherry did a bourbon bottle signing of their Three Chord bourbon with 100% of proceeds going back into the Hall of Fame to fund music education programming across the state. Following those touching moments, restauranteur and bar owner Jeff Ruby stepped up to induct his longtime friend Bobby Mackey, showcasing just how friendship could blur the lines with kinship as he detailed his long history of knowing the honkytonker with the famed Bobby Mackey's Music World. Before bringing Mackey out, Ruby reflected on a Kris Kristofferson tune as he referenced the famous line in "Me & Bobby McGee" summing up his emotions behind the monumental moment Mackey asked him to join him on his own stage by saying "Well, there's me & Bobby Mackey!" In addition to thanking Ruby and the Hall of Fame for the meaningful accolade, Mackey profusely thanked his family for standing behind him the entire way, joking that if he "could teach [his wife] to sing, [he] wouldn't have to do nothin'!" After all the love for Kentucky and family flowing alongside all the laughter erupting on stage, the induction ceremony was undoubtably off to a good start.

Black Stone Cherry performs at Renfro Valley for the 2024 KYMHOF Induction Ceremony

Bobby Mackey performs

Continuing the family affair, inductee Ruble Sanderson's wife took the stage with a passioned monologue about her husband's momentous impact on the country music world as he and his family worked to revitalize Broadway in downtown Nashville, to which Sanderson expressed being inducted felt "like receiving an award for all the original honkytonks." Giving back is irrefutably woven into the family's nature: it was revealed that the Sanderson Fund was established at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame to provide financial aid for musicians, further supporting his belief that none of his accomplishments would be possible without musicians while giving back to some of the very musicians who have benefitted from his endeavors. Unfortunately, inductee Charlie Sizemore was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness, so his son Patrick both inducted him and accepted the honor on behalf of the country and bluegrass singer-songwriter. With obvious respect for his father and a healthy dose of humor, Sizemore humorously thanked Paul Martin for providing studio time and "being the reason [they] could get name brand cheese." All jokes aside though, Sizemore turned his tune more serious to leave the audience with one of the most meaningful moments of the evening as he shared a message he felt his father would endorse: "lift up others because you never know what someone is going through." As evidenced with the major impacts of the previous inductees on music throughout the years, the power of music is undoubtedly uplifting, and Kentucky has certainly seen its share of artists that have touched people's lives—the late Gary Stewart for example. On the same meaningful wavelength witnessed throughout the evening, Stewart's daughter Shannon had the crowd both spirited and moved with her rousing induction and acceptance of her father's award. As she expressed just how much the award would have meant to Stewart because he never forgot where he came from, she told the audience to give themselves a round of applause because without them his music would not still be alive. Without all of the key players in Kentucky's music scene inducted this past October, listeners wouldn't have as many wonderful works to enjoy—or exhibits to visit down in Mount Vernon!

Shannon Stewart inducting her late father, the King of Honky-Tonk Gary Stewart

Hailing from the Fiddle Capital of Kentucky, Jimmy Mattingly was the next 2024 inductee honored, with Steve Wariner doing the honors while sharing heartwarming memories about his friend's trajectory in the business. Mattingly was choked up not only as he expressed sincere appreciation for all his friends in the business who gave him a chance, but also as he gave the glory to God, expressing that "[He] opened a lot of doors, and it was in His plan." With the help of God and country music's resident angel Dolly Parton, he was taken seriously as a fiddle player with opportunities to travel the world, yet he never strayed too far from his roots. As Wariner said, Mattingly is "Kentucky through and through." Along with the depths of devotion to home, what stood out the most from the evening was how truly humbled each inductee and/or their family was to have the honor bestowed upon them. The late Karl Shannon's son, as well as the recipient of the Karl Shannon Legacy award—and award that recognizes both philanthropic efforts and radio craft—Deidre Ransdell, were both exemplary of this notion. Both spoke on Shannon's legacy of kindness and helping others, and his son expressed how extremely proud, deeply moved, and gracious he would have been to accept the invitation while leaving people with a statement that summed up Shannon's mission for his life: "Leave people better than you found them." Speaking of leaving the world a little better in the name of music, The Whites, a bluegrass band, came on stage next to induct The McLain Family Band and share stories about their time spent touring together over the past several decades. It was an evening of full circle moments for many, but certainly KYMHOF Director Jessica Blankenship, as Karl Shannon once encouraged her to chase her dreams and take the position at the Hall of Fame and Al White (of the McLain Family Band) taught her Appalachian Music at Berea College, further cementing her love of the sounds of Kentucky, and leading her to that very stage where they both stood forever immortalizing the history of Kentucky music. The world-renowned band spoke heavily of the influence of family throughout their career and how "serious [they were] about pouring music into the next generation" as they were "overflowing with gratitude" for the achievement. There is no doubt that they, along with the other eleven inductees and the Hall of Fame will continue to make a difference as they pave a path for future generations to learn and play music, potentially finding their own way into the esteemed hall.

The Whites introduce 2024 inductees The McLain Family Band

As he was inducting his father Paul, March Martin (of Rockland Road) stated that "Kentucky produces some of the most talented musicians and artists the world has to offer," and judging by the caliber of talent on the list of 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, he was right on the money with that thought. Paul Martin is undeniably a man of many talents who has lent them to the Kentucky music scene and beyond in a number of ways, being a former member of Exile, Marty Stuart's Fabulous Superlatives, and the current Hall of Fame bandleader since 2002, as well as involved in both personal and family projects. As he reminisced, he shared how in awe he was of the musicians he has played with over the years, with many helping to chart his course. Martin talked about how everything was connected in his long tenure as an artist—he summed it up best when he stated "Kentucky's on the map, folks!" Indeed, it is. Christian artist and member of the 2024 class Rodney Griffin took his love of Kentucky and the gospel all over that map, sharing both the love of his home state and the Lord with eager audiences. His co-writer and fellow Greater Vision group member, Gerald Wolfe, spoke nostalgically of Griffin's start in music, speaking in depth about his deep faith and the Lord's blessing on Griffin's career. When he accepted his induction, Griffin was very thankful to his family for supporting his calling and left the audience with an insightful thought to ruminate on: "If we're honest, none of us can take credit for this ourselves!" In a way, his statement ties into the belief that the final inductee of the evening, Sturgill Simpson, expressed when he declared "One day it's gonna get in you and it ain’t never gonna get out." Whether the inductees believed their journeys were a calling, destiny, or merely something they happened into: one thing is for sure—at some pivotal moment in each of their lives, music took a hold of their hearts and souls and they never looked back. Comedian Danny McBride celebrated this conviction whilst adding some comic relief to such an emotional evening as he inducted his good friend Simpson, yet he was entirely serious as he expressed that everyone was in attendance to "celebrate an artist who redefined what it meant to be a musician." Not only did Simpson do that, but each inductee recognized redefined in their own ways what music—and success—looked like for people born into of a myriad of situations in Appalachia and Kentucky as a whole, effectively changing the face of music for generations to come. In recent years, Sturgill Simpson certainly led the way with putting Kentucky both on a national and worldwide musical map with his various styles of music, but as McBride said—"genres don't matter when the music is honest." When it comes to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, truly does not matter because all the music, and the work behind it, is honest to the core and has made for such a rich and diverse music scene: music is truly the heart of the Bluegrass.

(Watch Sturgill Simpson's acceptance speech by clicking on the link below):

In addition to the touching speeches, the ceremony was packed full of fantastic performances from both from prior inductees and the 2024 Class themselves, shining a bright light on exactly why everyone was gathered down in Mt. Vernon: the music! Following a spinetingling rendition of the National Anthem by Rockland Road as well as a heartfelt tribute to the late Norah Lee Allen—who was inducted in 2022–in addition to several other Kentuckians who have passed on with "His Eye is On the Sparrow", Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Artist in Residence, the Donovan Howard Trio, opened the show with a rousing blues performance—showcasing why the HOF believes not only in them, but also in the variety of music Kentucky has to offer, so much. 2022 Class member Tee Dee Young let his star shine bright as he played his brand of electrified soul-food blues, and Black Stone Cherry treated attendees to an impeccable acoustic performance following their acceptance speech. During the band's introduction, the Kentucky Headhunters relayed to all "Cherry Heads" in attendance—both from the USA and overseas—that "they woulda liked to play electric for ya but would probably blow a fuse in this place!" All jokes aside, the stripped-down version of their hard rock sound with "Like I Roll" was a perfect nod to the night ahead, spent reflecting on all the roads the inductees rolled down their dreams on. After professing that it's "always been about the music, gonna keep it country," Bobby Mackey took the crowd back to the honkytonk as he performed "Let Me Drink About It" alongside a beautiful pedal steel and a rockin' band. In honor of the late Gary Stewart, his former cowriter and duet partner, the legendary Dean Dillon, left all nostalgia and scores of emotion on the stage while performing one of Stewart's hits, "Empty Glass." Class of 2011 inductee Steve Wariner joyfully joined Jimmy Mattingly on stage on guitar to perform a sublime instrumental number alongside a percussionist and Mattingly on fiddle. The McClain Family band showcased their harmonious vocals with a song they wrote long ago about the power music possesses to bring people together, "Kentucky Wind," and it was certainly quite impressive how the Kentucky wind blew many music fans together to the Bluegrass on that iconic evening. Paul Martin joined his family band to sing an abbreviated version of his first single as well as a moving ode to his beloved birthplace, "My Old Kentucky Home." The final performance of the evening came from inductee Rodney Griffin when he took every single soul sitting in the New Barn to church as he performed his song "Faces," a prayerful tune paying homage to the "little guys" in ministry who do not think they had done anything for the Lord, assuring them that their faces will be seen in Heaven as much as the ones in the limelight. Perhaps that was a beautifully poetic way to sum up the impacts of the various dynamics and backgrounds of the 12 inductees' careers—those front and center on stage, like the singers and musicians, and those who keep the wheels rollin' behind the stage as well as keep the music moving in other musical entities, such as radio or revitalizing music epicenters from Broadway all the way to tiny Wilder, Kentucky. Big or small, their impact is felt by all and is definitely worthy of being exhibited in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the 2024 Class of Inductees!

The Hall of Fame’s tribute to beloved Kentuckians who have passed on

The McClain Family Band performing “Kentucky Wind”

Rodney Griffin performs with Greater Vision

WATCH BLACK STONE CHERRY PERFORM “LIKE I ROLL” HERE: https://youtu.be/KdNDTKKdH50?si=ERWZNFvWrPtrmmpB

From Hillbilly Hippie Music Review founder N: “The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame recognizes that Kentucky is a special place. There are small towns, big cities, businesses and restaurants that use some rendition of the age old cliche “come and you’re family, come as friends leave as family, etc.” The caveat to that is that is it true in Kentucky, especially within the music scene. Every few years, the induction ceremony builds on that saying. Instead of being dry and having some random celebrity or simply a previous class's inductee read off something about the new inductee that a publicist probably wrote, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame adds a family touch to it. They have life long friends, significant others, children and mentors introduce each inductee. Each speech adds a personal touch and most of them are authentically Kentucky. I mean, having Richard Young and Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters tell stories of Black Stone Cherry starting out in the practice house, to the McLain Family Band talking about what that meant to every member on stage; you don’t get more Kentucky than that. Y’all, we may be a little southern, a little Appalachian, and a little Midwestern, but one thing is for certain, we are all Kentucky when we meet at Renfro Valley to celebrate those Kentuckians who have made an impact on the music industry, whether that be an artist or a honky-tonk owner: the folks down there at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame recognize that impact."

More information along with biographies about each inductee can be found by visiting https://kentuckymusichalloffame.com/inductees/. Pictures of each inductee with their case can be viewed on Facebook at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AhH8LYVeC/?mibextid=WC7FNe

We hope you enjoyed reading Hillbilly Hippie Music Review's recap of the 2024 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and we are looking forward to seeing who will join the Hall of Fame family in 2026.

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KENTUCKY MUSIC HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT 2024 CLASS

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum will induct their 2024 class of distinguished musicians and industry workers. Located in Mt. Vernon, KY, the museum collects and showcases artifacts and memorabilia from many parts of Kentucky’s long-standing musical heritage. The Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve the state's legacy and honor its rich roots began in 2002 when it was erected in historic Renfro Valley, inducting its pioneer class, featuring the likes of stars Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe, among other prominent Kentuckians. In addition to many general informative displays about the state's musical tradition being available for viewing within the museum, each inductee has their own display case full of donated mementos highlighting their esteemed careers. Despite being located deep in the heart of the Bluegrass amongst the hills and hollers where you can hear trills of music linger in the air, more than just country and bluegrass are on display in the Hall of Fame, with music encompassing all genres and eras of American music being featured within the museum’s halls. Executive Director Jessica Blankenship has a deep passion for all kinds of music, especially from Kentucky, and has made it her biggest endeavor to ensure that all genres from artists born and bred in the Commonwealth are represented within its historic walls.

This year's inductees include a diverse and notable range of talents from all aspects of the music industry, from those featured on the stage to those found behind the scenes. The 2024 Class of Inductees are: Sturgill Simpson, Black Stone Cherry, Rodney Griffin, Bobby Mackey, Gary Stewart, Jimmy Mattingly, The McCain Family Band, Charlie Sizemore, Billy Moore, Rubie Sanderson, Karl Shannon, & Paul Martin. Throughout the induction ceremony, the history of each inductee's rise to success will be showcased, and the evening will also feature performances and special guest appearances by several prior Hall of Fame inductees as well as individuals important to Kentucky’s long-standing legacy of important musical contributions. All inductees will be present for the festivities.

Ahead of the inductions, on Friday, Oct 25th, Kentucky’s pioneers of Southern Rock and Class of 2013 inductees, The Kentucky Headhunters, are poised to kick off the induction weekend with a bang, holding concert in the new barn at Renfro Valley. On Saturday, the induction ceremony begins at 7 p.m. and the Hall of Fame & Museum will be open from 7-11 p.m. for fans to view exhibits, both new and old. Tickets to both the concert and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony are still available and can be purchased at the link below. Hillbilly Hippie Music Review will be on location covering the ceremony, and we hope to see you there to celebrate our monumental love of Kentucky music together!

Tickets for the Kentucky Headhunters Concert and the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony can be purchased at the following link: Events | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

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THE HAYFIELD OF DREAMS: NORTH SPRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL

***DISCLAIMER: This is a rather long article recapping NSMF. Our apologies on the length, but there was so much goodness to report on. Scroll to the end for a TL:DR as well as a YouTube playlist of videos from the festival.***

Much like Kevin Costner’s character in the classic movie Field of Dreams heard a voice say “if you build it, he will come” while standing in the middle of a cornfield, I imagine music promoter Dustin Kennedy once heard a voice which prophesied to him that “if you build it, they will come” whilst standing amongst the hay filling the unassuming pastures that have been in his family for generations down in Tennessee. That phrase has been Kennedy’s mantra for the last five years as he’s worked tirelessly to build the little festival that could, the one in what is becoming known as the "magic" hayfield: North Springs Music Festival.

Throughout its short life, the festival has begun to gain major traction within music circles across America to the point that this year alone it welcomed people from twenty-three states and two countries to its mountain home, growing from a previously one day event to a now three night/two day festival packed slap full of some of the country's best singer-songwriters, country music acts, and rock and roll bands. Almost as quickly, it has seemingly become one of the "must play" festivals on artists' hopeful tour schedules as word-of-mouth spreads like wildfire about the allure down in the tiny unincorporated community of North Springs, by way of Whitleyville, Tennessee. Perhaps the name of the town is all you need to imagine the magic, maybe the ghost of Keith Whitley is visiting that hayfield to send good luck Kennedy's way, or maybe it's all just due to good ol' fashioned hard work. After finally having my chance to witness it this year, I like to believe it's a bit of both—there is a magical musical hayfield in those mountains, but there’s also a zealous promoter with big dreams destined to bring one of the nation's top homegrown grassroots music festivals to the very people who crave it the most: the fans.

