Stephen Trageser
@stephentrageser615.bsky.social
music editor, Nashville Scene; regular, Gyro Spot; some call him "Goose"; probably thinking about Kate Bush
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"I was put on Earth to do a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die."
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"I was put on Earth to do a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die."
Boots, scooting AND boogeying? Ashley Spurgeon Shamban, maybe best known to Scene readers for recapping every damn episode of 'Nashville,' went to the CMA Awards for us.
Culture correspondent and seasoned critic Ashley Spurgeon Shamban put boots on the ground at Bridgestone Arena and brought us this in-person report on the 59th Annual CMA Awards.
Lainey Wilson, Zach Top and More Win Big at the 59th Annual CMA Awards
Cultural correspondent Ashley Spurgeon Shamban put her boots on the ground at Bridgestone Arena for a report on the 59th annual awards show.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Boots, scooting AND boogeying? Ashley Spurgeon Shamban, maybe best known to Scene readers for recapping every damn episode of 'Nashville,' went to the CMA Awards for us.
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
As our editor likes to say, all of our work is free to access. None of it is free to produce.
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November 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
As our editor likes to say, all of our work is free to access. None of it is free to produce.
nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
nashville-public-media.fundjournalism.org/makeagift/?c...
Thanks to Jason for catching up with Rufus Wainwright. Sounds like they had a great time and these shows will be a special and kinda weird thing, which is how I like it.
Rufus Wainwright Talks Weill Tribute ‘I’m a Stranger Here Myself’
We check in with the polymath singer-songwriter about his forthcoming ‘I’m a Stranger Here Myself’ ahead of a two-show engagement at City Winery.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Thanks to Jason for catching up with Rufus Wainwright. Sounds like they had a great time and these shows will be a special and kinda weird thing, which is how I like it.
Stoked for this:
Due to demand, a second night has been added to The Features and Glossary's benefit show. The outstanding Middle Tennessee rock bands are reuniting to support public and community radio.
The Features and Glossary Reunite for Benefit Shows
Only a few tickets remain for second night of the January run of gigs at Eastside Bowl supporting public and community radio stations.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Stoked for this:
Thanks to @hannahcron.bsky.social for catching up with Margo Price, coming back to the Ryman this week. New band and record rip.
Margo Price Swings Back to Old-School Country
We talk with the ace singer-songwriter about ‘Hard Headed Woman’ ahead of her Nov. 20 Ryman show.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Thanks to @hannahcron.bsky.social for catching up with Margo Price, coming back to the Ryman this week. New band and record rip.
Thanks to Bailey and new-to-us photog Erin Folk for hitting up Soft Junk for Joelton Mayfield's release party. Sounds like a blast!
In our live-review column The Spin, standout songsmith Joelton Mayfield celebrated his long-in-the-works debut LP ‘Crowd Pleaser’ at Soft Junk.
Joelton Mayfield Gets His Flowers for ‘Crowd Pleaser’
In our live-review column The Spin, the rising songsmith celebrated his debut full-length with help from lots of friends at Soft Junk.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Thanks to Bailey and new-to-us photog Erin Folk for hitting up Soft Junk for Joelton Mayfield's release party. Sounds like a blast!
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
Prolific Nashville folk singer-songwriter Todd Snider has died at age 59.
Todd Snider Dies at 59
According to posts on Snider’s social media accounts, it was determined this week that the singer was “suffering from an undiagnosed case of walking pneumonia,” and ultimately died on Friday.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Prolific Nashville folk singer-songwriter Todd Snider has died at age 59.
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
He’s being celebrated by GQ today, so here’s a reup of my September cover interview with noted man MJ Lenderman for @nashvillescene.com. Among other things we talked multitool masculinity, David Berman’s AMA thread and the hilarious (and sympathetic) appeal of the sad sack
AmericanaFest Preview 2025: Talking With M.J. Lenderman
The lauded songsmith and multiple Americana Awards nominee discusses his influences, including the late, great David Berman
www.nashvillescene.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM
He’s being celebrated by GQ today, so here’s a reup of my September cover interview with noted man MJ Lenderman for @nashvillescene.com. Among other things we talked multitool masculinity, David Berman’s AMA thread and the hilarious (and sympathetic) appeal of the sad sack
Big thanks to Daryl for diving in on this big ol' exhibit:
This week's cover story: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit — ‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’ — puts a spotlight on Muscle Shoals’ rise as a hitmaking recording center.
