E2TG 2/28/2022 - Music City Monday - Closing Jam Mix (Talking Dogs Remix)

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It is Monday and time for another jam packed Music City Monday Shuffle - below the jump....

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/4/2021 - I'm Back - Shed Kids Mix (Landscape Remix)

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Had an unexpected sick day yesterday, but we are back now.  

Also, due to illness and out of an abundance of caution, I did not do the Greetings from Nashville show this morning.  I will be back next week with Ear to the Ground on Tuesday and Greetings from Nashville on Thursday, 

Today is your last chance to check out this week's Featured Friday Playlist - so please do so.  A new list hits around midnight or so.

Today's shuffle is below the jump...

 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/19/2021 - Music City Monday - Rain Mix (Alabaster Remix)

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Heading into another week.  By the way, the 10th Anniversary of this blog is fast approaching - in May.  I also realized the 10th episode of the Ear to the Ground radio show will happened that same month - so I am planning something special to mark that convergence of events. It is not looking like it may take two weeks.  More to come.  

In the meantime, Ear to the Ground radio can be heard every Tuesday from 6-7am on WXNALP Nashville 101.5FM or wxnafm.org.   To listen to past shows click HERE 

Feature Friday Recap (Pt. 11: Songs 17-26):

17. "Light Shines In" by Conor Gains

First up, we are a track from a new EP/single from this Toronto based singers-songwriter who makes music with a wonderful combination of pop, southern soul and more. 

18. "Deshta (Forever)" by Lisa Gerrard; Jules Maxwell

Next up, we have our second single to feature from Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard and Jules Maxwell.  Great stuff. 

19. "The Way Down" by Van Plating

Next up, we have the new single from Florida based  singer/songwriting and musician Van Plating.  It is the follow-up to the her 2019 album which marked her return to music after a decade off. A strong song, and I look forward to hearing more. 

20. "Balearic" by Are We Static

Next, UK indie band Are We Static with a fantastic new song. 

21. "Palms Casino" by Sam Valdez

Next up, a immense sounding new single from L.A. based Sam Valdez - her full length album Take Care is due out May 7.

22. "Where is the Time?" by My Name is Ian (feat. HMS Morris)

Next up, a new single from Welsh band My Name is Ian - ahead of their new album due in June called Fantastic Company.  Here they team up with an other Welsh band we have featured before- HMS Morris. 

23. "Bridges" by Jason Pilling

We have a wonderful new single from UK singer-songwriter Jason Pilling who is originally from Saskatchewan.

24. "Scallywag" by The Lancasters

Next up, a tasty bit of rock 'n' roll which builds upon the classic traditions - especially on some of the great British bands of past decades. The Lancasters are from Italy, and this  great new single is pretty darn cool.  

25. "Upstate" by Shay Martin Lovette

Some lovely and mysterious country folk from this North Carolina artist who worked with members of MIPSO, Mandolin Orange, and Mount Moriah on his forthcoming Scatter & Gather due out May 14.

26. "Fly Wizard Fly" by Mashup & Cozy Condition

And we close this segment of music with some experimental funk from Richmond, Virginia. A great tune to wind up this segment of our playlist. 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 11/10/2020 - The Art of the Loss - Peace Love and Understanding Mix (Enough is Enough Remix)

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A bit short on time today - so we will jump right in...

Today, our recap of this week's Playlist continues with songs 17-21:

17. "Let Me Tell You What I Think" by Ordinary Elephant

Starting off today, we have a brand new single from Houston, Texas based, husband and wife folk duo Ordinary Elephant. This is a thoughtful and nuanced song of our times. Really fantastic. 

18. "Culture War" by Paul Maged

More timely music - albeit of a different variety - via New York Alt-Rock singer-songwriter Paul Maged.  We have featured his music before, and we probably will again. This is the title track from his new album. 

19. "Love in Quarantine" by New Way Vendetta

Next up, we have yet another timely track - this of the goth/dance variety via the long-running New Way Vendetta.  Stellar stuff. 

