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As we head into the final two months of this most interesting year, with so much uncertainty and so many unresolved problems...on a more personal note, I am - as I do every year about this time - evaluated the State of E2TG. Long-time readers know that I made some major changes to E2TG at the beginning of this year - changes I have fine-tuned throughout the year. I felt the changes were necessary. As a result of the changes I have been able to cover more music than ever before, however, the trade-off has been that some music does not get covered as extensively as it might have in the past.
So, the questions I have to ask myself every year are: What is it that I want E2TG to accomplish? Is E2TG accomplishing that? and How, I can I improve on what I am doing to better meet my goal?
I don't have the answers yet for 2020, but that is where my head will be...
For my readers, I have certain hopes - one is that you give at least a cursory listen to the music I present here. I can almost guarantee that you won't like it all or at least not like it all equally... but I think no matter where your musical tastes lie, you will find something you do like. If an artist or song really catches your attention- I would hope you would follow the artist on social media and follow them on your favorite streaming service. If you are able, buy a download or a physical copy of their music, when it is safe in your area and they come to town, go see them live.
Selfishly, if you do discover new music via E2TG, I would love it if you would tell me about it.
I do not make a dime from E2TG - that was a conscious decision I made a long time ago (although to be fair, I am not 100% certain I could make much money if I tried). I am also not a publicist or promoter for any artists- although I am grateful for my relationships with many fine publicists. E2TG is an unpaid, secondary job for me - and I am a one-man operation - so it is inevitable that I miss out on featuring some music and my timing may not be ideal. I do what I can.
I do believe that there is so much amazing music being produced and released these days, and there are many fine websites, blogs etc that cover some of the music. I have always tried to keep E2TG interesting (to me at least) by being a diverse and inclusive as possible. There is not style or genre of music that I won't consider for E2TG.
Anyway, this is Music City Monday and as a rare treat, we have 100% local music.
We pick back up on this week's Featured Friday recap - with songs 11-15 - the quality of these five songs just goes to show how deep this week's playlist truly is... oh and they are all based in Nashville...
11. "Surrender" by LORE
This is the debut single by the new Nashville band featured Laur Joamets and Laura Reed. Their album is due out next year and was produced by Dave Schools and Vance Powell and features Robbie Crowell and Nick Buda. A wonderful song.
12. "Mostly Ouroboros" by Andrew Adkins
Yet another track from the forthcoming The Echoist (November 13) by E2TG favorite Andrew Adkins. This one shows off his more rocking side.
13. "Perfect Job" by Kevin Burnstein
Kevin Burnstein moved to Nashville just head of the pandemic and found himself in a new city at an inopportune time. He made the most of the situation recording this politically charged album and releasing at a most opportune time.
14. "I Want Out" by Will Kimbrough
By contrast to Kevin Burstein, Will Kimbrough has been a Nashville resident over well over 30 years, but he, too, found himself in an unusual situation. Used to keeping up a busy schedule of touring, recording, and producing - Kimbrough found himself - like so many others - grounded. Spring Break is the result of that time, and it is a most wonderful result.
15. "Do You Realize" by Tayls
Taylor Cole - who leads Tayls - as been in Nashville longer than Burnstein but far less than Kimbrough - but he, too found his usual actives limited or eliminated by COVID-19. He took the time to record a collection of cover songs - often recording remotely with other Nashville bands and artists. We have covered several of the singles released but now the full Kwar in Teens: A Covers Collection is out. This is a cover of a Flaming Lips song.
