RYAN DAVIS & the Roadhouse Band • "New Threats from the Soul” • 2025

https://techniquestreet.com/

The record functions in parallel with Kafka’s winking dictum that there is an infinite amount of hope in the universe, just not for us. New Threats… suggests that maybe, just maybe, something like redemption is possible, but only once we’re entirely emptied out and hawked in toto down at Walden Pawn. toughlove

Kassi Valazza • From Newman Street • 2025

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"Valazza is a songwriter’s songwriter, the kind of lyricist who makes it embarrassing to describe her with such a cliché. Across three albums of thoughtful, increasingly ambitious folk music, she’s carved out a reputation for her sharp pen and even sharper ear. Equally indebted to Laurel Canyon-era Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny-era Fairport Convention, and the humanistic freak-folk of the late Michael Hurley, whom she collaborated and toured with toward the end of his life, her sound straddles just about every folk subgenre without truly belonging to one… From Newman Street, Valazza’s third album, contains her most incisive writing yet.”

ifitbeyourwill S05E07 • Danny Bateman of FROG

Danny Bateman's musical journey unfolds like a richly textured composition – beginning with classical piano at age seven, where he discovered the profound connection between player and composer. "I'm experiencing what Mozart's body feels like 200 years later," he reflects, highlighting how this early training built the foundation for his innovative approach to songwriting.

The pivotal moment came during his first recording studio session as a teenager. Witnessing the magic of production techniques—overdubbing, multiple takes, vocal doubling—crystallized his future path. "That was when I knew this is what I want to do for the rest of my life," Bateman shares, though he admits his real education came through hands-on experience rather than formal training.

What makes Bateman's creative process uniquely compelling is his embrace of improvisation and structure simultaneously. "Form creates the walls that you sit in," he explains. "Without form, nothing means anything." This philosophy manifests in his latest project with FROG, "1000 Variations on the Same Song," inspired by Lil Wayne's mixtape approach—marathon recording sessions yielding dozens of improvised pieces. With his brother Stevie on drums, Bateman captures spontaneous creative moments, later selecting the most memorable to re-record on his increasingly lo-fi eight-track tape machine.

The results speak for themselves—sold-out shows at venues like Bowery Ballroom and an upcoming West Coast tour with rapidly disappearing tickets. For aspiring musicians, Bateman offers crystal-clear advice: "You need to fail a lot, iterate, attempt." He emphasizes that accumulating "reps" through prolific creation is the only path to mastery. Most importantly, "If you're not having fun, then the song isn't good. If you are having fun, then the song is good."

Ready to experience FROG's unique sound? Catch their West Coast tour kicking off next week, or dive into their extensive catalog featuring some of indie music's most joyfully authentic compositions. The beauty of Bateman's approach lies in its simplicity—creating music worth making for its own sake, with each new recording building toward something increasingly extraordinary.

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Following the critical and commercial success of 2023's ‘Grog,’ cult New York duo Frog return with ‘1000 Variations on the Same Song,’ their sixth album.

 

'1000 Variations on the Same Theme' is an eclectic, emotional, and lyrically vivid collection. These songs see Daniel Bateman refer to My Chemical Romance, Gucci, Stillwell deals, fatherhood, and the 6 train (“I was listening to a lot of Mozart, Kodak Black, and Prince, but it doesn't really sound like any of those.”). 

 

Musically, songs like “TOP OF THE POPS VAR. I” and “DOOMSCROLLING VAR. II” touch on the frenetic Indie Rock that defined their earlier work, while the idiosyncratic Alt. Country of ‘Count Bateman’ and ‘Grog’ can be heard on ‘WHERE U FROM VAR. III’ and ‘ARTHUR MCBRIDE ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE VAR. X.’ Singles like ‘JUST USE YR HIPS VAR. VI’ and December’s ‘DID SANTA COME VAR. IX’ also introduce a smoky lounge element to Frog’s sound.

 

However, as Daniel explains it, these are all just variations on the same song:

 

“1000 Variations on the Same Song is a theme and variations—there are times in your life as a songwriter where you'll start a bunch of stuff that all sounds alike, which can be a problem, something that you want to excise from yourself. This time, I decided to embrace it and take it as far as it could go.

