AmericanaFest was a week full of all walks of singer-songwriter performances, along with music industry panels organized by the Americana Music Association. The festival has become a major event in the Americana, folk and country scene, drawing attendees from around the world. This year, AmericanaFest hosted over 200 artists at 48 venues across Nashville, TN providing a diverse and lively week. The festival showcased a wide variety of artists, from emerging talents to established musicians. AmericanaFest served as both a celebration of roots-based music and a networking event for artists, industry professionals, and fans. It was marked by its laid-back atmosphere and emphasis on storytelling, authenticity, and musicianship. Celebrating their 25th annual of live music, the festival brought mountains of excitement and joy for musicians and listeners alike.
Day 1
Iron and Wine at Cannery Hall
Iron & Wine is the stage name of Sam Beam, an American singer-songwriter known for his delicate, folk-inspired music. He kicked off many peopleβs AmericanaFest experience with a solo set full of personal narrative and songs from all parts in his discography. Beam's music gained recognition in the early 2000s with the release of his debut album The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002), which featured lo-fi, intimate folk songs. Over the years, his style has evolved to incorporate more complex instrumentation and production, as heard in albums like The Shepherd's Dog (2007) and Kiss Each Other Clean (2011). Throughout his set, he told many stories of the origins of his songs and how his home state of Texas influenced many of his lyrics.
Day 2
Vincent Neil Emerson at Exit/In
Vincent Neil Emerson took Nashville on a road trip to east Texas during his set at AmericanaFest. He is a Texas-based singer-songwriter known for his roots in classic country, folk, and Americana music. He is often associated with the revival of traditional Texas country, emulsifying elements of honky-tonk, folk, and Western swing, with his latest album The Golden Crystal King receiving much critical acclaim. Emerson has drawn comparisons to legendary Texas singer-songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Willie Nelson. His songs often feature rich, acoustic instrumentation, with a focus on guitar, fiddle, and pedal steel, reflecting the classic country sound that has long been associated with the Texas music scene.
Emerson had a mellow attitude during his performance, accompanied by a very strong band. He was an incredible storyteller, explaining a detail about nearly every song he played. He played two new, unreleased songs that will be on their way out soon. The Exit/In was a great venue for his show to take place as it allowed the crowd to feel more connected to his songs and stories.
Nathaniel Rateliff at Ascend Amphitheater
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats are a soulful American band with notes of R&B, rock, and folk, founded in 2013 by singer-songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff. Known for their energetic live performances, the band's music is rooted in retro rock and soul, with deep influences from artists like Otis Redding and Van Morrison. Their breakout hit, βS.O.B.β propelled them to widespread recognition with its gritty, bluesy sound and raw energy. Rateliff's transition from his earlier folk style to the soulful, groove-driven sound of the Night Sweats was a significant evolution.
The band's performance was passionate, high-energy shows, starting off with a bang playing βYou Worry Meββanother hit of theirs where Rateliff commands the stage with infectious movement and spirit. Fans appreciated his ability to shift from heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems, making his sets diverse and dynamic. His deep and gritty voice meshed perfectly with the old rock sound from his band, leaving no choice for his audience but to get up and dance.
My Morning Jacket at Ascend Amphitheater
My Morning Jacket is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky, playing a range of genres, including psychedelic rock, alt-country, folk rock, and alternative rock all at the same time. Formed in 1998, the band's current lineup includes Jim James (vocals, guitar), Carl Broemel (guitar), Tom Blankenship (bass), Bo Koster (keyboards), and Patrick Hallahan (drums). They gained significant recognition with their 2003 single βOne Big Holidayβ which became a hit on college radio stations. Their music often features reverb-heavy soundscapes and explores themes of spirituality and transcendence.
The band had a fiercely immersive live performance, with a crowd made up of a loyal following and one of the most hyper audiences I've ever seen. The band also incorporated striking visual elements, with an array of colorful light shows and stage setups that enhance the psychedelic and atmospheric qualities of their music. Front man, Jim James, had a commanding stage presence from impressive guitar work to spontaneous interpretive dance. Overall, the show was an uplifting, spiritual experience with the band members feeding off of each other's energy for the duration of the entire show.
Day 3
Noeline Hofmann at The 5 Spot
Noeline Hofmann is a rising country artist from the Badlands of Southern Alberta, Canada. Her music blends heartfelt melodies with a gritty, authentic style, drawing heavily from her experiences in honky-tonks and working on cattle ranches. She describes her style as "wildrose country," a nod to her Alberta roots. Her storytelling in songs often reflects life on the prairies, including themes of rural life, grief, and resilience. Hofmann has gained recognition with the release of her song βPurple Gasβ a duet with Zach Bryan, which brought her a lot of attention. She is currently touring and will soon release her debut EP, Purple Gas, which will include themes of heartbreak, farming life, and transitions in the Alberta seasons.