20. "Partypooper" by HMS Morris

I believe this is our second time featuring Welsh band HMS Morris in a Playlist. It is really catchy pop music of the best variety.  

21. "You've Got Another Thing Coming" by Beyond the Grey

And, we close out this segment of music with a really tasty Judas Priest cover from this band who are based in Kansas City.  A nice addition to the Playlist. 

Tomorrow - the recap continues with songs 22-26
 

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 5/10/2020 - Music City Monday - A Comeback of Sorts - Songbird Mix (Genius Remix)

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And I am back!  Sorry for the extended and unexpected hiatus - it could not be helped, but I am happy to be back.

Last Wednesday, just before everything went down, I started a blog post - including a shuffle.  I didn't get to finish it, but here it is in all of its unfinished glory! Lost Shuffle!

Moving on.  Even though I was out of blogging commission, I have managed to keep up with the Featured Friday Playlist.  All the more reason to "Follow" the Playlist on Spotify and check back every Friday (usually updated sometime after midnight).

This week's list included some favorites and at least one new name to us.

New and recent music from Adrian + Meredith (from their Live at The 5 Spot Release), Tom Schreck - from his recent album Schrexit, Brian Wright & the SneakUps (from Lapse of Luxury), Marchelle Bradanini (aka Ponyboy - but releasing her first music under her own name), our old friends Sci-Fi Romance, Nashville singer-songwriter Paul Nelson, Cup, Eli Cook (who played our Residency in 2018), and Watch Clark.

By the way, apologies to everyone who has sent me music in the last couple of weeks. In some cases, I responded, but I didn't know I would be out as long as I was.  Be patient, and for those who had time sensitive submissions - I am truly sorry.

Let's get right to today's shuffle - after the jump!

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 4/03/2020 - Featured Friday - Not Too Hip Mix (Genius Remix)

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It is Friday and that means a brand new Featured Friday Spotify Playlist. You can check it out below or listen and follow the playlist on Spotify.

    Featured Friday Playlist

E2TG 1/10/2020 - Band of the Year - Featured Friday - Mr. Pepper Mix (Happy Remix)

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WELCOME TO E2TG V3.0

I guess call this the soft launch - trial run - pilot program for E2TG v3.0.  Today, we are introducing two new features.  First is the Featured Friday Playlist from Spotify.  It is a playlist of recent and current music that has our attention. The list will "refresh" every Friday (give or take), so place Follow the playlist or check in here. The embed will be posted every day in case you miss it.

Next, we have our listing of Recent, Current and Upcoming Releases (singles, EPs, and LPs).  This will be our primary means of spotlighting new releases. Expect some commentary to be added periodically.  Please note: this is a work-in-progress.  I went through e-mail submissions to compile this list then added some others that I learned about from other sources.  This listing will be posted daily and updated regularly.  So, if you don't see your release listed, please let me know and I will add. it.

The Shuffle has always and will always be a centerpiece of the E2TG experience. I am no longer using it has the primary means of featuring new releases. Tuesday-Friday will be akin to the old "Wild Wednesday" shuffle. New music received will be added to my phone and I will shuffle from all of the saved music.  Monday will continue to be shuffled from the Music City Monday Spotify Playlist. 

Whew!  Don't try to remember. Just enjoy.


INTRODUCING THE 2019 E2TG BAND OF THE YEAR!

As we prepare to rush headlong into the new frontier of 2020 and E2TG V3.0, we have one last piece of unfinished business from 2019.  Yesterday, we name Darrin Bradbury as our Artist of the Year. For a time, I had someone else in mind for that award, however, fortunately, that individual gave his band a name, and so made them eligible (according to my non-existent rules) for the Band of the Year honors. It is appropriate.

