Hello everyone! It’s been a while, but we’re back. Since we’ve been gone (cue Kelly Clarkson), I have been digging deep (too much?) into some of the tunes coming out of music city. I found myself returning to a select number of them over the last few months.
Here are 5 tracks from Nashville-based bands that you should check out.
Before relocating out west, Lonely Biscuits veteran, Grady Wenrich, recorded this gem in Nashville after unearthing a 4-track tape recorder which was used in renowned 70’s NYC punk club, CBGB. With help and support from Mackenzie Howe of The Wild Reeds, Wenrich debuted his solo project in November 2018 and I've been obsessed ever since.
Belmont graduates Alec Koukol, Emma Lambiase, Chris Coullier, and Austin Drewery played together throughout their undergraduate years but didn’t take Safari Room to the stage until 2018. I’m sure glad they did! “Glass Box” was released last year as a part of the group’s self-titled EP and is just the thing you need to get you through the end of March.
Our dudes have done it again! Accompanied by another one of our favorites, Liz Cooper & the Stampede, “Modern Chemistry” outlines what it's like wrestling with love in the digital age. The track is part of Okey Dokey's sophomore album, "Tell All Your Friend," which was released on the 22nd.
This one has been circling around in my head since the video debuted in August 2018, and was later released on the “Wait” EP. Arlie, comprised of Nathaniel Banks, Adam Lochemes and Carson Lystad, landed in Nashville in 2016 and has been bringing intergalactic melodies to us ever since.
Released in November 2018, “Good Year” is psychedelic track which has become a fundamental part of my recent playlists. Alex Benick, Asher Horton, Ben Parks, and Rodrigo Avendanohas have been playing together in various facets since middle school and officially formed Sun Seeker in 2013. Signed to Third Man in 2016, the quartet has become a major player on the Nashville scene.
Honorable Mention: Blue - Secondhand Sound
"Blue" is one of three Black Keys-esque tunes released by these talented up-and-comers. Originally a duo from Maryland, the group has expanded to feature the talents of Sawyer Estok, Collin Plank, Cameron Schmidt and Teagan Proctor, and recently made Nashville their home. Secondhand Sound is currently working on their first EP and I am eagerly awaiting its debut.