North Springs Music Festival is something special, and I'm positive almost every person who sets foot in the field will tell you the same, if not all of them. What is better than a big, laid-back & family-friendly farm party with hundreds of your closest friends, bonfires, camping, beautiful scenery, and of course some of the best tunes out there, all in a place that somehow feels like home? Not much, if anything at all! Of course, the picturesque setting of the mountains and the natural acoustics that reverb perfectly within the hills make it noteworthy enough, but it's even more than that. As Kennedy said in a social media post made after the event, "People come to North Springs reliant on GPS knowing they'll be in a hayfield with no service for 2-3 days because they love music and they love each other. You know how many acts tell me people sing their songs back louder to them in North Springs? That's the magic right there." We'd be inclined to agree that the magic is certainly in those moments, and there were more magical moments than we could count. Read more about them below in our NSMF 2024 recap: ------------------------------------------------------------

Kickoff Party

The festival began with a kickoff party on Thursday, October 10th, at the Bull & Thistle Pub, spearheaded by both Kennedy and the Mountain View Talent group. Unfortunately, HHMR was unable to make it, but we heard from many attendees that it was quite the night. With appearances by Rye & Brandy Davis, Braden Mitchell Wall, Cody Lee Moomey, Jim Bachmann, Justin Clyde Williams, and Clint Park, with a stellar headliner in Dallas Moore, there's no doubt in my mind that it was the perfect prequel to the weekend to come. I heard they brought the sold-out house down, and with all that good music already, how could it get any better?! Well, you may not think it could….but I’m here to tell you: it did.

Dallas Moore on stage at the NSMF Kickoff Party—photo by Mary Suminski who came all the way from Alaska

Day 1

HHMR rolled into North Springs after a beautiful drive through the fall-tipped mountains in the early afternoon on Friday, with just enough time to set up camp, take in the picturesque surroundings, and mingle for a bit before running to the stage to catch the beginning acts. It was a bit toasty, but the openers in the beginning of the day kept us cool with their melodic tunes and exemplary storytelling. However, as night began to fall, the evening's artists heated it back up as they laid everything they had on the stage. Music began with local singer-songwriter Cherokee Hope and her band while attendees continued to arrive. As her songbird voice warbled through the hills between her heartfelt originals and a fantastic Loretta Lynn cover (who her essence was very reminiscent of), we knew the caliber of talent set for that stage over the course of the weekend couldn't be matched. I believe she was the perfect opener and can't wait to hear more from her. Following Hope, Sam Lowe had the crowd enthused over his acoustic set with an accompanying harp—his rendition of "Long Haired Country Boy" was especially enjoyable. With stellar stage presence and crowd interaction on top of his bona fide country vocals, he often had the crowd chuckling…even once admitting to drinking water on stage so that he "didn't run 'nekkid' through a cow field," which would have undoubtedly broken NSMF's #1 rule: Act Like You've Been in Public Before. Thankfully, Lowe and everyone else managed to follow that rule all weekend and the positive vibes flowing couldn't have been beat.

Next up, to our pleasant surprise, we got to see Wes Shipp not only perform for the first time, but also perform with a full band and lemme tell ya'll—he's one to watch if you dig the quintessential outlaw country sound. Around the time Shipp took the stage, most attendees had settled in and began to make their way to the stage to hear his songs and stories of writing with artists like Billy Don Burns, Creed Fisher, and Jared Hill, as well as an impressive ode to Keith Whitley where he put his own spin on one of Whitley's classics. One thing we love about Shipp is his openness and authenticity, so readers, listen to me—if you don't know his story, it's definitely one to learn...it makes his music all the more powerful. After Shipp came one of the underground Americana & roots scene's favorite songwriters, Ritch Henderson. Accompanied by Daniel Harbinson on acoustic guitar and harmonies, the duo had concertgoers entranced with the words they sang from Henderson's critically acclaimed debut record. At HHMR, we are pro-original music and that's what we prefer to hear when we set out to a show, but we also believe covers serve a purpose in a set, as they can often bring memorable moments, such as when Wes Shipp requested a popular cover of Henderson's, "Red Rag Top" by Tim McGraw. As Henderson began to strum the chords to the song, Shipp kneeled side-stage, with head, arms, and beer rested on the stage, never once breaking his gaze set on Henderson as he sang. It was one of the coolest moments of the event to witness, because one thing we champion entirely is comradery and artists truly supporting other artists—and at NSMF, that is all you see. The community and family feel is a beautiful thing to experience. With artists milling around and mixing in with fans during others' sets—I rarely witnessed an artist stay backstage for a long period of time—and joyfully interacting with the very people who help keep their tires burning down the highway, as well as making sure to fully immerse themselves in their fellow musicians' sets, NSMF is a unique festival experience that we feel cannot be easily replicated.

Attendees gather to watch Day 1 openers

HHMR videographer Linda captures a video of Wes Shipp performing

Wes Shipp watches as Ritch Henderson performs "Red Rag Top"

Kentucky's own Hunter Flynn took the stage next as an acoustic act with only himself and his passionate vocals juxtaposed with his guitar. His songwriting is top notch and his vocals unique, and we were highly impressed with his set, especially after he told the story of how long he had been playing music—since early 2022! Knowing that, the defining moment of his set was when his mic went out mid-song as he sang his single "Can't Never Could" (written by another phenomenal Appalachian artist, Cody Lee Meece) and he stepped up to the edge of the stage and began belting out the remainder of the song to the spellbound crowd that had gathered in front of him. Chills, absolute chills! After we had to wipe away a few tears from Flynn's set—"F***ed Up Brain" and "Granny's Song" are two that will get you right in the heart—Rye Davis and his band took the stage and began to rowdy the melancholy out of the crowd by getting them dancing along to his tunes. Now, it's not his impeccable Willie and Waylon impersonation and humor during his hilarious version of "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," that makes him a dynamic performer, crowd favorite, and yearly NSMF performer, it's that Davis is the whole package. His stage presence, uncanny wit & humor, the interplay between him and the crowd, and everything else he lays out on the stage when he performs, as well as his heartfelt songwriting, make him someone your mama'n'em ought to know about. Another of the most memorable moments of NSMF 2024 was when Davis took a break from jamming his brand of entertainment and country music to play one of his nostalgic ballads, "Monsters." The FL Tribe, a group of NSMF fans and friends that travel from Florida to North Springs yearly for the festival, planned a surprise to throw paper airplanes on stage when Davis sang the chorus that reminisces on childhood treasures. Luckily for us, we were given a heads-up for the surprise, and I was able to catch it on video, (which can be seen by clicking here). Davis expressed that it was "one of the coolest things that had ever happened to him on stage," and I think that speaks volumes for not only the performers but also the attendees of this festival—every single moment means something to them, and they find ways to create some of the most special.

After Rye Davis proverbially burnt the stage down, a new-to-us artist from Oklahoma took the stage to stoke the flames a little more. Blaine Bailey brought his brand of mellow, red-dirt country rock to North Springs and undoubtedly left with many new fans. His music is a tribute to where he comes from and his Keetowah (Native American) heritage, and the tunes are as smooth as his vocals, with idyllic storytelling to boot. I tend to have to see an act live before I reserve my judgements on them, and I have to say I was extremely impressed with his set and will be taking a deep dive into his catalogue. With what was left of the at that point stage, The Comancheros played distinct brand of rock and roll and left metaphorical embers to stand on. If you've never witnessed a Comancheros show, I can assure you will equally be left with your face melted and wondering if what you just saw was real life--aside from being gifted musicians, the members of this band are exhibit extremely good showmanship; they truly know how to keep a crowd entertained with their unique songs and stage antics. Despite the cold, the crowd was hanging in there having the time of their lives rocking out. To tie night one up into an awesome musical package, headliner Whey Jennings took the stage last and gave it all to his fans. Unfortunately, HHMR did not get to see his set due to having to go back to camp, but what we could hear was phenomenal. Fan and NSMF repeat attendee Sherry Mullins shared her thoughts on Jennings' performance with us: "There were moments that if I closed my eyes, it was like I was hearing Waylon! I think it's awesome that he is using his spotlight to share his faith in God, and how it has helped him overcome his struggles with alcohol & drug abuse and achieve sobriety. Using his platform in this way gives people hope and inspiration to do better!" I believe her statement accurately sums up not only Jennings, but his counterparts on day 1 of NSMF—they all used their music in some way to bring something healing to others, whether it was in fun or inspiration.

Hunter Flynn belts out "Can't Never Could" after mic goes out

Rye Davis and his band performing to an enthusiastic crowd

Blaine Bailey captivated the audience with his blend of red-dirt country rock

The Comancheros set the stage ablaze during their set (proverbially, of course)

Friday night headliner Whey Jennings interacts with the crowd—photo by Kristen Drum

Day 2

After the first day of North Springs Music Festival, it was almost impossible to think that Day 2 could bring anything better--but boy, did it. If waking up to coffee and breakfast with friends both new and old at camp amidst a gorgeous day in the hills and hollers of Tennessee with the sounds of music in the air wasn't special enough, what Dustin Kennedy had planned out for Day 2 sure was. As campers were coming alive again, warming up frozen bones to get ready for the absolutely scorching musical day to come, and other concertgoers were beginning to fill in, around 11:30 we heard Kennedy announce that the day was about to begin. What stood out to me in that moment was not that he was encouraging people to show up for his festival, but that he was encouraging folks to head to the stage for the opening acts because he believed they deserved as much attention as the headliners, and he was right on the money! In a social media post summing up the experience, he said "I take pride in the acts who take this stage, more so every year. . .if you see them on our stage, it's because I believe in them or someone close to me that I trust believes in them. Since the start I've told musicians that if you take a chance on our festival in the middle of nowhere, you won't regret it. Matter of fact, these people will become some of the most loyal fans you'll ever have. People don't wait for next year; they go see these acts all over the place. The people treat these acts like family." Treating each and every act on the lineup like family is certainly what Kennedy expected and was definitely what fans delivered.

At HHMR we believe that often times some of the best music is found within the smaller font on festival lineups, and we believe in always going to the show to hear the opener. The caliber of talent Kennedy put in the opening slots is prime evidence of his attention to detail and wise curation of music trends. Bayker Blakenship, a young, albeit rapidly-rising star from Tennessee, brought a score of fans up to the stage already as he played an acoustic set full of originals from his April 2024 EP release, Lost Time, which highlighted his talent in the modern country world quite well. He was not only talented, but truly and courteously appreciative of the listeners. Coming all the way from Michigan, another young country crooner in the making, Waylon Hanel, took the stage next. As if he was emulating his namesake, Hanel's star shone bright as the crowd ate up his 90s country and outlaw/honkytonk fusion: his latest release, "Keith Whitley Blue," ought to be an earworm for lovers of that throwback sound. Not to mention, the young man is just as kind and humble as they come—we really enjoyed speaking with him. It spoke volumes when he asked to do “just one more” and fired into a rousing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” simply to honor veterans in attendance. The first two acts of Day 2 proved that age is just a number, and years of experience do not necessarily beget talent. Also ushering in fresh faces and exuberant youth, as well as a newfangled take on classic rock and roll, was act three of the day, Parker Barrow. Hailing from Alabama, the band led by frontwoman Megan Kane has not only southern rock in its blood, but blues covered in some funk deep in its soul. I could easily write a 1,000 word essay about this band and it's standout performance, but I can best sum it up with the fact that they rocked so hard that a transformer was blown, knocking power out to not only the stage, but the whole festival—and even a week later, people are still talking about it! It was as if we all entered a teleportation device and were taken back to 1972 as they jammed out...and a blown transformer was all that could have brought us back to present day.

Bayker Blankenship delivers a performance of one of his fan-favorite songs

Waylon Hanel plays to a legion of well-earned new fans

Megan Kane and Dylan Turner of Parker Barrow in their groove

When the power was knocked out, the tension could momentarily be felt from all in attendance, because the rest of the evening was inevitably left up in the air. NSMF organizer Kennedy was undoubtedly feeling the pressure, but he didn't let it show for long, if at all as he handled it with a calm grace I'm not sure I could have mustered. Quick thinking had someone from the power company coming to check it out and try to get the show back up and running as soon as possible, but a true heart for music is truly what set it in motion as Bill Taylor and the Appalachian Heatherns offered to take the stage and play a fully unplugged, acoustic set to keep the ball rolling. Kennedy utilized a bullhorn to encourage the crowd to move closer to the stage in order to hear and give the band their due attention. Emotions were high as all this took place, and for good reason. As Taylor and his band moved as close to the edge of the stage as possible and he began to belt out their first song, the way his voice echoed in the hearts and minds of the crowd, as well as the mountains, made it nearly impossible to even know that they were unplugged. Almost instantly, what had been a rambunctious rock-and-roll show turned into an intimate listening room, in the middle of nowhere in a hayfield capable of producing magical moments like this. We talk a lot at HHMR about the "power of music" and I'd like to believe this was a moment of divine intervention that aimed to put the true power of music on display to all in attendance and those who would hear about it later—it was an undeniably unforgettable moment.

At some point during their set, and rather quickly considering, power was re-established to the hayfield and the sound techs offered to plug everything in for the Heatherns; however, Taylor left the decision up to the crowd—and they wanted more of what they were already hearing, so Taylor and his band wound up doing their entire set entirely unplugged. Magic has been the theme of this festival, and moments like this are what we're all raving about. It was an unprecedented event, as power had never been lost in the history of NSMF, but it wound up being one of the most important--and spellbinding—moments of the entire weekend. Following the end of the Heatherns performance, there was no better way to celebrate being powered up adn plugged in again than to have the Low Water Bridge Band take the stage with their insanely talented musicians—the pedal steel was BEYOND heavenly—alongside the trill of frontman Logan Moore's mountainous vocals. The band played several songs off their albums and began to loosen the crowd back up as the impending evening chill began to set in. It was during their set that I began to ramble around the grounds, people watching, and I have to say: I loved what I saw. What I saw was joy, happiness, friendship, community, and history being made in action. Mark my words: If Dustin Kennedy continues to build North Springs Music Festival, they will continue to come—and this festival will one day go down as one of the best in the world. The heart and soul that is put into this thing from everyone involved beats anything I've ever seen. I'm not just blowing smoke, either...all the bands did enough of that each time they got on stage just to burn it down again. 🔥

Bill Taylor & the Appalachian Heatherns play an entirely unplugged set

Low Water Bridge Band entertains the crowd

Before the mind-blowing electricity of the evening acts began to light up the stage and after a very short intermission, a much-loved veteran NSMF performer played his set acoustically...but by the looks of the crowd you would have never known he was up there playing a singer-songwriter set versus a full band one. Addison Johnson is a well-known name to the NSMF community, and for good reason: he's one hell of an artist and an even better soul. Aside from the enthusiastic sing along to his hit "Out of Control" by his fans while he was on stage, it was a joy to witness how he made time for each and every one off stage. Something I loved seeing at this festival was how long the artists stayed at their merch booths to interact with concertgoers, and I observed Johnson at his nearly all day long, well before his set and after. He's the true meaning of a road-worn troubadour, and his talent and humbleness speak for themselves.

