#Nashville Music

[blackmarket-playlists]

Nashville gaze! Best new shoegaze 2024 from Tennessee!

With the incredibly good band STAMMER on the playlistcover and many fantastic songs from, a.o.

awake eternally • Avalon • greedi • Doom Mutal • The Sewing Club • The Velvet Air • blue heron holy ghost • Palm Ghosts • Fossil Creek • Total Wife • MULT • Kentucky Derby Con Man • Pressure Heaven • WallCrush • Slush • Soccer Mommy

Hand-curated playlist on Spotify, current songs from 2024 only, emerging and/ or unsigned artists mostly

[discover-underground-bands]

Safari Room! recently got their most recent album, Time Devours All Things, and I'm really fuckin with it. I think if you enjoy Circa Survive you might enjoy this too.

youtube/ bandamp

[lauraepartain]

The songwriting kings, Louis York | Nov. 2022 Photo Assist: Thephotojojo HMU: Blu Artistry: Makeup & Beauty Specialist Styling and Suit Design: ALBA Legacy Label: Weirdo Workshop

[elvis1970s]

On March 17th, 1976, Elvis hit the road for the first tour of the year, just six days on the road beginning with three consecutive nights in Johnson City, TN, at the 7 000 seat Freedom Hall.

There were some interesting line-up changes; Shane Keister on piano and Larrie Londin on drums. Larrie Londin recalled that they all assembled at Graceland prior to the tour for band rehearsals - Elvis dropped in to say hello and then left. Larrie thought he had gone off to get a soft drink, but it soon became apparent that Elvis wasn't coming back. All their gear was then packed up and shipped to the first venue, and they had to make it up as best they could on stage.

The two new band members were a great combination, and Elvis appeared to particularly like Larrie Londin's individual drumming style, and his friendly attitude. Larrie himself enjoyed the experience, and said this of the communication on stage:

"...Elvis hated drum risers. He wanted the drums on the floor right next to him, as close as possible. He wanted to feel the bass drum kicking him in the ass. He roamed around stage, but at critical moments in the show - tempo changes and endings - he was always right there close - so that I could see him give signals..."

This little clip is Shane Keister's piano solo from Cincinnati on March 21st.

[nashmusicguide]

Cyborg Drummer/DJ DRMAGDN Headlining Montauk Music Fest 

Major Label BMG Records Artist & Producer DRMAGDN Cyborg Drummer / DJ will be making his Montauk Music Fest debut this year in May. DRMAGDN will be the Official Host & MC of The Montauk Music Fest plus play headlining sets on Friday 5/17 and Saturday 5/18 from 10pm-12am at Gurney’s Montauk Resort (290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954) and will also have Mainstage appearances at Montauk Yacht…

[okkoalamusic]

We've got some fun shows coming up in the next couple months but they'd be funner if you were there!

...Oh, "funner" isn't a word? Well, I guess you gotta come to one of the shows and tell me that to my face

[thepermanentrainpress]

THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH ROYAL SUGAR

It’s been a creative birth over the past couple of years for glam rock/pop duo Royal Sugar. Comprised of Tyler Cohenour (lead singer, guitars) and Garrett Carr (bass, vocals), the Nashville-based pair is making up for lost time since their collaborative start over five years prior. They’ve built their live performance and are eager to play for audiences, timed well with their gripping new single, “Fleeting Love.” 

You’ve called yourselves “musical soulmates.” Do you recall your initial meeting in college, and how you developed and strengthened your friendship?

I remember meeting Garrett like it was yesterday. A mutual friend brought him over to my college apartment at 1am on a Friday night for an unannounced pop-in. I answered the door in my towel, we sat down and sang some Steve Miller Band, and right then and there I was mesmerized by his voice and our immediate connection with harmony and humor. I knew I had to lock him down and start a band with him. The next week he moved into my apartment and we started writing together. We’ve been singing and writing together ever since.

You had a working relationship that started in 2016 but Royal Sugar was officially born in 2021. Tell us about your decisions to put a name on your project, and why it was the right time?

Our hiatus from playing live during COVID really brought about a lot of creative shifts in our writing and new energy surrounding what we truly wanted to do. We’ve always wanted to start a glam rock band and after coming out of that hiatus, we realized how precious music was to us and we felt like kids again. We wanted to be in a fun, flashy, rock band. So we started one.

Tyler, you’ve faced challenges with your immune disorder. If comfortable, can you share how it’s impacted your life, and especially your career as a musician? To other artists and creators who are going through difficult times medically, what message do you have for them?

Having an immune disorder while being in a touring band “during a pandemic” doesn’t necessarily sound like the recipe for success, but I truly believe that time away from touring brought about this energy we’re feeling now and this complete renewal of our sound. Music has always been my haven and my therapy, and to be able to be in a band with my best friend; to share it with the world makes everything worth it.

I never gave up on that passion I had inside during the dark times and I don’t think anyone ever should. There’s a reason you feel compelled to create and there’s a reason it becomes your therapy in the tough times. Always chase that feeling. I had to move back to Florida for two years to isolate during the pandemic, but Garrett stuck by me. We wrote over Zoom and the second I got back... Royal Sugar was born.

“Fleeting Love” is moody and fantastic. It’s about toxic relationships and the ease in being pulled back towards another. How was the writing process? Is it very collaborative between you two?

Thank you so much! The writing process for this one and all of our songs has always been freakishly telekinetic for us. We’ve both been through toxic relationships in our past lives and it was time to bring those feelings to life through our new sound. I think as human beings we place so much stock in the initial dopamine rush and yearn to experience it again once it’s worn off. It becomes toxic when you realize the risk and take it anyways. You experience the pain, because it’s the only conduit you have to the pleasure of the past. Unfortunately, it’s a fool’s errand.

