Tag Archives: Nashville music reviews

LISTEN: On ‘October,’ ARREIS Looks Ahead with Optimism

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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!

LOOK INSIDE: Full Night-by-Night Crescent City Crossroads Lineups

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We now have full lineups for Crescent City Crossroads II, set to take place during NOLA MusiCon on October 28 and 29.

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. 😉

NIGHT 1
NIGHT 2

Wednesday, October 28
8 p.m.: Doors
8:30-9 p.m.: Craig Greenberg (New York, NY)
9:15-9:45 p.m.: ARREIS (Nashville, TN)
10:00-10:30 p.m.: Aaron Maras (New Orleans, LA)
10:45-11:15 p.m.: Kelsey Muse (Nashville, TN)
11:30-12 p.m.: Damian CH (New Orleans, LA)

Thursday, October 29
8 p.m.: Doors
8:30-9 p.m.: HOMEWORLD (New Orleans, LA)
9:15-9:45 p.m.: Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess & Cosmic Sound (Nashville, TN)
10-10:30 p.m.: E.T. (Nashville, TN)
10:45-11:15 p.m.: Alfred Banks (New Orleans, LA)
11:30-midnight: Lapis (New Orleans, LA)

WATCH: Jack Barksdale Comments on the Modern American ‘Battleground’

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How do you find the light in a dark room?

How do you hold onto hope, when all seems hopeless?

Why fight the battle, when you’re likely to lose the war?

These are the questions that come to mind from listening to “Battleground,” the new single from world-aware folk artist Jack Barksdale (ft. Julian Taylor on backing vocals).

This sparse, haunting slice of alt-folk finds Barksdale commenting on the ever-intensifying battle between the ultra-wealthy and the common person in modern America, as seen through the eyes of a small-town woman who ends up on the right side of wrong. The Texas native paints a bleak picture of the one-sided power dynamic in today’s society, as our protagonist presses ahead through stacked decks and lost allies. She resolves desperately to create a brighter day — until her defiance ultimately catches up with her.

The music video for “Battleground” starts Erica Qualy, was filmed by Jamie Harmon, and was edited by Turtle Moon Films. Bailey Bigger joins Taylor on backing vocals, and the track was produced by Mark Edgar Stuart, engineered and mixed by Kevin Houston, and mastered by Matt Qualls.

A Week’s Worth of Nashville Film Festival Ticket Giveaways!

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The 2026 edition of the Nashville Film Festival kicks off this week — and we’ve got your tickets to some incredible music documentaries, all week long!

Every day this week (Mon.-Fri.) at noon CT, visit our Instagram for a fresh ticket giveaway for one of this year’s featured music documentaries. These five films span the globe, providing different perspectives on the music industry — from the underground, to the big stage, and everywhere in between!

Our ticket giveaways kick off today (Monday, 9/21) at noon CT. We have five (5) pairs of tickets for each film, and each contest lasts for 24 hours. Winners will be notified the following day via Instagram DM, where we will coordinate ticket delivery.

Entering to win is easy:
1) Visit @umcworldwide on Instagram.
2) Like the current day’s ticket giveaway post.
3) Tag who you’re bringing to the screening in the comments.

Information on each film and ticket giveaway can be found below. Tickets for each film can also be purchased for 20% off using our exclusive code, UMC20, at checkout.

Jail Time Records
Screening: Friday, Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Giveaway: Begins Monday, Sept. 21 at 12 p.m.

Jail Time Records is a documentary musical that follows recording artists emerging from one of the world’s toughest settings. Inside the crammed alleyways of the Central Prison of Douala in Cameroon, the film immerses itself in the lives of the inmates-turned-artists that make up Jail Time Records, the first recording studio in an African prison.

The Man with the Big Hat
Screening: Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. (w/ Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m.

An unsung pioneer of 1970s Texas Progressive Country, Steven Fromholz had a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Revered by legends like Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett & John Denver, he remained commercially unknown. He sought redemption on the Rio Grande as a river guide until a debilitating stroke erased his musical memory, stripping Fromholz of his artistic identity. Through newly discovered archives that include never-before-heard recordings, this intimate excavation of sorts is driven by an obsessive persistence, that brings Fromholz back to life, and reshapes the notion of success and artistic fortitude.