Her set at The 5 spot was her first ever in Nashville, which shocked many of the audience members. She agreed with them saying "I can't believe it either with as much time I spend here". She played many unreleased songs with her band and a few covers as well including an instrumental βGhost Riders in the Skyβ. She had the entire bar packed with every pair of eyes and ears locked on her and her angelic, twangy voice.
Madi Diaz at The Basement East
Madi Diaz is an American singer-songwriter known for her deeply emotional, indie-folk and pop-influenced music. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she now lives in Nashville, where is part of the vibrant singer-songwriter scene here. She studied at Berklee College of Music before embarking on her career. Her early work includes albums like Plastic Moon (2012), which leans into indie-folk, but as she evolved as an artist, she began incorporating more electronic elements in projects like Phantom (2014). Her music often takes on themes of heartbreak, personal growth, and vulnerability. Madi Diaz has also been involved in songwriting collaborations with artists like Kacey Musgraves, Lana Del Rey, and others, making her a versatile figure in both the indie and mainstream music scenes.
Her set was full of energy and never had even a hint of dullness. Within the first few songs, she brought Waxahatchee to sing a few songs together. Her stage set-up was minimal, but she made it powerful in her own way. Several of her songs have many electronic elements, but an almost fully acoustic set added a compelling new perspective to her music. She was very easy going on stage and was never once hesitant to talk back to audience members.
The Droptines at Exit/In
The Droptines are a high-energy country rock band from Concan, Texas known for their dynamic live performances. They blend classic country influences with modern rock elements, creating a catchy and powerful sound that gets audiences moving. Theyβve been gaining traction in venues around Texas, but made their way to Nashville for AmericanaFest to share a good time with the festival goers. Their show featured strong rhythms and engaging vocals, making them a hit with fans who enjoy both danceable tunes and energetic stage presence.
Day 4
Tiny Habits at Ascend Amphitheater
Tiny Habits is a rising indie-folk trio composed of Judah Mayowa, Cinya Khan, and Maya Rae, who met while studying at Berklee College of Music. They gained attention through their acoustic covers on TikTok and Instagram, where their unique three-part harmonies and layered arrangements quickly attracted a large following. Their original music blends a smooth vocal unison with stunning harmonic complexity, creating a sound thatβs both soft and striking. Their live performance definitely focused on the emotional connection they share as friends, which translates into a tight, intimate stage presence. They played a mix of original songs and thoughtful covers, including their famous take on βLandslideβ by Fleetwood Mac. The show emphasized harmony and vulnerability, taking on themes like heartbreak and personal growth. Tiny Habits connected with the audience through their relatable banter and awkward yet charming interactions, which made the performance feel like a shared experience rather than just a concert.
Vance Joy at Ascend Amphitheatre
From Melbourne, Australia, Vance Joy is a widely acclaimed indie-folk singer-songwriter. He first gained major recognition with his hit single "Riptide" in 2013, which became the longest-charting song in Australian history. Influenced by 60s and 70s folk artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Vance Joy's music combines vivid lyrical imagery with heartfelt storytelling. Joy has released several successful albums, including Dream Your Life Away and Nation of Two, which showcase his signature folk-pop sound. His music is characterized by emotional depth, nostalgia, and introspection, often resonating deeply with listeners.
Vance Joy delivered a captivating and heartfelt live performance that demonstrated his engaging stage presence and musical talent. Joy's strong, distinctive vocals were complemented by his outstandingly skilled guitar playing, which created a rich acoustic sound that translated beautifully into a live setting. For his AmericanaFest set at Ascend, he even had a B-stage, inviting Tiny Habits to play a few songs with him. His ability to transition from soft songs to energetic tunes kept the audiences present throughout the set.
Sixpence None The Richer at City Winery
Sixpence None the Richer is an American alternative rock band that gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. The band was formed in 1992 in Texas and is best known for their hit songs βKiss Meβ and their mega-hit cover of the Velvet Undergroundβs βThere She Goesβ. Their music features a blend of pop, folk, and rock elements, characterized by melodic hooks and the ethereal vocals of lead singer Leigh Nash. They released several albums, with their self-titled album in 1997 achieving significant commercial success. βKiss Meβ in particular, became a cultural staple and has been featured in various films and TV shows.
After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2007 and has continued to tour and release new music. At their very sophisticated City Winery set they played an extremely wide range of music including a cover of βDon't Dream It's Overβ by Crowded House and music from every era of their time as a band. They have a new album on its way out and will be taking it on a 50-stop tour coming up this fall.
Day 5
Jonah Kagen at The Basement East
Jonah Kagen is an emerging singer-songwriter from Savannah, Georgia, known for his acoustic-driven sound and introspective lyrics. He first gained significant attention with his EP georgia got colder, released in 2021, and more recently with his 2023 EP The Roads. His music discusses personal growth and self-reflection, often drawing inspiration from nature and his own life experiences. Kagen's style is often compared to artists like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan, particularly in how he addresses vulnerability and emotion in his songwriting. His work typically features warm vocals and a folk-rock aesthetic, appealing to listeners who enjoy storytelling through music.
