Margo Price’s storytelling in her country music is often heartbreaking in its authenticity. See her live at Throne Theater on March 1. Continue reading HARD TIMES IN THE SUN: Margo Price talks country with Third Man Records, plays Throne Theater in ILM
It’s not clear when or where distinct folk music began in history, but there is evidence that various forms of storytelling and singing predates the written word by centuries. The evolution of music and its genres continues on an undetermined path with melting-pot bands, like the classical-folk trio Harpeth Rising. The all-female group combine classically trained talents who deliver their music via folk storytelling and … Continue reading CHAMBERFOLK TRIO: Harpeth Rising combine classical training with folk traditions at Brunswick concert this week
Chatting up funny lady Paula Poundstone ahead of her stopover in Wilmington this week. Continue reading LOOKING AT POSSIBILITY: Paula Poundstone brings comedic perspective to Cape Fear Stage
“I’m the kind of guy who jumps in the water and then learns how to swim,” Brandon Rougeau says over the phone. It’s not where we start our conversation but it certainly summarizes how he and his three-piece rock band, Sunset Kings, are approaching 2017. Rougeau (guitar, vocals), Nick Simon (drums) and Stephen Luther (bass) have committed themselves to release two original songs each month … Continue reading 12 MONTHS, 24 NEW SONGS: Sunset Kings set lofty goals for 2017, play Satellite this Saturday
“I wanted to record an EP that represented me as a solo act as accurately as possible,” solo singer and guitarist Richard Strater wrote in preface to his last album, “The Pessimistic Troubadour,” in 2014. “That’s why the only audio you will find on this EP is the sound of my guitar and of my voice.” Strater plays solo on guitar and vocals on each track, … Continue reading SOARING SOLO: Richard Strater makes his Wilmington debut at Ted’s Fun on the River
This week Charleston, South Carolina’s SUSTO will release their sophomore album “& I’m Fine Today” on January 13. Named for the record, their winter tour will bring them north to our own port city’s Bourgie Nights (127 Princess St.) on January 14. Lead singer Justin Osborne admits they wanted to marry a few different sounds on this album, including but not limited to folk, psychedelic … Continue reading MULTI-LAYERED: SUSTO’s Justin Osborne digs into latest album ‘& I’m Fine Today’ before ILM show
Though a lot of readers might agree not much good came of 2016, here’s at least one: Carolina Pine Songwriter Sessions. Started by Wilmington’s Carolina Pine Productions, the monthly (save for December’s holiday break) songwriter sessions debuted last September. “There’s a lot of talent there,” singer-songwriter and guitarist Cara Schauble says of November’s session. “People come out of the woodworks all over the place; there’s … Continue reading NEW SONGS OF THE NEW YEAR: Fourth Carolina Pine Songwriter Session features Cara Schauble and others at BAC
Dex Romweber will welcome the New Year at the Winter BBQ at Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach on Jan. 1, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The event will benefit The Hope Center of Wilmington. Continue reading A BRIDGE TO 2017: Dex Romweber pays tribute in latest album ‘Carrboro,’ heads to Good Hops on New Year’s Day
As soon as I started in on the first track of “SELF-iSH,” the latest album from New Jersey’s Will Wood and the Tapeworms, Gogol Bordello came to mind: high-energy, messy and fun. It’s not a far-fetched connection because Wood and company have toured with theatrical Gypsy-punk group, so naturally their eccentricities seemingly blend in their video for “Mr. Capgras Encounters a Secondhand Vanity.” Shot in … Continue reading MELODICA ON THE STREETS: Will Wood and the Tapeworms will fray the end of their rope at Juggling Gypsy
Last time encore spoke with Raleigh-based musician and cofounder of NC Music Love Army cooperative Jon Lindsay, North Carolina was making national news for House Bill 2. The singer-songwriter helped organize an NC tour with social-justice advocate Mike Allen in July. They stopped in at Brooklyn Arts Center, along with more than two dozen local and regional artists for a Stand Against HB2 concert. “There’s … Continue reading ANOTHER CALL TO ACTION: NC and ILM musicians gather for Hate-Free by the Sea benefit concert
Shannon Rae Gentry 