The RGM Inbox - May 2022

May 09, 2022 by David Vousden in Americana, Folk, singer-songwriter, Ambient

Welcome to the latest instalment of the RGM Inbox where we showcase a quartet of recent arrivals that have found us hitting repeat play. Three of the four are singer-songwriters, while the fourth comes from the world of Ambient and New Age music. What they all have in common is they’re done the hard miles to get to where they are now, producing cool new music as a result of their experiences. So please join us as we check out Mountain Time, Space Between Clouds, Freedy Johnston and Cujo Moon.

Beth Nielsen Chapman releases new single and announces instore appearances + UK tour

May 06, 2022 by David Vousden in Americana, singer-songwriter, Tour Dates

Recently signed to Cooking Vinyl, Beth Nielsen Chapman has released ‘Hey Girl’ as a taster for an upcoming album ‘CrazyTown’ set for release on September 23rd. The single is a striking, full-on bluesy stomp in reaction to the 'Me Too' movement. 'Hey Girl' is a perfect fit for the current climate, or as Beth puts it “a celebratory shout out to our sisters making their way in the world.” Beth will be supporting her first new music since ‘Hearts Of Glass’ in 2018 with a series of intimate in-store performances before embarking on an extensive UK tour later this year. More about Beth, the single and ticketing details for those live dates follow:

The RGM Inbox - April 2022

April 15, 2022 by David Vousden in Alt-Country, Americana, Blues, Soul, Jazz

Welcome to the latest edition of the RGM Inbox for another of our occasional dives into the darkest reaches of the office laptop. There’s gold in them, there files. From a legendary band with millions of road miles in the rearview, and many more to come, to a jazz/blues guitarist with four decades of playing under his belt via a pair of acts rejuvenated by circumstances beyond their control. So please join us as we delve into jazz/blues and Americana.

The RGM Inbox – Scottish Edition

April 04, 2022 by Rich Barnard in Folk, Americana

We head north of the border for our latest edition of the RGM Inbox, where just lately we’ve been hearing some very fine things. Like all fine things, they are best shared. I know. We spoil you.

Free Downloadable Blues and Roots music samplers from CRS

January 06, 2022 by David Vousden in Americana, Blues, Roots

When it comes to the promotion of Americana, Blues and Roots music artists in Europe few can hold a candle to Continental Record Services in the Netherlands. They’ve had a banner year in 2021 and we’re pleased to be able to share the links to two free downloadable samplers featuring the very best in Blues and Roots music. Artists include Dean Owens, Martha Fields, Anna Elizabeth Laube, Big Daddy Wilson, Starlite Campbell Band, Robert Jon and The Wreck, Jim Keller and many more.

RGM presents The Maple Leaf Roundup #26

December 09, 2021 by Rich Barnard in Country, Pop, Soul, Singer Songwriter, Classic Rock, Americana

The leaves have been falling for weeks and weeks, and I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been rather neglectful with the broom. Still, it’s never too late for a bit of a tidy up. What follows is a selection of the most golden and honeyed Canadian musical beauties to have drifted our way in the last couple of months. Sorry it’s taken us so long.

Keb' Mo' announces new album 'Good To Be' for January 21st 2022 via Rounder Records

October 14, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Blues, Country, New Single, singer-songwriter, Soul

Guaranteed to brighten your day is ‘Good Strong Woman’ from Keb’ Mo’. The single featuring Darius Rucker is from his upcoming album ‘Good To Be’ and is one of three tracks from the album co-produced by Vince Gill. The album was written between Nashville and Compton merging country, blues, soul and geographical influences. Other guests on the album include Old Crow Medicine Show and Kristin Chenoweth. The video for ‘Good Strong Woman’ was released today (October 14th) and it’s full of positivity and good vibes. More about Keb’ Mo’ and the upcoming album follows:

RGM presents The Maple Leaf Roundup #25

September 08, 2021 by Rich Barnard in Folk, Acoustic, Alternative Rock, Indie, singer-songwriter, Americana, Soul

Hello again, dear readers. The Canadian musical harvest has been as rich as ever this year and we’re here to share with you the best of a bumper crop. Take a seat with us at the Maple Leaf table and sample some of the lesser-known fare from over there in the Great White North. We do listen to music from all territories but, clearly, Ontario has had the best weather this year....

The RGM Inbox: July 2021

July 28, 2021 by David Vousden in singer-songwriter, Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Alternative Rock

Welcome to the latest edition of the RGM Inbox, an occasional feature where we shine a light on a quartet of artists worthy of your time. Some names you might know, some you might not, but either way, it’ll all be good.

The RGM Inbox: Country Edition #3

May 27, 2021 by David Vousden in Alt-Country, Americana, Country, Country Rock

Welcome to the latest edition of the RGM Inbox with an emphasis on all things country. This feature is designed to show there’s much more to country music than big hats, and to highlight the range of good music that resides in the country section of your local record store (if you’re lucky enough to have a local record store). In this issue, we’ve got a couple of Canadian artists ready to rub shoulders with those Nashville folks while one of the biggest new names in country music is looking back on his alt-rock roots and a nice slice of country-pop from a Nashville based artist rounds out this latest edition of the Country Inbox.

The RGM Inbox: May 2021

May 20, 2021 by David Vousden in Alternative Rock, singer-songwriter, Americana, Country, Folk, News

Are you looking for new and interesting music? Well, if so, you’ve come to the right place. The latest Inbox feature from RGM has music from both sides of the Atlantic and a detour to visit our friends in Australia. The journey was most worthwhile as we unearthed some great new music and a demonstration of a cover tune done right. Check it out and we’ll be back very soon with more musical gems.

