yee haw stuff #1: best new alt-country

new twang from Lauren Watkins, Bella White & more

Thank you so much for being a paid subscriber to truck songs. When I started writing this newsletter, I never imagined charging for it, so I’ve been blown away by your support.

As a thank you, I’m adding new paid content, including a monthly round-up of new alt-country and folk music — this is the first one. Truck songs has always been, primarily, an exploration of kitsch, but this series will highlight the independent country artists who you won’t see at the CMT Awards. These songs are more likely to talk about horses than trucks.

Just good stuff.

Many hours of research, both reading and listening, go into every installment of truck songs and your paid subscription makes that possible. Thank you for making this a reader-supported newsletter!

Drive safe.

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“Lightning in July (Prairie Fire)” by Noeline Hofmann

This is the second single from Noeline Hofmann, who is currently touring as Colter Wall’s opening act. Slick pop production over a blazing honky tonk sound.

If you only listen to one song from this newsletter, make it this one.

Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube

The Heartbroken Record by Lauren Watkins

Lauren Watkins blends a rollicking, radio-friendly sound with serious songwriting chops on this debut album. Watkins feels like the rare artist who can have it both ways: she wouldn’t be out of place at a folk festival but is currently on tour supporting Morgan Wallen.

I couldn’t pick just one favorite from this twangy album. It’s a robust 17 tracks with a nice blend of uptempo to ballad pacing and features several big names including Sheryl Crow and Ashley Monroe. Some highlights include “Mama, I Made It,” “Stuck In My Ways” and “Pretend You’re Coming Home.”

Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube