News

Sturgill Simpson Joins Chris Stapleton On Saturday Night Live January 30, 2018 01:25

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Saturday Night Live has undoubtedly served as one of primetime television's biggest stages since its inception in 1975. A world class collection of both comedians and musicians have solidified their name in entertainment history within NBC studios over the past 43 years, and the hit series' latest episode will be remembered for years to come. With Will Ferrell returning as host and outlaw country star Chris Stapleton as the musical guest, expectations were already soaring high this past Saturday night. When Ferrell ultimately introduced both Stapleton and fellow outlaw Sturgill Simpson, the already special occasion took on an entirely new life. 
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While previous generations remember stories of Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, modern music fans will reflect on moments like these in similar fashion. Simpson's lead guitar work is complimented by Stapleton's wife, Morgane, on harmony vocals for "Hard Livin'," while famed Nashville producer Dave Cobb joins in on acoustic guitar for "Midnight Train To Memphis." See below for complete footage of both songs, and make a point to get out a see these two legends in the making ASAP. 
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Watch Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson perform "Hard Livin'" here:
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Watch Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson perform "Midnight Train To Memphis" here:
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SweetWater 420 Festival Reveals Stellar Initial Lineup October 19, 2017 10:50

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

SweetWater 420 Fest will return to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park on April 20th-22nd. SweetWater Brewing Company have  revealed the initial lineup for next year’s event, which is quickly becoming one of the premier music festivals in the country.

Today's announcement includes headlining act Umphrey’s McGee (two sets), as well as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sturgill Simpson, Vulfpeck, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Papadosio, Anders Osborne, Spafford, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Southern Avenue. Stay tuned for additional lineup announcements, including a second headliner, in early 2018.

SweetWater 420 Fest also features a 5K run, the Planet 420 Eco-Village, the 420 Disco, the 420 Lyrics & Laughter presentation of comedians and up-and-coming local acts, an Artist Market and Food Village. Terminal West, Aisle 5, and other local venues are known for hosting some heavy hitting late night parties as well. 

Watch the lineup announcement video here:

Sweetwater 420 Fest initial lineup announcement from HEP420 on Vimeo.

 


The Interstellar Series: An Interview With Daniel Hutchens October 13, 2017 14:31

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Earlier this year, the world learned of a new super group out of Athens, Georgia known as the Interstellar Boys. Led by former Widespread Panic drummer Todd Nance, this band would feature the likes of Jerry JosephDaniel Hutchens  (Bloodkin), Sam HoltJohn Neff, and Jon Mills. The band has now completed a full tour and is in the midst of a weekend run through the southeast. Over the next week, we will be rolling out a three-piece interview series with Jerry, Danny, and Todd in an effort to learn more about this new and exciting project. We're continuing this series off with our recent interview with singer/songwriter Daniel Hutchens, which can be read in full below. This run of shows kicked off on Thursday at Soul Kitcchen in Mobile (AL) on October 12th, with shows at Martin's in Jackson (MS) on October 13th, and Tipitina's in New Orleans (LA) on October 14th to follow.