‘Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising’ Spotlights a Hitmaking Center
Talking to musicians and co-curators about the new exhibit, whose two-plus-year run at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum begins Nov. 14
www.nashvillescene.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Big thanks to Daryl for diving in on this big ol' exhibit:
And singer-songwriter Tim Easton talks about pets and spiritual connection in his latest annual SAFPAW benefit single "Joni's Song." SAFPAW helps folks in need and their pets, cool and important work.
Tim Easton’s Hymn-Like ‘Joni’s Song’ Benefits SAFPAW
Spin the songsmith’s annual single for the nonprofit helping unhoused folks and their pets.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:41 PM
And singer-songwriter Tim Easton talks about pets and spiritual connection in his latest annual SAFPAW benefit single "Joni's Song." SAFPAW helps folks in need and their pets, cool and important work.
After a sick day, turned around a couple v quick li'l blog items. First up, Ernest Tubb Record Shop does its grand reopening tomorrow:
Ernest Tubb Record Shop Prepares for a Comeback
The revived Lower Broadway landmark will celebrate its grand reopening — including an expansion with multiple bar and performance spaces — on Nov. 13.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:40 PM
After a sick day, turned around a couple v quick li'l blog items. First up, Ernest Tubb Record Shop does its grand reopening tomorrow:
A band of blue-collar Quebecois punks plus one who earned his Ph.D. studying the mainstreaming of fascism in Europe — and whose music has a "Whoas Per Minute" count? Say no more. Thanks to P.J. for catching up with Oli Sasseville from Béton Armé.
Before high-energy Montreal punks Béton Armé play Drkmttr, P.J. Kinzer talks to the band’s Oli Sasseville about their far-ranging oi! influences.
Béton Armé Makes High-Energy Punk With International Flavor
Talking to the Montreal band’s Oli Sasseville about their far-ranging oi! Influences ahead of their show at Drkmttr.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A band of blue-collar Quebecois punks plus one who earned his Ph.D. studying the mainstreaming of fascism in Europe — and whose music has a "Whoas Per Minute" count? Say no more. Thanks to P.J. for catching up with Oli Sasseville from Béton Armé.
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
"I’d wager that many people have certain go-to images of vets. ... Of course, that’s just a small percentage." In 2019, Navy veteran and then-Scene staffer J.R. Lind wrote about Veterans Day.
Veterans' Affairs: For Your Service
Every veteran’s story is different. Here’s mine.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
"I’d wager that many people have certain go-to images of vets. ... Of course, that’s just a small percentage." In 2019, Navy veteran and then-Scene staffer J.R. Lind wrote about Veterans Day.
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive.
Tennessee Secretary of State Orders ‘Age-Appropriateness Review’ of Library Books
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive, with some calling the plan “anti-public-librar...
www.nashvillescene.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Tennessee public libraries are launching an “immediate age-appropriateness review” of children’s and teens’ books following a state government directive.
Big thanks to DPR and Ang for catching Macca last night!
Paul McCartney and his longtime band brought an age-defying 150-minute hit parade to Nashville’s The Pinnacle Thursday night. Here’s @dpatrickrodgers.bsky.social’s review.
Paul McCartney Unleashes Age-Defying 150-Minute Hit Parade at The Pinnacle
The former Beatle and his longtime band brought the Got Back tour to The Pinnacle in downtown Nashville Thursday night.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Big thanks to DPR and Ang for catching Macca last night!
Big paper this week. Also in my section: Thanks to PJ Kinzer for a great talk with the guy behind Angel Du$t (who goes way back with the Turnstile crew) about authenticity and punk gatekeeping.
Angel Du$t’s Justice Tripp Talks Expanding Hardcore Punk
Getting into the philosophical intricacies of pushing the envelope in a notoriously insular genre ahead of the band's show at Eastside Bowl.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Big paper this week. Also in my section: Thanks to PJ Kinzer for a great talk with the guy behind Angel Du$t (who goes way back with the Turnstile crew) about authenticity and punk gatekeeping.
Thanks to the people working to keep as much of Nashville weird as possible over the years (hi, Leslie Keffer), I am aware of Rat Bastard and what he's done for alt scenes in Miami and elsewhere. Not small stuff!
