Articles written by: Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers’ Releases New Album Years

Sarah Shook and the Disarmers’ Releases New Album Years

By Brian Rock Sarah Shook and the Disarmers exploded onto the American scene with their 2017 release, Sidelong. Now they’re back to throw gas on that fire with their new album, Years. Inspired by the […]

Andrew Sheppard’s Steady Your Aim

Andrew Sheppard’s Steady Your Aim

By Brian Rock Andrew Sheppard aims to please on his second album, Steady Your Aim. Continuing the authentic and distinctive Americana sound he developed on 2015’s Far From Here, Sheppard steadies his reputation as an […]

The Top of the World by 6 String Drag

The Top of the World by 6 String Drag

By Brian Rock 6 String Drag invites you to take a trip to The Top of the World on their third full length release. Playing pure, unadulterated Rock N Roll, the band seems blissfully unconcerned […]

Rob Williams’ An Hour Before Daylight

Rob Williams’ An Hour Before Daylight

By Brian Rock Rob Williams gets up early to share his new album, An Hour Before Daylight. This, his third full length release, sees Williams continue his unique, melodic hook-laden style of Folk-abilly. Perhaps inspired […]

The Contenders’s Laughing With The Reckless

The Contenders’s Laughing With The Reckless

By Brian Rock Americana duo The Contenders are anything but reckless in their debut album, Laughing with the Reckless. Filled with finely crafted songs of struggle and hope, Guitarist Jay Nash and Drummer Josh Day […]

JD McPherson’s Undivided Heart And Soul

JD McPherson’s Undivided Heart And Soul

By Brian Rock The first note of the first song on JD McPherson’s new album, Undivided Heart And Soul, lets you know right away he’s entering a new chapter in his career. With this, his […]

Whitney Rose’s Rule 62

Whitney Rose’s Rule 62

By Brian Rock For most people, rule No.1 is the most important. But Whitney Rose marches to her own tune on her new album, Rule 62. Although relatively new to the Americana scene (this is […]

A.J. Croce Releases Just Like Medicine

A.J. Croce Releases Just Like Medicine

By Brian Rock A.J. Croce has the cure for your summertime blues, and it’s Just Like Medicine. Croce, son of the late, great Jim Croce, continues his father’s tradition of well-crafted, heartfelt insights into the […]

Jared Tyler: Dirt On Your Hands

Jared Tyler: Dirt On Your Hands

By Brian Rock Jared Tyler returns to his roots on his third album, Dirt On Your Hands.  Judging by the title’s premise that you have to put in some work to get something worth having, it’s […]

Justin Townes Earle Kids In The Street

Justin Townes Earle Kids In The Street

By Brian Rock It only takes about two seconds into Justin Townes Earle’s new release Kids In The Street to realize that he’s beginning a new chapter in his storied career. Gone are the introspective, […]

The Whiskey Charmers Take Us To The Valley

The Whiskey Charmers Take Us To The Valley

By Brian Rock The Whiskey Charmers serve up another round of their signature “Country Noir” on their second studio release, The Valley. Picking up where they left off, the Charmers create a moody, atmospheric soundscape […]

Following Sara Petite Down The Road Less Traveled

Following Sara Petite Down The Road Less Traveled

By Brian Rock Sara Petite invites you to follow her on The Road Less Traveled, her fifth studio release.  Sarah is traveling the well-worn road of heartaches and bad breaks in classic Country style. Part […]