Buddy Red is gearing up for the release of his debut EP, Bad News, on November 20. The record figures to be a breakout moment for the Atlanta-based blues artist, and even includes a feature from hip hop legend Lil Wayne on the title track.
We’re here to give you a preview, courtesy of a new music video that provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Buddy Red’s studio magic.
“Sexy” debuted to the world on October 23. The new, self-produced single delivers a brand of high-octane chaos befitting two people stepping outside the lines of their relationships. In this scenario, our protagonists(?) are not out for love; rather, they’re chasing the thrill of something new, consequences be damned.
The tune’s devil-may-care disposition is supported by gritty behind-the-scenes studio footage, captured by Randy Fat Cats. It’s clear that the rock and roll spirit of “Sexy” carried over to the creative process, showing emerging artists everywhere that you can be serious about your craft and still have a blast.
It’s time to let loose. Check out the video for “Sexy” below!
It’s the last day of October (otherwise known as Halloween). It’s also our pal ARREIS‘ birthday, right after she joined us in New Orleans to perform and speak at NOLA MusiCon.
(We have showcase photos and a recap coming to The Blog this week, by the way).
Indeed, today is the perfect occasion to highlight the Chicagoland native’s latest single, “October.” Released this past Friday, ARREIS released the rootsy pop-folk tune as a nod to the good fortune that, like the autumn wind, sweeps around the bend after periods of tribulation. For anyone coming out of (or still going through) a difficult season, “October” provides a reason to persist.
Although we’re heading into winter, brighter days always lie ahead. Check out “October” below!
Ben Harris has turned the pain of loss into purpose, and a love of people into incredible community-building initiatives.
The Georgia native is the co-founder of Sibling Strong Retreats, a peer-support retreat program for bereaved siblings built on three pillars of adventure activity, grief work, and rest.
In the music industry, Ben also serves as the manager for Americana artist and fellow community builder, Eli Blackshear — who is our guest on next week’s episode!
Today, Ben joins us to talk about the importance of creating meaningful connections from one’s values — and the full array of experiences that shaped them.
“So step out from the shadows, The place where you’re alone Wage another battle, throw another stone Find another reason, to keep your hope alive Cause if you stop believing then the dream will surely die Yeah if you stop believing the dream will surely die.”
It’s safe to say we live in odd times. The economy is in shambles. The bourgeoisie class of tech bros and certain politicians seems dedicated to making life more difficult for all of us peasants. Sometimes, even the little things feel like they’re not going our way.
Through it all, the promise of a brighter day can illuminate the darkest corners of our minds. That’s where Craig Greenberg, New York City’s troubadour piano man, comes in.
Greenberg — who, you may have heard, is set to join us in New Orleans next week — offers hope with “If You Stop Believing,” an exuberant, piano-driven anthem that inspires us to keep the faith, even when the world has dealt a hand we don’t feel equipped to play.
Life is a complicated journey, and there is comfort in knowing we’re not alone. On “If You Stop Believing,” Greenberg walks alongside us, offering the perspective that every situation we encounter — whether good, bad, or bowling-shoe-ugly — has something to teach us, and holds the keys toward where we’re going next.
“If You Stop” believing was co-produced by Greenberg and Wayne Silver, who also mixed and engineered the track. Mastering was performed by Alex Psaroudakis. Greenberg performs most of the instruments — piano, vocals, guitar, and percussion — and received contributions from Hiroyuki Matsuura on drums and Tony Tino on bass.
We’ve shared the Bandcamp embed below, because it gives you the chance to buy the track after you try the track. Dig in — and be sure to keep the faith!
Jonah Kagen has become a rising force in the Americana world over the past few years, and his legend will grow upon the release of his sophomore album, Eternity of Anything (available everywhere October 30).
To celebrate the release of the album, the Savannah, GA native is embarking on a quick, intimate acoustic fall tour through select cities — with a Nashville date at The Basement on tap for Sunday, November 22.
Here are the cities where you can catch Jonah Kagen on the road this fall!
The tour was announced after the postponement of Dermot Kennedy’s The Weight of the Woods tour, which Kagen was scheduled to support. It’s an opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with Kagen as he performs songs from the new record, alongside favorites from 2025’s breakthrough, Sunflowers and Leather.
In contrast to its predecessor, Eternity of Anything is an introspective effort; one which resulted from the troubadour working in near-isolation. For “an intense two-to-three-month” stretch, Kagen finely tuned every detail — recording, writing, producing, recording, engineering and mixing the album himself, while keeping the record from outside ears until its completion.
