"I believe the old days of the music industry are long gone forever for many reasons. For one the music style of the world has changed completely now. We live in George Orwell’s futuristic world whereby everything is programed and the government controls society."

Brian Tarquin: Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes

A heavy and glorious fusion-prog…

"My inner life is the source that determines how I write about what I am experiencing. What influences me is everything that I experience. By this I mean from love and friendship to politics, the working world from tech to traffic to social media, rain walking, etc."

Fred Hostetler: Americana Experiences

Fred Hostetler is an indie artist, American…

"To keep gratitude and humility at the forefront of my paths in life and music."

Brothers Brown: Nowhere Left To Go

The cliché “Don’t judge a book by the cover” does and does not apply to the cosmically colorful artwork that adorns the new sophomore album, “Nowhere Left To Go” (2024) from Brothers Brown. The thirteen songs written…

"Music is the one force that can bring humanity together. We can change minds and hearts by being advocates for love and light. I believe social media is responsible for most of the divisive misinformation in this world and a song like Only Love can only help spread Love and Light to the world if your hearts and minds are open. My wish is for this song to go 'viral' and use our social media for good!"…

"The primary lesson is not to expect anything. Music may go on, but music doesn’t care about me. It doesn’t need me. Music has to be loved and pursued without expectation of reward."

S.E.Willis: American Roots Music Journey

S.E.Willis (Steve Willis), originally from West Virginia, has been playing the piano and harmonica since the age of six, and…

"Music is a release for me the lyrics the musicianship and the sentiment is all relevant... blues has been for me and always will be a solid platform of inspiration and learning … I don’t think that will change; I hope that whoever listens to my music will find something to take away from it … I hope that the vocals and lyrics will catch the attention of all ages and the sentiments imparted will go a long way. This day and aged people probably need a bit of…

"My hope is that younger generations will fall in love with this music much like I did ... My fear is that they’re not being exposed to Americana is big amongst younger audiences in my opinion Blues should be a bigger part of that. When you talk about American Music Blues is woven into, and provides the bedrock for everything Rock country R&B jazz etc. so if you’re talking Americana. What’s more American than Blues."…

"I feel that music should make you dance, think and also be aware of what’s going on around you and all over the world. Be willing to accept other people perspectives."

Mike Wheeler: Chicago Blues Hall of Famer

Mike Wheeler has a vast knowledge of music and a voice that's reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. He can sing and play everything so well…

"When you think about it, blues is at the heart of so much of modern music that its impact must be immense. I can only imagine how boring the music scene would be without that blues influence. Despite the origins of blues being based on suffering, poverty, pain or any number of human conditions, I like to think that its effect on people will be to bring them together, give them a real good time and have them feel warm and happy…

I believe that soul always plays main role on the blues scene. Technique is very important as a method of expression thou. I think that the blues is not just another style of music. It’s something more, wider and stronger, with ability to unite people and survive through the years."

Levan Lomidze: The Man And His Blues

In…

"Music can have a huge impact on society. Just look at the Blues Revival of the 1960s which led to the counter-cultural rock music which in turn affected politics and society in general.  I want music to make people think and feel."

Bruce Katz: American Music Connections…

"Music has always been at the forefront of world cultural issues and expression. It could possibly be the best non-aggressive way to express an opinion about any subject. We just want our music to relate with people. We want you to have a good time at live shows and let the music take you away when you need it."

Robert Jon & The Wreck:…

"My sound is based on the traditional blues, gospel, funk, rock. I think all my recordings have bits and pieces, of all those genres. Which I grew up with in my household, continue to rely on them still today."

Bernard Allison: Legendary Blues Bloodline

Arriving as Ruf Records marks its 30th anniversary and more than three decades since…

"I think its due to the strong blues societies we have in Canada. So many devoted blues fans who want to see the genre stay in the forefront devote hours of their time volunteering to that end! Running and planning festivals, organizing events, keeping blues societies running and fostering new young blues talent, are all key to generate a following. These devoted folks are the unsung heroes of the blues. Without them, we are…

"I'm definitely thankful to have found a way to share my thoughts and feelings with people. We live in a world where there's plenty to say. I talk about it all; the greed of society, the paradox of what people believe in and the way they act, etc. People can easily identify with those songs or it can just open their minds and explore different ways of thinking."

Ghalia Volt: Shout Sister…

"I want my music to hold up a mirror to life. And in life there are happy times and sad times. So my Blues is sometimes happy and sometimes sad. But even playing the sad songs makes me feel better. Music has been my salvation."

Tinsley Ellis: The Naked Truth of The Blues

On Friday, February 9, 2024, Alligator Records will release Naked Truth, the…

"Blues and jazz music will always live on even if the renditions change. What's positive about today IS the vast availability of music now at your fingertips. I think it’s easier for people to go back and listen to the musical legacy of the last 100 years. What I like about nowadays is the mixing of so many genres and influences from certain decades, 60's, 70's, 80's etc. People are listening back to things and using those influences and genres and creating…

"What I've experienced from my years as an artist in the Blues circuit, is that it brings people from all social classes, ages and cultures together. Generally I think all music brings people together, but the blues society is more like a big family a bit away from the more commercial music scene."

Ronny Aagren: Nothin' But The Blues

Ronny Aagren…

"I think the role of art in today’s society is to provide a place for people to express themselves artistically and for others to experience those creations and take what they want to from them to enrich their own lives. Sometimes I think of myself as someone who spends more time creating art than consuming it, but when I think of all of the time that I spend each week reading, listening to music or watching movies etc. I realize that it’s not even…

"I think jazz has made its impact through its flexibility and inclusivity, along with its democratic underpinnings. I don’t just mean this in the abstract. If you look at the instrumentation, you’ll see that any and all instruments and styles can be adapted to its improvisational format."

Jonathan Toscano: Talking With The Jazz

Jonathan Toscano is…