@jtolleyturner.bsky.social
Vincent Mason has been on my radar for a while now, and I'm super glad he's getting the flowers he deserves. Quality stuff in a weird time for country music.
Vincent Mason Talks Songwriting, Touring & Making Music That Showcases ‘A Complete Scope of My Life’
Vincent Mason Talks Songwriting, Touring & Making Music That Showcases ‘A Complete Scope of My Life’
Vincent Mason is Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month for April.
bit.ly
April 18, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Vincent Mason has been on my radar for a while now, and I'm super glad he's getting the flowers he deserves. Quality stuff in a weird time for country music.
Sooooo much great new music this week! April as a whole has been great so far, and I'm super excited to give so many records on this list a listen.
Hear new albums by one-third of boygenius, two-thirds of Carolina Chocolate Drops, and one-quarter of TV on the Radio.
The best new albums out April 18
Hear new albums by one-third of boygenius, two-thirds of Carolina Chocolate Drops, and one-quarter of TV on the Radio.
www.npr.org
April 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Sooooo much great new music this week! April as a whole has been great so far, and I'm super excited to give so many records on this list a listen.
One of my latest stories about a great local Spokane band. I love talking the local scene with those who are a heavy part of it - especially with a younger group like Timeworm.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
'Spokane is just hungry for good artists,' and band Timeworm is ready to dish out tunes
Local band Timeworm has been keeping a heavy foot on the music-making gas for quite some time. Now the band is on the cusp of releasing its debut album.
www.spokesman.com
April 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
One of my latest stories about a great local Spokane band. I love talking the local scene with those who are a heavy part of it - especially with a younger group like Timeworm.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
A story from last week about a band I've gotten to know very well over the years, looking forward to this next venture! P.S. this was also the first time in who knows how long we have film photography in the Spokesman ;)
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Spokane's Vika & the Velvets to release lead single Friday; new album out in June
Spokane’s own Olivia Vika, frontrunner of Vika & the Velvets, has spent years establishing herself as a key presence within the Lilac City’s music scene. She has a new album on the way this summer...
www.spokesman.com
April 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
A story from last week about a band I've gotten to know very well over the years, looking forward to this next venture! P.S. this was also the first time in who knows how long we have film photography in the Spokesman ;)
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
I was lucky enough to see Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson last year (and might be doing so again next month), and as this review incorporates, Dylan's show really is something special. Obviously being the presence of a legend is great in itself, but it really feels like him and the band just jamming.
“A tender, almost personal connection…”
Far from retiring from the road, Bob Dylan restarted the Rough And Rowdy Ways tour with a soaring performance in Tulsa this week. Read MOJO’s review and the setlist in full:
Far from retiring from the road, Bob Dylan restarted the Rough And Rowdy Ways tour with a soaring performance in Tulsa this week. Read MOJO’s review and the setlist in full:
Bob Dylan Live In Tulsa Reviewed: A Magnificent Resumption Of The Rough And Rowdy Ways Tour
Far from retiring, Bob Dylan soars during live return in the shadow of Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center. Read MOJO’s review and the setlist in full.
www.mojo4music.com
April 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I was lucky enough to see Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson last year (and might be doing so again next month), and as this review incorporates, Dylan's show really is something special. Obviously being the presence of a legend is great in itself, but it really feels like him and the band just jamming.
Only recently have I properly been appreciating The Alchemist as an outstanding producer; excited to see what's next...
The Alchemist Confirms He Made the Beat for a Leaked Song With Playboi Carti & A$AP Nast
The Alchemist Confirms He Made the Beat for a Leaked Song With Playboi Carti & A$AP Nast
The Alchemist confirms that he produced a leaked song featuring Playboi Carti & A$AP Nast. See what he said here.
bit.ly
April 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Only recently have I properly been appreciating The Alchemist as an outstanding producer; excited to see what's next...
I don't review albums as much as I used to, but I couldn't help but discuss "People Watching." Easily my current front runner for album of the year and honestly one of my favorites from the 2020's thus far.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Album review: Sam Fender's 'People Watching' portrays human condition in storytelling lyrics
Although 2024 is still in the relatively near past, it will confidently go down as one of, if not the best years for music the past decade has had to offer. But with these heights comes the pressure o...
www.spokesman.com
March 27, 2025 at 10:23 PM
I don't review albums as much as I used to, but I couldn't help but discuss "People Watching." Easily my current front runner for album of the year and honestly one of my favorites from the 2020's thus far.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
It's going to be difficult to top 2024 and the sheer amount of great music that was released over the course of last year, but we've sure got some great albums on the way...