As the crowd was getting their boogie shoes warmed back up for the night to come, Tony Logue & the 184 began to rock it out. It was during their set that I foolishly decided to make a mad-dash back to camp to change into warmer clothes before nightfall, and I kicked myself the entire time because they sounded so damn good. When I was trying to slip away during the first song, a fan tapped me on the back and stopped me, warning me not to miss Logue and his band because they were about to "turn it up." Man….he was right on the money! I was all the way on the other side of the hayfield and so enamored with what I was hearing that I lost my phone and notepad, just to finally find them and make a mad dash back to the stage area to not miss a moment more. I could feel the heat from what felt like five miles away—so learn from my mistake, just bring 100 layers with you to your seat for the hormonal October weather and never leave; inevitably you'll miss something amazing at North Springs! Thankfully, HHMR videographer Linda caught a bit of the set I missed and all I gotta say is if ya'll haven't tuned into the music coming out of every part of Kentucky—not just Appalachia—it's well past time you acquainted yourself with Louge's brand of "Southern Rock & Roll." Next up, by way of Alabama & Kentucky, a "Son of Appalachia" through and through, artist Tim Goodin brought his brand of Appalachian music to NSMF alongside his band the Blue Gems, wowing the crowd with his soul stirring songwriting and beautiful melodies to match. His passion for music shone through his songs, and that's one defining word that fans can take away from not only his set, but NSMF as a whole: passion. Passion can be found in every single piece of this festival.

Addison Johnson had the fans hanging on his every word

Tony Logue and the 184 playing their brand of "Southern Rock & Roll"

When Goodin finished his set, if it didn't occur to Kennedy with the twenty-four previous acts that he ought to have the fire department on standby—in addition to the power company—t was a definite need when Taylor Hunnicutt and her band set foot on that stage and rocked it like it owed them rent money because it was plumb burnt to smithereens. Having rolled in after a long day on the road from playing Peacemaker Fest the night before, they had to of been road-weary and past exhausted, but fans would have never known after the action-packed show they put on—there was not a single bit of half-assery involved. The crowd was hungry and eager to hear what the band had to say, and after performing "All or Nothin,'" Hunnicutt became a bit teary-eyed and shared that the moment was the loudest any crowd had ever sang her songs back to her…and it was louder than an already impressively loud sound system that sonically was bumpin' so loud they probably heard these bands play up in Alaska! All jokes aside, seriously—the fans were that loud and it was a magical moment. There's that MAGIC again—it was everywhere at NSMF. One of my favorite moments was witnessing a young boy who was sat on the edge of the stage during Hunnicutt's set: he had picked up her dropped tambourine and began to play along with the band, eyes on the bourgeoning superstar in front of him the entire time. No doubt that moment will be a core memory for him as much as it was for the band and people around him.

Speaking of core memories, when Them Dirty Roses (TDR) came on stage, it definitely created one for everyone there, new fans and old! I heard last year's festival attendees demanded to have them back, and for good reason: they rock, and they rock hard. TDR sings in their opening song, "Every bad girl loves the smell of a rose," and I'd imagine that's true...but I think the way the crowd showed up and showed out for their set proves that everybody simply loves Them Dirty Roses—man, woman, child, animal (Hunnicutt's road-dawg Trudy was a little star struck, too). It was cold as ice as they sang fan favorites from their first EP released years ago to hits from their 2023 album, Lost in the Valley of Hate and Love, Vol. 1, yet a cold night was suddenly that much hotter…because what proverbial embers were left from the stage at that point were once again set ablaze! Having befriended the Roses after finding their music almost a decade ago, I've spent many a mile on the road singing my heart out to their songs in various states—but this time I spent most of my time watching the crowd and my music-lovin' heart couldn't help but get a bit weepy from what I saw, especially the looks on the children's faces and drummer Frank Ford's toddler....absolutely magical, and the kids being involved is so meaningful. I imagine some were watching their new heroes in action! I always say the magic of music is like none other, and there's so much magic being made in the "hayfield of dreams" that is NSMF and the community of fans were going absolutely nuts over what they were seeing and hearing all day and night long. I imagine twenty years from now attendees will be looking back thinking warm thoughts about the country and rock-and-roll legends they saw on that small, rented stage…well, what was left of it anyways. 🤣

The Queen of Alabama, Taylor Hunnicutt, and her band earned their status as crowd-favorite with their raucous performance

Them Dirty Roses had the fans in a rock-fueled tizzy

There wasn't a doubt in anybody's mind that Saturday night headliner Ward Davis had some tough acts to follow, yet he did it well and with the expertise and skill of someone who has spent more than "15 Years in a 10 Year Town" writing his songs and singing his dues. Davis is a verifiable legend in his own right, and the scores of fans that came to NSMF to see him headline the entire event was astounding. It was the perfect way to wind up three nights of incredible music--and Davis played well past midnight to adoring fans hanging on his every word. Sure, the late-late night set was ultimately due to the power incident, but I'd imagine that even if Davis had kept playing until the wee hours of the morning that the enthusiastic crowd—who was like putty in his hands—would have gladly hung around to listen to the last enigmatic performer to grace the stage. The personal highlight of his set and the entire festival for me was witnessing him play his tune "I'm Not the Devil" live, as it was a song that saved my soul years ago when I stumbled into making a major life change and began to chase my dreams involving music…the same dreams that led me to the pure magic of North Springs Music Festival. It was a full circle moment for me, and I'd imagine there were multiple of the same sort of moments for many others who stood next to me in that hayfield of dreams. In such a dreamy setting, how could there not be?

Ward Davis closing out the festival to adoring fans

Overall, the entire festival exceeded my expectations—and they were already high from all the impressive murmurs I've heard about North Springs Music Festival over the last few years. I'd love to see ways to get music and activity in the hands of the many children rambling around the festival grounds because they are the future of music, but I do not have a single complaint come to mind about the event at all. From the delicious food trucks to the myriad of vendors, to many other small but important details, it was well and thoughtfully executed—and I gotta say, it was impressive to witness how Dustin Kennedy was involved in every second of the festival from planning to promoting but also from set-up to tear-down...he's all in! Not to mention how in the event of the unexpected, Kennedy, his family & festival staff, musicians, and the fans also epitomized the saying "the show must go on," and go on, it did! I can't speak for anyone other than Hillbilly Hippie Music Review, but it truly went on down as one of the best festivals we've ever witnessed. If you don't know where the heck North Springs is or why that's even a question, I suggest you plan to find out next October and join us for some hayfield honkytonkin’!

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Head on over to Facebook to check out the auction for the *ORIGINAL* 2024 NSMF handpainted poster by one of the vendors, Issac Denton Art.

Read our interview with NSMF founder Dustin Kennedy at the following link:

TL:DR—NSMF is a fantastic smaller-sized music festival that is absolutely worth your time and money to see in person. All 27 acts that played in 2024 are deserving of a listen. Check them out and join us next year on the farm for some hayfield honky-tonkin’!

Check out our playlist of videos from several NSMF 2024 performers below:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

EMILY JAMERSON IS HERE TO STAY LIKE DRIED ON PAINT—AND WE PROMISE THAT'S A GOOD THING

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There is so much music—absolutely lovely music—seemingly released on the daily nowadays that it makes it insanely difficult to stay on top of what’s new, whether you’re a just a casual listener or have devoted your life to sharing the gospel of good tunes, like we have here at the Hillbilly Hippie Music Review. Sometimes the noise (joyful, musical noise that is) gets so loud that we have to trust the process and hope the universe carries the music to both those who need it most and to those who can help take the music far; however, every once in a while we come across an artist that we just can’t stop thinking about. Equal parts southern songbird and mountain siren, Prestonburg, Kentucky's Emily Jamerson is one of those artists and is someone we think you MUST know....so here we are, back drowning out the noise and tuning in to share the gospel via a long overdue review. I must say, it was a grave mistake of mine to be so uninformed of her musical prowess prior to her art reaching me when I needed it most, so I urge you not to make the same mistake—keep reading below:

Over the years within our music circles we’ve heard her name murmured (Jamerson is a sacred name round these parts), sometimes seen it on lineups, but admittedly we were very slow to acquaint ourselves. As I mentioned above, sometimes we’ve just gotta have faith the music reaches who needs it when they need it—ironically enough, Emily Jamerson reached me in a time where I was desperate to feel seen and validated. I was in the midst of a soul-searching, supposed-to-be healing weekend turned sour by the misguided words of someone I had torn down my walls to put trust in when I saw on the socials that she had released “Dried Paint.” Sitting oceanside down on the shore in Mississippi, with a salty breeze in my hair, hot tears in my eyes, and the words I didn't know how to say choking in my throat trying to calm a heart that broke, I felt even more out-of-place and unseen than I ever had before....so I pressed play. And so it went, in less than three minutes time, I was singing along to the earworm of a chorus while gutturally sing-screaming “GO FIND LESS”, my newfound, yet well-worn anthem. 

At first glance of the title, “Dried Paint,” is an unassuming, yet curious song name. Upon first listen of the melody, it’s seemingly a jovial tune, filled with upbeat fiddle and sunshine-filled chords galore. That is, until, Jamerson begins to sing. Almost as quickly as the tune begins, listeners find out that the song is not quite what the title begets: rather, the notion of dried paint is used as quirky symbolism of the steadfast depths of self-acceptance, and furthermore, self-love. As the first verse flows into the second and on down into the chorus, Jamerson details many of the ways others have viewed her as “too much.” When the chorus hits though, it feels as if Jamerson takes the reigns back from the negative talk of others and without the slightest air of self-efficacy twists her perceived flaws into powerful positives—and let me tell ya'll: when she hits the hook, I swear it not only made this “too much” girl feel seen, but it made me want to scream it loud from the top of Pine Mountain: “And I gotta get somethin’ off my chest, if you don’t like it, then you can go find less!” The song continues with some more lyrical professions of standing in her truth, and for listeners who need the message she’s preaching via song, I’d bargain it’s almost a spiritual release, a heavy weight of an often cold world lifted off their shoulders. I believe I can speak for many, and perhaps even Jamerson, when I say that it’s beyond difficult emulating the “too much” kind of girl people paint you as for your entire life, even if at your core you know it’s not wrong to be who you are. As the years pass by, girls—heck, anybody—like me try to find ways to blend in and make ourselves small so we don’t take up too much space. However, all that does is dampen our fires and break our spirits. People like us, as beloved or hated as we may be, need space to let our true selves shine and it’s past time we take up the space we deserve. With this song, I feel like Emily Jamerson gives all the girls both older and wiser and younger and stumbling their way through life, the permission to be who the Good Lord created them to be. Shewwee...That’s powerful stuff. To be seen, heard, and understood is truly one of the basic human needs for survival—and we’re so glad Jamerson is “here to stay like dried on paint,” creating a cathartically safe musical haven for people to be so much more than the less the world wants them to be. The anthemic properties of “Dried Paint” make it the perfect song to feel, heal, and simply EXIST to. Shine on, my people! ✨

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On an equally beautiful, yet opposite wavelength of the notion of love, this summer also saw Jamerson release a second single, “Love Song Love." It's a swoon-worthy Hallmark movie in lyrical form that melodically details the evolution of a precious love story woven poetically through time. In her dulcet tones, she sings about the sweet, simple love song kind of love many dream about. The tune is utterly romantic and deeply sentimental—the perfect recipe for a love song that will linger on for ages. Adding to the depths or the romance is a beautiful pedal steel backing up the trills of Jameson’s passionate vocals, and I believe hearing this song and her expert musicality showcased by perfectly pairing melodies with arrangements that make both her voice and the story shine made me fall even more in love with the artist she is becoming. I can't help but drift off into some forlorn daydream from my childhood when I listen to it! I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but I’d bargain this tune will not only be the soundtrack to many Hallmark moments that transpire in the quiet moments two-stepping in kitchens and loving in moonlit backyards across Appalachia and beyond, but will also find it’s home as a timeless wedding song. Rightfully so—it's that perfect! If you don't find yourself swaying along with stars in your eyes, I suggest you see a doctor to double check that your heart is beating!***

May we all learn to love ourselves as the Creator intended and find that “Love Song Love” in whatever brings us happiness during the time we have left in this world. Personally, one thing that checks off a happiness box for me is continuing to follow Emily Jamerson’s development as a songwriter and falling in love with her voice all over again each time she releases new music. If she and her music don’t sound like too much for you, be sure to check out the two singles mentioned above, as well as lend an ear to her 2022 EP, The Dead Street Sessions featuring Emily Jamerson. The songs are acoustic, stripped bare bones to nothing but her voice and message—and there’s a lot of love, light, and truth to be found in those tracks as well. “Worthy” is a good place to start…make sure to finish your deep dive into the sweet, sweet sounds of this Appalachian Angel by following all her socials and catching her at a show soon. I know I personally can’t wait to see her play in person and thank her for the comfort her music has provided me in such a soul-stirring time in my life. Give her a listen; it might just heal something in you that you didn’t know was hurtin’ either. After all, there’s healin’ in the hurtin—and the music. 

***HHMR is a music review practice, not a licensed medical practice, so do not take our words as medical advice. Your heart is probably fine, but we think it would grow a few sizes by finding love for Emily Jamerson's music!🤠

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

FINDING MAGIC IN THE MOUNTAINS: LAUREL COVE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Photo by HHMR of Laurel Cove Amphitheater in 2020

If you were to ask our music family to envision a most magical place for a music festival, I’d bargain many would envision the most picturesque little holler of Laurel Cove Amphitheater down in Pineville, KY. For the last several years, the grassroots festival Laurel Cove Music Festival has been held there within the sweeping mountains of Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Slowly but surely, the destination gained traction as a haven for music lovers of the up-and-comers, and seemingly overnight the once “Little Festival That Could” erupted into the one little festival that you SHOULD be at. From a surprise Nolan Taylor set to a Red Clay Strays baptism and every soul-shaking musical experience in between, it was a weekend that activated our FOMO deeply. Despite our many visits to the Cove for other events, sadly for HHMR, we’ve yet to experience the magic the packed into second weekend in June, so we asked our fans to share their experiences with us from LCMF 2024! Our friend Tiffany P. travels all the way from Florida each year to attend the festival—below are her thoughts on what we heard was quite the special experience this year:

Disclaimer: The following was penned by our guest writer for this festival recap and all writing, views, and opinions are those of the attendee--though we have to agree, LCMF has got it going on!

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TIFFANY’S LCMF 2024 REVIEW:

“This is my 4th year attending LCMF. Sadly,  I was not able to attend the first. The inaugural festival was rained out and Jon Grace moved it to the lodge, due to constant rain all weekend.  I was watching all my friend’s Facebook posts and jamming out at work while listening to the music.  I believe it was close to the time COVID had spun out of control and all of the music events and shows were being shut down.  I was working from home, in the same bedroom as my husband and child. I told my husband, ‘Next June I will be at Laurel Cove.’I kept my promise and did go. It was the best festival experience I could have ever imagined.  It is more than just a festival, it’s a reunion of like-minded individuals who love real music.  I joke with my friends, ‘I pray heaven is similar to Laurel Cove.’ The beauty, the music and the vibes.  

Pineville is nestled in the eastern part of the state of Kentucky, next to Virginia and Tennessee.  Pine Mountain State Park is truly a ‘magical’ experience.  The venue is stunning in every way possible: the mountain laurel flowers,  trees, green grass, mountains and fireflies.  It is a setting out of a fairytale! Every June, local and music fans from far and wide flock to eastern Kentucky. Jon Grace stated fans come from all over the USA and beyond to experience ‘the magic of the Cove.” No one leaves a stranger and strong connections are built! Pineville is a coal mine town and tourism is starting to take off. Jon Grace has started a tradition, that is bringing in thousands of dollars, into a ‘sleepy coal town.’ Vendors come to support the show and the locals and fans show love by selling out everything they have.  