Songs from the Circle
Screening: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. (with Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 12 p.m.

One hundred years after its founding, the Grand Ole Opry crosses the Atlantic for the first time. Songs from the Circle follows Luke Combs, Mumford & Sons, Darius Rucker, and a crew of American country legends on British soil — through the rehearsal rooms of Abbey Road, the backstage corridors of the Royal Albert Hall, and onto a sold-out stage for a centennial concert one hundred years in the making.

Bleeding Hearts
Screening: Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. (with Q&A)
Giveaway: Begins Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m.

A music-driven love story about real-life couple Zella Day and Jesse Woods, the musicians behind the emerging band Chaparelle. Following their first year together, the film captures the joy and uncertainty of chasing a shared dream while navigating pressures that could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough.

The House Band
Screening: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m.
Giveaway: Begins Friday, Sept. 25 at 12 p.m.

In 2025, after multiple tours and multi-platinum record sales, Mumford and Sons found themselves missing the early days playing music in a community, and wanted to recapture the joy and spontaneity of collaboration. So, they invited 18 of their favorite musicians to board a vintage train in New Orleans and play a very unconventional tour.

The rules were simple: everyone was invited to collaborate with whomever they wished, and anyone could suggest a song. These musicians, many of whom had never met, were to be a real band. Their goal was to create some truly once-in-a-lifetime performances along the way. 

In each city there would be one special guest, so the band had to learn new songs on the train each day well enough to play with the likes of Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, Maggie Rogers and Noah Kahan. 

It soon becomes clear how much work this is, and how every musician on the train has to confront their own fears and limits, playing songs they have never heard before. Can they bond together and help each other reach a common goal? Or will fatigue and doubt tear them apart? These are the stakes every night, and watching how each musician handles this pressure becomes a fascinating watch. Through their experiences, we get an understanding of what it is actually like to be in a band. Self-doubt, joy, insecurity, desire, and commitment are all on display as these musicians put it all on the line for each other. 

The Nashville Film Festival takes place Sept. 24-30. The festival — one of the first and longest-running in the United States — “discovers, elevates and honors filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians from around the world while engaging, connecting and strengthening the Nashville community.” We’re honored to partner on film’s biggest week in Music City, and we look forward to seeing you out there!

NASHVILLE: Enjoy Discounted Preds Tickets, Courtesy of UMC!

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The 2026-27 NHL season begins in less than two weeks. That means our Nashville Predators have a chance to build on last season’s second half surge and get back to the postseason, in pursuit of their first Stanley Cup victory.

And, once again, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Preds in their quest, courtesy of Underground Music Collective.

We’re excited to team with the Preds once again to provide you with Preds Perks, featuring exclusive offers on select games throughout the 2026-27 season. All season long, this link will refresh with the latest offers, as we rally around our hometown team!

We’ll see you at Bridgestone Arena this season. We can’t wait until the puck drops!

CHECK OUT OUR PREDS PERKS!

The Quinn Spinn: Live from Gussapolooza 2026, Day 2

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The Gussapolooza 2026 party continued on Saturday, and the threat of rain couldn’t stop us from getting some insightful convos in.

We chatted with multimedia wizard and longtime Gussapolooza volunteer Dominic Liberka, visual artist and women’s empowerment activist Angela Francis, and New York-based multi-genre trio Already Late.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap, Pt. 2: Poutine, Many Must-See Acts, and Must-Buy Hand Sanitizer

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On Saturday, August 1, I parked on the South Side and shuttled my way up North for more ‘Festing, more music, and more photos.

One thing I noticed about the shuttles was how friendly everyone was. I suppose it was because they knew they were in for a fun and entertaining day. The nice woman sitting next to me offered me some watermelon smelling hand sanitizer that she said she got at Five Below. Immediately I noted to myself to make sure to get there to get some! We had a nice chat, and then we arrived on the North Side.