 

"The first four variations were recorded in one long take, ("HOUSEBROKEN") is the last one in that sequence. I added piano and doubled the vocals, etc, but basically, all those songs were done in one 15-minute stretch. If you’re working quickly and your goal is to finish an entire album or more in one night, amazing things can happen. How many songs can you write using the same chords? How many songs can you record and finish in one day? The answer to both is near-infinite with the right environment and mindset.”

frog • 1000 Variations on the Same Song • 2025

“If the rest of the album sounds like this single, then I’m in. “MIXTAPE LINER NOTES
VAR. VII” is lo-fi greatness, the first verse name-dropping both My Chemical Romance and Big Star (taste). In the chorus, Daniel Bateman sings poignantly, “I can’t justify it, it isn’t rational/ I get high and cry it over broken Casios.” Amazing stuff!” – STEREOGUM

"Daniel’s humdrum American portraiture and embodiment of passionate persistence have defined Frog’s sound for nearly a decade, and on Grog, a brotherly bond encourages those songwriting traits to get louder, bolder, and weirder without sacrificing any of the heart." – PITCHFORK

"...a distinct, off-kilter personality that’s just slightly off in the best way possible. The end results are riveting—or should I say ribbeting?" – BANDCAMP DAILY

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ifitbeyourwill S03 E35 • The Brother Brothers

https://www.thebrotherbrothersmusic.com/

How does the unique bond between identical twins shape their musical journey and creative process? Today's episode features the Brother Brothers, David and Adam, as they walk us through their deeply intertwined musical experiences. From the early days influenced by their parents' eclectic record collection to the significant impact of the Kerrville Folk Festival on their songwriting, you'll hear firsthand how these elements have molded their sound. We'll explore the pivotal moments that nudged them from instrumentalists to celebrated songwriters, and how the songwriting community at Kerrville served as a catalyst for their development.

In the second half of our conversation, we uncover the intricate dynamics that make their collaboration so special. Adam opens up about David's role as the principal songwriter and how their sibling synergy fosters an environment of creative growth. We delve into their meticulous harmonizing techniques and how they balance simplicity with complexity in their melodies. Finally, get a glimpse into their future plans as Adam prepares for a bustling year touring with Levi Turner and David embarks on a series of intimate solo performances. Don't miss this intimate and insightful discussion with the Brother Brothers about music, family, and what lies ahead.

“the warm harmonies and silky melodies of identical twins David and Adam Moss evoke the kind of ’60s-era folk tunes that reverberated through dark, wood-paneled bars in the Village… If these brothers aren’t among the Americana Music Association’s nominees for Emerging Artist or Duo-Group, I want a recount.” — No Depression

The Steel Wheels • "Sideways” • 2024

Virginia-based Americana pioneers The Steel Wheels have released new album Sideways via the band’s own Big Ring Records. Produced by Sam Kassirer (Lake Street Dive, Langhorne Slim, Josh Ritter), Sideways is at once a meditation on the nonlinear nature of personal growth and a joyous celebration of life. 

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Frog • GROG • 2023

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Eclectic and wildly creative, this fully realized LP veers from the gorgeous grooving funk of “Black on Black on Black” to the classic pop of“Maybelline” before “New Ro” exemplifies the “gothic and cartoonish” characteristics that songwriter Daniel Bateman describes his latest work with.

Slow Rosary • Refinery • 2021

"Duplantier lets his arrangement breathe and sigh, drawing out a yearning honesty from the track... howling melodies and stripped-back arrangements bring to mind Bright Eyes or The Mountain Goats..." -Under The Radar

"...an inflection point for the record–it starts with a long, acoustic buildup, which is a change of pace from the first act, and its fiery bridge stands in contrast to the record’s quieter second half." -All Scene Eye

"Slow Rosary have more of a modern folk touched rocking sound to them.  Maybe just a hint of prime cut Bright Eyes." -Americana UK

The Avett Brothers • NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert • 2009

With all due respect to its terrific albums and kinetic, frenetic live shows, if The Avett Brothers could put on a three-song acoustic concert at every workplace in America, the band would be a world-beating colossus. For proof, listen to this performance in the NPR Music offices.

Clem Snide • "Some Ghost" • 2020

https://www.clemsni.de

Clem Snide, the moniker of Eef Barzelay, shares the new single "Some Ghost" from his first album in five years, Forever Just Beyond, out on March 27 via Ramseur Records/Thirty Tigers. Scott Avett, who produced the record, co-wrote and provided harmonies on the new single as well. Pre-save the album and get "Some Ghost" and previous singles "Don't Bring No Ladder" and "Roger Ebert"



