The day before the start of his senior year at UNC, Joe Pug decided to move to Chicago and pursue music. He released his first EP, Nation of Heat, in 2008; it consists mostly of just Joe and his guitar, but quickly drew critical praise for the maturity of his voice and songwriting. In late 2009, the twenty-five year old confirmed the hype by selling out his headlining show at the legendary Schuba’s Tavern. Since then, he’s toured Europe, and released his first full length, Messenger, on February 16th, 2010.

The members of Southern rocker quartet American Bang have been friends since high school, but didn’t start making music together until 2005. Five years later, the Nashville natives have steadily gained notoriety, playing most of the major national music festivals and openings for big names like ZZ Top and The Pretenders. Their music also [...]

Boston-are native Leo Blais is a true Renaissance man. Seriously. While it may not be the Sistine Chapel, Blais took to the walls of his home to create the album artwork for 10 releases, crafting the text in his signature cut-cardboard style, each letter about 6-inches high (check out his technique here). But of course there would be no record covers without records, and Blais produces the free-wheeling acoustic pop to back up his cutout creations in the form of winsome ballads and triumphant ditties resplendent with tinkling xylophones, classic rock guitars and a smattering of harmonica.

To start, let’s get a few things out of the way. Justin Townes Earle is the son of Grammy Award-winning contemporary folk artist Steve Earle, and he gets his middle name from legendary folk pioneer Townes Van Zandt. With that said, it’s time to say a proper hello to Justin Townes Earle–a young man who is contributing his own unique voice to the resurgence of folk music.

After three years as the touring bass player for Mooney Suzuki and Strokes’ guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., Reno Bo struck out on his own. The singer-songwriter relocated from New York City to Nashville, and set to work. His debut album, Happenings and Other Things, was released on Electric Western Record on February 9th, 2010. Bo will be touring in support of his album for the majority of 2010, providing crowds a chance to catch his seamless blend classic rock sound and some serious power pop hooks in person.