What emotions did you want to portray in the sound, and tell us about the instruments and production choices you made for “Fleeting Love.”

It’s definitely a solemn affair. To me, it feels like the sonic representation of the fear of being alone. We wanted to capture the intensity of these feelings and also their juxtaposition. Starting with a clean, solemn guitar riff and crescendoing into an expansive chorus of synths, organs, and distorted guitars. I.E. The push and the pull of pain and pleasure.

What details can you share about the music video, and how it came together?

We were so fortunate to be able to film at Vu Studios in Nashville in front of this incredibly massive LED wall. It felt like a dream: fog, strobe lights, animations. A friend of ours, Ryan Mclemore, directed and edited the video and absolutely captured the emotions we felt when writing this song. The trippy-ness, the heartbreak, the euphoria.

You have an electric modern pop/glam rock sound and a 70’s and 80’s fashion style. It’s fresh but also an homage to acts like Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard. How would you describe your style (hair and heels included!)?

We’re definitely heavily influenced by ‘70s glam artists like David Bowie, T-Rex, Elton John. As well as ‘80s rock artists such as Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. And our mutual love for modern pop choruses and synths is what really brought this particular blend together and created our sound. As for the style, I would describe it as equal parts leather, glitter, hairspray, and heels high enough to reach shin-split status.

Your first single was a cover of Harry Styles’ “Medicine.” Why this song, and how has Styles inspired you as artists and performers?

We attended the Harry Styles show here in Nashville back in 2018 and heard him perform it live. We had never heard the song before, but felt like that song spoke to us the most in the set. It felt exactly like the sound we were chasing as a band. We were in awe of how a modern-rock ‘n roll song could resonate with a young audience, the energy was palpable!

When we found out it had never been released we thought it could be a cool way to make it our own and share it with others, like us, who just wanted to be able to enjoy the upbeat arrangement and ensnaring lyrics.

You have Jordan Arnold and Jack Devine join you on drums and guitar for your live performances. What can you say about them, and how you’ve been building your live shows and stage presence?

One of the things that makes Nashville such an amazing city as an artist, is the massive pool of extremely talented, dedicated, and hard-working musicians. We had a specific sound and level of vivacity in mind for Royal Sugar live. After a lot of searching, we found these two guys that perfectly fit the profile. We've spent a lot of time working out the live show and are loving the way they embody the Royal Sugar rock ‘n roll ethos.

You’re very active on TikTok. How has this platform helped you, and have you found what works for you with content creation?

TikTok has been a huge piece of the puzzle for us finding and connecting to our audience. We had our doubts about the app initially because we didn't quite understand it. Once we started spotlighting our creative process and performance on the app, we were shocked to see how many people out there were looking for this kind of new high-energy rock ‘n roll. We had a lot of fun with it and feel really grateful for the audience we've connected with through the app.

How do you stay creative and engaged on social media?

We try to never take anything too seriously and have fun with what we create. Everything we make whether it be music videos, original songs, sketches, etc. we are intentional about always remaining authentic. Having a lighthearted approach keeps it fun for us and our followers.  

You’re based out of Nashville. What are some of your recommended places to visit? 

We love a good night out on the town in Nashville. There's never a night the city tucks in early without a bit of fun and wildness, which can be a dangerous thing at times. We've had many fond and somewhat hazy memories of experiencing all that Nashville has to offer. For a lively cocktail atmosphere, we've found ourselves hanging out at Pearl Diver in East Nashville an innumerable amount of times. We also love going to dinner and burlesque at Skull’s Rainbow Room.    

What can listeners expect from Royal Sugar in 2023?

Expect to see us playing live a lot in 2023! We miss performing and traveling so much and feel completely reinvigorated after this live show and touring hiatus. We plan to release a lot more of the songs we've recorded and continue writing for our full-length record.  

Our signature question: if the band (collectively) could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

Sweet Espresso Fudge Swirl - something sweet with enough caffeine to provide a euphoric amphetamine rush. Organic and dairy free to not exclude anyone from enjoying!

-

Thanks to Tyler for answering our questions, and providing us with insight into all things Royal Sugar! To keep updated with the band’s releases and live shows, visit them on Spotify, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. 

Photo credit to: Dillon Jordan

[angelsnroses]

She’s everything. He’s just Ken. “Too Smart” coming 5/5 ♡ pre-save: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rosestarring/too-smart

[avindreamerlisten]

🎶 Avin Dreamer: New Track in the Making! 🎶

Avin Dreamer working on his latest pop track! Watch as he blends catchy hooks, dynamic beats to bring his vision to life. This sneak peek showcases his creative process and the passion he pours into every song.

Stay tuned for more updates and the final release of this exciting new music! Your support means the world to us as we navigate this musical journey.

Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more behind-the-scenes content!

[amandaanddonnie]

BILLY RAY CYRUS Finalizes Divorce from Firerose & issues Statement claim...

[yewknee]

"Repeat" new ear worm just dropped

[ykrecordsblog]

Nashville Scene: Year in Music 2023

Got ourselves a mention in the Nashville Scene "Year in Music 2023" issue. It always feels great to get a nod and this is no different!

[lauraepartain]

Dan from a couple of years back | Oct 2020

[nashmusicguide]

Celebrity Photographer Billy Hess Wins “Best” @ the Josie Music Awards in Nashville 10/27/24

New York celebrity/concert photographer Billy Hess took home the win as  “Photographer of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards this year which was live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN on October 27, 2024.  The Josie Music Awards are the largest, most prestigious, respected and revered awards and event in the independent music industry. This year founders and hosts Tinamarie…