Here’s hoping for at least one song inspired by Lana Del Rey’s new alligator tour guide husband
The 50 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2025
New releases to look forward to in the coming months, from Bon Iver, Little Simz, Lil Wayne, and more.
pitchfork.com
March 27, 2025 at 10:19 PM
It's going to be difficult to top 2024 and the sheer amount of great music that was released over the course of last year, but we've sure got some great albums on the way...
A decision I agree with wholeheartedly. As the judge put it, the similarities are very bare bones and the amount of songs that sound similar given the distinct disco-pop sound would be difficult to count.
Dua Lipa Wins ‘Levitating’ Copyright Case With Ruling Dismissing Infringement Lawsuit
Dua Lipa Wins ‘Levitating’ Copyright Case With Ruling Dismissing Infringement Lawsuit
Dua Lipa won one of the "Levitating" copyright cases against her as the judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by two songwriters.
bit.ly
March 27, 2025 at 10:16 PM
A decision I agree with wholeheartedly. As the judge put it, the similarities are very bare bones and the amount of songs that sound similar given the distinct disco-pop sound would be difficult to count.
One of my latest stories from a great conversation with Kelsea Ballerini!
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Kelsea Ballerini talks country and her genre-breaking deluxe album release before Friday's show at Spokane Arena
The creative drive of Kelsea Ballerini has been unshakeable for a decade now.
www.spokesman.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
One of my latest stories from a great conversation with Kelsea Ballerini!
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
"accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be" - wow, a beautifully accurate statement. This lawsuit was already an ironic way to end this whole ordeal, but this really ties the bow nicely.
UMG doesn't think Drake should be suing his own label
UMG Asks to Dismiss Drake’s Federal Lawsuit, Blames Him for Losing Rap Battle to Kendrick Lamar
Lawyers for Universal Music Group say that Drake “provoked” his beef with Lamar and should “accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be”
pitchfork.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
"accepting the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be" - wow, a beautifully accurate statement. This lawsuit was already an ironic way to end this whole ordeal, but this really ties the bow nicely.
New Queen material, something I never thought I'd hear even the notion of. I'd love to see what the remaining members can come up with together!
“I could have the beginnings of a Queen song right there in front of me now…”
Brian May speaks exclusively to MOJO about the possibility of new Queen material, the songwriting dynamics within the band, and reveals an unseen side to Freddie Mercury.
Brian May speaks exclusively to MOJO about the possibility of new Queen material, the songwriting dynamics within the band, and reveals an unseen side to Freddie Mercury.
www.mojo4music.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:40 PM
New Queen material, something I never thought I'd hear even the notion of. I'd love to see what the remaining members can come up with together!
An interesting update to this seemingly endless saga.
Drake and iHeartMedia Inc. have settled the legal action that Drake brought against the iHeartRadio owner over an alleged pay-to-play scheme to boost Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
Drake Settles Legal Dispute With iHeartMedia Over “Not Like Us” Promotion
After Drake alleged that Universal Music Group illegally paid iHeartRadio for airtime, iHeartMedia says Drake has dropped the claims
pitchfork.com
March 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
An interesting update to this seemingly endless saga.
McRae is certainly earning her spot amongst the best of modern pop. While I do believe her sound has even more potential, it's a great step in the right direction.
March 6, 2025 at 12:30 AM
McRae is certainly earning her spot amongst the best of modern pop. While I do believe her sound has even more potential, it's a great step in the right direction.
A story of mine from a few weeks back that dives into the power of excellent music, the effects it can have, and how truly timeless it can be.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Big Bopper at the Big Dipper: Portland's Joshua Josué plays tribute to J.P. Richardson, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly
Long after “the day the music died,” the timeless crooning of “Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens has continued to sooth the souls of many. Although the calamitous 1959 plane ...
www.spokesman.com
March 6, 2025 at 12:27 AM
A story of mine from a few weeks back that dives into the power of excellent music, the effects it can have, and how truly timeless it can be.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
I've just recently been hopping on the Sam Fender train, and I'll be curious to see if his recent record will result in more of a U.S. presence.
"Like the ghost of Wilfred Owen leading a sweeping terrace incantation... ⭐⭐⭐⭐"
On his third album, out tomorrow on Polydor, Sam Fender presents a poignant portrait of post-industrial Britain.
On his third album, out tomorrow on Polydor, Sam Fender presents a poignant portrait of post-industrial Britain.
