Loudon Snowden Wainwright III
is an American songwriter, folk singer, humorist, and actor. His natural delivery and wry humor speaks to the fact that there will always be a “Dead Skunk” in the middle of the road.
His sister is Sloan Wainwright.
He is the father of musicians, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, and Lucy Wainwright Roche.
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Dawes
Dawes is an American folk-rock band that has spent the last decade and a half serving as the primary torchbearers for the “Laurel Canyon sound.” Formed in Los Angeles in 2009 following the dissolution of the post-punk band Simon Dawes, the group transitioned into a more organic, roots-oriented aesthetic. Led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, the band quickly established itself as a critical darling, blending the poetic introspection of 1970s singer-songwriters with the muscular, live-performance energy of a seasoned rock ensemble. Their music is often described as timeless, evoking the ghost of Jackson Browne, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the gritty guitar sensibilities of Neil Young.At the heart of the band’s identity is Taylor Goldsmith’s songwriting. He is widely regarded as one of his generation’s most gifted lyricists, possessing an uncanny ability to spin conversational phrases into profound existential observations. His songs often function as short stories, populated by characters grappling with the passage of time, the nuances of modern love, and the quiet tragedies of everyday life. This narrative depth is anchored by his brother Griffin’s drumming, which is characterized by a melodic, soulful touch that provides the band’s rhythmic backbone. Together, their sibling chemistry creates a telepathic musical foundation that has remained the group’s constant through various lineup changes.The band’s discography serves as a chronicle of their evolution from retro-leaning folk-rockers to sophisticated studio craftsmen. Their debut album, North Hills, was recorded live to analog tape, capturing a warm, hazy atmosphere that felt like a rediscovered relic from 1971. As they progressed through albums like Nothing Is Wrong and Stories Don’t End, their sound expanded to include more polished production and adventurous arrangements. However, they never lost the “live in a room” feel that makes their records feel intimate and authentic. By the time they reached All Your Favorite Bands, they had solidified their status as a premiere live act, known for extended jams and a rotating setlist that rewards a dedicated, cult-like following.In recent years, Dawes has navigated a significant transition. After the departure of long-time members Wylie Gelber and Lee Pardini, the Goldsmith brothers decided to continue as a duo, a move reflected in their ninth studio album, Oh Brother (2024). This latest era emphasizes the raw connection between the two siblings, stripping back some of the auxiliary instrumentation to focus on the interplay between Taylor’s guitar and Griffin’s percussion. Despite the smaller core membership, the band continues to tour with a robust live lineup, maintaining their reputation for high-energy performances that bridge the gap between indie-folk and classic stadium rock.Ultimately, Dawes occupies a unique space in the modern musical landscape. They are a band’s band, frequently invited to back legendary artists like Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson, and Elvis Costello. They have avoided the fleeting trends of the digital age, opting instead for a career built on craftsmanship, touring, and a deep respect for the tradition of American songwriting. For their fans, a Dawes song is more than just a melody; it is a mirror reflecting the complexities of growing up and growing older in an ever-changing world.Dawes-FB page
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Alice Merton
Alice Merton
Growing up around the world, singer/songwriter Alice Merton was as influenced by other cultures as much as transience itself. Born in Germany and raised in Canada and England, Alice Merton’s absorption of different styles and sounds helped craft the worldly progressive pop leanings on her debut, which came out in 2016. As a child, she learned classical piano and singing while in Canada. When Merton was a teenager, her family moved to Germany, where she would pick up the guitar and write her first song. While in Germany, she also studied at the Mannheim conservatory of music. Later, the family would relocate again, this time to England. These frequent international shifts would play a key role in the songwriting process for her first output, 2016’s No Roots EP (Paper Plane Records International / Mom+Pop Music). The four-track effort included the groove-heavy title track and “Hit the Ground Running”. Merton won the EBBA award 2018. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi
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Danny O’Keefe
Danny O’Keefe
In the 1970’s, Danny O’Keefe put out a string of albums that cemented his reputation as being among the best songwriters of his generation. These days, casual fans know him best for his Top Ten hit “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues” or Jackson Browne’s version of “The Road” from the classic Running On Empty album. But the story didn’t end in the 70’s. He recorded “The Day To Day” in 1985 with the two Top Twenty Adult Contemporary songs “Along For The Ride” and “Someday”. Working with Bob Dylan’s company, Special Rider Music, he co-wrote “Well, Well, Well” with Bob and other songs successfully recorded by artists like Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss, and Alan Jackson.