The roots clearly run deep with this group. What were your initial thoughts as the Interstellar Boys came to life? Tell me about those early conversations about starting a new band.
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Danny: The first motivation behind this was that Todd was ready to get back to playing music. After Panic, he didn't play for about a year. He was just reassessing and figuring out what he wanted to do next. He came to us and said, "I'm ready to do this." The people here in Athens that are involved in this: myself, John Neff, Jon Mills, and Todd, had played together a lot over the years. They were in a band called Barbara Cue, but all of those guys have also played with Bloodkin.
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We've all sat in together and played music quite a bit through the years. So, it's kind of a go-to group of people, as far as the group of guys here in Athens. And then Sam...hasn't been a part of all of those projects, but he's another guy that we've known through the years and have played with a fair amount. Jerry is someone who has a pretty deep history with Todd and with me. Jerry and I wrote some songs together back in the early 90s.
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So, it just kind of made sense, and this is the group of people who came together to do it. It started with Todd being ready to play again, and also, to an extent, myself. I had medical problems last year, so I kind of sat out for a while too. So, it coincided as I started to play again, and Todd was ready to go. It just kind of made sense.  
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It certainly seems that way. How would you say that the song selection / overall catalog played out thus far? What can fans expect with the setlists on the upcoming tour?
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Danny: Well, that's always in flux. We try to keep it fresh; not do the same thing every night. We have plenty of material to draw from. Jerry and I are both pretty prolific songwriters. Sam has quite a few songs that he contributes, and so does Todd. We do some songs that were Todd-related in Panic and Barbara Cue. We do various covers, but there is not a specific song you're going to hear on a specific night. We try to change it up. 
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Well, how much focus have you guys put on writing new material? How has the balance in songwriting played out between you guys?
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Danny: That is kind of in process. We, once again, have plenty of material to choose from. We've moved down to a number of songs. Some of mine, some of Jerry's.  There's a particular song that Todd and I wrote together that we want to record. That kind of thing seems to play itself out, at least in my world, when you get in the studio. We have a number of things that we'll get in there, start playing, and kind of see what comes to life. We have several songs that are kind of...you know...to start with. We're gonna try these several new songs and see which ones of those kind of take off.
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What we're shooting for, eventually, is to go in and record four or five songs. Maybe it's some kind of EP. We don't know that yet either (laughs). Maybe we go back in and finish it out, and it's a full record. I'm not sure yet, but for us right now, it's important just to get the ball rolling. It galvanizes the band. If it's working...if it's going well...it's another step up the ladder. It's what we do. So, just to get that process started is a huge step for us.
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For me personally, any time I have an opportunity to go into a studio, it's fun, but it's also kind of a privilege, you know? I try to appreciate it every time I'm there. With this group of people, it would be hard for me to find a better group of people to record with...outside of my home team of Bloodkin; which a couple of these guys are a part of too. So, it's pretty close to home. 
 
I love it, man. So while there is so much history between each of you, you're all quite accomplished within your own endeavors. What's your personal goal for The Interstellar Boys? What do you feel that the future holds for the band?
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Danny: Our goal is to follow this as long as it will organically go, as long as it is a positive thing and good for everybody involved. You don't want to force that. You want to see how it grows. But the idea is to be an entity to itself; a band. In my mind, what that means is that you record great records, and you tour. We're just taking baby steps on that right now, but that is the goal. I know that everybody in the band...we've had plenty of discussions about this...and everybody feels that same way. It's not a hobby. It's our lives. So, we don't really enter into it without trying to do it seriously and with the right intents...watching it as far as it will take us. We're gonna follow it. 
 
