15 Artists You Need To See At SoundLand

Nashville’s upcoming SoundLand music fest (9/21-9/24) will feature a ton of artists, many of whom we’ve covered extensively. The reason? They’re awesome and we love them. For example, Justin Townes Earle, the subject of our split cover with his famous dad, Steve, will be there. So will M. Ward, Dawes, and Jonny Corndawg (on the same bill, no less).

Here’s a primer on who else you should be catching live with your SoundLand pass. Click on each artist’s names to delve into some of our coverage.

Ben Sollee – Cello playing, bike riding wunderkind; has jammed with My Morning Jacket and Billy Bragg.

Robert Ellis – We’ve dubbed him the future of country music; the good kind.

Keegan DeWitt – A local institution whose becoming a national name; infectious and fun. His “Two Hearts” is a dance rock anthem.

Jessica Lea Mayfield – The Black Keys love this melancholy singer-songwriter, and so do we. “Our Hearts Are Wrong” will mess with your head.

The Apache Relay – loveable goofballs with Arcade Fire-like energy on stage; we recently sent them to the jungles of NAMM. They made it back alive.

Tristen – A charming and talented local songstress, Tristen’s debut Charlatans At The Gate is required listening. Critics agree, she’s one to watch.

The Low Anthem – This multi-instrumental quartet, a non-country band that Emmylou Harris brought to the Grand Ole Opry – have a sound that’s all their own; catch them before they wrap up their three-year tour.

Charlie Mars – Mary-Louise Parker, a connoisseur of singer-songwriters, hipped us to this Mississippi rocker behind “Listen To The Darkside.”

Roman Candle – Indie rock music vets co-lead by husband and wife Skip and Timshel Matheny. You might know Skip from our Drinks With series (he’s knocked them back with Julian Casablancas, Arctic Monkeys, and Mumford & Sons.)

Natalie Prass– One short year ago, this up-and-coming songstress graduated from Middle Tennessee State University’s Commercial Songwriting program. By the sound of things, they must be doing something right.

Alabama Shakes – Got soul? So do newcomers Alabama Shakes, in abundance. Otis Redding would approve.

PUJOL – A one man guitar army with a gritty voice, Daniel Pujol impressed Jack White enough to have the Third Man Records impresario produce one of his songs, “Too Safe.” Come see what the fuss is about.

Madi Diaz – This singer-songwriter duo (Madi Diaz and her cohort Kyle Ryan) deliver sweet, rootsy harmonies that will make you feel warm and tingly.

Andrew Combs– Back before his career took off, this guy used to intern for us. We guess we owe him the shoutout for doing our filing. But we’d give it to him anyway, because he’s a hell of a songwriter.

Jason Isbell – The former Drive-By-Truckers’ tweets are almost as excellent as his songs. Follow him immediately.

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Keep visiting Americansongwriter.com for more SoundLand goodness. We’re setting up some amazing live sessions and interviews next Thursday from 3:00-5:00 PM — part of SoundLand’s “Field Trips” that will be open to all wristband holders.