'We talked it through,' Nate Smith says. '...He's a very forgiving person.' Continue reading…

From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen. Continue reading…

You never know what people are listening to in their own homes. I’m not sure why this is, but it’s always shocking to learn that an artist is a big fan of another artist outside their respective genre. It’s like Morgan Wallen has admitted he’s a big rap fan. Something about it feels shocking, even though it shouldn’t. Personally, I know I listen to a lot of country music, and I mean a LOT, but I also fancy house, indie, and alternative music. One might argue that some indie artists cross over into Americana; however, that’s a conversation for another day… I strongly believe what makes the phenomenon shocking, though, is when a major mainstream artist is a fan of someone you adore who might not be considered mainstream. And one of those moments is unfolding now online as Nick Jonas revealed he’s a fan of some East Texas rockers. A member of the Jonas Brothers posted a TikTok to his page, noting that he’s a grown-up now because he blows out his candles before falling asleep. The video itself is peak millennial humor and is not groundbreaking in the slightest, but his song choice is sending the internet into a tizzy. Nick Jonas chose to highlight this chapter of adulthood by using Whiskey Myers‘ “Broken Window Serenade” as the background song. I must admit I didn’t peg the “Jealous” singer as a Whiskey Myers fan… however, this surprise is one I can very much get behind. @nickjonas♬ Broken Window Serenade – Whiskey Myers The video quickly took off online, with many folks chiming in that they were shocked Nick Jonas knew these East Texas boys. Heck, even Whiskey Myers seems surprised to hear their song being used: “Camp Rock to Whiskey Myers? What a journey Nick. We love it!” HA. That’s a 12/10 comment. Given that the Jonas Brothers hail from Dallas, Texas, it’s not shocking that he is plugged into the Texas country scene. However, as a certified pop hit maker, it is shocking to learn this is what he might reach for in his downtime. Nevertheless, welcome to the red dirt scene, Nick Jonas, I think you just learned a lot of respect from country music fans. Also, as some commenters pointed out… you okay, Nick? “Broken Window Serenade” with a candle lit isn’t actually casual listening… dude must be hurtin’. Check out some of my favorite comments left on the post while you’re here: “Nick Jonas listening to Broken Windows Serenade is actually so bizarre for me to think about.” “Nick listening to Whiskey Myers was not on my 2026 bingo card.” “Y’all forget he’s from Texas, he knows ball.” “Didn’t know you knew ball, Nick. Respect.” “My bad Nick Jonas, I wasn’t familiar with your music knowledge.” “Nick Jonas is listening to some East TX boys. Yeesss!!! Whiskey Myers are some good hometown men!!” “Nicholas, how do you know about Red Dirt Texas Country music?” “Nick Jonas listening to Whiskey Myers? HERE FOR IT.” “Oh he goin THRU IT.” “Whiskey Myers & Nick J??? My heart is full.” “I feel like two parallel universes crossed paths!” “Nick you know ball?… You listening to Whiskey Myers was not in my 2026 bingo card.” And of course, it’s only right to fire up “Broken Window Serenade” before you go: The post “Grown Up Stuff” – The Internet Is Shocked To Learn Nick Jonas Is A Whiskey Myers Fan first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

