Friday, September 27, 2019

E2TG - 8th Anniversary Residency - Week 2



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is even included.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo 

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb





Today we spotlight on Week 2 of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency!

By  the way, no shuffle today because my phone died.


Thursday, September 26, 2019

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - El Caminos and Dirty Jokes Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is underway - Next Show October 2!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (SUCCESS!)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo 
October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



(Thanks Don Gallardo for the fabulous poster)


Thanks to everyone who came out last night, and thanks to Ben Arthur and Conrad y Skordalia for a great show!  If you missed it, you have four more chances to catch the E2TG Residency.  Next up:  Ryan Sobb (full band) and the Album Release Show for Don Gallardo and How Far West with special guest.   Don't miss this one!

Now, let's get on with the shuffle!  It's a good one!


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Ipso Facto Motif Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary STARTS TONIGHT!

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia (TONIGHT)

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb


Hope to see everyone tonight at The 5 Spot!




Since there was no shuffle yesterday, today's Wild Wednesday shuffle comes from the New Music playlist.  Let's get to it!

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

E2TG - 8th Anniversary Residency - Week 1



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

*Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


TOMMOROW NIGHT IT ALL BEGINS!

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only ONE DAY AWAY!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb





Doors open around 5:30pm. Music should get underway no later than 6:15 and finish up no later than 8:30.  The 5 Spot is 21+ and you must have a valid ID to enter - no exceptions.

Come out for a great night of music and to help kick off these five weeks of shows.

After the jump, more information about our featured artists for Week 1!



Monday, September 23, 2019

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - One Man Show Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


THIS IS NOT A WARNING!  ACT  NOW!  Secure your plans to kick off the E2TG Residency in style with Ben Arthur and Conrad y Skordalia this Wednesday at 6:00pm.  Book the babysitter, make your excuses for the boss, send your regrets for all of the conflicting events.

Seriously, this is going to be a fun five weeks, and I hope you can make some or all of them!


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only TWO DAYS AWAY!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb





Time for the Music City Monday shuffle! Only eight songs in the shuffle today (due to a couple of longer songs).  Let's get to it!

Friday, September 20, 2019

Featured Friday Morning Non-Shuffle- Darrin Bradbury Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs - An Apropos Metaphor Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only FIVE DAYS away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



Look for a MAJOR announcement about one of our shows coming very soon!

Today is a big day at E2TG.  It is release day for Talking Dogs and Atom Bombs the new album and ANTI- Records debut for Darrin Bradbury.  I decided I could not let this momentous occasion go by without making a big to-do about it. So here is that big to-do!





Thursday, September 19, 2019

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Super Size Me Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only SIX DAYS away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb


I am getting very excited for the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency.  We have big announcement coming very soon!





Time to dive into the Trending Thursday shuffle!

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Tapout Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only ONE WEEK away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb






I got a bunch of new music added last night,  After a couple weeks off, I have brought back Wild Wednesday in the traditional sense.  Actually, Wild Wednesday as it exists now is pretty much classic E2TG - a shuffle of all the music on my phone (new, old, etc.).  Let's get on it!

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Young and Stupid Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.



The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only 8 days away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



I owe you all a full-recap of Muddy Roots and of AmericanaFest. Right now, I am running head-long into the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency - which begins one week from tomorrow!!!!!

I had an extra long commute due to traffic and stuff, so we have 13 songs in the shuffle today. I've been too chatty of late - so I am going to try to keep it short and sweet.  Let's go!

Monday, September 16, 2019

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - My Ego Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

 *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

And we are back! Americana Fest 2019 is officially over. I had a blast. I don't have time for any sort of official recap, but suffice it to say, I didn't see everything I wanted to see, I missed some great events put on by great people, I overdid it and had to bail on some stuff for the sake on my self... But, I had the time of my life, got to meet some of my biggest musical heroes, caught up with out-of-town friends, watched by friends kick all sort of ass on stages big and small.

Despite my jokes throughout the week, I didn't pace myself and I crashed and burned by the end of the weekend, and you know what, next year, I will probably do the same thing.

