American Songwriter News

Krislyn Arthurs Shows Her Country Credentials With "Honky Tonk PhD" from Her Forthcoming Debut Album (Exclusive Premiere)

“I Feel Like Such an Idiot”: Bluegrass Star Makes Tour Date Changes Following Skateboarding Accident

What better way to promote a new album than to perform at Coachella? That’s exactly what Kacey Musgraves thought when she took over the Mojave stage for the massive festival. On May 1, Musgraves will celebrate the release of her newest album, Middle of Nowhere. Featuring collaborations with Billy Strings and Miranda Lambert, Musgraves even teamed up with Willie Nelson for the story of “Uncertain, TX.” Showcasing the new song at Coachella, it seemed that Musgraves had little time for “f***boys.” For any singer, getting the chance to work with Nelson is a dream, milestone, and honor. Not only an icon in country music, but Nelson’s voice also defined the era of outlaws. And even in his 90s, he continues to share his love for music and the life of a free spirit. When needing the perfect narrator for her song, Musgraves knew just the singer to turn to. “I had to have Willie on this song. He’s like the patriarch of truth in so many ways. It was important for him to be the narrator, becau

3 of the Best Classic Rock Songs That Opened Albums From the 1960s

Beloved Country and Rock Legend Dead From Incurable Disease

4 Self-Titled Albums That Helped Make 1976 a Special Year in Music

Brooks Rosser & Rae Go Public With Romance on ‘American Idol’ Disney Night

If The Rolling Stones are the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll bands, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” may just be the song that brought it all together. The band started as a blues combo in 1962, evolved into a pop outfit, and then found their footing as rock stars. The lyrics’ imagery and the killer riff’s raw power add up to a “gas, gas, gas.” Let’s take a look at the story behind “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones. Even though the writing credit is Jagger-Richards, the song originated with the bass player. Bill Wyman wrote in his 1990 memoir Stone Alone: “The crucial riff for this song was mine, and it evolved in the unorthodox way that some of the best ideas do. One night during rehearsals at Morden, I was sitting at the piano waiting for Mick [Jagger] and Keith [Richards] to arrive. Charlie [Watts] and Brian [Jones] came in as I began playing the electronic keyboard, messing around with a great riff I’d found. Charlie and Brian began jamming with me, and it sounded really good and tough.

On Saturday, Billy Strings put the final touches on a two-night run at the Jon Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. For those who purchased a ticket, they received a special opportunity as Strings delivered a setlist unlike any other. Showcasing just how far he can make a guitar bend to his will, Strings ended the night with a solo that left the crowd in awe. But it wasn’t long after he left the stage that fans wanted more. And hoping to give them one last song, it all came tumbling down when Strings supposedly broke his leg right before the encore. For most singers, a mishap will happen before or during the show. But when it came to Strings, he ended his concert in high spirits. When returning backstage, he even jumped on his skateboard to do a few tricks as fans chanted for an encore. Simple soaking in the moment, he believed it was the perfect time to execute a kick flip. The only problem – gravity had other plans as Strings hit the floor. Read more at link in bio

Jeff Buckley Called Morrissey a “Living Legend” and Covered These Two ‘The Queen Is Dead’ Era Songs by The Smiths

Dusty Springfield Wanted to Record This Future 1967 Hit, but the Songwriters Refused: “We Knew It Was a Hit”

3 Random Dave Matthews Band Songs That Are Better Than Your Fave

Billy Corgan recently declared AI to be making a deal with the “devil.” Appearing on the And the Writer Is podcast, Corgan didn’t shy away from the topic of AI. Like most, he watched in real time as AI completely took over social media. Making it nearly impossible to differentiate fact from fiction, Corgan only focused on its use in the music industry. “I refuse, refuse, patently refuse to use AI in my music creation.” Although Corgan saw the advantages of AI in some professions, in music – “it’s a deal with the devil. Simple. Whether it’s the Promethean fire myth or whatever, to me, you’re literally leaning into the thing that will destroy you. Period.” He believed there was greatness in the creative process. “The pressure, the inspiration, the soul searching, the ‘I’m not sure I got anything else to say’. It’s all part of the journey that a songwriter needs to go through.” Aside from the music industry, Corgan took one last shot at AI, warning that the technology would do more

3 Deep Cuts From Classic Albums That Fans Now Love More Than the Hits

4 Times Levon Helm Put His Definitive Stamp on Songs Not Originally Written for Him

In the early 2000s, Iron Maiden became eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, hitting the 25-year mark from their first commercial release. But it would take over two decades from that moment for the hit band to be inducted. Having been nominated in the past, Iron Maiden was finally announced as part of the 2026 Induction Class. While thrilled over receiving the honor, it appears that the group decided to skip the Rock Hall ceremony to spend it with the ones who have been there from the start. While announcing the full class of induction members, the celebration won’t take place until November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. At the same time, Iron Maiden will be on tour in Australia. On November 13, the band will take the stage in Melbourne. Only two days later, they will perform in Sydney. With a year full of concerts, Iron Maiden didn’t want to disappoint the fans. “As the most observant have already noticed, the band will be on tour in Australia around the Novemb

3 Slow-Build Songs From the 1990s That Still Give Me Goosebumps