From the first time, I saw Ryan Sobb, I was blown away by his songwriting.  Smart, funny, deep, and unlike anything I had heard.  Eventually, he started playing with a band and putting some amazing songs into a high energy, power popish package. Over the course of 2019, the band has gotten better and better.  They are a tight unit, but still manage to feel slightly out of control and loose (in the best way possible).  They are a true power trio in the long and storied history of that combination.  Chase Ballenger and Preston Cochran make a wonderful rhythm section that give further grounding to Sobb's songs that didn't seem to need grounding.

When singer-songwriters form a band, sometimes, the intimacy of the songs can get lost, but that never seems to happen with this band. Credit goes to Ryan Sobb whose delivery keeps the song at the forefront, and to Ballenger and Cochran who find their groove within the context of the song.

Ryan Sobb released a single, and a split "live" album with one-time E2TG Artist of the Year Rayvon Pettis.  Word is that he has an EP coming in 2020.

And so, it is with great pleasure and high hopes, that I officially name, Ryan Sobb and The Dead Mall as E2TG's 2019 Band of the Year!

    Featured Friday Playlist

Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Big Drum, Small Axe Mix

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Well, yesterday was a holiday.  I was going to try to post something, but I ended up spending a large portion of my day at the eye doctor.  Then, I went into work today (and listened to the shuffle below while traversing the snowy roads of Nashville with people who do and do not know how to drive in snowy conditions.  Then, around eleven, pretty much everyone decided to go home, so I slipped and slid down the hill to my car and made my way home where I am writing this post.

Anyway, it's extremely cold, and I am sipping on a hot beverage.

I have to give a huge shout out to everyone who made it out Saturday for my birthday bash.  Special thanks to those who bought me beer and to those who unexpectedly brought me presents, and extra special thanks to Conrad y Skordalia, Danny Henry, and Nelson, Zimmerman, and Quinn for providing great music.

Onward and upward - as they say...  By the way, several songs in this shuffle are brand new and/or not yet released, so I could not find the videos for the exact song in some cases. I have tried to post a video to represent each song, and where possible, I have provided link or embeds for the song featured. In a couple of cases, you will have to wait until release to hear some of the songs.  In any case, let's go!

Wild Friday Morning Shuffle - Too Young to Know Mix

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Overall, I'm just trying to mosey into 2018 (except for work, where I have been slammed). Last night, I had my first night out of the new year... of course, I was at The 5 Spot, where I saw East Nashville's favorite Pirate band, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers.  Mark Robinson joined them on-stage for one song, and sat in on part of another song from his barstool.

Next, week - E2TG dives fully into the new year, but for today, we have another "wild card" shuffle (from all the songs on my phone memory card).

It's a pretty cool list - so let's check it out.

Mondo Monday Morning Shuffle - Beans, Rice, and Bleached Ravioli Mix

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Thanks to everyone who donated to WXNA during the Fall Pledge Drive, we exceeded our goal!  I know WXNA is a true labor of love for everyone involved, and it is very refreshing to feel that love echoed back from our community.  I am extremely proud to be a part of this incredible radio station!


Heading into a holiday shortened week of shuffles.. thinking about all I have to be thankful for. 

Here is the latest shuffle from our "New Music" playlist.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - History and Hell Mix

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My take:  For a nation that is built upon the idea of freedom, the most patriotic thing one can do is to exercise that freedom in whatever way one deems necessary.  I saw video of people shouting obscenities during the National Anthem at men who choose to respectfully and silently protest by kneeling during the National Anthem.  I have to ask, who was being disrespectful?   And these people who are shouting obscenities are being inflamed and encouraged by the President of the United States.  These are difficult and discouraging times, but I do feel some hope that the resistance is growing and the investigations are deepening...

Well, it's the last full week of September.  It is officially Autumn -and yet the temperature is going to be near 90 the first part of this week...

And, it is Monday - which means Music City Monday on E2TG.  It's no secret that Nashville is experiencing an incredible period of growth.  And there are pains associated with that growth.  There is the fear of losing somethings that make Nashville distinctly Nashville. There are traffic woes and parking woes and cost of living woes.

