Blues
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In conversation with Jack Romano: from Johnny Cash to his own voice
“We have a saying in my band: ‘All roads lead to Cash.’” For Jack Romano, Johnny Cash’s influence extends far beyond the sound of his country voice. Like the late musician, Romano’s catalog is rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and raw emotion—songs that explore what it means to be human and, more specifically, what it means…
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In conversation with Nathan Johnston: songs of an outlander
Throughout his career, singer-songwriter Nathan Johnston has taken the road less traveled—and it has certainly made all the difference. Brought up in the musical hub of Mullingar, Ireland, Johnston set out on his own journey as a performer at a young age, first picking up instruments around his family home. “My grandad was a showman,”…
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In conversation with James Maddock: unraveling the mystery of songwriting
British-born singer/songwriter James Maddock is renowned for his rousing live performances, deeply emotional music, and his innate ability to connect with audiences everywhere. For Maddock, his passion for music began at a very young age, under the wing of his grandfather, a semi-professional ukulele player. Learning to play the instrument himself, Maddock soon understood the…
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In conversation with Kevin Blackwell of Sassparilla: ‘Honey, I’m Using Again’ is a confession and a prayer
Americana/punk band, Sassparilla, returns with their eighth record, Honey, I’m Using Again, on February 20, 2026. The Portland, Oregon, and Golden, Colorado, based bandmates Kevin Blackwell, Doug Ebert, and Dan Power worked together on the project, recording the entire album from Blackwell’s basement. Sassparilla quickly made their mark on the Portland music scene, bound by…