The first day, West Texas artist Kat Hasty came to perform.  Kat Hasty’s song ‘Burn It Down,’ truly burned the cove down with her intense lyrics, ‘I burnt it down, down, down!.’ The entire crowd was up and ‘jamming out’ while singing.  It was a very high energy performance and she got the entire crowd pumped up.   The Cove brings out vocals like nothing else.  

On day 2, Alabama native, or the Queen of Alabama, Taylor Hunnicutt truly ‘bloomed’ at Laurel Cove. Taylor’s true grit but also sweetness of melodies has you hanging on your seat ready for more.  Taylor and her band received a standing ovation.  No one was in their seat, everyone was up dancing and she gained about a few hundred or more new fans.  Taylor and her band sounded so tight and on point, they all performed effortlessly.  Kentucky embraced Taylor and you could tell it was reciprocated.  

In the end, Jon Grace makes every fan, vendor and artist feel like it is ‘our festival.’ We all have a stake in it to see it bigger and better the next year.  Many thanks to Jon Grace and all the volunteers helping to bring the Amp to life every June.  It is a labor of love and planning starts the day after the previous festival ends.  The Cove is a magical place.  Jon and his team have a low tourism budget versus other counties and he makes magic happen with a strongly volunteered based team. He keeps prices extremely low for tickets, to ensure everyone can afford to go to the event without going bankrupt.  This year, lots more children were in tow to also enjoy ‘the magic’ of the cove.  Festival history is being made and one day, we may see one of those barefeet, carefree kids standing on the sacred Laurel Cove stage.”

Photo used with permission by Taylor Hunnicutt’s camp; taken by @sbizanovich

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TIFFANY'S TOP 5 LAUREL COVE MOMENTS:

“1–Red Clay Strays, Saturday headlining act: LCMF fans took the pond during the encore. LCMF Volunteer, Jerome Comer, said it beautifully, “I was wondering when someone would take the pond, it was breathtaking. This place is pure magic, and I would like to give thanks to all who made this event unforgettable.” On June 16, 2024, the Laurel Cove Music Festival's official FB page was announced it was in search of anyone who was in the pond. This moment will be forever known as ‘SWIM’: official t-shirts will be made for those fans who took a splash for the first time in 4 years. Please [listen to] Mike Hart from Hippies and Cowboys Podcast explain how it came to be when fans took the pond for the first time (watch here). The band continued to play while water was splashing in every direction; it was like a ‘knee deep baptism.’ Laurel Cove fans and family will never forget this magical evening! (From HHMR: Below is a video of the RCS closing set by Beth Boylan that features the moment Tiffany speaks of):

2–Wyatt Flores summed up the Laurel Cove community and vibe when he stated, ‘I am not lying to you when I say I’m shaking like a leaf. This honestly feels like I’m playing Red Rocks all over again,’ Flores told the crowd. ‘One thing that I enjoy more than anything about getting to come here, and play is because this is the only place that actually appreciates music and I mean that.’ Wyatt attended Laurel Cove Music Festival as a fan two years ago, and since then his music career has skyrocketed. The last song of the evening, Wyatt and his band went UNPLUGGED while the Laurel Cove audience sang along while hanging onto every word to ‘Shake the Frost’ by Tyler Childers. If you missed the performance or want to relieve the blissful evening check it out below:

3–Taylor Hunnicutt and band played a 4:40 Saturday evening set. She sang the sweetest mike check stating, ‘Let's get this party started and get back on schedule.’ Oh boy... she got the crowd pumped! Many fans from Friday's day 1 of festivities were tired...after Taylor and her band started playing, the audience was wide awake as the crowd stood up, cheering and dancing! Taylor's nickname is the ‘Queen of Alabama’ and she lived up to it in every sense! As Taylor and her band performed, her set stood still in time as many were seeing her for the first time. She dominated the stage with poise, powerful vocals and left fans hanging on to every note as she bared her emotions. On that stage, Kentucky and Alabama collided, and it was nothing less than an ascent into the Laurel Cove heavens. Taylor and the band received a standing ovation at the end of their performance, while the Red Clay Strays were backstage watching. (From HHMR: The video below of one of Hunnicutt's songs from her debut album was taken by Jeff Jaworski):

4–Kindred Valley had an early afternoon set, but the group's musical flow cascaded through the mountains. The lyrics will take fans on a wild ride, be careful of those twists and turns. The song ‘1921’ hauntingly recounts coal mining and the danger it brings along with it. ‘It gets hotter and hotter the deeper we go // And we all go down, but a few come up // To see one day more // And the company man will tell you otherwise // But ask any man // With a pick in his hand // The devil'ś in those mines’ (From HHMR: The video below of the tune Tiffany speaks of was filmed at a prior LCMF):

5–As I hustled down to the small stage, with two kids in tow. The first thing I heard was Hannah Howard's sweet and soulful voice. It was perfect in every sense of the word. Her music makes you want to grab a blanket and a cool drink. Hannah's storytelling is surreal, she has a relaxed demeanor and presence on stage. Her last song of the set, she recounts the summers spent with her uncle Paul before his dementia. Fans felt every word as she sang, ‘Remember Me.’ Fans will surely remember her voice and more importantly the rush of emotions, overcome and during her songs. Dr. Aimee Grace (Jon Grace's wife) coined the term, ‘Music Blooms Here.’ After gracing the stage of Laurel Cove, Hannah now has a chance to continue ‘blossoming.’ Hannah has not had an opportunity to create an album but will now be able to achieve that dream. She received a fully funded EP, sponsored by Jamm Nation App.” (From HHMR: The below video is Hannah covering "Waymore's Blues" from the LCMF Preparty at the Burl)

Photo used with permission by Taylor Hunnicutt’s camp; taken by @sbizanovich

We want to thank Tiffany P. so much for sharing her experience with us--it made our FOMO even more extreme and lit a fire under our tail to make sure we are at the Cove next year! Can 2025's lineup and experience top 2024's? We're not sure that's possible, but Laurel Cove Music Festival has always has a way of blowing our minds. Ya'll keep a look out for tickets to go on sale around January! For more information, keep up with LCMF on their socials and on their website, https://www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com.

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

THE POWER OF MUSIC: “DON’T TELL ALLEY”

Every now and again, the Hillbilly Hippie Music Review will seek out fans and friends alike to “sit in” as guest writers for the review to share about songs that touch them or changed their lives. On this inaugural edition, we have Austin L. pen a piece about the impact a song by a new-to-us artist named Joe Jordan had on his soul. This is what the power of music is all about, folks!

Written by Austin L:

June 13th, 2024: What would have been a typical Thursday afternoon driving home from work. Except this wasn’t a typical drive home. Spotify was playing a song that I had on repeat for two days— “Don’t Tell Alley” written by independent singer/songwriter Joe Jordan. As the first notes of the song play and Joe starts to sing, I start analyzing the lyrics that I had previously heard but did not fully comprehend. At this point the lyrics were almost memorized. The first verse begins with Joe asking God for a favor. He tells God that he knows he owes him nothing but “I thought that maybe just this time.” That’s when the tears begin to flow down my face. With eyes soaking behind my dark sunglasses, Joes beautiful, melodic voice screams a line in the chorus that hits me so hard: “The babies miss their mama // I don’t know how to be a father // Without her gentle heart, mine’s turned to stone.” My heart started pounding. My chest suddenly feeling a sunken, empty and hollow feeling. This song in that moment hit me so damn hard I couldn’t control the emotions flowing over me. As the song continues Joe begs God to tell Alley that he’s recovering from his loss. When I got home, I walked in the door crying almost harder than I ever have before. I held our sweet babies and then turned to my partner and hugged her so damn tight and said “I love you and our family so damn much that I don’t know what I would do without you.” She is chronically ill and had been really sick that week, so I had been trying hard not to show my fear about her condition. The song must have just broken all of that loose.

At first, I assumed this song was about Joe’s experience of losing his partner and the mother of his children. As it turns out, he wrote the song for the exact reason that on that car ride, my heart felt destroyed. Few times before has a song hit me as hard and deep as “Don’t Tell Alley.” The feeling of emotional despair and torment this song made me feel rivaled the feeling I get from listening to “68,” an emotional and meaningful song written by my good friend Nolan Taylor. Every inch of my body that could feel love, sorrow, pain and sadness turned to fire! The feeling of loss, despair and emptiness instantaneously overwhelmed me.

Every word in “Don’t Tell Alley” is meticulously and beautifully written. Joe puts so much love and emotion into the lyrics that it’s impossible not to listen over and over. “Don’t Tell Alley” speaks of a man, a father, terrified of losing the woman he loves most and the mother of his children. It speaks of the inexplicable heartbreak one would feel if this horrific scenario would ever manifest. It speaks of the unselfish love of a man keeping his pain hidden from his late lover while asking God to hide the painful truth from her and allowing her to live happily ever after in Heaven. It speaks about the utter emptiness he would feel if she ever left. This leads listeners to feel all of the heartbreak, emotion and true love that Joe emulates perfectly in this wonderful, heart wrenching tune.

Thank you Joe. Thank you for giving the world this beautiful song about real, true, deep and unbreakable love. You touched my heart and I’m sure you’ll touch many more with this song and every other masterpiece you will gracefully share with the world. You have made a fan out of me and I cannot wait until I can experience a live performance.

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Listen to this hauntingly beautiful, yet gut-wrenching track below. The HHMR is definitely a new fan:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

WHERE IN THE HECK IS NORTH SPRINGS MUSIC FESTIVAL?

That’s a REALLY good question—and if you’re an avid music fan, it’s an even better question. From some of the biggest names in music to the up and comers you must know, North Springs Music Festival has it all. Trust us, you’ll want to know the answer by this October!

Situated in picturesque Whitleyville, Tennessee, the farm of Dustin Kennedy changes from pastures galore to a music haven for music fans far and wide when autumn rolls around. Amid cooling temps and falling leaves, the stage is set on (proverbial) fire as those who flock to “the little music festival that could” deep in the mountains fall deeply in love with the music and mission of NSMF. Held October 11th and 12th of this year, NSMF is THE destination for a family friendly festival that is focused on two things: quality tunes and FUN! Come along as we chat with the festival organizer about this upcoming event that is quickly becoming a coveted favorite among music festivals in the South—both by bands and fans alike. Interview begins below:

L: Hey there Dustin! Thanks for joining us today to discuss what you've got cookin’ down in Tennessee. We're beyond stoked to join you to take in the stellar lineup you've curated this October in Whitleyville—for newcomers like us, can you give us a little background on how NSMF began?

D: Thank you for having me--and I sure can! NSMF got kicked off in 2020 right during all the madness of the pandemic, but we were outside and tired of the madness. It [attendees] consisted of almost all local folks outside of our original out of state ticket buyer, Kristen Heflin. The county donated a wooden stage used at various county functions. It was the only time that one was used. The initial show was headlined by Rye Davis and Branden Martin. It rained like hell, but like Deana Carter would say, "we danced anyway." *laughs*

L: Love it! Looking back, I recall a lot of new festivals popping up in 2020 because it seemed like people were so ready to live again...I know we were! We kept the roads hot between Indiana and Alabama going to as many shows as we could. I'm a little sad to know we missed the inagural festival and the ones the past few years, but so excited to get to witness the magic this fall. What was your inspiration for the festival, aside from giving the proverbial finger to the craziness of 2020? Has running a successful music festival always been a dream of yours?

D: I went to a small living room show in Lexington in 2017 hosted by Jeff Cox. Fifty people sitting in one small room listening to Justin Wells & Jason Eady. That kinda got my wheels spinning. So in 2019, I rented our county fairgrounds event building and hosted four acoustic songwriter shows, one of which being Jason Eady & Courtney Patton. After the show, I just sorta blurted out to Jason that I wanted to one day host a music festival on my family's farm and if I ever did, I'd love for him to be a part of it. That was in March of 2019, and by October 2020, as small as that first NSMF was, it had become a reality.

L: Ol’ Jeff Cox—he's one of the good ones! Isn't it crazy how small this music world really is and how quickly an idea can grow? I love a good grassroots story...and it's amazing to see what you've accomplished in the seven years since speaking that dream into the universe and bringing it to life. Tell us, what is your mission/motto for NSMF; what do you hope to achieve with this festival in the present and future derivatives of it?

D: One of my best friends, Clint Fraley, recently said it best. He said " You've caused old friends to come together to have a good time. What better achievement in life than causing others to have fun and forget about their troubles?" I've said in other interviews that we don't all agree on religion, politics or sports, but music brings people together, and it's a beautiful thing. But also, country music has lost its way from where it was when we all grew up. Some people only see country music as the pop stuff they hear on their radio that we all spend way too much time hating on, myself included. Or they still listen to only the legends, which is fine, but I want to do my part to help people discover all these awesome independent acts who may be under their radar. Music is easier to find now more than ever. You just have to dig to find the stuff you won't ever see on CMT or your local country radio station. Listen to the cats over on WSKY, and you'll discover all the independent acts you want!

L: Preach, my friend! That is one of the reasons HHMR's founder Nathan began this review back in 2019, to bring focus to all the amazing indie artists in the Kentucky region. When I came aboard in 2020, I made it my mission to expand that coverage beyond Appalachia, because there is just so much good music out there and insanely talented artists that may never get the recognition they deserve without the efforts of independent journalism and venues/festivals! Speaking of all those good tunes, I’m curious—when you go to a show or a festival, are you more pumped to see the bands you're familiar with or catch the "no one knows who they are" up-and-comers?

D: If he lives to be 100 years old, I will never get tired of seeing Hank Williams Jr. live. He's the greatest of all time to me. I never got to see Waylon live which really disappoints me, so I always make it a point to cross the legends off the bucket list. But as far as new music, I work a pretty demanding full time job. I'm married with 3 kids and have some other hobbies, so it is hard to find time to discover new music. I depend heavily on others to suggest new stuff to me. They're out here doing God's work for us music lovers! I'm definitely not a "skip the opener" guy because those guys have been known to steal the show once or twice. The coolest act I ever got to see early on was in June 2012 when Shooter Jennings, who has done so much for independent music over the years, hosted a Waylon tribute show, and he introduced a cat named Sturgill Simpson to the crowd, one full year before High Top Mountain came out. I know others knew him already, but I certainly did not. Even better, that was my first time seeing Whitey Morgan and Justin Wells (one of my favorite people both professionally and personally now) that night as well. Also seeing Tyler Childers at Grimey's record store for under 100 people probably and later that night at The Basement East for $12. Little cheaper than his current arena tour! Always go to the show.

L: Yes! Always go to the show! Some of the acts on NSMF's lineup this year I have known for quite sometime whether personally or professionally, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both watching and experiencing their trajectories first hand over the past several years. I will never forget driving to Montgomery one night to see Taylor Hunnicutt open for Rod Gator at a little trailer bar/driving range in the middle of nowhere. It was a rainy evening which likely killed attendance, but man…it was magical. I was one of the only ones there for the show and when it was Rod's time to perform Taylor and I just danced to his whole set in the rain. Now look at her go! Playing NSMF and tons of festivals across the country this year. It's so fun to see these bands we love succeed! So, I purposely haven't mentioned the lineup yet because I want people to take in the whole poster at the end of this interview and be as amazed at the level of talent as we are, but I'd like to hear your music recommendations before we get into festival info. Who are you listening to these days, whether they're on the lineup or not, that you think people need to hear? And why?