My first stop was up the hill at the Hotel Bethlehem Platz, where the Artisan Jazz Trio was playing. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of funk mixed in with a lot of jazz! I enjoyed their smooth sound, but then it was time to move to my next stop. My next stop was getting some poutine from The Flying V, which I have wanted to try for many years! Let me tell you, after eating that I was left wondering where that has been all my life! It was as incredible, as everyone said it would be.

It was time to get back to work, so I sauntered into the Service Electric FestPlatz, where I saw the Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Although they are known for being one of the most popular polka bands in America, they played so much more than that! They mixed a lot of pop and oldies into the mix, and the crowd was eating it up. I could see why they were so popular!

Moving right along, I ventured to the other side of Festplatz to the Yuengling Lagerplatz stage, where I caught indie singer-songwriter Temma, whose storytelling ability was on full display through her strong voice and powerful lyrics. From there, I went right back down to Festplatz and found a seat to get ready to see Coverfire!, a rock and pop cover band (with a few originals) comprised of musicians from Pennsylvania’s Army National Guard. (Side note: I saw an empty chair between random people and asked if I could sit there. Of course they said yes, because there was not one unfriendly soul at Musikfest!). The tent was packed, and it was easy to understand why from the first note. Every member showcased their many talents by playing multiple instruments, switching between them throughout the show. I highly recommend catching these guys (and ladies) if you can.

(Actually, I highly recommend catching all of these acts!)

After that show, I headed to Plaza Tropical because I wanted to catch Coquettish, an alt-rock band from New Jersey, Coquettish. Their bass-heavy originals can be best described as a mix of alt-rock, grunge, and jam with a vibe – and I will say the bass player had most of that vibe. She was definitely the main character, and she owned it! Some songs were heavily reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, and they were awesome.

After that, I was spent for the day, and it was time to head home. Stay tuned for Part 3!

SEPT. 22: The UMC Creator Lab Content Experience!

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Level up your artist profile and make it easier to get booked.

On Tuesday, September 22 from 7-9 p.m., join us at City Limit Studios (14919 Lebanon Rd., Old Hickory) for the UMC Creator Lab Content Experience, an event designed specifically for independent musicians and creators who want clean, professional media assets. For one evening, rotate through dedicated rooms or pick individual stations to get everything you need for your promotional materials.

The Experience & Individual Station Pricing

  • The Infinity Room (Headshots with Gerard): Clean, professional portraits that look great for press features, social media, and booking profiles.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Creator Lab (Interviews with Kelsey Muse): A short, friendly 3 to 5 minute interview that helps showcase your personality and background to fans and industry folks.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Saloon (One Mic Performance with NuRenaissance): A clean, single take live performance video for songs under 3 minutes with professionally mixed audio.
    Individual Price: $75

Choose Your Package

1. The Artist EPK Package

Includes Professional Headshots and the Interview.

The core package to get your visual and background profile ready for sharing.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $60
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $70
  • Day Of (September 22): $85

2. The Raise the Bar Package (Best Value)

Includes Headshots, Interview, AND the One Mic Performance.

The complete package so you walk away with a full set of promotional media.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $100
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $125
  • Day Of (September 22): $150

Want to sign up for just one station instead? Individual station options are available at checkout.

Important Details

  • Turnaround Times: Headshots and interviews will be ready within 5 business days. Performance videos will be ready within 10 business days because of audio mixing.
  • Capacity is Limited: To keep things running smoothly and ensure quality, we are only taking a limited number of artists. Lock in your spot now before early bird pricing ends on September 7.

Got questions? Send a direct message to us on Instagram @umcworldwide. Ready to register? Do it now!

This Weekend, We Return to Gussapolooza!

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Some of the best memories and musical discoveries of the past couple summers have been made in the middle of a field in Ontario, about 75 minutes north of Toronto.

The field? The Georgian Bay Steam Show Grounds in Cookstown, which will once again play host to Gussapolooza Music Festival this weekend (Aug. 21-23). Some of the best talent from the region (and throughout North America) will descend on this quaint Canadian town for a weekend of new music discovery and community.

