Album Review: No Deceit Delivers The ‘Burn’ On August 5th!
Music is the closest thing we have in our lives to time travel. Music can take you right back to your first kiss. Your first loss. The good. The bad. The beautiful. The ugly. It can paint vivid mental imagery, and it can transport you to wherever the artists want to take you.
Today, I present to you a perfect example of when that happens. The brand new EP from No Deceit, titled ‘Burn’, delivers an experience that has been forged in love and life. No Deceit provides the ticket and the ride, all you need to do is strap in and enjoy.
From the opening chords of “Fireflies,” you’ll feel as if you’re sitting around with the band at a campfire. Just shooting the $h!t, reminiscing, enjoying a cold beverage, watching nature’s light show provided by the fireflies. You are transported there immediately and you won’t want to leave. Wrapped in warm melodies, “Fireflies,” sets the course for your summer soundtrack. (more…)
A Journey In Growth. Morgan Wade Was Anything But ‘Reckless’ At The Burl.
There are two types of shows that I LIVE for as a journalist and photographer. The first is a hometown show. There’s absolutely nothing like the energy of seeing folks come home to a sea of appreciation. The second, and the category that this show falls in, is when an artist that I’ve previously witnessed on a small stage returns to that same fanfare of a hometown show. It’s a thing of beauty and it’s why I knew I had to cover this show.
See, back in 2019, before the dreaded c-word, I witnessed a young lady on a small stage in the front yard of one of my favorite families on this planet. That would be the Roberts from good ole Ross’ Creek. If you don’t know the family, until the pandemic, they hosted Kickin’ It On The Creek. Morgan’s performance was a favorite for a multitude of reasons. Number one being just how much Morgan performing meant to Kelli Roberts. Seeing Kelli pull up a chair on the side of that stage warmed my heart like few things have in my lifetime.
That hot September, I saw a Morgan Wade that was still in her protective shell. She was hesitant to talk a lot, somewhat ashamed of her Virginia accent, until she heard all of us talk and she knew she was fine. Lol Morgan hid behind her sunglasses for that performance. She was a young lady that had all the tools she needed to succeed, but she was uncertain how the world would react to her and her music. (more…)
Album Review: The Local Honeys Bring Kentucky To The World With Their Self-Titled Release On La Honda Records
Have you ever heard a song or artist that you immediately knew where they’re from and what to expect? It’s not all that common, but when it happens, I often find there’s an unusually deep connection with that song or artist moving forward. It’s like they allow you to know who they are immediately. There’s no digging around, trying to figure them out. What you see, or in this case, what you hear, is exactly what you get. It’s those artists that I find incredibly refreshing, and endearing.
The Local Honeys give you that immediate introduction. With their new self-titled release on La Honda Records, these two ladies have embodied the history, the people, the music, the dialect, the kindness, the love, and the beauty of what it means to be a Kentuckian. When you push play, you feel at home, immediately.
**Photo taken at my first Local Honeys show back in 2017**
That feeling was no accident. As the first two women to graduate from Morehead University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Traditional Music Degree, Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs set a course to honor the traditional music that has been created here in Kentucky. As you’ll soon hear, that mission is accomplished, but with a twist. You can call this album a straight-up bluegrass album, but it’s much, much more. These ladies have struck a balance of traditional bluegrass that has an ever-expanding sound. You’ll hear banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, drums, an organ, and even a trumpet. Yes, you read that correctly, a trumpet.
Linda Jean and Montana have been on this trajectory for several years, and since their beginnings as a duo, one very important man has been a constant supporter, Professor Jesse Wells at Morehead University. There’s another reason that name may sound familiar, he’s also a member of The Foodstamps. The backing band of Mr. Tyler Childers. Jesse’s familiarity, knowledge, and unbelievable skill made him the perfect co-producer for this project. As a mentor, he’s almost an honorary Honey. His familiarity with The Honeys music and goals shine through like a mid-day’s Summer sun.
Album Review: Sydney Adams Reminds Us We’re All Human With Her New EP ‘A Lot Like You’
It’s rare for a music “scene” or community to produce an artist that gains notoriety on a national or international level. With every passing day, I find Kentucky housing another artist ready to take the baton and run alongside those that have “made it.”