D: The legends like Hank Jr, Waylon, Keith Whitley, George Jones…they'll always be in rotation. Same for Shooter, Ragweed, Jamey Johnson, Justin Wells and Chris Knight. My 3 favorite independent acts are Cody Jinks, Jason Eady and Cole Chaney, who is a badass that everybody needs to learning if they're sleeping [on him]. Them Dirty Roses have one of the best live shows going! Huge fan of Charles Wesley Godwin and 49 Winchester. Should not even have to mention Stapleton, Childers and Sturgill. I'm digging that new Zach Top album! As far as the festival goes, I'm excited to see Low Water Bridge Band, Ritch Henderson, Hunter Flynn, Sam Lowe, Waylon Hanel, The Comancheros, Parker Barrow and Bill Taylor and the Appalachian Heatherns all for the first time live. Then, I never do an interview where I won't mention the names of Addison Johnson, Rye Davis, Tony Logue, Tim Goodin and Wes Shipp. If you're not listening to any of those guys, stop reading this right now and change that! I'm really liking that new Taylor Hunnicutt album. Beyond fired up to have her and the boys at the festival this year. Being a long time fan of the Jennings Family, I’m very excited to have Whey headlining Friday night! Lastly, I think Ward Davis is a genius. He's one I've been wanting for the festival for quite some time so to have him as the 2024 headliner is very cool for me.

L: Well there you have it readers, a little sneak peak to the absolutely mindblowing lineup Dustin and his team have put together this year—but don't worry, there's even MORE fantastic artists to see down at the farm. I have a feeling it's going to be hard to top 2024's lineup, but at the same time I have a feeling you have more tricks up your sleeve, Dustin! Who do you hope to book for future NSMFs?

D: I'm a huge Courtney Patton fan. For whatever reason, we can never make NSMF work out. Same for Taylor Austin Dye and Mae Estes. They're in Nashville so I should've already done that. Some others will be retreads that maybe have only played once that I'd love to bring back. There are young acts like Jake Kohn and Blaine Bailey. I want to do some acoustic shows with songwriting geniuses like Billy Don Burns, Kendell Marvel and Josh Morningstar. I don't have huge corporate sponsors. I don't have tourism dollars. I'm funded strictly by local businesses who band together for me to ensure this show goes on and ticket buyers who keep coming back so I don't have the luxury to go get some of the names people ask for because musicians aren't cheap nor should they be! So I have to go into each year being very strategic. My eyes can get a little big, but you have to be realistic. I have to say that I have a great working relationship with Josh Green, who works for WME. I've had the pleasure of hosting some really cool acts that probably don't get done if Josh did not trust the passion and vision I laid on him each time we talk. He's one of the coolest dudes out there, and I'm very appreciative of him being willing to work with me each year!

L: Man, those would all be fantastic shows. I have no doubt you'll accomplish your end goal with NSMF because from the looks of it people are steadily flocking to your little slice of paradise each year! I imagine it will only get bigger as time goes by, but will still retain that small festival, everyone is family kind of feel. Now—onto the attendees, you mentioned your first out-of-town ticket buyer back in 2020 a bit ago. So far, what is the furthest state/location you've had someone travel from for the show? What is your guess for this year as far as ticket sales to this point?

D: We had a couple from Norway last year, which was very cool! This year we have folks coming from Canada and Germany. As far as inside the United States, I think the record is being set by Mary Suminski, coming all the way from Alaska! I'd be remised, however, if I did not mention the large groups of folks coming from Alabama, Indiana and the LARGE group known simply as "The Florida Tribe!" Then there is my man, Bruce Twyman, who I have been told needs to calm the F down! But everyone knows Bruce, so yeah...it's going to be one big family reunion out in the hayfield.

L: *Laughs* I've been there a time or two. It sounds like you've certainly created a safe haven for music lovers both near and far—and what a testament to the work you've done, as well as the passion for this underground, indie music scene! Before we dive into important festival deets, can you share with me your favorite festival memory from years past?

D: I'm a huge Cross Canadian Ragweed fan so Cody Canada & The Departed headlining last year was huge for me. Jason Eady headlining in 2022 was pretty special since he was the first person I ever mentioned the idea of this thing to. Cole Chaney has played twice, acoustic and full band so it was cool to see that progression. Lastly, Julie Roberts stole the show in 2021 when all the ladies in the crowd got to take their turns singing the classic "Break Down Here." Those all definitely stand out! But for me with each year, it's shaking the hands of the people who travel so far to come be a part of this festival. Taking a chance on it. But, like I always tell the musicians, if you ever come here, you're going to be playing to some of the most loyal fans you will ever have. They're gonna come to more shows, buy the merch. You won't regret it and some come back every year! Same to be said for ticket buyers. They had never heard of North Springs, but man, there is something special about this place. Us locals, it's "God's Country" to us. People who have been will agree. And on a selfish note, this farm has been in my family since the late 1800's so to bring something so cool to a farm and be fortunate enough to still have my dad, aunt and grandpa still living and being present at the festival on the farm they've grown up on, worked and hunted on, is pretty damn cool to me. Also having my wife and children being here making those memories, it's a great feeling!

L: We love our music family and a festival that supports that kinship is our kind of place. I know that's got to be mighty special to be adding to the NSMF family with each ticket sold while also honoring your ancestors on sacred ground. From listening to you describe it, it certainly sounds like the festival prides itself on having a good time while building true connections. So, what is the overall vibe of the festival? Party crowd, listening room, a mix of both—that sort of thing…basically what can newcomers expect to see and how should they plan to behave?

D: So every year, early in the day it tends to be a little more laid back, people lounging in their chairs. Usually, as the sun goes down and people get a little more liquid courage, they make their way to the front of the stage. But no, this is no listening room. I host acoustic shows throughout the year for that. I want this to be a party in the hay field. If anything, I wish everyone would get to the front of the stage earlier to show the same love to the acts all day long. People dancing and singing at that stage is what we are all about.

L: Funny you should say that, we at HHMR are definitely a front of the stage bunch! Our friends over at Raised Rowdy live and preach the phrase "front row or don't go" and it's one we try to honor every show—we feel it's the best way to experience the high of the music. Any pertinent details interested attendees should know prior to making their way North Springs to claim their front row spot?

D: Ticket prices are $50 each day or $90 for both days. Non-electric camping is $10 per person daily or $25 for the whole weekend if you come in Thursday night to set up. Generators are allowed. I do not sell alcohol, BUT you can bring your own coolers in for $5 or $10 depending on the cooler size. Just act like you've been in public before! There will be food and shopping vendors on site. Internet is spotty at best so bring as much cash as you can to help move all lines quicker. If you're driving in keep the GPS on the whole time until you pull in (Just ask Them Dirty Roses last year laughs. Dogs are allowed as long as they're on leashes. No showers on site, but Porta Potties will be on site. No fires directly on the grounds, but fire pits allowed if needed. People can begin setting up to camp on Thursday morning to be ready for the kick-off party in Gainesboro that night. Friday show will kick off tentatively at 3PM but subject to change. Saturday will likely will be a 1PM start time!

L: Oh, Them Dirty Roses. That seems to be a habit of theirs *laughs*. I'm giggling because one night when they played a show at Laurel Cove they were coming in late and if you've ever been to Pineville or Pine Mountain Resort State Park, you know just how mountainous it is and how easy it is to get lost in the curves. Service is spotty, I got there for the weekend first and my pal Andrew (TDR's guitarist) was frantically texting me trying to figure out where they were supposed to be—they took that big red van and trailer all over that big curvy road in a circle because they missed the turn! So readers, trust that GPS with your life going to Pineville AND North Springs! Okay, switching gears from funny stories and we could be here all day because I've got a ton of them—tell me a little about the kick-off show you mentioned. Sounds like a helluva good time!

D: Last year was only one day on the farm, and the kickoff party was At Roaring River Distillery in Gainesboro, 15 minutes away. Being such a small rural county, a lot of the local businesses did well with so many from out of state coming into the county. This year with us extending to 2 days on the farm, I was afraid a lot of the businesses might not get as much traffic so it was important to me to have a kickoff party so the square in Gainesboro is full once again. Chris Edwards from Mountain View Talent reached out and wanted to partner up. We discussed the options and quickly agreed on a lineup, headlined by Dallas Moore and Clint Park. Next was getting The Bull & Thistle Pub on board to host. The bar side sold out in one weekend while very few $10 dining side seats remain. This will be a little bit more of the listening room experience. Hopefully all the other businesses in town will see a spike like last year from the kickoff party!

L: Good grief, what a lineup! If potential attendees think the kickoff party is to die for, I wonder what they'll think when they see the full spectrum of talent for the festival. Minds will certainly be boggled! It's a work of heart and art between the hard work you put in to curate it and the fantastic poster Jimbo Valentine created to promote it. Well, that's all the time we have today, Dustin, thank you so much for joining us to give us an inside look at North Springs Music Festival! We can't wait to meet ya at the farm!

D: I appreciate your time and asking these questions to promote NSMF. Sorry for the long winded answers. *Laughs* I could talk music all day!

L: As could we! See you soon!

For more information on North Springs Music Festival, visit their website. Follow along for updates on their Facebook!

*All photos used with permission from NSMF website and Facebook.

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

KENTUCKY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM TO HOST BOOKING 101 MASTERCLASS FOR CURRENT AND ASPIRING MUSICIANS

—Lyssa Culbertson

Despite how exciting it may look to the outside world, a musician's gig is never easy and seemingly never done whether they’re a Top 5 Billboard artist with a full team backing them or they’re fully independent in every sense of the word while wearing multiple hats as the manager, booking agent, merch guy, sound tech, etc. For those artists with without a management team, some aspects of the career can be especially daunting. Enter booking shows! One would think the advent of the internet—and especially social media—would make such a stressful task less intimidating and a bit easier with a wealth of information at the fingertips; unfortunately, that is rarely the case.

Luckily for struggling artists looking for the "magic" solution and/or talent buyers themselves in need of a little refresher, there are resources available to help! Look no further than the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Executive Director Jessica Blankenship and her team have curated an exemplary meeting of the minds with three top tier industry professionals from the Eastern Kentucky region who have either been involved with booking shows for musicians or booking musicians for shows they put on for many years. On the afternoon of August 10th, the KMHOF brings the esteemed Tiffany Finley (Black Mountain Management, Masters Musician Festival, NIVA Kentucky President), Tim Parks (Manchester Music Festival, Ponderosa Pines, Manchester Tourism), and Jon Grace (Laurel Cove Music Festival, Bell Theater, Bell County Tourism) to Mount Vernon to hold a panel discussion on the ins and outs of booking within the music industry, with focus on the not only the Appalachian region they are located in but also circuits beyond. In this music business course, the three experts will discuss what musicians should have and should do prior to approaching venues/talent buyers to be booked for shows, as well as an inside peek at what venues and events are looking for in the artists they enlist for entertainment. When asked about the purpose of the event, Blankenship expressed:

"One of the things that the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame wants to do is to encourage musicians in improving their skills and learn more about the music business. We've been working on music business workshops featuring topics as social media, songwriting, and more. Kentucky is blessed to have an abundance of musicians, as well as music venues and festivals to perform their music. Unfortunately, some may not understand how to be booked, or what booking agents look for. By bringing in the experts in the field that encompass venues, large and small festivals, and more, it helps bridge that gap of understanding. This event will be an open discussion between venues, festivals, and musicians to get a better understanding how they can partner together for a better experience. It is open to musicians as well as those that do booking for events and venues. Coming together helps build a better music community here in Kentucky. Also - we have learned how diverse our community is and which act fits best for what environment."

The class is FREE to attend, but interested attendees must register for a spot. Whether you are a novice musician just starting out or a seasoned troubadour who knows the ropes, this class can certainly be beneficial…don't miss the opportunity! There is a possibility the event may be either livestreamed or recorded to share online; however, space at the event is limited so be sure to secure your spot today to gain valuable insight from industry leaders in person. To register, simply complete the registration survey by clicking HERE.

For more information about the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as upcoming ev, visit them online at their website or Facebook.

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

WHAT A SWEET SERENADE TO SWEET HOME: TAYLOR HUNNICUTT SHOWCASES THE ALABAMA SOUND WITH RELEASE OF DEBUT RECORD

Reviewed by: Lyssa Culbertson

In the day and age of the overnight TikTok craze where going viral somehow equates to an instant record deal without any real road readiness to back it up, some success stories are just a little bit sweeter, taking their due time aging like a fine Muscadine wine. When bands like the one I’m about to mention finally have their day in the sun, so to speak, after many weary years of blazing down the highway as road warriors trying to keep their lights on as they played till the lights went out, it makes the music so much hardier and heartfelt. Authentically Alabamian, indie artist Taylor Hunnicutt and her band of rowdy sons have more than earned their moment in the spotlight—and we hope it lingers, shining down on them for years to come. Over the past several years, Southern rock has been in a revival period, with throngs of long-haired hippies in various bands across the land taking the stage and playing their new-age versions of it, as if stepping back in time to Skynyrd concert in '69. With the release of her debut LP, Alabama Sound, a mere few weeks ago, it's already evident that Hunnicutt has taken her rightful throne as the Queen, solidifying her long-overdue status as one of the frontrunners of not only the Southern rock revival, but today's music in general. Talk about a huge win for female artists everywhere!

Let's pause for a little background before we dive into her long-awaited debut: with a deep love for music formed early in childhood and an innate talent developing well into her teens and young adult years, Hunnicutt spent time honing her craft in various ways, from school choirs and a short stint in college studying Opera to where she ultimately began paying her dues while manifesting that signature sound: a blues juke joint somewhere deep down in Birmingham sitting in with bands rolling through the area. During her come-up, she also spent time cutting her teeth under the tutelage of the King of Alabama, Wayne Mills, and other regulars on the southeastern circuit as well as a stint touring with the Black Jacket Symphony. Previously operating for a spell as a bit of a singer-songwriter show alongside her husband and lead guitarist Josh McKenzie, recent years have seen Hunnicutt form a top-notch ensemble (Taylor Hunnicutt: vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion; Josh McKenzie: electric guitar; Tyler Treadwell: electric guitar; Ethan Perkins: bass; Christian Sanders: drums) taking her music to all new levels by hitting the road all across America, baring her soul on stages near to and far from her roots. To put it simply, everything she encompasses is everything she is as an artist and is everything she has to offer—she's all or nothing. That notion speaks volumes to how she chose to cut her debut record after all these weary years of burning rubber from town to town, tracking it mostly live at Clearwave Recording Studio in between shows with the band family she curated. It's homegrown, well-worn, and fully loved, making it safe to say: You can take the girl out of Alabama, but you can't take the Alabama out of the girl.

With her signature husky, bluesy drawl that she can either make mellow or roar depending on the moment, Hunnicutt and her crew crafted quite the genre-bending, eclectic mix of tunes with this release. Is it country? Americana? Blues? Outlaw? Soul? Southern rock? The gospel of a road-weary troubadour? However you decide to label it—and we truly believe it defies labels—one thing is for certain: it’s undeniably Alabama and certifiably Taylor. The record rolls in the same way it leaves us, full of spitfire and sass. Longtime fans know a Taylor Hunnicutt show is lively in all its candor and bordering on raucous (which we promise is a damn GOOD thing), much like the more rockin' tracks on the album. In the softer bits in between, however, we find a dulcetly pensive Taylor drenched in melancholy at times as she lowers her vocals and the band turns down the sound. Amid jam-worthy, boogie-woogie barn burners that showcase her chops alongside her vivacious vibe and percussion talents on stage, these quiet moments are where she really shines. Right ‘round the midpoint of the record, though, we’re hit with the title track “Alabama Sound” that is definitive of everything the debut release aspires to be. It’s a gritty little ditty reminiscent of the journey she’s been on over the past decade paying her dues in dusty bars with old guitars all over the southeast and beyond…but no matter how far from home she was, she couldn’t ever outrun that Alabama Sound that flows through her blood and out her fingertips as she howls her stories alongside the best backing band in Bama every night—and we’re certainly glad she never did.