A fundraiser seeks $50,000 to support Rat Bastard’s recovery and medical costs following a serious accident.
GoFundMe Launched for Miami Noise Legend Rat Bastard
A fundraiser seeks $50,000 to support Rat Bastard’s recovery and medical costs following a serious accident.
www.miaminewtimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Thanks to the people working to keep as much of Nashville weird as possible over the years (hi, Leslie Keffer), I am aware of Rat Bastard and what he's done for alt scenes in Miami and elsewhere. Not small stuff!
Greatly appreciate Daryl catching up with The White Animals, who are doing their Shea Stadium-type farewell to public performance at Exit/In.
The White Animals Prepare for Their Last Public Appearance
Daryl Sanders catches up with the Nashville rock legends ahead of their show — a farewell to regular live performance, if not one-off gigs and recording — at Exit/In.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Greatly appreciate Daryl catching up with The White Animals, who are doing their Shea Stadium-type farewell to public performance at Exit/In.
Reposted by Stephen Trageser
Did you know Tennessee is the birthplace of the for-profit prison industry? Great, important work here from @julianneakers.bsky.social
This week’s cover story: Examining Tennessee’s relationship with CoreCivic, one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies.
Core Issues: Examining Tennessee’s Relationship With CoreCivic
A look at one of the country’s largest for-profit private prison companies — and the politics, money and institutions that have contributed to its power
www.nashvillescene.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Did you know Tennessee is the birthplace of the for-profit prison industry? Great, important work here from @julianneakers.bsky.social
It isn't my home / It's their home / And I'm welcome no more
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Redirecting...
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November 6, 2025 at 4:03 AM
It isn't my home / It's their home / And I'm welcome no more
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Stoked for J.R. to run down some tunes it'd be a sheer delight to hear Macca bust out when he touches down in Nashville tomorrow!
Country Dreaming in the Friendly State: Songs We'd Love Sir Paul to Sing
Running down seven tunes we'd be delighted to hear Paul McCartney bust out when he plays The Pinnacle on Nov. 6.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Stoked for J.R. to run down some tunes it'd be a sheer delight to hear Macca bust out when he touches down in Nashville tomorrow!
The deal for Opry Entertainment Group to take over the 6800-cap amphitheater looks to be done and approved. The credit union keeps the naming rights.
The Metro Council on Tuesday night approved the 10-year operating agreement for Opry Entertainment Group to run downtown Nashville's riverfront amphitheater.
Ascend to Retain Naming Rights at Opry-Run Amphitheater
Metro Council approves 10-year operating agreement for Opry Entertainment Group
www.nashvillescene.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The deal for Opry Entertainment Group to take over the 6800-cap amphitheater looks to be done and approved. The credit union keeps the naming rights.
Very much appreciate Bobbie speaking with so many folks about Luke Bell's legacy. If the title track is any indication, this tribute archival release is gonna be something else.
Luke Bell’s Legacy Gets Honored With ‘The King Is Back’
Friends and family salute the phenomenal country singer with the album of unreleased recordings and a tribute show at Grimey's.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Very much appreciate Bobbie speaking with so many folks about Luke Bell's legacy. If the title track is any indication, this tribute archival release is gonna be something else.
Also very much appreciate Hannah getting an overview of the new Museum of Christian and Gospel Music.
The recently opened Museum of Christian and Gospel Music brings together all walks of faith-based music. Hannah Herner talks with executive director Steve Gilreath.
Museum of Christian and Gospel Music Covers a Broad Swath
Executive director Steve Gilreath talks celebrating a wide variety of faith-based music and intersections with secular culture.
www.nashvillescene.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Also very much appreciate Hannah getting an overview of the new Museum of Christian and Gospel Music.
Super stoked for this. Big thanks to Annie for the interview!
Ahead of a benefit screening of ‘Spyboy: Live at Exit/In,’ Annie Parnell talks with Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller about the film and forthcoming reissue of the 1998 live album.
Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, ‘Spyboy’ and the Church of Dog
Annie Parnell talks with the eminent musicians about the reissue of 1998’s ‘Spyboy’ and a benefit screening at the Belcourt of ‘Spyboy: Live at the Exit/In.’
www.nashvillescene.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Super stoked for this. Big thanks to Annie for the interview!