Them Coulee Boys frontman Soren Staff wanted the Eau Claire, Wis.-based band’s third album to hang together thematically. Like many bands, their first album was everything they had written prior to forming; their second was mainly leftovers.

Author David Whiteis believes blues music and blues artists don't get proper recognition as part of the great African-American migration of the 20th century.

Shawn Hoeft of Bloomington believes her son Zac would have celebrated his 29th birthday this year had the unknown gunman who killed him been exposed to conflict resolution.

Bloomington native Matthew Curry says his "guitar gun-slinger" days may not be completely over, but his sound should evolve.

Joe Stamm said his version of country music contains rural American imagery and deeply personal songwriting.

Michael Mwenso's music destiny appeared after his mother was deported from their home in London to her native Africa.

The principal songwriter and lead vocalist for the Bloomington-Normal folk-rock quintet Sherwood Forest said the group's new EP digs into personal struggles both internal and with family, friends, and lovers.

Intentionally recording a studio album in front of a live audience can be perilous. What if the audience doesn't respond? What if the performers aren't in synch musically that night?

Alcohol and anger fuel many of the original songs on the just released "The Gill Street Sessions" live album from Saybrook singer-songwriter Chris Corkery .

Good Morning Bedlam is another young string band more inspired by — than tethered to — traditional bluegrass.