On we go!

The E2TG 8th Anniversary is now only 9 days away!  

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb





Make your plans now!

On with the Music City Monday Shuffle!

Friday, September 13, 2019

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Two Headed Dog Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


AMA Day 3 is in the books.  After working all day, I had some evening shows I really wanted to catch, but I was really tired so I headed home for dinner and a change of close before heading to Mercy Lounge to catch Jeremy Ivey, Christopher Paul Stelling, and Darrin Bradbury at the ANTI- Records showcase. I caught parts of other sets and then made it close to see Aaron Lee Tasjan close out the evening at the Cannery Ballroom. Great sets all around. 

Fun Fact: Christopher Paul Stelling was a Featured Artist on E2TG back in November of 2012! 

You all know the long connection we have to Darrin Bradbury. 

I have become a huge Jeremy Ivey fan Darrin first introduced me to his songs. His debut album on ANTI- came out today.  Darrin's album will be out next Friday. Stelling has an album coming out produced by Ben Harper - with some singles already released.

As for ALT, he gave me a much needed shot of positive energy.

Tonight, I will be representing WXNA and emceeing at the Mercy Lounge all night. A great line-up that includes three towering figures from my formative musical years: Mitch Easter, Don Dixon, and Chris Stamey.

On with the shuffle now!

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - Pacing Myself Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



Americana Fest week Day 2:   Caught the Broken Jukebox Media Showcase at The 5 Spot - saw Chuck Hawthorne, (E2TG Artist of the Year) Ben de la Cour, Eric Brace, Rod Picott, The Truehearts, and Meghan Hayes (all who have been featured on E2TG) plus Libby Koch and Terry Klein (who soon will be featured).  Fun evening.  Be sure to catch The Truehearts and Meghan Hayes on Week 3 and 4 of the E2TG Residency (respectively).

After that I headed to Dee's to catch some great music from Daniel Walker, Jaime Harris, Chris Moyse, Nick Nace, and Jon Latham - a really fun night - with lots of cool people in the crowd.  I am pretty exhausted.  Just three more official nights of AMA to go, and only a day and a half of work left.

Tonight Darrin Bradbury will be playing at Mercy Lounge as part of the ANTI Records showcase. 

On with the shuffle!



Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Keeping Up Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


The first official day of the Americana Fest is in the books. As has become my habit, I went to the Basement East for the Better Together kickoff event. It was packed and I saw so many friends from out of town and in town. The music - as always - was top-notched - this year honoring the City of Memphis - with songs from Memphis, associated with Memphis, and about Memphis. The list of performers included some of the hottest tickets on the AMA line-up and many of my friends.

Sleep is optional during AMA week, but I got a couple of hours. 

Tonight, Broken Jukebox Media is hosting an unofficial showcase at The 5 Spot - the night includes several artists we have featured at E2TG (Broken Jukebox is one of my major sources of new music).  After that, I will head to Dee's for another unofficial event - this hosted by Nick Nace and featuring a full-band set from the one and only Jon Latham and a lot more.

On with the shuffle - It is Wild Wednesday, but once again, I am sticking with our New Music playlist because I have so much new music to get to... It's still kind of wild!



Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Trending Tuesday Morning Morning Shuffle - Shit Gone Wrong Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



Well Americana Week in Nashville if officially underway. After recording a future episode of Double Shot - I stopped off at Dee's. When I walked in there was a guy on stage playing a sitar. He eventually played a cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" It was cool.  Got to hang with cool folks, caught a set from Darrin Bradbury and a full-band set by Ryan Sobb (a preview of what to expect on October 2) and Darrin joined in as they did Darrin's song "Myrtle Beach".  A weird, wild, fun start to a week of cool music and cool friends.

Let's shuffle!




Monday, September 9, 2019

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Let's Get Happy Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!


  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb



Well, it's Americana Music Association Festival and Conference week in Nashville. I like to say that AMA week is like any other week in Nashville but on steroids. Or maybe, I need to be on steroids to make it through the week. But seriously, one fun thing is seeing friends from all over the world. 