James Tucker doesn’t release new music all that often. But when he does, you better to listen up. A military veteran who currently resides in the Greenville, South Carolina area, Tucker’s day-to-day life these days revolves around his growing family and the concrete company that he owns and operates in the Carolinas. Just because music isn’t his main gig, though, doesn’t mean his music shouldn’t demand your attention. In fact, it’s the opposite. With a catalog comprised of 13 original songs each released as singles since 2019, and a four track OurVinyl Session with stripped-back versions of previously recorded songs, Tucker has a relatively small collection of music to his name thus far. But while the releases are scarce, they are potent, and each one packs a punch in vocal prowess and songwriting stature. Especially his latest release. Titled “Pretty To Me,” Tucker’s first single since 2024 is a heartfelt love song for the two most important girls in his life, penned in particular for his wife as she struggled with a case of postpartum blues following the birth of their first daughter back in August 2024. Setting the scene with an instance in which he and his wife were presumably getting ready for a rare date night as new parents, Tucker delicately lets the listener in on an intimate conversation in the chorus. “You said, ‘Nothing fits right and I feel like a damn mess I used to slip right in to this black dress’ Well, there’s a baby in a bassinet That we brought home a few weeks back And you’ve never been more pretty to me And that black dress ain’t going nowhere Throw on a hoodie we’ll stay right here Yeah, you’re still the prettiest girl to me” And then he brings it all full circle in the final verse: “She’s got all the best parts of you Your eyes, your smile, your straight hair too Yeah, you’re still the prettiest girl to me Prettiest girls to me” Shout out all of the moms out there. They certainly go through a lot, doing everything they can to love and nurture their children, and they don’t get their due for it nearly as often as they should. And shout out James Tucker, too, for releasing another deftly written, emotion-evoking tune that inevitably leaves everyone who listens chomping at the bit for more music. It’s pretty remarkable how Tucker is able to maintain such a strong following with the releases being so far and few between and by playing a few local gigs here and there. It’s not like he has the following of a full blown superstar, but it’s impressive given the circumstances, and those in the know are fully aware of how talented he is. People in the music industry whose opinions matter much more than mine feel the same way, because despite Tucker’s lack of touring and music, he’s still good for a seemingly random run of shows from time to time, supporting the likes of Drayton Farley, Dylan Gossett, and Muscadine Bloodline among some of the other top acts in the scene today. If this is the first you’re hearing of Tucker and you’re not one of the country music fans that has been lucky enough to be cognizant of his music, then here are a few of my favorites to get you started diving into his catalog. Even if you are already familiar, give these tracks a listen, because James Tucker rules. “Those Days” “October” “Raised Us” And since the topic of postpartum depression isn’t one that comes up too often in the country music blogging world, believe it or not, check out Josh Abbott Band’s track “Guilt of a Man” from from his killer 2024 record Somewhere Down the Road that deals with a similar matter. The post James Tucker Is Back With Thoughtfully-Penned Ode To His Wife & Daughter, “Pretty To Me” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Third times the charm, right? Well, it certainly seems that way for The Wilson Springs Hotel. The Richmond, Virginia-based bluegrass and indie-folk outfit just dropped their third record, and it’s their best project yet. The band’s first two records – 2021’s self-titled The Wilson Springs Hotel and 2023’s Old Thoughts and Memories – are full of impressive lyricism, but more importantly, boast a unique string-fueled rock and roll sound that resembles the dynamic nature of the band’s high-energy live performances. Generally speaking, the top songs from these two records will probably remain the highlights of the band’s live set, even with the recent addition to their catalog. What sets apart their metaphorically-titled new record The Day The Bloodroot Bloomed as a project, though, is cohesiveness in theme and mature, emotion-evoking songwriting. With prominent pedal steel and some ripping harmonica, it’s not like the band is taking a step back sonically or anything, but the sound in this record is more conducive to shining a light on the lyricism, and rightfully so. For anyone who may not be familiar, bloodroot is a flower native to the Eastern part of North America that blooms early in the spring, with white pedals and thick red sap that flows from its roots, hence the name. It’s beauty is fleeting, though, as bloodroots typically only live for a few days once they have bloomed, before they quickly close up and die. As a metaphor, the title of the album and it’s first track embraces the beauty of the present, but doesn’t lose sight of the imminent darkness that comes with aging and inevitable mortality. Through vignettes of love, loss, relationships, and change, among other topics, The Wilson Springs Hotel’s chief songwriter Jacob Ritter consistently returns to the idea of fleeting emotions that everyone experiences as they age and mature. Although the majority of the album’s subject matter isn’t for the feint of heart, the band provides a timely reprieve right in the middle of the tracklist with the more lighthearted tune “50/50,” which has already become a staple in their live set leading up to the album’s release. A great record all around, The Wilson Springs Hotel’s latest project The Day The Bloodroot Bloomed should be mandatory listening for anyone who fancies themselves a fan of songwriter-centric alt-country and indie-folk. Go ahead and give the album a listen for yourself and see what you think. Here’s a few early favorites: “The Day the Bloodroot Bloomed” “Queen of Brooklyn” “50/50” “Love Gone Wrong” An absolutely killer record from one of my favorite bands at the moment. If you liked what you heard off of this album, or even if you didn’t, I highly recommend catching The Wilson Springs Hotel live in concert. They put on an electric, high energy live show that always brings the party, and honestly, hearing their music live makes me appreciate the recordings even more every time. They have a good run of shows on the schedule up and down the East Coast this spring and summer, so make sure to buy a ticket and check them out if they’re coming to a city near you. The Wilson Springs Hotel Tour Dates 3/26 – The Flat Iron – Greensboro, NC+ 3/27 – 5 Points Music Sanctuary – Roanoke, VA* 3/28 – The Southern – Charlottesville, VA* 4/3 – The Golden Pony – Harrisonburg, VA^ 4/9 – The Gem – Spring City, PA# 4/10 – Jalopy Theatre – Brooklyn, NY= 4/18 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA* 5/1 – Cheat River Festival – Albright, VA~ 5/2 – Aberdeen Blues & Brews Fest 5/2 – Aberdeen Blues & Brews Fest – Aberdeen, VA~ 5/9 – The Atlantis – Washington D.C.% 5/14 – The Pour House – Raleigh, NC 5/15 – U.S. National Whitewater Center – Charlotte, NC 5/16 – 185 King Street – Brevard, NC 5/22-23 – Burning Ma’aM 2026 – Woodward, PA~ 5/29-5/30 – The Palm Room – Wrightsville Beach, NC 6/6 – Easy Does It Fest – Canterbury, CT~ 7/17 – Party on the Mountain – Beech Mountain, NC~ 8/29 – Lime Kiln Theater – Lexington, VA! ~festival date +w/ The Tan & Sober Gentlemen *w/ Olivia Ellen Lloyd ^w/ Rebecca Porter #w/ Ancient Ego =w/ Nathan Xander %w/ Underground Springhouse !w/ SJ McDonaldThe post The Wilson Springs Hotel Release Thoughtfully-Penned New Record, ‘The Day The Bloodroot Bloomed’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.