Music

The Great Dying

The music of Will Griffith’s The Great Dying, blends dark country with punk and alternative rock influences. Hailing from Cleveland, Mississippi, Griffith’s music evolved from D.I.Y. punk roots to a unique sound that layers classic country with rock elements.

His new album, A Constant Goodbye, builds on his debut, mixing heartfelt ballads and high-energy rockers. The songs explore themes of love, heartbreak, and struggles with sobriety. Tracks like “New Methico” and “The Sky Over Tennessee” depict vivid stories of personal journeys, while “Arterial Rain” showcases Griffith’s signature blend of tender and gritty vocals.

The Band of Heathens

The Band of Heathens is a rock ‘n’ roll band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2005. Led by founding members Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, along with longtime keyboardist Trevor Nealon, the band has enjoyed nearly two decades of success. Known for their independent spirit, they have consistently forged their own path, turning down record deals to maintain creative control.

Their latest album, Simple Things (2023), received critical acclaim, topping the Americana radio chart for two months and earning them a national TV appearance on CBS Saturday Morning. Their song “Hurricane” was recently certified gold by the R.I.A.A., and their discography has collectively amassed nearly a billion streams.

Ole 60

Ole 60, hailing from Hawesville, KY, has quickly risen to fame after the release of their debut “Three Twenty Four–EP” in 2023. Blending grunge rock, blues, and Southern charm, the band has captivated audiences with singles like “Smoke & A Light” and “Insane,” amassing over 150 million streams in their first year.

Known for their electrifying live shows, Ole 60 has sold out venues nationwide and gained a loyal fanbase. Their music videos have garnered millions of views, and they have been featured in top music magazines. Despite their rapid rise, Ole 60 stays true to their roots, creating music that reflects their Southern heritage and personal stories. Their momentum shows no signs of slowing, positioning them as a lasting force in the music industry.

Charley Crockett

Charley Crockett, hailed as a “must-see live performer” by Rolling Stone and a “force to be reckoned with” by CMT, blends country, blues, soul, and other American roots music into his unique “Gulf & Western” sound. His distinctive voice, described by the Wall Street Journal as a mix of honky-tonk, soulful crooning, and jazzy swagger, sets him apart.

Crockett’s latest album, $10 Cowboy, captures raw, personal stories written during his travels across the U.S. on tour. Recorded live to tape at Arlyn Studios in Austin, the album features 6-12 musicians per track, aiming to capture the magic of live performance. His previous album, The Man From Waco, gained critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone naming it the #2 best country album of 2022.

In 2023, Crockett made his NPR Tiny Desk debut, appeared on The Daily Show, and graced the cover of Texas Monthly. He also performed at Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration and made his Bonnaroo debut, continuing his rise as a key figure in the revival of traditional country and folk music.

Rust College A’ Capella Choir

The Rust College A’Capella Choir, based in Holly Springs, Mississippi, is a celebrated vocal ensemble with a rich legacy of musical excellence. Founded in the early 1900s, the choir has been a cornerstone of Rust College’s cultural and artistic heritage, showcasing the extraordinary talents of its student vocalists.

Known for their powerful and moving performances, the choir performs a diverse repertoire that includes traditional spirituals, gospel, classical choral works, and contemporary music. Their harmonious blend of voices and passionate interpretation of songs have earned them widespread acclaim and invitations to perform across the United States and internationally.

Under the dedicated leadership of accomplished directors, the Rust College A’Capella Choir continues to uphold its tradition of musical brilliance. The choir not only enriches the cultural life of the college but also serves as an ambassador of the college’s mission, promoting unity, heritage, and the transformative power of music. Whether performing at major festivals, community events, or on international tours, the Rust College A’Capella Choir captivates audiences with their artistry and heartfelt performances, leaving a lasting impact wherever they sing.

Cedric Burnside

Cedric Burnside recorded Hill Country Love in a makeshift studio in his hometown of Tippah County, Mississippi, known for its Hill Country Blues roots. Produced by Luther Dickinson, the album reflects Burnside’s evolution, blending traditional blues with modern influences.

Burnside, who began his career drumming for his grandfather, R.L. Burnside, has earned Grammy nominations and a National Heritage Fellowship. His music remains deeply connected to his roots, with tracks like “Hill Country Love” and “Juke Joint” paying homage to his upbringing. The album showcases Burnside’s raw emotion and storytelling, touching on themes of love, struggle, and spirituality, with a modern twist on the classic Hill Country sound.