I never know how the shuffle will play out any given day - that's part of the fun of using the random shuffle feature... but I purposefully front-load my playlist with a mix of old and new music from people who have been in Nashville longer than I have to those who are recent additions to our fair city.

My hope is that the newcomers will pay attention to the voices of the long-timers.  The history of Nashville and its music matters. The best local artists, in my opinion, recognize this and then thoughtfully and purposefully add their voices to that history.

My hope is that the long-time Nashville artists and residents, will open their ears to the voices and songs of the newcomers. Some amazingly talented people are moving here everyday - trying to find their place.  They bring with them their own history and stories that will help shape the Nashville of tomorrow.

The fact is, the old Nashville is not coming back. But, as to exactly what new Nashville is going to be is still being written. I hope both the newcomers and long-timers will contribute and help make that new Nashville the best it can be.

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Down by the River Mix

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And then it was Thursday...


Last night, after work, I headed down to The Country to check out Ben de la Cour and Gaelynn Lea (who you read about in Collins' guest post earlier this week). (if you missed it, click the link).

Ben is one of my absolute favorite songwriters.

Gaelynn Lea (who won NPR's Tiny Desk Contest) is nothing short of brilliant. Playing traditional fiddle music and originals using a loop pedal and her unique playing style, she makes otherworldly and music that is at once dark and beautiful.

After that, I headed to Kay Bob's to hang out with some of my fellow WXNA DJs.  Every third Wednesday, Kay Bob's hosts WXNA Night and donates 15% of all sales to the station.  It's a fun hang with good food and a great beer selection.

Then, I crossed the river in time to catch Brian Milligram at The Crying Wolf.  I was reminded about how much I love his music.  Folk-punk delivered with passion. And he can pull off a sad song pretty well, too.

Today being Thursday, we return to our special Topical playlist  - said topic being self-referential and we delve into the history of E2TG.  It's an interesting history (if I do say so myself) covering a wide swath of musical styles. From the beginning, my approach to E2TG has been to write about music that moves me without much regard to the relative notoriety (or lack thereof) of the artists.  To that end, some bands I have written about have gone on to achieve greater notoriety and others have seemingly disappeared - at least from social media.  I take no credit and accept no blame from either. In my estimation, the value of the music itself is not really affected at all by what happens next for the artist. But, that's just my take...

Without further ado, here is the Topical Thursday (E2TG-centric) shuffle....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Don't Try to Fight It Mix

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It is really hard to sort it all out sometimes... I mean, there are policy decisions that I philosophically and morally object to.  There are ethical breaches that are beyond the pale. There are individuals with reprehensible believes (racist, ablest, homophobic, etc.). There is potentially criminal behavior.  And then there are the instances of what appear to the treasonous activities.  Where and how do you focus on one without losing sight of the others.... These are strange and troubling times...
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And off we march into the week ahead!  I have a work thing that will take me away from my office a few days this week, so there may be some interruption in the regularly scheduled shuffles... stay tuned.

This week, I am looking forward to Wednesday at The 5 Spot - when the E2TG Residency welcomes Cafe Rooster Records!  You do not want to miss this one!

Okay - it is Monday - and on Monday we turn our attention to Nashville, Tennessee and music somehow connected to the Music City....  Let's shuffle!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Take One Down Mix

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Daily (not) political post:  It occurred to me reading a couple of recent news articles that the current administration is the most transparently unethical administration in this nation's history.  Transparent is usually seen as a good thing, but the way the current administration is openly flaunting their ethical breaches is astounding. Where are those in power who are willing to speak up? It's not like there even needs to be much of an investigation.  They are not even trying to hide it....
Busy weekend... saw some great shows, missed some great shows, worked hard, rested, hung out with friends, did a live radio show with guest DJ Mark Robinson, announced the first week of the E2TG May Residency with same Mark Robinson and his fabulous band, and did some other things.