His set at The Basement East for Americana fest was a high-energy showcase of Kagen's wild talent with a comedy show on the side. He spoke with a consistent humorous tone of voice, cracking jokes in between each song, oftentimes poking at the fact that the majority of his songs are notably sad. You don't have to be a musician to simply observe and recognize Kagens sheer talent when it comes to guitar. Not only is he incredibly skilled at playing the guitar, Kagen's ability to convey emotion through his guitar work is remarkable. Keep up with him as he leaves home in Nashville to live on the road out of his AirStream trailer where he will be living and producing music for the indefinite future.
John Oates at Station Inn
John Oates is an American musician best known as one half of the iconic duo Daryl Hall & John Oates (a.k.a. βHall And Oatesβ), which he formed with Daryl Hall. He initially started recording in the 1960s before teaming up with Hall in the early 1970s. The duo is recognized as one of the best-selling music groups of all time, having sold over 80 million records globally. In addition to his work with Hall, Oates has pursued a solo career, releasing several albums since the early 2000s, including Phunk Shui and Arkansas. He is also known for his contributions to songwriting and has collaborated with various artists throughout his career. Oates was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004, solidifying his impact on the music industry.
With as hefty a discography as he has, John Oates performed at the Station Inn in Nashville with his acoustic band to a bar full of engaged eyes and ears. He played a set fully composed of his own music except for βShe's Goneβ. Since this was such a small, fully seated room and the atmosphere was so personal, Oates spoke to the audience as if they were his friends, telling personal stories that both did and did not pertain to his music. This outstanding intimate set was definitely one to remember; it's not every day you get to be one of just 175 people sitting across from one of the greatest musical legends of all time.
The Bones of J.R. Jones at The Basement East
The Bones of J.R. Jones is the musical project of Jonathon Linaberry, who creates an imaginative fusion of blues, folk, and country sounds. Linaberry, who started this project around 2012, is known for his unique style that blends elements from various genres while often embodying the persona of an early-twentieth-century blues musician. His music has a raw and emotional quality, often characterized by introspective lyrics and a soulful delivery. Linaberry's latest work includes Slow Lightning (2023), following his 2021 EP release A Celebration, inspired by the vastness of the American Southwest, showcasing his ability to evoke a sense of longing and exploration in his songs.
Linaberry's music and voice immediately struck me as "β¦if Elvis had joined the Black Keys". He has a very strong and unique sound that shocked the audience in a good way and will be easily remembered. He performed solo besides his drummer. During his AmericanaFest set, he used a combination of guitar, loop pedals, and various instruments to create a rich, full sound that the audience may have not expected from one person. Linaberry also had a charismatic stage presence; he often interacted with the audience, sharing stories behind his songs, which enhances the overall experience and creates a sense of community among attendees. His set was wildly passionate and was clearly given in full effort so be sure to keep an eye out for his tour headed west this fall.
Daniel Nunnelee at The Basement East
Daniel Nunnelee is an alternative folk artist from Nashville, Tennessee, who is known for his heartfelt songwriting. Originally from Memphis, he grew up in small towns across Mississippi and Tennessee. His music takes warm folk sounds and mixes them with indie rock elements, reflecting the emotional depth of his lyrics. He often writes about the complexities of relationships, existential reflections, and dualities in life, such as seeking both freedom and stability. He's also drawn to the outdoors and oftentimes writes music inspired by isolated retreats. His latest album, June, Baby, showcases his growth as a musician and includes contributions from close collaborators, like Madi Diaz, and a mix of live recording styles.
Nunnelee's live performance was captivating and filled with emotional energy, much like his recorded work, which features personal and sometimes playful narratives. He brought a home-like feel to his show, supported by his multi-instrumental talents. His vocal style has a soulful, natural feel, making his live shows intimate and more than just entertaining.
Coleman Jennings at Station Inn
Coleman Jennings is a young, Austin-based musician known for his alternative country band, Coleman Jennings & The Roaddogs. He formed the band while attending the University of Texas at Austin, with Jennings as the lead vocalist and guitarist. Jennings has been passionate about music since childhood, particularly guitar, and began playing at age five. Jennings has cited his personal experiences, including his time in high school and overcoming classical vocal training, as transformative moments in developing his natural voice and artistic identity. He writes mostly very peaceful and poetic country music that reflects life in the hill country with a voice that sounds almost scarily similar to Willie Nelson's.
His Americana Fest set was done acoustically with musical partner, Nicklaus Hamburg. Jennings was a very calm, collected performer, perfectly matching the songs he sang. His show captured the essence of alternative country mixed with blues, combining raw emotion with narrative-driven lyrics. Attendees appreciated the authenticity in his stage presence, where his occasional "talk-singing" style and intricate guitar playing take center stage. Regardless of where they came from, it's a strong bet that audience members left grateful to him for maintaining the energy of good old classic country music.