The festival has grown just in the last few years - adding tons of venues and official/unofficial events to the mix. 

Americana represents part of what we play here on E2TG. The thing about Americana is that it is not really a genre. Practically speaking, Americana is whatever the Americana Music Association says it is. But, seriously, it is music of various genres which draws influence/inspiration from American roots based music (country, folk, blues, bluegrass etc.).  

Anyway, there are several wonderful events that I want to catch and some great artists making rare Nashville appearances. 

Meanwhile, it is Monday, and I am thrilled to bring back Music City Monday - after a few weeks off .It is my (usually) weekly celebration of the music of Music City - from those who lived or have lived here. We put it all together in a huge, ever growing playlist, hit shuffle, and let nature take its course. 

Friday, September 6, 2019

Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Standing In For Joe Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


Still counting down to the E2TG Residency

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb




But first, Americana Fest is approaching like a runaway train. The Festival keeps getting bigger and bigger. Now there are official showcases starting on Tuesday.  Lots of free parties, impromptu shows, unofficial events,

For readers not in the Americana world, Americana is kind of a catchall term for a variety of differing musical styles and genres all tightly or loosely connected to American roots music. Think country, folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, and rootsy sounding rock and roll.  From what I understand, the event started as more of a business conference with a few night time showcases, but the showcases now dominate the week  (it also used to be more of a long weekend event, but it is practically a week long event now). For sure, there is still a conference for folks still interested in that.

Anyway, enough about that - let's get to this Friday shuffle!


Thursday, September 5, 2019

Trending Thursday Morning Shuffle - The Devil Was a Girl Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.


And just like that it is Thursday!  Man this week is flying by! 

We are less than three weeks from the start of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency:

September 25 - Week 1: Ben Arthur + Conrad y Skordalia

October 2 - Week 2: Ryan Sobb + Don Gallardo

October 9 - Week 3: The Truehearts + Jason Erie

October 16 - Week 4:  Josh Gray  + Meghan Hayes

October 23 - Week 5: Microwave Mountain + The Big Dumb





Now, let's get moving with the Shuffle!

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Bearing Down Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.



I really was going to stay in last night to try to finish recovering from Muddy Roots, but then I saw the line-up at $2 Tuesday....   Solo sets from two of Nashville's best songwriters - Ryan Sobb* and Nick Nace.  Plus Derek Hoke with Laur Joamets sitting in along with Derek's usual band of Steve Latanation and Mark Robertson.  And closing out the night was the all-star BiPolar Bear - led by Laur Joamets.

*Don't forget to make your plans to see Ryan Sobb with a  full band during Week 2 of the E2TG Fall Residency along with the always wonderful Don Gallardo and How Far West!!!!!



Anyway - let's get rolling.  It is Wednesday - when we usually do Wild Wednesday (and that is what I am calling this shuffle) but this week - we are going to stay in the "New Music" playlist since we were off last week.  Let's go!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Sweet and Fizz Mix



Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!

  *Note: The video playlist at the bottom of the post attempts to closely approximate the shuffle I listened to on my way to work this morning. When a video for a song was not available, I substituted another song by the same artist. When I could not find any videos by an artist, I included a related video or did not include a video for that track. This blog may reference unreleased tracks, however, no unreleased music is ever included.

I am back!   I had a great time at Muddy Roots.  I will have a lengthy recap/overall observation about this weird, wild, and wonderful festival that is not 10 years old!

For now, I will just leave it at - it is a great music festival, it is a wonderful social event, and it is a hell of a lot of fun.

Onward,

We are finally ready to announce our second act for Week 5 of the E2TG 8th Anniversary Residency.  It is... MICROWAVE MOUNTAIN!!!!!  You may recall that MM was set to play last year, but unfortunately had to drop out due to some scheduling conflicts.  I am so thrilled to have on-board. Week 5 with The Big Dumb and Microwave Mountain is gong to be a trip!  Don't miss it (or any of our four other weeks).

We also have had some artist shifts to the previously announced schedule - so here is the FINAL LINEUP!


Now, we need to jump back into our first shuffle in over a week! Let's go!