Some would say that our Commonwealth possesses an uncommon wealth of talent. I’d be one of those folks, and if you’ll allow me, I’d like to shine a little light on a young lady that I believe in wholeheartedly. If you’re a reader here at Capture Kentucky, then Sydney Adams is not a new artist to you. If this is your first time here or hearing about Sydney, welcome. Get comfortable and help me celebrate that aforementioned uncommon wealth.
Sydney Adams calls Corbin, Kentucky home. She’s drawn comparisons to some of the most iconic voices you’ve ever heard. I’ve even been guilty of tossing out that praise of comparison myself, but today, let’s focus on what makes Sydney, well, Sydney. After all, that’s what separates the big dogs from the rest of the pack.
First and foremost, Sydney refuses to compromise who she is as an artist and has used her God-given talents to carve out her own path. And by golly, that ain’t easy to do! Sydney is unrelenting and knows exactly who she is, and more importantly, who she wants to be. In a world of Kardashians, Sydney wants to be Sydney and I respect the hell out of her for that, and you should too. I feel this EP is a shining example of that determination and her character.
Album Review: Larah Helayne Releases Her 2nd EP ‘Good Riddance’
Kentucky is bountiful when it comes to singer-songwriters these days. It’s kinda embarrassing to be honest, but we’ll sure as heck enjoy the ride while we can.
Today, I want to focus our little spotlight on one of the youngest, but brightest rising stars in Larah Helayne. Larah is an inspiration in many ways, and the future is a very bright one that I’ll be watching for a very long time.
Photo By Erica Chambers
So allow me to introduce you to Larah for a bit. Larah hails from the home of ‘Court Days’ which is a festival that takes place every year in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The Whirlin’ Sterlin’ as it’s often referred to. Helayne is a strong voice within the LBGTQ+ community. Identifying as non-binary, Larah is blazing a path that is dubbed as they lovingly describe as “Queer Country: for the adolescent and adventurous.” So it’s no coincidence that Larah is releasing this sophomore EP during Pride Month. Yet another wink and nudge that Larah knows where they want their heart and full attention to be. Helayne recently dropped out of the University of Kentucky to pursue music full-time. A move that could become a truly defining moment in Larah’s career.
The Local Honeys Release New Single “Better Than I Deserve”
Lexington, KY – June 3, 2022 – Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs, better known as the beloved Kentuckian duo, The Local Honeys, have a gifted way with words—particularly the playful colloquialisms and regional idiosyncrasies from their home in the Bluegrass State—that simultaneously connects the past and present, old and new. They bind stories with warm vernacular that makes those in-the-know feel warm and welcome and those not, well, flat out curious to hear more. On Wednesday, DittyTV premiered The Local Honeys’ newest “Better Than I Deserve” from their upcoming self-titled album (out July 15th via La Honda Records), of which the title itself was an everyday motto of Hobbs’s Papaw; a positive answer for the oft-asked question, “How are you doing?” A moody two-step, “Better Than I Deserve” tells the story of Montana’s grandfather who was an orphan, a U.S. naval pilot, and a war survivor. “‘Better than I deserve’ was his motto in life and carried him through many hardships,” says Hobbs, who built the whole song around his iconic informal greeting.
Fans can pre-order or pre-save The Local Honeys ahead of its July 15th release at this link.
Their first release on La Honda Records (Colter Wall, Riddy Arman, Vincent Neil Emerson), The Local Honeys features ten winsome vignettes of rural Kentucky, conjuring 90’s alternatives sounds with hillbilly Radiohead lilts, soaring above layers of deep grooves and rich tones masterfully curated by longtime mentor Jesse Wells, a GRAMMY-nominated producer, musician (currently a member of Tyler Childers’ band The Food Stamps), and Assistant Director at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State.
Rockers 3 Doors Down brought Kentucky’s Cameron Jayne To Rock The Funk Out Of The Barnyard
Hey y’all! It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to catch a show and bring you in-depth coverage, so for my first article in months, I chose a show that features one of my favorite bands, in Black Stone Cherry, (well it would’ve been anyhow) and the fine folks in 3 Doors Down at The Barnyard in Sharpsburg, Kentucky.