I know that the music industry has evolved tremendously since the early stages of your career. What are the challenges but also some advantages associated with forming a new band in this era?  
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Danny: Well, it's very different that from when I first came up. The main thing that's happened in my life that's different involves digital music and the structure of how royalties are paid. It used to be that that was a more direct and reliable source of income. If you put out a record, people bought the record. If it was played on the radio, and you were paid mechanical and performance royalties directly based on that. There was a direct accountability. In theory, at least, it worked that way.
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With digital music, it's a completely different world. Obviously, you're able to record shows. Implicate recorded music. Pass it around. Post it online. Musicians aren't necessarily paid for that. The flip side of that is a vast, open horizon of promotion and being heard. With the internet, bands can immediately be heard by people around the world, if you do it right. That's the plus side of it, and that's what people, I think, have to work with and have to gear or skew their efforts toward. That's just the reality. That's how it is.
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For me, I consider myself a songwriter first. That's my stock and trade. That's my life's work. That's what I do. I've always thought that the more people who hear my songs...I kind of think of my songs almost separately from myself, if that makes any sense. It's a body of work that I want to live on after me. I want people to hear the songs. And if it's another band playing them, like Widespread Panic, who was always generous enough to play a lot of our songs, that was always terrific to me. It means that people are hearing the songs. It's the same thing with the technology now. At the end of the day, of course I want to make a living and all that. But if I had to make a list, the most important thing to me is that people hear the songs. That's what it's about. 
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It really is. I wish more artists had that mentality.  So, this was something that just came to mind before we hopped on this call. I feel obligated to ask about Tom Petty. From the songwriters perspective and someone who has been in the game as long as you, what did he mean to you, and what can you say about the overall impact he made on American songwriting?
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Danny: It feels amazingly personal. This isn't just me. I hear this from a lot of musicians and music lovers in general when someone that you don't know personally passes away. This feels personal. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, arguably...I can't really think of an argument against this...they were the greatest mainstream American rock-and-roll band there ever was. They did it for over 40 years without ever making a bad record. The songwriting sounds so effortless. They are such perfectly crafted songs, but it's not just the technical craft of it.
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They're so emotional. Whether they're tough or sweet, they seem to resonate with so many people. He was iconic. I honestly think that he's going to be remembered alongside guys like Woody Guthrie or Robert Johnson. If you had monuments to the great American songwriters and musicians, he's up there with the best. Yeah...it just feels like...it was just so unexpected. It's sad, you know? That music is so much a part of everyone's life, and that's amazing to me. 
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I couldn't agree more. So, just one last question. Going back to the whole new era of music. There is certainly leaves no shortage of new music to choose from. Who's been on your personal playlist this year? Who's Danny Hutchens listening to in 2017?
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Danny: Man...my music tastes are so erratic and so strange. I'm not the greatest fan in terms of brand new music. I'm often just led to whatever comes my way. Sometimes it's ancient stuff. I love Warren Zevon. I've kind of had a renaissance of listening to his music lately. A lot of the ole blues guys, and things like that. You're right though. There is so much to choose from. I love the new...I guess what you would have originally called the 'alt-country' stuff: Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and those guys. I love that stuff. I think they're making incredible records. Relating to Isbell and Drive-By Truckers, I think that American Band that has been made in recent years, but those aren't really new people on the scene (laughs). That's the kind of stuff that has registered and made a difference to me lately. 
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I was able to see Sturgill for the first time over the summer, and I had pretty high expectations going into it. My god...I was totally blown away. He was one of the headliners the night after Panic played SlossFest in Birmingham, and I love Panic, but I feel like Sturgill kind of stole the show on that particular weekend. 
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Danny: Those two guys in particular, he and Jason Isbell...and Amanda Shires. There is something about the records that they've been making that is mainstream. It's become mainstream. Jason won a Grammy and all that. It kind of reminds me of reading through the history back with Waylon Jennings...and the outlaw country scene was a separate thing, but it was kind of making in-roads into the mainstream. That's what this feels like to me, and I think it's important. That's the stuff that's really been on my radar. 
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Time will tell, but when it's all said and done, I think that those two guys will be up there on the list of the most impactful artists of this generation, without a doubt. 
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Danny: I really think so. It's carrying the torch from Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, and those kind of people, in my mind. I've always loved that kind of stuff. That's kind of my go-to area of music, I think. 
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Well I can't thank you enough for taking some time to chat with me this morning. I've been a big fan of your work for a long time, and it's been a pleasure getting this type of insight. I'm really excited to watch how things unfold with Interstellar Boys, and of course Bloodkin as well. 
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SlossFest Releases 2017 Daily Lineup April 12, 2017 13:15

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Ever since the initial lineup announcement from Sloss Music & Arts Festival, there has been much anticipation and excitement for the Birmingham-based event.  Many have wondered which night to expect performances from headliners such as Widespread Panic, Sturgill Simpson, and the Alabama Shakes.  Earlier today, SlossFest released its official daily lineup, which can be seen on the graphic below.  The festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th - Sunday, July 16th at the historic Sloss Furnaces in downtown Birmingham, AL

Click Here: Ten Reasons Not To Miss SlossFest


Watch Sturgill Simpson's GRAMMY Performance With The Dap Kings February 13, 2017 14:23

Sunday night was a monumental occasion for modern day country outlaw Sturgill Simpson, who won the GRAMMY Award for 'Best Country Album' and was also joined with the late Sharon Jones' band, The Dap Kings, for a killer performance of "All Around You."  Simpson, who was also nominated for 'Album of the Year', has been making noise and turning heads across the music scene for the past two years with his unique and honest approach to modern country music.  You can watch the Simpson's GRAMMY performance below and click here for the details on his recently announced 2017 tour dates.