RGM presents The Maple Leaf Roundup #23

May 14, 2021 by Rich Barnard in Americana, Country, singer-songwriter, Soul, Pop, Acoustic, Alternative Rock, Folk

Welcome back to The Maple Leaf, RGM’s roundup of the freshest and finest tunage from Canada. By way of atoning for a longer absence than usual, we’re offering you a special double-helping of new music across the genres. Everyone is welcome here at RGM and we like to think we can spot a keeper, however it’s dressed. We hope you enjoy what you hear and that you’re inspired to take a deeper dive into some of this edition’s featured artists.

The RGM Inbox: Country Edition #2

April 01, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, Country Rock, News, Video

The first country edition of the RGM Inbox was really well received so we’re back with another collection of country artists to check out. This edition features a range of music from acts that are more than happy to embrace the past and keep things old school to artists firmly in the modern Nashville mainstream. Which style do you prefer?

The Vinyl Inbox

March 30, 2021 by David Vousden in Vinyl, AOR, Classic Rock, Melodic Rock, Prog, Americana, Blues, Pop

With the resurgence in vinyl sales in recent years, the humble record is back and seemingly here to stay. With this in mind, RGM takes a look at some recent and upcoming releases for those who love the sound or possibly just need the images to be bigger as we’re getting older and a CD sized booklet presents a problem. Please read on for releases by Downes Braide Association, Ali Maas & Micky Moody and League Of Lights.

The RGM Inbox: Country Edition

March 08, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, singer-songwriter

Do you like country music? It’s a simple question but very hard to answer as, probably more than any other genre, country music absorbs whatever is happening musically on the pop charts. With this in mind, pop-country has ruled the roost in recent times with mixed results. Thankfully those annoying finger snaps and hip-hop influenced beats are slowly disappearing and a grittier more traditional approach to storytelling can always be found. My taste is more geared towards songs delivered via Southern/Country Rock/Americana acts, while I’ll always have a soft spot for the records my parents played when I was growing up by Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Crystal Gayle etc. I guess I’m lucky as my tastes are quite wide. What about you? It’s possible as RGM covers a host of musical genres that you don’t listen to country and stumbled upon this post accidentally in which case here are four recent/upcoming releases that might be of interest to get you started.

L.A. collective The Wild West are looking for a 'Better Way'

February 28, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, Folk, singer-songwriter

There are very few positives that can be gleaned from the Covid-19 pandemic but one small ray of light has been how artists have embraced technology and worked together to spread a little positivity. A case in point is The Wild West and their ‘Better Way’ single which is out now via the Blackbird Record Label The Wild West features a host of Los Angeles based singer-songwriters who will be familiar to many via their solo work namely Manda Mosher, Tawny Ellis, Heather Anne Lomax, Amilia K. Spicer, Pi Jacobs and Deb Morrison. A pretty impressive collective I’m sure you’ll agree and needless to say the harmonies are suitably glorious. Please read on to check out the video for ‘Better Way’ and learn much more about how The Wild West came to be:

Song Premiere: Jesse Brewster 'Southern'

February 26, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Roots

Jesse Brewster is a man on a mission. The San Francisco based singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has spent two decades sharpening his skills and will release his fifth solo album ‘The Lonely Pines’ on March 5th, 2021. 'The Lonely Pines' perfectly captures a sound that mixes elements of Americana, country and folk. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet Brewster balances his solo career with multiple side projects including an R&B-influenced record, a hard rock trio, and a rock opera that is being developed for Broadway. He also teaches music, tours regularly and occasionally, I believe, finds time to sleep. RGM is pleased to premiere ‘Southern’ a track from ‘The Lonely Pines’ that finds Brewster at his most mournful employing a deep, rich vocal to reflect on the state of things over a bed of acoustic guitars and plaintive harmonica. Please read on to check out ‘Southern’ and to learn more about Jesse Brewster and ‘The Lonely Pines’.

Morgan Wade gets 'Reckless' March 19th, 2021

February 10, 2021 by David Vousden in Americana, Country, News, singer-songwriter, Video

Virginia native Morgan Wade has been making waves recently via a string of excellent sessions on youtube with OurVinyl and SomerSessions that highlight a fantastic voice singing hard-hitting songs of failed relationships, addiction, mental health and just all-around finding your way in the world. Wade has hooked up with Sadler Vaden, long-time guitarist for Jason Isbell as well as an acclaimed solo artist, to produce and Paul Ebersold to engineer ‘Reckless’ her debut album set for release via Thirty Tigers on March 19th. Capturing the essence of an artist like Wade, who works so well in an acoustic setting belting out tunes with emotion and conviction, can be a difficult job but the initial signs are good as evidenced by ‘Wilder Days’ and Don’t Cry’. Please read on to learn a little more about Morgan Wade and hear tracks from the album.

RGM presents The Maple Leaf Roundup #19

December 14, 2020 by Rich Barnard in Acoustic, Alt-Folk, Americana, Country, Folk, Indie, New Single, News, Pop, Roots, singer-songwriter, Video

As it’s the season for giving, we’ve put together a special bumper edition of The Maple Leaf Roundup, bringing you not five but ten - yes, ten! - new tracks from our copaines Canadiens. Think of it as an early Christmas gift - a mellifluous mixtape of must-hears you might not have otherwise met.

Christmas Music @RGM Take Two

December 11, 2020 by David Vousden in Americana, Christmas, Xmas, Country, Pop, singer-songwriter

After our first collection of Christmas tunes were so well received we’re back with more. This time up we’ve got a lovely slice of festive fun from Olivia Lane and Shannon Labrie is back after impressing all at RGM with her ‘Building’ album earlier this year. We also have a contribution from newcomer Wallis who wasn’t even born when Eric Brace and Last Train Home originally sang about the characters featured in their seasonal offering. It’s enough to make you feel really old…