Unfortunately, COVID reared it’s ugly head and the fellas in Black Stone Cherry were forced to cancel several shows. Believe me when I say this, missing a show in their home state is just as heartbreaking to them, as it is to all of us. Their health is what matters most though. So send the folks some love, prayers, and good vibes.
Now you may remember our coverage of the very first show to be held at The Barnyard. (You can find that coverage here.) At that time, the main pavilion wasn’t complete like it is now. That day, we saw Kentuckians George Molton AND Tyler Booth on a removable stage back in 2021. They were support for Drew Parker and Sawyer Brown. Since that day, much has changed at The Barnyard.
The main pavilion is now finished and the traffic flow is much improved, as it’s a bit more spread out now. If you were able to snag tickets for a seat under the roof though, you were absolutely golden. Lawn access is also available for most shows, but as the Kentucky heat keeps creeping up higher and higher, you’re better off getting out of the sun. It may cost ya few more bucks, but I assure ya, it’s worth it.
Kentucky’s Favorite Duo The Local Honeys Are Set To Release Self-Titled Album With La Honda Records On July 15th
Lexington, KY – May 13, 2022 – When a master songsmith like Tom T. Hall calls someone “a great credit to a wonderful Kentucky tradition,” it’s time to pull up a chair and pay attention. As it pertains to the nearly-decade-running duo The Local Honeys, he was right on the money. The duo—Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs—have long been an integral part of Kentucky’s musicscape, and on July 15th, they’ll be adding a new entry into the Bluegrass State’s rich musical canon. Their first release on La Honda Records (Colter Wall, Riddy Arman, Vincent Neil Emerson), The Local Honeys features ten winsome vignettes of rural Kentucky, conjuring 90’s alternatives sounds with hillbilly Radiohead lilts, soaring above layers of deep grooves and rich tones masterfully curated by longtime mentor Jesse Wells, a GRAMMY-nominated producer, musician (currently a member of Tyler Childers’ band The Food Stamps), and Assistant Director at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State.
Today, The Local Honeys shared their first taste of the new album with “Dead Horses,” an emotional look at the tragedy of animal husbandry. With lines like “Suppose we’re all just animals with slightly different hides,” Stokely displays a cut and dried existence on the farm and the world at large while drums and banjo meld together propelling the tune from verse to verse. The accompanying music video finds Stokley and Hobbs surrounded by nostalgic photos of their equine counterparts, contributed by the band’s fanbase, adding weight to the meaning of the song itself.
You can pre-order or pre-save The Local Honeys ahead of its July 15th release at this link.
EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Rhyan Sinclair Debuts Her Latest Single And Video, ‘Where I’ll Be Found’
Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. We’ve got a special treat for you today. We have an exclusive song AND video premiere from one of our favorite Kentucky artists. The one, the only, Rhyan Sinclair!
Rhyan is a young lady with more talent in her pinky than I’ll ever possess, so I’m going to let her music do most of the talking on this one. I will add this though, Rhyan Sinclair is wise beyond her years and her songwriting ability continues to blossom with every single song. So today we’re honored to premiere her brand new song and video for ‘Where I’ll Be Found.'”Where I’ll Be Found” is included on her brand new album, ‘Letters To Aliens.’ That will drop on March 4th for everyone, but you can pre-order, or pre-save it now at this link. (more…)
These Halls Are All Decked Out! Castle Noel Celebrates Christmas, Hollywood Style!
Christmas is a holiday that means different things to different people. It’s the time of year, no matter what a person’s belief system may be, they try and treat people how we should treat people everyday. In the cold and often bitter winter season, the human spirit brightens up our world and reminds us all of our humanity and allows us to show our appreciation to those we love.
Christmas in Hollywood captures that spirit and then serves it back to us in the form of heartwarming stories of love, family and often times nostalgia. That’s where Medina, Ohio enters this article.
Wait, what? That’s right, Medina, Ohio. See, the outlying suburb of Cleveland and/or Akron is the home of Castle Noel. A magical place full of movie memorabilia that will warm any heart and provide smiles for all those who enter. You’ll find something from just about any of your favorite holiday classics. From “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” to “A Christmas Story” to “Elf” to “A Christmas Carol” to “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and everywhere in-between, you’re not going home with a frown and that’s a promise. (more…)