The rest of the line-up will be announced soon.  

Saturday night was the David Olney CD release show and pop-up art event at The 5 Spot with Brock Zeman and Blair Hogan.  Great music and a great time..


It's Monday, when we shuffle up tunes from our Music City Monday playlist.... let's go...

Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Just Like a Nitwit Mix

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No shuffle yesterday.  I blame Trump... No, seriously...

Appropriately enough, we return with a Topical Thursday Shuffle - continuing our broadly defined and unspecified Topic.

So, basically, in some cases the songs fit my topic - at least in my mind. In others I imagine some person or group of people saying the title in a specific context that would fit my topic.

As always, I am not ascribing any belief or opinion to anyone but myself...   Meanwhile, some cool music for a very cold Thursday morning commute.

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Don't Go Downtown Mix

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Honestly, right now, I don't even know where to focus my outrage and frustration and utter disbelief that our nation has reached the point it has...  #Resist #Persist  - Take a breath when necessary. Refocus. Keep going. Still waiting for the GOP leadership to step up... waiting... waiting...

So... I am back after a extra long weekend. Took Friday off to run errands and rest up. Other than Double Shot on Saturday, I most hung after after Friday night.  Plans for E2TG's 6th Anniversary month at The 5 Spot are coming together. More details very soon.

On to the shuffle for a Monday morning.  As we always do, we focus on tracks with a Music City connection.  Let's go!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - A Whisper in the Dark Mix

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Jumping back into the daily grind after an enjoyable weekend with my daughter and another fun recording for a future Double Shot show...

A quick reality check: Right now in America (2017), Customs agents are stopping domestic travelers and demanding papers.  Among the high profile people detained under the guidance from the Republican administration:  a noted children's author, an American Olympic medalist, the son of Muhammad Ali, and (chillingly) a note historian who specializes in studies of the Holocaust.  This is not the America I have known my whole life.

The Republican administration (which has placed white nationalists in positions of power) has made up three different "terrorist" attacks to justify a travel ban.  And, they have remained silent to real terror attacks by white nationalists on people of color across the country.

Resist! Persist!
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Okay - to music...  First of all, because I don't get to say this every day - check out The Voice on NBC tonight to see and hear my friend and Earie award winner Taylor Alexander!

Reminder!  Details coming very soon, but #E2TG will be taking over The 5 Spot every single Wednesday in May (there are 5 of them). It's all to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of this blog.  I cannot wait to tell you who you will be seeing and hearing, but it's going to be great!

On Monday, we shuffle up songs from our Music City playlist - featuring songs with Nashville connections....

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Here to Love You Mix

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Look - I HATE talking about politics but as I have repeatedly said, to me the current administration has transcended politics.  The incompetence, corruption, deceptions, and overt xenophobia and several other isms and phobias should be something that most Americans can agree upon. As left and right, Democrat and Republican, Progressive and Conservative - we can and should debate things like economic policies, immigration policies, foreign policy... and though we may fundamentally disagree of these issues - we should be able to stand united toward some basic principles of ethics, decorum, legality, and national security.  And please do not misunderstand - part of the (largely peaceful) protests are about disagreements over policy (and yes the right and importance of those protests should be one of those basic principles on which we should all agree), the more troubling facts are the repeated and unapologetic lapses in those basic principles. I am talking about making up terrorist attacks, verbally attacking members of the judiciary, using the office and position of the Presidency for personal gain, collaborating with foreign powers to undermine the electoral system etc.

Oh yeah, and the last time I checked, there is still a white supremacist with unchecked powers in the top rungs of the Executive Branch.

So yeah, I HATE talking about politics. This is not politics. #Resist #Persist

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Time is moving along!  It is Monday February 13!  First off, I have a major announcement coming soon about E2TG and our 6th Anniversary will is coming up in May.  Stay tuned!

