Die Midwestern. Arlo McKinley Delivers A Hauntingly Beautiful, Yet Painful, Collection Of Truth
Cincinnati, OH – For many Kentuckians, the name Arlo McKinley is immediately recognized as a stellar songwriter that is able to deliver like few others can even imagine. Arlo’s transparency is his secret weapon and his ability to be brutally honest is the reason why so many relate to his stories.
If you aren’t familiar with Arlo or his music, then allow me to introduce you to your new favorite artist. I am not kidding.
When you speak of an artist that has “paid their dues,” Arlo is the perfect embodiment of that sentiment. McKinley is a Cincinnati native that has made his own way. He’s played nearly every imaginable venue from Cincinnati to Huntington to Lexington to Nashville. He’s even been involved in several shows that Capture Kentucky has been a part of.
(more…)Crack Open This Six-Pack With Kelsey Waldon
We’re cracking open this six pack with Monkeys Eyebrow, Kentucky’s own Kelsey Waldon. If you aren’t familiar with Kelsey, shame on you!! Just kidding, Kelsey has paid her dues touring relentlessly and honing her craft and her career is certainly on the rise.
Her craft of songwriting caught the ear of none other than John Prine. Mr. Prine signed Kelsey to his label, Oh Boy Records and on October 4th, she drops her new album ‘White Noise / White Lines.” Kelsey holds the distinction of being the first artist signing at Oh Boy Records in over 15 years.
If you want to hear a preview of her album, you can catch her set at the Railbird Festival this weekend. She’s playing The Burl Stage from 2:00-2:45 on Sunday. (more…)
REVIEW: Appalachian Gold Struck Again. Ian Noe Releases ‘Between The Country’ On May 31st
The world is seeing a musical shift, a revolution, a renaissance, a renewal and a revival and Kentucky artists are leading the charge. Artists like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers command music lovers attention. The latest sensation that is destined to follow their lead is Ian Noe.
While nothing is ever really a sure thing in music, it’s safe to put some bets on Ian Noe and his music. Ian’s music will never be heard on terrestrial radio, it’s too authentic. His music will never be on an Avenger’s soundtrack, it’s too real and his music may never top the mainstream Billboard charts, but dropping in at number 47 on the Emerging Artists Chart, poised to make a decent Top 200 debut next week, is not an easy task. With that momentum and time on his side, Ian could (and hopefully he does) prove me wrong. I’d likely never be any happier about being wrong.
Furthermore, what is evident is that Noe’s music has struck a chord with fans of real music. If the internet has done one thing right, it’s given the power to choose the music they want back to the fans, not what has been force fed through MTV or terrestrial radio.
Noe’s authenticity and relatability are precisely why his music will last well beyond the careers of the skinny jean wearing, pop stars disguised as “Country.”
A lot of what makes Ian Noe and his music unique, is the environment that he grew up in. As many Eastern Kentuckians do, Ian moved away to Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville. He tried starting a band, but was drawn back home with the promise of a decent job. Jobs are scarce in Beattyville and cities have a way of humbling a fella that isn’t used to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Beattyville is located in Lee County. I’m a lifelong Kentuckian and I spent some time in neighboring Breathitt County growing up. Yet, I’ve only been to Beattyville once. That was to visit my Grandmother’s sister. If you’ve ever been to Beattyville, I’d venture to say that your reasoning was similar. The area is somewhat of a forgotten corner of Appalachia and is often cited as one of the poorest counties in the United States. (more…)
Master Musician’s Fest Celebrates It’s 25th Edition With John Prine, Amanda Shires And Many More In Somerset, KY!
Twenty-five years. Seems like forever one you’re a kid, but as an adult, those years seemingly pass overnight. I went down to celebrate the occasion and show support for a wonderful event ran by even better people. I hope you enjoy the photos! (more…)
A Night With The Master Musicians Festival At The Burl Takeover
Somerset, Kentucky is a small city that many others could learn from. They have found their niche and are thriving. You could take a trip to Lake Cumberland to relax. You could enjoy one of many Somernites Cruises. Maybe you would prefer to enjoy the SomerSplash waterpark. For my money, you need to make the trip to Somerset on July 13th and 14th. That’s when the 25th edition of the Master Musicians Festival takes place.
This year’s headliner is folk legend John Prine. That should be enough of an incentive to go, but if not, allow me to talk some sense into ya. In addition to Mr. Prine, you’ll also be treated to performances by Amanda Shires, JD McPherson, the Felice Brothers and The Dead South. Still not convinced? What if I told you that some of the regions top talent will be showcased (more…)
These 15 Songs About Kentucky Will Make You Love Our Commonwealth Even More
Music written about our beloved Bluegrass state are obviously near and dear to our hearts here at Capture Kentucky. So much so, that we decided to compile a list of our favorites. We hope you enjoy! (more…)