A couple songs off the record, the hardy “Trail of a Broken Heart” and cheeky “All or Nothin’,” were previously offered as singles to critical acclaim (check out our review of the latter here) as they displayed not only her varied vocal ability and musicality but also her penchant for witty songwriting. They fit well into the thematic presence of the record, which is a lyrical and sonic showcase of the bona fide sounds and stories from the heartland Hunnicutt hails from, and has long been leaving behind. Perhaps a pining love letter of sorts, reminiscing on what she leaves behind—or loses—every time she "unpacks this [her bags] just to pack them up again." The long-awaited debut starts off strong, with a heavy-laden vocal as she takes it back about 80 years, bellowing out the story of an illegal still and the fate of too-curious lawmen in "Saw Blade Hill." Rollin' on down the trail of broken hearts that is woven throughout the entire record, listeners are soon greeted with a heartfelt duet featuring another well-known Alabamian, Mr. Adam Hood. "Nobody's Business" (Adam Hood/Bonnie Bishop) is a self-love scripture honoring all the messy, and beautiful, parts of being human while giving the proverbial middle finger to anyone in disagreement of owning and loving who we are. Mighty fine piece of Aladamnbama right there. Albeit a winner, "Losing Streak" finds an even more ruminative Hunnicutt mulling over the pitfalls of life, perhaps a nod to the years spent chained to the highway, running down a dream.

Photo by Todd Dean

On the same emotional wavelength, "Way to Get Out" sings of a lost soul, chained to a dead-end, seemingly abusive relationship—there's a lyrical nod to one of Hunnicutt's 2018 releases, "Flower in a Drought," so be sure to catch it and lend your ears to that EP, too. In the same realm of the depths of pain, "Undone" is one of the darkest tunes on the record, yet sonically has a more sanguine feel than the prior forlorn ballads, which is a clue listeners need to pay closer attention to the lyrics because it's a deep one. The final ballad on the record, "In it for the Pain," focuses on a dejected relationship once more, but in a different way than "Way to Get Out" as this time, she physically leaves but can't quite seem to emotionally, which could even be likened to the relationship between artist and song and the stronghold the artistic curse can have despite the hurt it can cause. Energetically (and shamelessly) rounding out the album, "Upside Down and Shaken" is a toe-tapping little jive about life on the road meant to get you moving and grooving. Speaking of witty songwriting, there's just something about the candor of southern phrases such as "colder than a witch's titty" that puts a grin on my face and makes it feel as genuine as it comes.

In it's full essence, Alabama Sound is a truly hospitable record, welcoming you in for a homey, southern-fried musical meal before having you dancing around and slamming back shots of Jameson in the depths of your feels when the midnight hour hits, feeling just like the fierce firecrackers Hunnicutt and her band are. One thing I've always appreciated about Taylor is that she is real: there's no smoke and mirrors trying to hide her true spirit in efforts to "fit in" to the industry or to stay in her lane—the gal plum is who she is and is bound and determined to knock down any door in her way. The way she effortlessly translates that into her songwriting and overall sound is something to be admired, and the “realness” left in the authenticity of the mostly live takes the album was recorded in speaks volumes. Our takeaway? Y'all best stop what you're doing and hop aboard the Taylor Train before ya derail yourself. It's destination? Universal domination. Okay, maybe not universal, though I do believe the aliens would dig it and throw a spectacular party in the sky jammin’ along—but it's surely bound to change the musical landscape of at least this Earthly generation.

When HHMR asked Hunnicutt what she hoped to accomplish with the release of her debut record, she expressed:

"I hope Alabama Sound puts out an accurate representation of what we are trying to do, to bring Alabama to the forefront of the scene. Other bands like Muscadine Bloodline, Red Clay Strays, Them Dirty Roses and Adam Hood are all doing that already, and we are happy to fall in behind them leading the way. I felt like the record captured who we are as a live band and was a transition from singer/songwriter into more of an Outlaw Country Southern Rock feel."

Undoubtedly, we believe she has achieved just that with band in tow over the years, grinding out the grassroots as a true testament to the beauty of hard work fueled by a true talent and immense passion. Such a sweet serenade to Sweet Home!

Here's to over a decade of cuttin’ teeth in bars and her sh***y broke down car just to be grinnin’ like the devil when it debuted ahead of a STACKED album release tour headlining her own shows as well as opening for legends like Marshall Tucker Band and the Allman Betts Band, as well as current showstoppers like Whitey Morgan, Silverada, and more on top of a ton of festival appearances. Cheers to Hunnicutt, her team, and the future of female-driven music—we're looking forward to what's to come!

CATCH TAYLOR HUNNICUTT AND HER BAND TOURING ALABAMA SOUND AT A VENUE NEAR YOU:

*All press images used with the permission of Taylor Hunnicutt’s team

BUT WAIT—don’t just listen to us…what are the fans saying?! HHMR asked listeners what their favorite song was and why:

“‘In It For The Pain!’ Such a deeply written song, showcasing why we continue doing the things that hurt us. The live version and album version are both so full of emotion, musically as well as verbally. Definitely has been a tear jerker for me as much as Ive heard it, and that's been quite a few times.” B.G.

“‘In It For The Pain’ is my favorite from the album and that should be a tough decision with all the amazing songs, but there's something about that one that makes it an easy decision for me and it's off of my favorite album in a very long time!Definitely the front runner for album of the year at this point for me!” C.E.

“Nobody's Business with Adam Hood...It speaks for itself as to why for me.” L.P.

“Definitely a hard choice, but my fave is ‘Saw Blade Hill.’ From the content to the music and overall vibe, it screams Alabama.” L.C.

“WOAH, that album slaps! Can’t choose.” A.L.

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

DRIVE TO THIS TUNE WITH CAUTION: OTIS WARNS THERE'S A BREAK AHEAD WITH LATEST SINGLE

Reviewed by: Lyssa Culbertson

Photo by MM Photography

In the fast track that is music, cover songs can be a dime a dozen akin to those massed produced metal shells you puttering down the road, but a quality cover song is well worn like a beautiful, vintage car—recognizable, comfortable, and enjoyable as it eases right on in and parks itself in the mind, triggering warm memories of good times had to the soundtrack of that particular tune. However, to me, the true mark of the *perfect* cover song is one where an artist reinvents the wheel so well that it is utterly unobvious that the track was previously cut before. Kentucky’s bonafide scholars of the rockin' blues, OTIS, recently accomplished that feat (the feat of pulling the wool over my eyes, that is) with their cover of Betty Harris’s 1969 release of the southern-fried, soulful funk tune, “There’s a Break in the Road,” penned and produced by the incomparable Allen Toussaint. Although I love all things blues, country, rock, and more from the 50s era on, I have to admit the area of soul music isn’t quite my expertise. With hearing OTIS’s rendition, I was stoked to dive further into Harris’s history and ultimately wished she had continued making music and found the success she craved, though her mystique and legacy were certainly left with her final recording. 

Moving onto the absolute gem that OTIS created as they lent their talents to the long-revered tune, I'm chomping at the bit to let readers know they need to not only take the tune for a test drive, but also buy it for life! if I could step back in time and take Boone Froggett (frontman) to the recording booth with Harris, I’d love to see how his husky, bluesy vocals juxtapose against the raw, brassy power packed in Harris’s. I can imagine it would be literal fire—and I don’t even mean proverbial flames. Literal. How the studio wasn’t set ablaze during the live, full band take that the single was recorded in is beyond me! With that being said, the monstrous punch packed in their voices is ultimately where the similarities end, and that is a beautiful thing. Froggett and his bandmates took a borderline raucous, yet swinging soulful classic and brought it into the 21st century by adapting it into a driving, heavy—but not overbearing— banger with a hint of blues that sonically fits into their style, yet also skyrockets them into another aural sphere altogether. From the 0-60 beginning where you get a few seconds of a riveting guitar riff before hit hard with the first lines, I t’s still soul—and I believe quality rock cannot exist outside the realm of being fueled by a little soul food, but man…it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard from the band before. With a fresh new lineup (Boone Froggett as frontman/guitarist, John Seeley on bass, Alex Wells playing guitar, and Dale Myers on the drums), it’s plain to see that OTIS is back and ready to rock and roll out some long-awaited new music in ‘24.

Now—back to the single. Lyrically, the tune is written from a jilted lover’s point of view and likens the lover to an obsolete car (“like the last years model…you put me down”) as it cautions the leaver of the misfortune to come by picking up the new, shiny model and throwing the former dependable devotee to the wayside. As he sings from the POV of a now forlorn inamorato, Froggett bellows the warning woven throughout the verses with an intense passion as he bemoans being left behind for a ritzy paramour by “the only girl who could turn [him] on and make a bad man out of [him].” By the end of the track, the man has become resolute in the fact that the woman would experience the same ol’ game that was ran on him, the karma of her wicked ways. Listeners can be clear on the fact that the caution isn’t given out of the goodness of his heart, but out of a taste for revenge served cold—as it sometimes happens after a fervent affair. From a songwriter’s stance, I always love a quality jam that plays into the depths of metaphorical phrases that make you think—the title itself is a perfect example, and that line about the windshield wipers?! Come on now, what a play on words...so good! Either as an early warning, a last lament or simply a statement in general, the repetition of the phrase “there’s a break in every road” foretells the existence of the choices we have in life that can quickly alter our worlds with the positive or negative consequences that follow. Or, if you were to take the meaning as less of a fork of choices in each road taken in life and more of a Deep South viewpoint that every road is plagued with potholes (the breaks) and no road is bump-free, you can still find the merit in the message: be careful what you wish for. Froggett and his bandmates succeeded in making the whole song sound like a sultry, sassy admonition wrapped up in a well-meaning, albeit vindictive, farewell to a lost partner. First listen, you’re swept up in the music; fingers tappin' and heads bangin' are imminent. Perhaps you'll hop in your car and hit the road on a sunshine and 75 kind of day, windows down with it blaring on your speakers—hopefully avoiding all the potholes, er breaks! Then, you hear the words and get to decide whether there’s anyone you just might need to spread the gospel of OTIS (and Betty Harris) to, if you catch my drift. Even if there's not someone who needs to heed the warning in your life, HHMR thinks it merits being taken for a drive and shared with the world.

Watch the music video for “There’s a Break In the Road” below:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

THE HHMR ISSUED A STORM WARNING: A NORTHER IS BLOWING IN AS SHANE SMITH AND THE SAINTS ROLL OUT THEIR LATEST RELEASE

Areas affected include: The Heart, The Soul, & Your Tappin’ Toes. Prepare accordingly.

Strong. Fast moving. Cold. Breathtaking. Those are adjectives to describe a Norther or Blue Norther, a storm bringing in fast cold winds from the north into Texas and surrounding states. Those words also perfectly describe Shane Smith & the Saints newest album, Norther. This album hits you hard and fast! Shane, Bennett, Dustin, Chase and Zach put together an eclectic record that, in my humble opinion, is their best work yet, even topping my favorite, 2013’s Coast.

Before I go any further, I will give a disclaimer that this review is biased—for good reason. I have no affiliation with the band; I’ve only met Shane twice, I’ve met the other members each once, and I follow Bennett on instagram (he’s also originally from my adoptive city of Louisville, KY). BUT, they are my *favorite* band! I may have Timmy Ty’s lyrics tattooed on my arm, but there hasn’t ever been a band that puts me in a trance quite like Shane Smith & the Saints. I’ve seen them at: Tumbleweed (LaCygne, KS), the Basement East (Nashville, TN), Headliners (Louisville, KY), Bulls, Bands, and Barrels (Lexington, KY), and most recently for their headline debut at the Mother Church, the Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN). So yes, I am a fan—to say the least. I *may* even fanboy out when they are within a 4 hour drive. That may ruin the credibility of my review in some people’s eyes; however, in others it makes this review even more true and authentic as I have been a fan for 10 years for no reason except for the facts that they make damn fine music, and that they are the some of the nicest artists I have ever met. And to “kind of” quote Uncle Dallas Moore, “there ain’t no one [reading] my shit anyway.” 🤠

Norther opens with “Book of Joe,” a hard hitting ballad with a heavy fiddle presence from Bennett and drums that hit you so hard that your heartbeat matches that of the drum beat. “Book of Joe” repeatedly tells us that “It’s a rich man’s war, it’s a poor man’s fight”—no matter which side of the dollar you are on, this life is always a battle. Next up, we get “Fire in the Sky.” Shane starts out by “deep talking” the lyrics, reminiscent of some of Johnny Cash’s lasts works. But then it goes into a toe tappin’, head banging song that isn’t country, Americana, or red dirt, but in my limited Eastern Kentucky vernacular can only be described as Rock.

We have to go all the way to track number 7 (out of 13) for what may be my favorite song on the album, “Wheels.” One set of lyrics in particular makes this song my favorite…“You can’t blame the memories because they brought you a long long way.” As imperfect humans living in a broken world, we have all had experiences that that have shaped us. Some are great and some we could do without. Personally, looking back at those memories, the good and the bad, they all taught me a lesson or changed my direction; something I am thankful for from the Man up above. And “Just like wheels caught in their motion,” we keep trudging forward throughout this crazy life. Jumping down to the 10th song on the album, “1,000 Wild Horses” gives something to the lover of “real country.” While it may be a little faster and have some great instrumentals, the focus is obviously Shane’s deep voice, the lyrics, and the melody.

Y’all, most albums have one or two of those “skip over songs.” That isn’t the case with Norther. The album has 13 imposing songs, 6 of which were singles starting with “Hummingbird” back in 2022. I’ve already told you once, I am biased because Shane Smith & the Saints are my favorite band for no other reasons except they make great music that casts a spell on me every time I hear it; and that in my few interactions, they are all humble, friendly and down to earth fellas who work as hard as hell to make the music they want to make. So, I know it is only March, but this album has the potential to have my vote for best release of 2024!

Do yourself and the band a favor and go listen to these independent artists right now. Stream them on your preferred platform, check out their merch, and lastly go to the show! I’ve been to a ton of shows over the years, but not one show impacted me the way Shane Smith & the Saints with Justin Wells did at the Basement East. P.S. and that was a show they played with borrowed instruments from Turnpike Troubadours (I think) after their van burned!

-Cheers, N.

Below is the music video for “Adeline,” a track off Norther

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

RYE DAVIS LEAVES LISTENERS WITH ANOTHER GENUINE TUNE ABOUT REAL LIFE WITH LATEST SINGLE “LEAVE”

The average age of marriage in America is roughly 30 years old. That number lowers to around 26 years old in rural America. Of those, an estimated 50% end in divorce. From my life experiences in small-town eastern Kentucky, that number is as low as 17 years old with the majority of my high school class being married before they were 25. Kacey Musgraves eludes to this concept in “Merry Go ‘Round” (Shane Mcanally, Josh Osbourne, Kacey Musgraves) when she sings “if you ain’t got two kids by 21, you’re probably gonna die alone.” Other songs shine a light on marriage by way of not having a child out of wedlock; i.e. Tyler Childers’ “Hard Times:” “I bought a ring at the pawn shop and a crib for the kid.” Now—country music has always talked about broken relationships and failed marriages, but a lot of that is on the “my ol’ lady left me and my dog died, so I’m drinking a beer on the tailgate of my truck level.” However, that isn’t the case with Rye Davis’ “Leave” (Rye Davis, Brandy Davis, Jodie Jones). “Leave” starts out with an upbeat sound of a man who is full of agony and “sober as Jesus” as he takes off his wedding band and leaves his key at the door. He tells the story of rural American marriage immediately, “who I was ain’t who I am, much too young to understand what it takes to be a man…you marry young because it’s what you do in this little town…”

Y’all. Rye brings to light a story of divorce that is often swept under the rug. Most people think marriages only end because of finances or infidelity. The reality is that where I come from, where Rye comes from, and where so many in small-town USA come from, marriages end simply because people get married too young. They haven’t experienced life, they don’t know who they are, and they marry young simply because “that’s what you do.” This is yet another example of the Pig, Kentucky native staying true to his roots and putting out songs about regular people. Rye’s not out there singing about throwing out hundies and driving Bugattis. No, he is writing about failed marriages from young love; nurses, soldiers, and farmers (“Everyday America”); judgemental hypocrisy (“Save You a Seat”); and heartbreak of families watching their loved ones fade away from terrible diseases like Alzheimer’s (“King Me”). Davis sings about the real life of everyday people. He doesn’t just write and play to his audience, he writes and plays authentic songs about his audience and from experiences of growing up in small town America, which I think we need more of in music!