Events like Gussapolooza — which boasts an all-independent lineup once again — are a beautiful reminder of why we got into this business in the first place. There is something so pure about a grassroots music festival, where volunteers from the community dedicate their time and talents to see it all the way to fruition — and create something a bit more magical, every single year. Driving these efforts is a belief in community, in artistry, and the notion that independent artists deserve a big stage and a world-class platform on which to showcase their talents.

That’s why we make the trip every year. And, once again, we’ll be capturing the action through Buckshot’s lens, as well as through a series of interviews from throughout the weekend which will be broadcast on The Quinn Spinn’s return episodes this fall.

If you don’t want to wait to see what we capture, you’re in luck: you can still get your single-day, weekend, or full festival passes here.

And, as an additional treat, we took the time to edit 100+ new photos from last year’s festival to get you ready for your trip to Cookstown. See you there!

Rockin’ Ronnie’s Mega Musikfest Recap, Pt. 1: The Verve Pipe, an Air Conditioned Bus, and an Alleged Gallon of Lemonade

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When Gerard Longo asked me if I wanted to take photos this year at Musikfest on behalf of UMC, how could I even think of saying no? So, I grabbed my handy dandy Nikon and started out on opening night (Friday, July 31), taking the new air conditioned shuttle bus from the South Side to the North Side.

My first stop was the Yuengling Lagerplatz stage, where a very soulful Lehigh Valley native Melody Cruz was playing. Her powerful vocals kept the attention of me and the rest of the audience.  My next stop was Zinzenplatz, where I was captivated by Amelia Day, a folk singer/songwriter from Sumner, Washington. Her comfort on that stage showed, and her bluesy pop rock songs were fun and alluring.

From there, I grabbed a quick grilled mozzarella and shredded beef on cornbread sandwich – who knew that combination could taste so good? – from MozzArepas and what seemed to be a gallon of fresh squeezed lemonade and headed up the hill. As I was questioning my decision to walk up the hill in the heat, the sound of marching drums caught my attention. If you know me you know I will follow the sound of that anywhere! It was there that I stopped to watch Orbital Drums, a drumline from right here in Bethlehem. These percussionists are all Liberty High School alumni and former members of the Grenadier Band. Not only do they have killer drum skills, they also incorporate bagpipes (of course they do! They’re Liberty graduates!). The way they interact with both kids and adults, it’s easy to see why they had such a huge crowd watching them!

When they finished, it was time for me to think about heading back to the South Side. But first, I heard the sounds of Salsa filling the air. The strains of reggaeton music brought me to Plaza Tropical, where Adrian Anthony’s Grupo Hipnosis from New Jersey were entertaining the crowd with their Latin rhythms. I was ready to dance! (Actually, I wasn’t, but I was dancing in my head. How can you not move when you hear that?)

It was then time to board the nice air conditioned shuttle bus back to the South Side, where 90s alt rock band The Verve Pipe were going to be playing. After zoning out for a while (again, it was hot!), I made my way to the front along the gate so I could get some good shots. By this time, I was pretty beat, and only intended on staying a little bit in that spot before going back to the sidewalk to find a table to listen to the rest from there. I had thought, “OK, I know the song ‘The Freshmen’ and that’s it, so I’ll leave after they play that, if it’s not at the end.”

Well, they played it in the middle of their set… but by that time I had become a huge fan and stayed put, right until the end. Singer Brian Vander Ark was funny, charming, and having the best time of his life up there. Of course, “The Freshmen” had the entire audience singing, but I was extremely wowed by their other songs that, admittedly, I had never heard until that point.

(Also worth noting: backup vocalist and keyboardist Channing Lee has a spectacular voice! I could listen to a full concert of just her. So, I did a deep dig, and she does indeed have some solo stuff out.)

The Verve Pipe started strong and finished stronger, so much that I bought a ticket to their show at The Sellersville Theater later this month! After that awesome performance, it was time to head home. 

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