Discover the Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond
Each month, our editors curate a playlist featuring fresh sounds, primarily spotlighting independent artists from the South. In December, we’re showcasing new tracks from Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Sharon Van Etten.
Sharon Van Etten & The Accessory Theory
“Afterlife”
Sharon Van Etten’s self-titled album, out February 7, brings a new sonic palette to her music with the lead single, a synth-heavy rock anthem that channels the spirit of spontaneous creation. Van Etten’s haunting vocals, coupled with a dance-ready beat and cascading keyboards, make this track a captivating listen.
— J.F.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy
“Our Home”
Renowned indie-folk singer Will Oldham, better known as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, embarked on Nashville sessions for his new album, “The Purple Bird,” set to release on January 31. Featuring bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien, the single showcases a rootsy, familial tribute through Oldham’s rustic vocals and O’Brien’s intricate verses.
— J.F.
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Lucinda Williams
“Lucinda Williams Sings the Beatles From Abbey Road”
In a unique project, legendary singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams steps into the hallowed Abbey Road Studios to record covers of The Beatles. Her rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is mesmerizing, proving that at 71, Williams remains a relevant force in American music.
— D.S.
“Sober”
Bartees Strange
“Horror”
Versatile indie artist Bartees Strange channels wide-open heartland rock in his latest track from the upcoming album. With an uplifting groove and some 80s guitar crunch, Strange gets vulnerable in the lyrics, exploring themes of dependence and resilience.
— J.F.
“Slip The Grip”
The Greyboy Allstars
“Grab Bag; 2007-2023”
Originally conceived as a backing group for renowned San Diego jazz artist DJ Greyboy, the aptly named Greyboy Allstars have amassed a legendary career over 30 years. Their eighth studio album, “Slip the Grip,” offers nine previously unreleased tracks showcasing their signature jazzy soul with Robert Walter’s organ and Karl Denson’s saxophone leading the groove.
— D.S.
“Loose Livestock”
The Shoals
(featuring Patterson Hood)
“Someone’s Monster”
Artists in New Orleans are deeply influenced by the city’s cultural crosscurrents. The Shoals, the latest release from Loose Livestock, blends jazz, folk, country, and garage rock, with gritty guitar and fiddle underpinning Kimberly Kaye’s haunting vocals. Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers guests on this compelling track.
— D.S.
“Older and Free”
Denison Witmer
“Denison Witmer gets a help from Sufjan Stevens in this pastoral folk tune that celebrates the freedom of escaping everyday burnout. Witmer wrote the track after a hike in Pennsylvania’s French Creek State, capturing picturesque images within its airy acoustic arrangement. Stevens also contributes his trademark gentle harmonies to the sweeping chorus.
— J.F.
“Garden of Fools”
John R. Miller
“Heat Comes Down”
Often, great songs are left on the cutting room floor during the creation of an album. This happened in 2015 when John R. Miller compiled his critically acclaimed release “Outset of the Breeze.” Now, a year later, Miller is releasing two previously unreleased tracks, “Garden of Fools” and “Garden of Fools” through a seven-inch vinyl single, delighting fans of the songwriter.
— D.S.
Cover image: Bonnie Billy worked with Johnny Cash’s longtime engineer Dave Ferguson on his new album. Press image courtesy of the Billions Corporation.