Y’all give “Leave” a listen. While you are at it, check out “Real Woman” and be on the lookout for his upcoming release “Monsters.”

-Cheers, N.

Sources: Marriage.com, Dailyyonder.com, Nyimes.com, Thehill.com, Wf-lawyers.com, Forbes.com

Watch Rye Davis performing his latest single “Leave” below:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

MARCH ON INTO THIS MONTH WITH SOME MUST HEAR “ROAR”SOME RECORDS

Reviewed by: Lyssa Culbertson

Y’all know that old saying that begins “March comes in like a lion?” Well, we’d be “lion” if we told you it came in gentle like a lamb with new music releases—and we’re truthers over here! 🤠Several fantastic records were released today or in recent weeks, positively roaring their way into airwaves and earholes everywhere. Keep reading to see what we think ya ought to be listening to:

Dalton Mills—

A true Kentucky King, singer-songwriter Mills released his sophomore album, A Good Place to Hide, today and we expect it to garner just as much critical acclaim as his debut. The collection of songs are charmingly stoic at times, yet melodically poetic and hauntingly beautiful per the course for a Dalton Mills track. Mills has curated a fantastic selection of tunes celebrating life, love, and dreams while also focusing his lyrical attention on the framework of despair and the darker side of living. There’s even a lovely little instrumental ditty that is fresh and sunshiney—perfect for a warm summer evening “Flyin” down a mountain road looking for a “Good Place to Hide” as the “Blue Ridge Skyline” is “Fadin’.” (Listen to the record to see what I did there). For Guy Clark fans, make sure you dig in deep to find a lovely ‘lil tribute to the legendary troubadour. Speaking of troubadour status, Mills is well on his way to becoming an iconic folk balladeer for years to come. We could certainly sit here and analyze the depth behind every word and chord because there is so much depth to his work, but we want you to hear it for yourself—prepare your souls, friends!

Our favorite? The first track, “Ain’t Just a Dream” is a poignant take on the intricacies of a life lived on the road, giving your soul to the highway song and the crowds that sing along. The way he vocally paints a picture of the “spellbound scene” is sure to have listeners hooked through the last note of the last song, the same way he captivates attendees at shows with his stories along the way.

Addison Johnson—

Readers may be unfamiliar with North Carolina’s native son Johnson, but if so, we’re here to tell y’all it’s well past time to get acquainted! An artist who effortlessly bridges the gap between classic honky tonk (God loves a pedal steel) and new wave country, his sophomore record definitely deserves a spin on your turntable and a permanent place in your collection. Sonically, it’s solidly sound and Johnson’s adept storytelling skills leave little to be desired in his writing—he willfully lays all his cards out in the table. Despite the seemingly lighthearted sound to a number of the songs, be sure to pay attention to the lyrics and the thematic content woven throughout the record. “Dangerous Men” isn’t just an album name and the title track, it denotes a underlying connection between the tunes on this concept record that is eager to explore all the ways life can make a good man dangerous, because we’re all merely a few steps away from the taking a ride down the wrong side of the tracks. From barroom ballads worthy of a broken-hearted jukebox like “Out of Control” to road-warrior ready jams such as “High Way” (featuring Alex Williams), this release has a little something for everyone. Hop on for a transient trip through the curves and curses of life with Johnson and we promise you’ll never wanna jump off—Hippie’s honor! 🤞🏻

Our favorite? Rounding out the record of tunes both celebrating and lamenting the sometimes darker parts of life, “Reason to Run” is a transparent, self-reflecting track that focuses on the importance of honoring who you are and chasing dreams despite what the world tries to tell you. It ain’t easy being a travelin’ man, but man…the beautiful things you get to see—and sing about!

Lance Rogers—

A relatively recent newcomer to playing music over the past several years, Rogers quickly hit the pavement paying dues as he found himself while honing his sound and it’s come to fruition in a telling way with his sophomore record, Too Late for Flowers. As a complex, diverse human with a myriad of life experiences, Rogers is able to effortlessly translate that to his music full of various influences from his soul journey—the mark of a bonafide creative. This collection of songs is not only reflective of who he is as a person and an artist, brimming with foot-stomping barn burners and heartfelt ballads that tell a deeper tale than the music may sound. Featuring tunes on various subjects rather than one concurrent theme, the songs lend to the stark and sensitive sides of his eclectic essence, so to speak. Though past releases have been nothing less than excellent, Rogers seems to have found both his true voice and direction while dialing into the depth of both his songwriting and delivery. For his steadfast followers, the record features a few fan favorites he’s cultivated throughout the years but with enough new tunes to satiate even the biggest hunger for new music.

Our favorite? The closing track, “Breathe for Two” is a breath of fresh air at the end of what culminates as a stand-out release for Rogers. It shows off the softer, melodic side of his vocals and songwriting, and is such a lovely song. The interesting production at the end will make you press pause and rewind for at least *one* more listen, but we’re positive you’ll lend it several.

Jordan Lee King—

Authentically Appalachian, King’s debut record draws from the mountains that surround him and the music that abounds. Though he is a recent newcomer to the scene, one listen to his ability to weave a story through time and space with his music, and you’d be none the wiser. The merit to his music can be found in it’s simplistic honesty, focusing on the trials and tribulations of a life well lived growing up in the hollers and hills. As you listen, you can’t help but become immersed in the stories as if you’re there, sitting on PaPaw’s porch pickin’ and grinnin’ true stories as if they’re merely forklore and fantasies as barefoot babes run wild and free, immune to the hardships of life being sung about. Featuring effortless harmonies and duets by the enigmatic Lucas Wayne, the songs are brimming with brightness amidst the darkness they sing of, an almost perplexing dichotomy reminiscent of a long ago time living amongst the present for those who truly listen to the message. For a debut record, we truly could not ask for more—is it on vinyl yet?!

Our favorite? The title track, “By and By”. Whew….for someone who usually has all the words, I fail to find them here. Part sweet Southern hymn, part fantastic folk tune, it details the singers’ desires for their one day home away in the sky—the added acapella recording of “This Little Light of Mine” brings a tear to the eye of sweet memories of the smell of honeysuckle and outdoor tables brimming with casserole concoctions from the church house on any Homecoming Sunday as MawMaw sang harmony in the choir, long before the ones we loved sang harmony with the angels in the kinds of heavenly homes the song dreams about. Perfection.

Trey Lewis—

Being Alabama’s resident “Troublemaker” can be a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it—and troublemaker Trey Lewis is the prime example of the well-worn phrase “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Though we’ve been fans of Lewis’s for a long time now, we realize that he was first introduced to and gained many fans (and foes) with his first (accidental) #1 hit. Y’all probably know the one. Yeah, THAT one. However, we know the man—and the talent—behind the music and can certifiably say despite whatever your opinion may be on that, he’s quite the talented songwriter. While we can point to many past singles and records, as well as unreleased tracks, that support that notion, there are plenty on his latest album Troublemaker that we think music lovers will appreciate! Sonically and stylistically, the record is a 180 from the others on this list, but as they say variety is the spice of life! Backed by some of Nashville’s rather fresh crop of talent—along with some country legends—from songwriters to musicians, Lewis put out a backroad ready record of fun homegrown sing-alongs perfect for sunshine fueled adventures with a few lovey-dovey tracks perfect for that iconic summer romance. If you lean more towards a radio-friendly than indie folk tunes, this is the record for you! This collection of tunes expertly displays all sides of Lewis’s personality in one nice package with the silly and serious woven together in a few songs. Compared to previous album releases, the record explores a different sound—both with his vocal tone and overall sound—and it’s working for him. Though he can, and has, shown skill in a variety or musical styles over his tenure as a musician, to us the “Troublemaker” has finally settled into who he is as an artist, even if he’ll never settle down.

Our favorite? The title track, “Troublemaker,” is an affecting look at a wrong way running kinda life from the reflective perspective of a child to the lived-in lens of an adult bearing the scars while figuring out his place in life. As the former outlaw kids who evolved into the black sheep of our adult worlds, we wholeheartedly relate.

What are YOU listening to? Be sure to follow us on our socials for the latest music content over on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

AARON BOYD: FROM COMING UNDONE TO EVERYTHING COMING TOGETHER

Interviewed/Transcribed by: Lyssa Culbertson

Musicians are a dime a dozen, especially in eastern Kentucky these days—and that’s not a bad thing. At all. The more music, the merrier, right? However, in a day and age when a lot of upcoming talent forgoes individuality in favor of what sounds like latest big thing in hopes to be the next big thing, it’s becoming more and more rare to find an artist who holds steadfast to his/her musical values amongst their artistic integrity rather than riding the waves of the trends. As we all know, Appalachia, and especially Kentucky, has bore some of music’s greats over the years with a definite uprise and takeover of charts in recent times. If you look past the bright lights and big names, though, and travel down into little hollers all around to hear the music echoing through the mountains, you’ll find diamonds in the rough tinkering away with their tunes (and a million other projects) like singer-songwriter Aaron Boyd. He’s not flashy or showy, and if you don’t pay attention out and about somewhere roundabout Irvine, KY, you might just miss the mellow, soft spoken musician and his wealth of talent and knowledge. I can promise you though, when he steps up to strum his guitar and sing, you’ll shut up and listen. For good reason! His 2023 sophomore release, Coming Undone, is a fine collection of original songs—and one phenomenal Keith Whitley cover—that truly showcases the man behind the music and his undeniable gift and musicianship. Last year may have had him “Coming Undone” with the release of his record, but we forsee 2024 being the year he finds everything coming together.

Photo by Lauren Rothenhouser, @illumistudio

Below is a transcribed interview HHMR recently did with Aaron Boyd to discuss his latest release and upcoming plans in 2024:

L: Hey Aaron—how are you doing up there in the frozen Bluegrass? How are ya feeling about the new year?

A: Doing well, I tend to love this time of year just for the simple fact I feel like I’m home more and can kind of reset and get my goals in line for when warm weather gets here!

L: So before we get into all the rad things happening in the upcoming months, let’s discuss a little about *who* Aaron Boyd is for our followers who may not know you. You’re one of the hardest working musicians we know, a jack of all trades sort of feller…how long have you been making music?

A: As far as “who” Aaron Boyd is, I think I’m on the never ending search for that one. I am a singer-songwriter out of eastern Kentucky, I tend to write my own life struggles in hopes of reaching the people who face the same struggles I do…which I think is quite a lot of us.

I’ve been involved in music for about 20 years; I started out as a drummer when I was young and over time just kept picking up new instruments and trying my best to learn something on them.

L: Wow! That’s quite a long time and surely you’ve seen all sides of the industry over the years. Before we dive into all the music biz stuff, though, tell us, who is the man behind the music? Who are you when you’re not on a stage?

A: Let’s see, first and foremost I’m a father to two youngins [aged] 7 and 10, most of my time off stage is spent sitting in school pickup lines or sitting at sporting events or just hanging out doing dad stuff *laughs*. I love it though and I’m doing my best to hold tight to the time I got with them! (He didn’t mention it here, but Aaron is also a very talented and adept agate jewelry maker—check out his Facebook for latest creations!)

L: Aw! From experience I know parenting is a lot like the music business, a lot of late nights and crazy days—but so worth it every second! When it comes to your life within music, have you always been a solo artist? Tell us a little about your history playing music.

A: Well I originally got my start as a drummer as I mentioned above; I grew up around music so I always had an interest and from an early age I had kinda a knack I guess you’d say for picking up instruments and being able to learn a little something. I started my solo career after my daughter was born 7 years ago. I had a lot that I needed to get out of my head if I was gonna be a good father. I knew the only way I could cope with all these things that I never really had to worry about prior was to put it down on paper..later I figured if it helped me, maybe someone else out there needed to hear it also, so I began recording music and performing live. (Previously, Aaron toured as a drummer with musicians like Justin Wells before going solo).

L: Sounds like music is centric to everything about you. How special! I’m curious…if you weren’t a musician as a career, what do you think you’d be doing?

A: Honestly, I don’t think I would have much of a life, if one at all…music has been a great healer for me. As a kid I suffered a lot of trauma and I didn’t know it at the time but I was severely manic and depressed. In my early teens, I started using drugs and before I knew it I was in way to deep. I spent all of my teenage years and young adulthood in and out of rehabs, jail and just lost…I honestly don’t know if I’d be the man I am today without music. I spent a lot of time away from it in my active addiction years, but when I got treatment for the last time I decided music could fill the intense boredom that comes with being sober and now here we are! I have about 14 years clean from opiates and prescription meds and coming up on 3 years sober from alcohol…I owe a good deal of that to music!

Photo by Lauren Rothenhouser, @illumistudio

L: What a beautiful story and testament to not only your tenacity and resolve but also the power of music! On that same note, I’ve noticed a trend as of late that Fans tend to want their favorite artists to stay on the bottle/hooked on other substances for quality of music rather than celebrating their journeys, but you’re very open about your sobriety, how do you feel it affects you as an artist?

A: Ya know, I feel like if someone doesn’t support someone in bettering themselves then that’s the type of people you wouldn’t want at your table. This industry is filled with folks struggling with mental health issues—artists and fans alike—it’s impossible to be the best version of yourself if you’re hiding behind a substance. So, I think the reality is your quality of music and creativity can’t be as good as if you had a clear head.

L: That totally checks out, and I can definitely see the merit behind the notion! Journeys like yours are inspirational and pack so much magic behind the music. Change is hard for anyone, whether it’s the artist going through it or fans on the other side watching the music they love undergo change—but I agree, supporting others in bettering themselves and being healthy is what community, and especially the music community, is all about or at least should be. We both know what it looks like on stage and behind it with the temptations that abound, so in this stage of your sobriety is it difficult to be around it while on the road? Do you have any tips for musicians (or anyone) in the early stages of being sober?

A: If anything seeing how drunk people act is a motivation for me *laughs* because I’ve acted a fool so many times that I never want to be that person again!

I think a good tip is to surround yourself with folks that support you and want you healthy. Find lots of hobbies to keep your mind busy and chug sparkling waters when you have that urge! That’s what I do anyway.

L: Those are great tips for sure and I admire your willpower to stay sober in an environment that doesn’t necessarily promote nor support it—and I think it’s amazing what the redirection of that energy can do to the music. Now, touching in that…we don’t believe in the gatekeeping binds of genres here, but do like to describe the music we listen to—how would you describe your style?

A: Being from the country in eastern Kentucky I’d say my music comes out as country, but I’m a fan of about every genre out there!

L: Hmm…that’s a good, concise way to sum up the “Aaron Boyd Experience” *laughs*! If we were labeling it we’d throw in “must hear music” as a genre! Your record Until the End in 2019 was quite the lyrically and sonically sound masterpiece and your recent release, Coming Undone, has shaped up to be just as impressive, with accolades from the US and abroad steadily rolling in. I know we enjoyed diving into it! What was your inspiration for this record?