Sturgill Simpson is an American country music and roots rock singer-songwriter. To date, he has released three albums as a solo artist. He released two albums independently, High Top Mountain in 2013 and Metamodern Sounds in Country Music in 2014. His second album is notable for being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, being listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and also being named among "NPR's 50 Favorite Albums of 2014." His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on Atlantic Records and was Simpson's first major-label release.

Watch Sturgill Simpson & The Dap Kings perform "All Around You" here:


Sturgill Simpson Announces 2017 Tour Dates February 10, 2017 16:20

Grammy-nominated sensation Sturgill Simpson has announced his official 2017 tour dates, which kick off on July 7th in Charlotte after appearances at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival on March 4th and The Amphitheatre at The Wharf in Orange Beach (AL) on May 6th.  See below for a complete list of Sturgill dates, and head over to his official website for specifics on ticket options.

Sturgill Simpson is an American country music and roots rock singer-songwriter. To date, he has released three albums as a solo artist. He released two albums independently, High Top Mountain in 2013 and Metamodern Sounds in Country Music in 2014. His second album is notable for being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, being listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and also being named among "NPR's 50 Favorite Albums of 2014." His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on Atlantic Records and was Simpson's first major-label release.

Watch Sturgill Simpson perform "Call To Arms" on Saturday Night Live here:

Sturgill Simpson 2017 Tour Dates:
3/4 – Okeechobee, FL@ Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival
5/6 – Orange Beach, AL @ The Wharf Amphitheater
7/7 – Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
7/8 – Cary, North Carolina @ Koka Booth Amphitheatre
7/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
7/15 – Louisville, KY @ Forecastle Festival
7/16 – Birmingham, AL @ Sloss Music & Arts Festival
7/30 – Niigata, Japan @ Fuji Rock Festival
9/7 – Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
9/8 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
9/9 – Austin, TX @ Austin360 Amphitheater
9/14 – New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
9/15 – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
9/16 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
9/19 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
9/21 – St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre
9/22 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
9/25 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/29 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
9/30 – Redmond, Washington @ Marymoor Amphitheater
10/6 – Los Angeles, California @ Greek Theatre


SlossFest Reveals Exciting Lineup For 2017 January 31, 2017 08:05

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

The 3rd annual Sloss Music & Arts Festival has revealed its lineup for 2017, and this year looks as exciting as ever.  Widespread Panic, Alabama ShakesOdesza, Sturgill Simpson, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats are just a few of the 40 performers listed for the rapidly growing festival in Birmingham, AL.  SlossFest is a two-day music and arts festival which is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th - Sunday, July 16th.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and the festival website. Advance prices are $115 general admission, $180 for an Iron pass (includes access to air-conditioned tents), $325 VIP (includes access to air-conditioned tents, separate viewing areas at two stages and other perks).

Prices will continue to hike as tickets at each level are sold, increasing to $135 and $155 general admission, $210 and $225 for an Iron Pass. VIP prices will remain the same. Information on payment plans is available on the Sloss Fest website.  Stay tuned for further details!

Watch the official SlossFest 2017 lineup announcement video here:


Watch Sturgill Simpson Perform "All Around You" On The Tonight Show July 28, 2016 08:13

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Photo by Andrew Lipovsky // NBC
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Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, you have surely become familiar with the name Sturgill Simpson.  Sturgill is an American country music and roots rock singer-songwriter. He has released two albums independently, High Top Mountain in 2013 and Metamodern Sounds in Country Music in 2014. The latter album was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, was listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014," and was also named among NPR's 50 Favorite Albums of 2014. His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on April 15, 2016, by Atlantic Records.
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On Wednesday night, Sturgill stopped by NBC Studios to perform his latest single, "All Around You," for Jimmy Fallon and the thousands of viewers watching both in studio and all across the country.  Thankfully, video footage has surface and can be watched in full below.  For complete details on Sturgill Simpson's 2016 tour dates, click here.
 
Watch Sturgill Simpson perform "All Around You" on The Tonight Show w/ Jimmy Fallon here:
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