Clem Snide Tour Dates:
Mar 25 - Nashville, TN - Grimey's New & Preloved Music
Mar 26 - Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic
Mar 28 - Wake Forest, NC - Wake Forest Listening Room
Apr 1 - New York, NY – City Vineyard
Apr 3 - Northampton, MA – Parlor Room
Apr 4 - Boston, MA - Haymarket Lounge at City Winery
Apr 7 - Pittsburgh, PA – Club Café
Apr 8 - Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern
Apr 9 - Columbus, OH - Natalie's Music Hall & Kitchen
Apr 10 - Lake Orion, MI – 20 Front Street
Apr 11 - Berwyn, IL - FitzGerald's
Apr 16 - Phoenixville, PA - The Colonial Theatre (ft. Scott Avett)
Apr 17 - New York, NY - City Winery (ft. Scott Avett)
Apr 19 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere (ft. Scott Avett)
Apr 22 - Nashville, TN - The Basement

The White Buffalo • The Rapture • 2020

https://thewhitebuffalo.com

Of the half-dozen albums thus far released under The White Buffalo banner, this latest 11-tracker – a loosely linked collection of dark thrills produced by Shooter Jennings, who also provides piano and keys – is the most collaborative and organic, the most sonically round.

Yola • Ride Out In The Country • 2019

Walk Through Fire takes its name from a devastating house fire, which left Yola injured and shaken. It also references her survival of an abusive relationship, which took its toll on Yola's emotional well-being. To help herself heal, she wrote songs that touch on both of these incidents and offer ways forward. (In the title track, she references a "rescue vessel" she's certain will take her to calmer shores.) The resulting album is a bold statement from a woman who's been to hell and back, and is ready to share her stories.

The End of America • Howl • 2019

The End of America has been out on the road, swooning their listeners souls with heartfelt melodies and tight harmonies that have been compared to the young Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Most recently, the Americana/folk/rock trio made up of Trevor Leonard, Brendon Thomas and James Downes took part at their hometown’s Philly Folk Fest and WXPN’s 25th anniversary of Jeff Buckley’s Grace presented by The Key at World Cafe Live. 

Frog • Count Bateman • 2019

frog.band

On their latest eclectic and emotional outing, there’s hints of the Carole King’s ‘70s pop, Jonathan Richman’s earnest eccentricity, Ned Doheny’s white boy funk, Greg Dulli’s lust, the Meat Puppets’ bastardized Americana and the wild wit and narrow self-control of The Silver Jews.

"A safer bet there’s never been – this record is essential." - GoldFlakePaint 

“Imagine the euphoric pop of Small Wonder getting caught in a time warp to the wild west with Modest Mouse’s ‘Satin in a Coffin’ and you just about scratch the surface.” - DIY Mag

“I was taken aback by its apparent simplicity; a simplicity that at first masked a wealth of subtle nuances, wry homages, and nostalgic narratives that were enough to make listeners lament growing up anywhere other than suburban America” – The Line of Best Fit

“Utterly brilliant...they make you nostalgic for memories you never had and take you back to places you’ve never before been.” - London in Stereo

“Frog returns and is alive with tales of sadness, hysteria and delusions. Though the narratives are ambiguous and chimerical, each feel personal and poignant. The cult of Frog will only get bigger.” – Cereal & Sounds

“Locked between the unstoppable force of self-deprecation & the immovable object of the American Dream.” – Various Small Flames 

“Frog continue to exist outside of musical fads and trends, a welcome moment of quiet contemplation in the sometimes hectic modern world, a subtle, stunning triumph.” – For the Rabbits

Wooden Ambulance • Redville • 2019

popdepression.com

CURSE OF LONO • Blackout Fever (Live at Toe Rag Studios) • 2019

"...the emotion hanging right at your ear lobes..." -B-Sides & Badlands

"...a stellar new album..." -Blurt Magazine

"Best known for their deeply cinematic blend of harmony-laden Americana and driving, gothic alt-rock, this release offers a more intimate, stripped-back take on some of the band’s existing material." -Elmore Magazine

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“We wanted to capture the vibe we get when we're jamming late at night,” explains frontman Felix Bechtolsheimer. “So we booked a couple of days in the studio, invited a few friends down and pressed record. Toe Rag Studios is an incredible place. There are no computers. There’s no technology to tempt you. We just played everything completely live like we do when we’re messing around in our rehearsal room, so what you hear is exactly what was played.”

IZAAK OPATZ - Mariachi Static B​-​Sides - 2018

Sordal - High Flyer - 2018

Sordal is a Norwegian band consisting of Stein Roger Sordal, Bjarne L. Severinsen, Tommy Jacksonville, Kenneth Silden and Michael Aadal.

The musical genre of the band is pop/rock, country, folk and a hint of americana.

Palodine - Lowborn - 2018

Palodine has been described as "a melancholic, yet intense and powerful experience". Band members Katrina Whitney (vocals,percussion) and Michael Aryn (guitars, multi-instumentalist) formed in 2007 in Seattle WA. 

MATT DORRIEN - In the Key of Grey - 2018