A: The record kinda reflects my life story in some ways…I’ve spent a lifetime so far just in endless cycles of fixing things only to catch myself slipping and falling once again. The opening line of the title track (“Coming Undone”) [is] “seems like some days the sun just don’t wanna shine, birds don’t sing to me anymore from the telephone line,” [and] I think there’s so much power in that line because we’ve all felt depression and know that feeling of the sky being blue but you just can’t find the beauty….I wanna write songs that help me find that beauty. Sometimes that takes finding what makes us so sad and really taking a long look at it so we don’t forget, and then letting go of it.

Photo by Lauren Rothenhouser, @illumistudio

L: Ah—I love that! You can truly feel that message woven throughout your writing, and what a poignant message it is. Personally, in the realm of recorded music, we love to listen to records as a whole unit, meaning every song is strong and somehow intertwined with the next rather it’s blatantly overt or silently subtle, rather than just a couple single-worthy tracks with the rest as B-side fillers. Not that we don’t love singles and EP releases, but there’s something beautifully cathartic about putting a record on the Victrola and disappearing for a while into a lyrical land far away. When you sit down to write, do you believe in writing full records that all piece together as a collection with an underlying theme/story or prefer to put out singles that stand their own?

A: I definitely want to write all my records as a whole and I try to do that. Not so much with my first album but with my sophomore album I absolutely did, and with my next album I am doing the same! With vinyl being so prevalent now a days I think it’s something all artists should do.

L: Yes! The comeback of full length LPs on vinyl versus digital EPs and single releases is opening up new avenues for today’s storytellers everywhere you look, and we’re here for it! Happy to hear your future records will follow a similar process. On that note, tell us a bit about your recording process. Where at and with who?

A: So I recorded Coming Undone in Lexington KY with a great friend of mine, J. Tom Hnatow, at Small Blue. I first met Tom years ago when I was playing drums with Kentucky powerhouse Justin Wells. Since then we’ve became great friends and band mates. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him in the studio! We kind of took a different approach versus my first album which was [tracked] live with a band, this one I kind of took the songs and we built them up until we felt they had what they needed. No less no more kind of thing.

L: That’s rad! I’ve heard a lot of great things about J Tom over the years and it definitely shows in the product, and I think the differences in vibes of a live tracking versus a more patient, inquisitive approach as you mentioned is also reflected in the records. Both have their merits and intricacies for sure! Along that same note, I’m always interested in a songwriter’s writing process because they vary so much. Are you a write every morning kind of feller or just when inspiration strikes? Does the melody or the lyrics hit you first?

A: I am definitely not a write every morning kinda guy but I do constantly write melodies on guitar (daily) and I store those in my head or in recordings for when the time comes that a song idea strikes me. So always melodies first!

L: I feel like having a melody always running through your mind is easier to deal with than words—I’m a bibliophile and words stress me out too much to force them, but what do I know? I’m just a journalist who dabbles in songwriting here and there when the mood strikes—definitely not an expert *laughs*! I admire the perseverance of the folks who make it a habit to write, compose, or practice everyday for sure! So, switching gears from the behind the scenes, tell me…what was the highlight of your career in 2023? What are you looking forward to in 2024?

A: The highlight of 2023 was definitely achieving some huge goals I had with traveling, just getting the album out is always a big goal as well, so I’m just super proud of all that work! I try and keep my goals small. Lots of short term goals with music and few long term has been a great approach for me to stay motivated and moving forward.

L: Definitely a good, inspiring way to look at it! On the same wavelength as personal accomplishments, we hear you recently signed with management and a distribution deal for your music. Can you tell us bit about both those things?

A: Yeah, so I recently signed with Crybaby Management (Alexis Faye). I’ve know Alexis for years and she’s always been a great supporter of my art and many others!

I’ve also recently signed a distribution deal with coast to coast records in Europe and a booking deal with LDM Bookings in Europe as well!

L: It’s so important in this music world to have true support and folks looking out for ya, so I’m glad to hear you have that! And Europe?!! How cool! I know a lot of artists love to go overseas and play because the vibe is so different and attendees seem to be even more respectful of the music than in the States from what I hear. What was the experience of your first European tour like? Would you go across the pond again?

A: Oh my, it was surreal! I love to travel but never had I left the country so it was a bucket list thing for sure! I do have plans in 2024 to be back on tour this fall in Europe. We have LDM Bookings hard at work finalizing all that so I’m super excited to go back and this time I get to take my best friend and talented singer songwriter W.D. Miller.

L: That is amazing and sounds like such a memorable experience—and W.D. is a definite beast in his own right. Aside from gallivanting across Europe with one of your band mates and best pals, any upcoming tour plans? Anything big happening this year—we can keep a secret!

A: Yeah so I’m leaving out for a Florida tour in a week or so, after that I have plans in the Northeast, Midwest and Europe! I plan on staying busy and keeping the ball rolling!

L: Ahhh readers, you heard it here—Aaron Boyd plans to keep the roads hot in ‘24! Y’all watch out, I hear he got his driver’s license at the Holler Gentral! *laughs* Seriously though, I always wonder this about artists in their prime—do you have a long term, like say a 5 year plan, for your music career? If so, what does it look like? If not, how come—perhaps you prefer to live in the moment, taking it as it comes?

A: I definitely live in the moment, but if I had a long term plan it is to record as much as I possibly can before I leave this world. Maybe one day my kids and grandkids can listen to it in their flying car or something *laughs*!

L: I’m positive future generations will be listening to it for eons to come, getting pulled over in the skies for breaking the stratosphere blasting the sweet, sweet sounds of ancient Aaron Boyd to the moon…or something like that. I look forward to the legacy of your records living forever! Unfortunately, this interview cannot go on forever despite how much we’ve enjoyed it, so it’s time to wrap it up with our final few questions. Firstly—you’re a smart man—give us one piece of advice to take into 2024. It can be about anything. Serious or silly, hit us with it!

A: From the day you’re born till you ride in a hearse things are never so bad that they can’t get worse.

L: Oh, my favorite type of advice…rhyming! So poignant, deep and lyrical, if that’s not already in a song it ought to be! *Wink, wink* Now—leave us on an inspirational note with your biggest piece of advice for aspiring musicians.

A: If you’ve got something that you feel like you need to say, say it! I promise someone out there needs to hear it!

L: Love that—and I think more people, whether they are musicians, artists, or simply human, need to internalize that concept. Never be afraid to be you and to speak out and speak up! Speaking of being you, last but not least, we ask every artist we interview this question because it’s so telling about who they are to the depths of their core…what is your spirit animal and why?

A: My spirit animal is definitely a bat..I’ve always been kinda obsessed with bats, they fly around with no sight just trusting their senses and I feel that…or maybe I’m a vampire, guess we will never know! *laughs in Dracula*

L: So it’s safe to say your life’s motto is “Don’t worry, be batty?” Okay, okay, I can sense the bat-itude over my lame puns from across the room, we’ll end this before a bat-astrophe happens and we meet Vampire Aa-Ron! *evil laughs* Thank you for taking the time to talk with Hillbilly Hippie Music Review so our readers could get to know the man behind the music and we’ll be cheering you on from the wings (last pun I promise) in 2024!

Watch a live acoustic video of the title track of 2023’s Coming Undone, filmed by the incomparable Fat Cave Studios, below:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED: DON'T SLEEP OUT IN THE COLD ON THIS ARTIST AND CATCH "FROSTBITE"

Reviewed by: Lyssa Culbertson

Now, I’ll be the first to say I don’t know a lot about much of anything; however, fortunately for all y’all, I do know a little about some things…and quality music is one of those things! So, "listen up" when I say the following name because it’s imperative our readers are hip to it:

Jake. Kohn.

That’s a name you’ll want to remember.

Why? Because not only is he a distinctive, kind soul and force of nature in his own right, but he just also happens to be insanely talented. 

And trust me—despite the initial focus of many when they first discover Kohn and his work, it’s not because of his remarkable age juxtaposed with the sheer talent he possesses, which although notable, is certainly not his most definable feature. As a matter of fact, let’s take it off the table completely and merely focus on the nitty gritty of his artistry.

It’s not even because of the depth behind his soulfully, raspy voice seemingly tinged with years of strife and heartache or his obvious songwriting prowess that presents as if he’s been writing and living out his story for decades.

Arguably, it’s because he’s one of the few fresh faces on the scene that has what we see as the total package, including the gumption to stay true to himself by reveling in his uniqueness and doing what works for him—and it’s certainly working, which makes it even harder to believe that he’s only been on his journey a little over five years as an independent artist...or playing music at all!

Coming hot off the heels of his Grand Ole Opry debut and signing a deal with Atlantic Records, Kohn recently released his debut single with the label, entitled “Frostbite.” When I first listened to the tune, I was immediately immersed into the lyrical portraiture Kohn was painting as he sang—I felt every emotion from the desolate nature of being alone to the pain from the bone chilling cold. The numbness went straight to my core and as I ruminated on memories it triggered, I became the character, lost in the snow on a lonely road searching for some light amongst the darkness that was just out of my reach. To me, that is the mark of a true artist. Even if you’re undetermined as to if they’ve actually lived the words they sing, if they can make you feel it…man. That gift is worth a thousand words! Good music transcends time and space and Kohn's old soul does just that as it shines through his writing.

The single reads like the story of a man literally trudging through the frigid winter's night as he navigates some hard times, reaching out to ones he loves for some semblance of emotional shelter just to meet a proverbial cold shoulder, yet the song can also be taken symbolically to represent the internal cold that one may face mentally as they are lost in the dark of their own minds, unable to move forward past whatever memories keep them frozen in time and place. Kohn's gritty vocals lend well to the theme—how a voice can be so raw yet melodically haunting positively beguiles me. The emotion he packs in his vocals seems almost effortless, as if he's felt every ounce of pain he sings about. One thing is for sure, if Kohn is unable to affect you with his songwriting, he will surely touch you with his performance! Odds are though, listeners will be as spellbound as we were when we first heard him. Give the single a listen…despite its chill-inducing title, Kohn’s voice is akin to bourbon-soaked redemption—even though it will make you feel to the depth of your core, what you hear will warm you up to the exemplary artist Kohn is.

Backed by the support of his loving family and driven manager Ashley Wells, as well as a growing legion of adoring fans, Kohn is surely going do big things in the world of music. Tune in to what he's doing now and don’t miss his journey—trust me. When I first saw him live on a small pallet-built stage on the back end of a golf course in a small town in Georgia on a run opening for the equally stellar Red Clay Strays, I was positively gobsmacked by what I heard—and he definitely caught the attention of the audience surrounding him. Sure, the videos that made the viral rounds on social media earlier this year were great and spoke volumes about his musicianship; however, hearing him up close and live was a different ethereal experience all together. If you love music that marches to its own beat that is full of grit and passion, catch Jake Kohn on the smaller, intimate stages while you can. You won't be sorry!

Watch Jake Kohn's performance of "Frostbite" below:

[hillbillyhippiemusicreview]

TAYLOR HUNNICUTT MAY BE ALL OR NOTHIN’ BUT LET ME TELL Y’ALL, SHE SURE IS SOMETHIN’

Reviewed by: Lyssa Culbertson

Taylor Hunnicutt Band at the Fennec in Birmingham, AL, Sept. 2022; photo by HHMR

The infallible southern wordsmith Brent Cobb once wrote a song he called “King of Alabama,” rightfully titled about the late, great Wayne Mills. Mills was undeniably the King of Honky Tonk, songwriting, and so much more in the Heart of Dixie in his heyday of playing his brand of country music, and his legacy lingers on still to this day. But if there is a king, there must be a queen, right?! Well, I would bet my bottom dollar that his protégé Taylor Hunnicutt will forever reign as the queen of Alabama, especially when it comes to honky tonkin’ and musically kickin’ a-double-s. She honed her talent on stages across the Southeast with the likes of Mills and other notable artists and in recent years has begun to break out into other markets where they just can’t get enough. Appalachia, Texas, and beyond—they’re all digging her vibe, and for good reason! I mean, how could they not with explosive vocals and a commanding stage presence like that?! I’ve often referred to her when trying to capture her essence in a few words to those unfamiliar as the musical spawn of Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Alannah Myles, and Ronnie Van Zant but the honest to God truth is Taylor Hunnicutt is something magical all her own. A force to be reckoned with, no doubt. She can cook you up an exquisite Sunday dinner and fanagle home design better than Better Homes & Gardens, but she can also kick your tail and drink you under the table while crankin’ out a well-written song to boot as she brings a packed house down. With a smoky yet angelic vocal possessing a power summoned from the great beyond, she’s a multifaceted woman and artist who is everything you thought you’d get but nothing like you’d ever expect. Sweet like honey and full of grace with a healthy dose of sass, she is simply Taylor, a rare wildflower of a talent in a filed full of musical roses—and she and her band are about to take off like a bottle rocket that’s out of control…heck, they already are! Mark my words and either hop on and hold on for dear life or get out of the way, there’s no stopping the Taylor Train! Bottoms up!

Several years ago, Taylor released her debut EP, Flower in a Drought, and it was a solid peace of work that showed off her penchant for coy, tongue-in-cheek, yet deeply heartfelt songwriting alongside her impressive vocal range. It was a stellar introduction to the wholesome artist and musician she is, and undoubtedly one of our favorite pieces of work we’ve ever heard. Fast forward to present day, though, and it’s apparent over the past few years as they’ve traveled around, show after show, mile upon mile, that Taylor Hunnicutt and her band members (husband Josh McKenzie on lead guitar, Andrew Mohney on drums, Tyler Treadwell on rhythm guitar, and Young Ethan Perkins holding it down on bass) have undergone a musical renaissance of sorts—the music they’re putting out these days feels like, at least to the devoted listener (aka me), HOME. A Taylor Hunnicutt Band nirvana, so to speak. Purebred, authentic, genre-bending tunes that truly display who they are and where they’ve come from are what they’re all about! Two such offerings as of late are “All Or Nothin’” and “Trail of a Broken Heart,” which were released in August 2022 and March 2023, respectively. “All Or Nothin’” is a swampy, twangy, honky-tonkin’, rockin’ boot stompin’ barn burner that will be a permanent earworm inside your ear holes once you listen to it. “Trail of a Broken Heart” displays a bit of Taylor’s softer side well, as it bridges the gap between barroom ballad and a honky-tonk fueled soulful rocker quite well. Featuring her signature growl and impressive guitar riffs, it’s definitely one that will grip your heart and soul. Typically, I would go into more detail with vivid descriptions of the lyrical content of these songs; however, I believe their musicality and lyrical goodness are something you’ve just got to experience and feel for yourself. One listen and you’re hooked—proceed with caution, I tell ya! Not to mention, live shows are positively electric: Taylor uses her rowdy stage presence and undeniably emotive songs backed by the punches of her impressive vocal range and the sizzling talent of her backing band to get the crowd boot scooting till they’ve forgotten what ails ‘em. She’ll eat ya alive! Just joshin’ my friends—but seriously, run, don’t walk, to the nearest Taylor Hunnicutt show you can find because she won’t be mainly playing small, intimate stages for much longer. Case in point: she and the band are fixin’ to take the West Coast like a crimson tidal wave on their first major tour supporting Mike and the Moonpies this fall and Hillbilly Hippie Music Review is plum stoked for them—it couldn’t happen to a more deserving group of folks. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya….get out there and fall in love with their quirky personalities and eclectic sound like the rest of the country is more and more by the minute. I’m telling y’all—you won’t have a chance to get up close and personal and share a shot or ten and swap stories with her before too long! It’s well worth the experience from beginning to end, Hippie’s Honor ✌🏻😎🤞🏻.

(Tour poster from Taylor Hunnicutt Facebook)

Watch the music video for “All or Nothin’” below:

Here’s an acoustic take of “Trail of a Broken Heart”