Seratones

Seratones is a powerhouse rock and soul band hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, renowned for their electrifying performances and genre-defying sound. Led by the commanding vocals of AJ Haynes, the band fuses rock, funk, and gospel to create a vibrant and energetic musical experience. Since their 2016 debut album Get Gone, Seratones have captivated audiences with their raw energy and soulful grooves. Their sophomore album, Power (2019), marked a significant evolution, blending socially conscious lyrics with infectious melodies.

With their latest album, Love & Algorhythms, Seratones take a bold step forward, merging deeply personal lyrics with a rich blend of conceptual influences to craft an exuberant and joyful record. Embracing their heritage, the band expands their creative vision, seamlessly transitioning from punk and rock roots to incorporate elements of soul, R&B, and electronic music. From the hypnotic “Dark Matter” to the breezy “High,” Love & Algorhythms invites introspection and movement, solidifying Seratones’ reputation for pushing musical boundaries while delivering a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking.

Water Liars

Water Liars is an American indie rock band hailing from Water Valley, MS, known for their evocative storytelling, raw emotion, and hauntingly beautiful melodies. Formed in 2011 by longtime friends and collaborators Justin Kinkel-Schuster (vocals, guitar) and Andrew Bryant (drums, vocals), the duo quickly garnered attention for their unique sound, blending elements of folk, rock, and blues.

Water Liars debuted with their first album, Phantom Limb, which showcased their signature stripped-down sound and lyrical depth. Following its release, the band built a devoted following with relentless touring and a series of critically acclaimed albums, including Wyoming (2013) and Water Liars (2014). Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience, delivered with a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners.

Known for their intimate live performances, Water Liars create an immersive experience that captures the heart and soul of their music. The duo’s chemistry and passion for storytelling have made them a standout act in the indie music scene, earning them widespread critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Their music offers a poignant reflection on life’s highs and lows, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling voices in modern indie rock.

Cimafunk

Cimafunk is a Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban rockstar blending funk, Afrobeat, and hip hop with classic Cuban rhythms. His name honors his heritage as a “cimarrón,” symbolizing resistance and innovation. Known for his electrifying live performances with his 9-piece band, La Tribu, Cimafunk has garnered acclaim across the U.S. and Europe. His latest album, El Alimento, was nominated for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards, redefining contemporary Cuban music and Afro-Latin identity.

The Record Company

The Record Company’s journey took a turn on December 19, 2022, when they were dropped by their label despite their Grammy nomination and radio success. Facing tough times, including a canceled tour and industry shifts, the band returned to their roots with The 4th Album. Self-produced and raw, the album captures their original blues-based sound using minimal, home-recorded setups. With tracks like “I Found Heaven (In My Darkest Days)” and “Talk To Me,” the band embraces their outsider status, focusing on honest, soul-moving music.

Houndmouth

Houndmouth is an alternative blues band from New Albany, Indiana, led by Matt Myers. Formed in 2011, they quickly gained attention with their self-titled EP, leading to a contract with Rough Trade and a breakout debut album, From the Hills Below the City, in 2013. The band has performed on major shows and festivals, earning praise for their effortless blend of roots and rock.

Their latest album, Good For You, produced by Brad Cook and mixed by Jon Ashley, was recorded at their longtime headquarters, the Green House. This album marks a departure from their earlier shambolic spirit, embracing a refined, minimalistic sound that highlights their storytelling. Tracks like “Good For You,” “Miracle Mile,” and “Las Vegas” showcase the band’s growth, blending heartfelt lyrics with a rich, unhurried sound. Good For You is a return to the band’s roots, capturing the essence of their early days with a matured, dialed-back approach.

Grace Potter

In 2021, Grace Potter embarked on a solo cross-country road trip that reignited her creative spirit. Driving along Route 66, she spent nights in motels, scribbling song ideas on postcards and notepads. These journeys inspired Mother Road, an album blending soul, blues, country, and rock, recorded in Nashville with producer Eric Valentine and featuring musicians like Benmont Tench and Nick Bockrath.

The follow-up to her Grammy-nominated Daylight, Mother Road explores themes of self-reliance and transformation, with songs inspired by her personal experiences and the characters she imagined along the way. Even in Mother Road’s most outrageous moments, Potter infuses her songwriting with essential insight into the endless nuances of life and love and belonging. Tracks like the title song, “Good Time,” and “Lady Vagabond” reflect Potter’s raw storytelling and bold sound, marking a new chapter in her acclaimed career. And after thousands of miles on the road, countless nights at seedy motels, and a heartrending return home, Potter has made her way to the kind of creative freedom that leaves both artist and audience indelibly altered—a freedom that’s undeniably led to her masterpiece.