The Music Distillery
Exploring Americana Music Through Interviews, Reviews & Essays
Written by Carol Roth, Jaclyn Nott, Sarah Morris, Jacson Miller, and other guest contributors
About That Song: Emmy Woods
In the 25th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the St. Paul-based singer-songwriter about songs that influenced her as an artist.
Single Premiere: John Louis, “Wake Me Up”
Get an exclusive first listen to the Minnesota singer-songwriter’s breathtaking new song!
About That Song: Skarlett Woods
In the 24th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Minnesotan singer-songwriter about the songs that impacted her musical journey.
Music Review: Goatroper’s Self-Titled Debut Album
The Minneapolis-based country-folk band shows off their storytelling chops on their charming first album.
About That Song: Martin Zellar
In the 23rd edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the longtime Minnesotan (now Mexico-based) and former Gear Daddies frontman about the songs that impacted his musical journey.
About That Song: Kashimana
In the 22nd edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Nigerian-born Minnesota-based folk/soul artist about the songs that impacted their musical journey.
Music Review: Anna Tivel, ‘Outsiders (Live in a Living Room)’
The Oregon-based singer/songwriter's sweet, dreamy vocals and masterful songwriting make her seventh album a must-listen. We reviewed the August 2023 release in anticipation of Tivel’s Dec. 1 Turf Club show in St. Paul with Joe Pug.
About That Song: Mother Banjo
In the 21st edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to singer-songwriter, banjo player, DJ, podcast host, and music community booster extraordinaire Mother Banjo about the songs that impacted her musical journey.
Show Review & Photo Gallery: IV and the Strange Band and The Goddamn Gallows at Appleton Beer Factory in Appleton, WI
Two punk/country bands set the night on fire in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. Read the review and see a gallery of photos from the show!
Artist Interview: Q&A with Mark Joseph
We talked to the versatile Americana artist about his bluesy new album and his upcoming show at St. Paul’s Fitzgerald Theater.
About That Song: Haley E Rydell
In the 20th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the Midwest singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist about her new album and influential songs in her music journey.
Video Premiere: Juniper, “Ride Between the Cars (am version)”
The New Jersey-based teen indie-pop artist has a new video to go along with a new version of a single from her sophomore album. Get an exclusive first look at the video here!
About That Song: Michael Ferrier of Fathom Lane
In the 19th edition of our special series on songwriting, Sarah talks to the bandleader of a Minneapolis folk-rock outfit about influential songs in his musical journey.
Music Review: Shannon Clark & the Sugar, ‘This Old World’
The Ohio-based family band’s second studio album in three years is a masterpiece.
Song Premiere: Luke LeBlanc, “Defeated”
The exceptional Minnesota singer-songwriter shares a song off his upcoming album, Places. Hear it first here!
About That Song: Mary Strand & Katy Tessman
In a special two-for-one edition of her ongoing blog series, Sarah Morris talks to two fellow songwriters about influential songs and moments in their musical journey.
IV and the Strange Band to Play Minneapolis on Halloween
Hank Williams descendant Coleman Williams, aka IV and the Strange Band, is coming to the Uptown VFW on October 31, and opening act James Eugene Russell recorded a spooky rendition of The Misfits’ “Halloween” in anticipation of the show. Watch the video and learn more about the show!
Show Review: Mendon Hale at Red Fox Bar and Grill in Climax Springs, Missouri
I’d like to introduce you to a fun new country star you might not have heard of: Mendon Hale!
About That Song: Annie Enneking of Annie and the Bang Bang
In the 17th edition of our special series, Sarah Morris talks to the frontwoman of Minneapolis rock ’n’ roll band Annie and the Bang Bang about songs that had an impact on her songwriting journey.
Song Premiere: Pert Near Sandstone, “Believe”
We’re thrilled to present the exclusive premiere of a song off the iconic Midwest roots band’s upcoming album, Waiting Days. Hear it first here!