Monday - we always (for the past several months at least) feature great music connected to Nashville, Tennessee - aka Music City USA).

Let's jump in and see what comes up!

Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - Lusty Lad Mix

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 Getting settled into this new year...  

Saturday night: Got to see some "Earie"award winners perform:  First Josh Morris at The Country, then Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets at The Family Wash and finally Tommy Womack, also at The Family Wash.

Well, it's my first full work week of the new year, and thus our first Music City Monday in a about three weeks.  Let's do it!

E2TG 2016 Band/Artist(s) of the Year

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First of all thanks again and congratulations to all of the 2016 "Earies" and because of who I am - apologies for all of the unintentional omissions that I will think about later today or tomorrow....

If you have Spotify, I have created an 800+ Playlist featuring the "Earie" Winners. If that link doesn't work, I will share it on Facebook later.  Also, just a reminder - following or saving or "downloading" an album on Spotify is not a substitute for buying the damn album - also I wish Spotify would pay the artists more..  There!

Since we have a bunch of new readers, I will share a history of the award (if you've heard/read this you may skip this next few paragraphs):

Although this is only the second year of the "Earie" Awards, the Band/Artist of the Year Award goes back to the very beginning of E2TG.  In the beginning was the Band of the Week designation. Basically, in those early days, I often had to go out and find bands to write about - often it was someone who followed me on Twitter.  I was knew that recurring features was a thing with blogging so I started naming a "Band of the Week" (at that time they were almost all bands and not solo acts).

When I reached the end of 2011, I had named 30+ Bands of the Week, and on a lark, I thought it would be a hoot to have a Readers Poll to name Band of the Year.  This was supposed to be ironic in a way because I really didn't have many readers back then - you know who you are if you were among them).

Well, the poll was a ton of fun.  Don Ryan finished third, Ubiquity Machine (my friend and OG reader Howard's band) were second, and a band from the UK called The Mobbs rallied late to take the title.

Well, the Band of Year poll was so much fun that I decided to start having a Band of the Month poll.  Eventually, the Band of the Week designation gave way to the "Featured Artists" designation. The Band of the Month Poll went well at first.  And at the end of 2012, all of my Bands of the Month plus some Wildcards competing for Band of the Year.  That year, Skeletons in the Piano (from Upstate New York) took the prize.

Eventually, I grew tired of the polls - I realized some bands cared too much about polls and some didn't care enough... blah, blah, blah... anyway, music should not be about competition, I don't think.  So, when the end of 2013 rolled around, I decided that E2TG was no longer a democracy and I made the unilateral decision to award The Band of the Year distinction to The End Men - who were and are one of my favorite bands ever. Like many of us, 2016 presented some challenges, but they are vowing more ROCK in 2017!

My world kind of imploded in 2014 and my life and the direction of E2TG was forever altered. In the midst of that chaos, I was introduced to the music and person of one Darrin Bradbury.  In 2014, I probably saw him play an average to 2-3 times every week, and to be honest, the was not much doubt in my mind from early in the year that if E2TG survived the chaos that Darrin would be my Artist of the Year.  We did survive and he won the award, and it is a decision I have never once regretted.

In 2015, I watched the rise of Jon Latham culminating in the release of Real Bad News.  It became clear early one that he was front-runner for Artist of the Year (Darrin lobbied hard for him), and his star-making guest slot at the AMA kickoff in September 2015 sealed the deal,  If you have been paying attention in 2016, you will understand that naming Jon Latham Artist of the Year made me look downright prophetic.  If you don't know yet, stayed tuned for "Lifers" which is set for release early in this new year...

Which brings us to 2016.  2016 brought amazing opportunities, personal challenges, and a shit-ton of great music.  So much incredible music - both exploding out of East Nashville and from all over the world, that I could not even keep up.  To be honest, I have had a hard time picking an "ARTIST OF THE YEAR" and it not from worthy candidates but contrarily it is from so many worthy candidates... so after the jump... see what I have decided....