Sam Fender People Watching Reviewed: Anthemic but bittersweet communions from the Geordie Springsteen
On his third album, People Watching, North Shields' answer to Bruce Springsteen presents a poignant picture of post-industrial Britain.
www.mojo4music.com
February 27, 2025 at 9:51 PM
I've just recently been hopping on the Sam Fender train, and I'll be curious to see if his recent record will result in more of a U.S. presence.
There's not much else to this, but what an intriguing choice.
February 27, 2025 at 9:40 PM
There's not much else to this, but what an intriguing choice.
One of my recent articles and a pretty cool story! Sure is interesting how life can work out and where music, in particular, can take you.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Spokane String Quartet welcomes familiar friend, guest cellist Michal Palzewicz
Guest cellist Michal Palzewicz is joining the Spokane String Quartet this weekend, and in doing so he’ll be reuniting with an old friend.
www.spokesman.com
February 27, 2025 at 9:36 PM
One of my recent articles and a pretty cool story! Sure is interesting how life can work out and where music, in particular, can take you.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
A review I agree with pretty wholeheartedly. The record is an empty shell that just doesn't hit the marks it attempts to hit and one I can't imagine defending. I don't know what exactly Drake is attempting to portray himself as, but it isn't working so far...
$ome $exy $ongs 4 U is a desperate album from one of rap’s most notorious narcissists. Oh, and PARTYNEXTDOOR is here, too
PARTYNEXTDOOR / Drake: $ome $exy $ongs 4 U
Read Alphonse Pierre’s review of the album.
pitchfork.com
February 20, 2025 at 8:50 PM
A review I agree with pretty wholeheartedly. The record is an empty shell that just doesn't hit the marks it attempts to hit and one I can't imagine defending. I don't know what exactly Drake is attempting to portray himself as, but it isn't working so far...
This is something I'm really happy to see. I often feel like TikTok has changed the industry in ways that aren't necessarily for the better, including the search for the elusive 20-second viral sound.
February 20, 2025 at 8:44 PM
This is something I'm really happy to see. I often feel like TikTok has changed the industry in ways that aren't necessarily for the better, including the search for the elusive 20-second viral sound.
My most recent article and one that has less to do with the musicians and more to do with the cause. A great conversation and one of those that reminds me why I write, for sure.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Two Grammy-nominated country artists headline Healing Harmonies, benefiting Cancer Care Northwest Foundation
Two Grammy-nominated country artists will perform at the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation’s Healing Harmonies benefit concert Friday night, but the cause is truly taking center stage.
www.spokesman.com
February 20, 2025 at 8:41 PM
My most recent article and one that has less to do with the musicians and more to do with the cause. A great conversation and one of those that reminds me why I write, for sure.
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
A struggle for widespread recognition is right. Even if you don't personally like hip-hop, it's become (I believe) next to impossible to ignore how powerful and truly impactful the art form has become - especially in Lamar's case.
With his Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, Kendrick reminded everyone that, despite over 50 years of hip-hop history, rap still struggles for widespread recognition as a legitimate art form
Kendrick Lamar’s Fierce and Petty 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
With his Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Kendrick Lamar brought hip-hop to America’s biggest stage, embracing the art form and its competitive nature.
pitchfork.com
February 14, 2025 at 2:57 AM
A struggle for widespread recognition is right. Even if you don't personally like hip-hop, it's become (I believe) next to impossible to ignore how powerful and truly impactful the art form has become - especially in Lamar's case.
If TikTok is eventually banned, I'll be curious to see what shifts occur in the music industry. As this article implies, the app fundamentally changed music and PR going into the 2020s (in some ways better, others worse), so I'd be interested to see what sticks and what doesn't afterwards.
February 14, 2025 at 2:53 AM
If TikTok is eventually banned, I'll be curious to see what shifts occur in the music industry. As this article implies, the app fundamentally changed music and PR going into the 2020s (in some ways better, others worse), so I'd be interested to see what sticks and what doesn't afterwards.
One of my stories from last month, this one about a great up-and-coming folk-rock artist from WA. Great music and a great conversation!
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
'Something will happen': Washington-born folk rocker Amelia Day to take Chameleon stage
Amelia Day spent a good chunk of her youth infatuated by music.
www.spokesman.com
February 14, 2025 at 2:49 AM
One of my stories from last month, this one about a great up-and-coming folk-rock artist from WA. Great music and a great conversation!
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
I love to see artists who have "made it" discussing pretty obvious problems within the industry that no one seems to have an answer to. Had a great interview with Rossdale myself a few months back!
February 7, 2025 at 2:53 AM
I love to see artists who have "made it" discussing pretty obvious problems within the industry that no one seems to have an answer to. Had a great interview with Rossdale myself a few months back!