Tickets for the fall tour are available now, and can be purchased at jonahkagen.com/tour. While you wait for the album (and your tour stop of choice), get a sneak preview with “Do Better” and “Don’t Feel Right” below!
Here we are again, gathered around the Cellotree for the third and final installment of Cellovision 2026.
It’s a race against time and fleeting battery life, as we pack another half-dozen interviews into this hour-long finale. Gather ’round for conversations and insight from…
Eli Alger of Faster Horses Abigayle Oakley Mario Monterosso Kristin Linegan Monterosso Pi Jacobs Xanthe Alexis & Ben Mathews
But first… we’re thrilled to announce that New Orleans-based Brazilian funk band Lapis is returning to the fold! They’ll close the two-night extravaganza for us on Thursday, October 29 after their stellar performance during last year’s event.
With that, here’s when everyone will be joining us later this month at Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret St., New Orleans) — below the ticket link buttons, of course. 😉
He once played fine theaters But that day is gone. The Old Puppeteer had to move right along…
Josh Herman’s decades-long career in entertainment has been full of impressive accolades and exciting turns. A member of The Screen Actors Guild, The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Royal Court Repertory Company, Josh has had opportunities to perform onstage, on-screen, and just about everywhere else — from the circus, to your local carnival, to the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore.
His next stop? The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in New York City’s Central Park.
That’s where Josh will perform this Sunday, October 18 at 3 p.m. as part of Suspended Oddities: Marionnette Puppet Slam. Produced by Arlee Chadwick and sponsored by The Puppet Slam Network founded by Heather Henson — daughter of the late Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets — this afternoon of original, short-form experimental string puppetry is family-friendly and free to attend.
“It means a lot to be part of the event, because I’ve always respected the performers from the Swedish Marionette Cottage in Central Park,” Herman said. “I’ve worked with and gone to performances featuring many of these puppeteers over the years, many of whom were part of the ‘who’s who’ of puppetry.”
Suspended Oddities: Marionnette Puppet Slam takes place Sunday, Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in New York City’s Central Park. Free tickets are available at this link.
The Puppet Slam event coincides with the release of Herman’s new music video for his song, The Old Puppeteer. The new single — a minimalist waltz featuring Herman on vocals and guitar and Charlie Willis on violin — tells the story of a beloved entertainer that time forgot. Over time, bright lights and big stages turned to street corners and sidewalks, until one day, he was nowhere to be found, save for memories.
“I have been a street performer and busker myself, and met and befriended many other street performers. Some of it is based on that experience,” Herman noted. “A large part of the inspiration for the song came from an episode of the television show Highway to Heaven, which starred the late Michael Landon as an angel. In one episode, one of my favorite performers, Dick Van Dyke, portrayed a kind-hearted street puppeteer named Wally who eventually becomes an angel himself.”
The video was directed by Jonathan McFarland, and features Herman performing with an array of expressive puppets, many of which he produced or restored alongside puppet makers Fred Cowan, Scott Land, Linda Sliski, Lisa Land, and Roger Dennis.
“All of the puppet pieces at the event on Sunday will be done with Marionettes. This is not the usual case with puppet slams, where all forms of puppetry are usually performed, making this puppet slam unique,” Herman noted. “People can expect innovative puppetry with everything from short, interesting stories; classic tales; Marionettes dancing; and circus style acts with many surprises.”
Last week, we broke the news that NOLA MusiCon’s Crescent City Crossroads showcases — a big hit during last year’s conference — were returning as a two-night extravaganza in The Big Easy later this month.
This year’s showcases will take place October 28 and 29 at Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret St., New Orleans), with doors opening each night at 8 p.m. We have artists from multiple cities set to join us — including some of NOLA’s best and brightest rising stars!
Here’s the full artist list. We’re working on finalizing each night’s time slots — and we might have one more addition in the process. In the meantime, get acquainted with the artists who are confirmed to join us!
We’re back again for the second of three installments recorded at this year’s magnificent Cellovision 2026 house concert festival in East Nashville — and we have ourselves quite a talented guest lineup!
Somewhere in this episode, musician and Cellovision co-founder Sarah Clanton joins us to chat about how this unique event (and the community around it) grows year over year.
We also have the privilege of hearing from… Julie from Midnight Rubies Tai Shan Nicole from Cast Iron Shoes Yonna Jones Erin Eades
