Uncovering the Roots: A Musical Journey Through Diverse Genres

As the week draws to a close, we're thrilled to present a captivating array of new music that spans a variety of roots-inspired styles. From the haunting melodies of Sadie Campbell to the country-infused sounds of Loose Cattle, this week's premiere round-up offers a diverse and engaging musical experience for listeners.

Discover the Heartbeat of Roots Music

Sadie Campbell: Embracing the Beauty of Aging

Sadie Campbell, a singer-songwriter hailing from British Columbia and based in Nashville, delivers a poignant and introspective single with "Getting Older." This subtly spooky tune from her upcoming album "Metamorphosis" serves as a powerful reminder to embrace the natural process of aging. Campbell's lyrics reflect on the societal pressures to maintain a youthful appearance, urging listeners to celebrate the wisdom and experiences that come with growing older. The accompanying video, directed by Justin Alexis, beautifully captures the many facets of self-perception, inviting viewers to shift their lens and appreciate the beauty in every stage of life.

JD Clayton: Navigating Disappointment and Emotional Outrage

Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, JD Clayton's latest single "Let You Down" delves into the complex emotions of being let down by a friend. Recorded at Sound Emporium studio in Nashville, the track showcases Clayton's emotive vocals and the skilled musicianship of his band, including a captivating instrumental break that highlights their collective talents. The song's narrative explores the disappointment and sense of betrayal that can arise when someone close to us fails to meet our expectations, ultimately leading to a cathartic musical outpouring.

High Horse: Conjuring Spooky Vibes with "Tombstone Territory"

The Boston-based instrumental outfit High Horse delivers a hauntingly atmospheric composition with "Tombstone Territory." Inspired by the group's experiences touring with the Jacob Jolliff Band and drawing influence from the Persian Music Ensemble at the New England Conservatory, the track showcases the band's exceptional instrumental prowess. Guitarist G Rockwell, the composer of the piece, describes the creative process as an academic exploration that allowed the musicians to showcase their individual skills while achieving a cohesive and captivating sound. The title, inspired by a chance encounter with a road named "Tombstone Territory," perfectly captures the spooky and mysterious vibe of the music.

Loose Cattle: Channeling Powerful Truths with "The Shoals"

The New Orleans-based duo Loose Cattle, comprised of Kimberly Kaye and Michael Cerveris, teams up with the legendary Patterson Hood for their latest single, "The Shoals." The song's lyrics, which Kaye describes as stemming from her "Mad As Hell/Not Gonna Take It Anymore" rants, explore the act of speaking uncomfortable truths to those in power. Cerveris, who began writing the song during a stay in the Shoals region of Alabama, captures the mystical and musical essence of that stretch of the Tennessee River. With Hood's powerful vocals and guitar work, the track becomes a powerful statement about the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.

Mon Rovîa: Exploring Cognitive Dissonance and Empathy

Liberia-born, Tennessee-based artist Mon Rovîa's lyric video for "Winter Wash 24" is a vibrant and engaging exploration of the theme of cognitive dissonance. Inspired by the sight of tanks covered in tarps during a tour with Josiah and the Bonnevilles, the song delves into the human tendency to distance ourselves from the struggles of others when they don't directly affect us. As a refugee, Mon Rovîa is deeply committed to raising awareness of shared struggles and the importance of empathy as a force for change. The song's proceeds will be donated to the International Rescue Committee to support their vital efforts.

Benny Sidelinger: Finding Solace in the Midst of Tragedy and Joy

Hailing from the small town of Wayne, Maine, Benny Sidelinger's latest single "Lilacs" reflects on a particularly challenging period in his life. During this time, Sidelinger was navigating the aftermath of a difficult divorce while also experiencing the joy of his fiancée's pregnancy and the birth of their daughter. The song's lyrics poignantly capture the juxtaposition of tragedy and joy, as Sidelinger found himself on the brink of losing his sanity but ultimately held on to a thread of hope. The track features Sidelinger's emotive vocals and the contributions of his talented collaborators, including Michael Thomas Connolly, Aida Miller, and Jason Haugland.

Clarence Tilton: Honoring Tradition with "Fred's Colt"

The Omaha, Nebraska-based roots rock band Clarence Tilton enlisted the help of country music legend Marty Stuart for their latest single, "Fred's Colt." The song recounts the potentially sordid history of a family heirloom, an old Civil War-era Colt pistol. Stuart's iconic Telecaster guitar and his powerful vocals on the second verse add an extra layer of authenticity to the track. The band members, who have had the privilege of opening for Stuart in their hometown, express their deep admiration and gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the "national treasure" on this unique and captivating composition.

Gaby Moreno: Captivating Performances at AEA Sessions

In a special debut, the AEA Sessions video series showcases the incredible talent of Gaby Moreno, a Los Angeles-based artist. Performing a selection of songs, including "New Dawn," "Solid Ground," and "Luna de Xelajú," Moreno's charismatic and energetic presence fills the room, as described by AEA Ribbon Mics' Julie Tan. The AEA Sessions provide a unique platform for artists to showcase their artistry in a intimate and high-quality setting, and Moreno's performance is a testament to the power of roots-inspired music.