For years, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jordie Lane—who was born in Australia—has been a major player in the business. Renowned for his distinctive mix of Americana, folk, and rock, Lane has enthralled listeners all around with his musical ability and narrative skill. With the release of his most recent album “Tropical Depression”, Jordie Lane is at a turning point in his career. After spending some time talking with the artist recently about the creation of “Tropical Depression,” its themes, and the effects it has had on Lane and his listeners, it’s time we shared insights from our interview and our thoughts on the tremendous new album.

Made in Nashville, “Tropical Depression” is a testament of Lane’s artistic development, further supported by his ability to assemble a trifecta of key behind the scenes people who have supported him in pulling this album together the right way. With Grammy nominated producer, engineer and instrumentalist Jon Estes (Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell) producing the album, the mixing by iconic engineer Noah Georgeson (The Strokes, Devandra Banhart, Marlon Williams) and mastered by Juno Award winning Phillip Shaw Bova (Feist, Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Bahamas). While the mixing and engineering from Georgeson and Shaw respectively embrace the artists songs like a hand holding a glass of whiskey, fusing genres and sounds together in a sublime harmony that is this album, it is Estes’s influence in the polished but raw sound of the album, which perfectly complements Lane’s introspective lyrics.

Talking with Jordie Lane on a recent trip back to Australia, he openly discussed that he had difficulties along the way in producing “Tropical Depression”, as the title of the album pays homage to Lane’s personal battles with mental health and his obsession with severe storms, while the tone of the album reflects this duality—between quiet introspection and strong emotional outburst.

Discussing deeply intimate and ideas of mental health during our interview, Lane demonstrates a beautiful resilience, and a sublime human condition, discussing with me how “Tropical Depression” songs invite listeners into his world by their honest and vulnerable quality. Listening to the album after the interview, I immediately start with the eerie rhythm and thoughtful lyrics of the first song on the album, “Back, Out There,” which sets the tone, before songs like “The Changing Weather” and “Empty Room” probe Lane’s experiences with anxiety and depression.

“Friends” a moving meditation on the value of personal connection throughout trying circumstances, is among the album’s best tunes. The straightforward but strong words of the song will surely appeal to listeners and serve as a reminder of the power contained in relationships, whilst “Blame Me If You Want To,” another noteworthy song, highlights Lane’s skill in fusing comedy and sarcasm with a sobering topic. This is the Jordie Lane who I first met several years ago in Nashville and was immediately taken in by his wit and lighthearted take, not just on music, but life in general. It’s fantastic to know that this side of this diverse artist is still as strong as ever.

With influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Neil Young, Lane’s musical approach is a singular mix of Americana, folk, and rock. “Tropical Depression” sees Lane stretching the boundaries of his genre by experimenting with novel sounds and arrangements. Rich vocal harmonies, ambient synths, and deft guitar work abound on the luxuriant and multifaceted record.

The way “Tropical Depression” uses its music to portray a broad spectrum of feelings is among its most arresting features. Songs like “New Normal” and “Been Lucky” are more lively and uplifting; tracks like “It Might Take Our Whole Lives” and “Internal Dialogue” are pensive and sad. This vibrant spectrum is evidence of Lane’s adaptability as a performer and lyricist.

A few weeks since it’s release, both fans and critics have praised “Tropical Depression” extensively since its premiere. The album has drawn compliments for its emotional resonance, musical complexity, and literary profundity, further complimented by the early shows on his current Australian tour, during which time “Tropical Depression” debuted at #1 on the Aria Country Albums chart.

In Lane’s career, “Tropical Depression” represents a turning point both creatively and monetarily. The popularity of the record has opened Lane to new opportunities that have resulted in publicised partnerships and appearances, including securing a label deal from ABC Music/The Orchard for this album (see below for the best signing of a contract ever!). Lane has a devoted following and earns critical praise since he can relate to listeners on a very personal level and that the industry now understands this is further validation, not just for the artist but for the long time supporters of his music.

Apart from its critical and chart triumphs, “Tropical Depression” has significantly affected Lane’s personal life as well. Making the record let Lane face and sort his own mental health issues, which helped him to find fresh clarity and direction. The songs and general tone of the album clearly showcase this personal development since they express hope and resiliency.

Set against rich, evocative soundscapes, Jordie Lane’s “Tropical Depression” is a remarkable investigation of the human psyche. Among Lane’s albums, this one stands out for its reflective lyrics and dramatic range. As Lane develops as an artist, “Tropical Depression” attests to his skill and commitment. The popularity of the album is a testament of Lane’s capacity to establish a connection with his audience by means of his music, therefore influencing his career as well as rewarding his listeners.

Catch Jordie Lane on the final leg of his East Coast Tropical Depression tour this week, before he returns to tour the rest of Australia in Oct/Nov: 

Amos Lee, the remarkably busy singer-songwriter, has gifted us with yet another gem: his latest album, Transmissions. Recorded in rural Marlboro, New York, over five days, this 12-song collection showcases Lee’s musical versatility and introspective songwriting.

Transmissions traverses a wide sonic range, drawing inspiration from jazz, folk, pop, and soul. Lee’s raw and searching vocals blend seamlessly with his longtime touring band’s instrumentation. From lilting piano on the opening track, “Built to Fall,” to the fuzzed-out guitars and soulful pop vibes of “Hold On Tight,” the album keeps listeners engaged.

Lee turns the mirror inward in the album’s second half. “Keep On Movin’” promises comfort in friendship, while “Night Light” explores the remnants after a relationship’s dissolution. His vulnerability shines through on “Madison,” where he pushes his vocal register higher, accompanied by sparse piano.

On the title track, “Transmissions,” Lee channels the spirit of John Prine, whose music inspired him during his college years. Stripped-down and heartfelt, this song captures Lee’s gratitude for a life in music.

Lee’s back-to-basics approach results in an authentic, unfiltered quality. The live recording process complements his storytelling, making each track resonate with grace and humility.

In a culture moving at hyperspeed, Transmissions invites us to yield to the present moment. Amos Lee’s introspection and musical prowess shine brightly on this album. Don’t miss this intimate, touching, and lyrical journey.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow us to introduce Johnny Blue Skies, the new incarnation of iconic Nashville renegade Sturgill Simpson, and his new album “Passage Du Desir”. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville, the album signifies the start of a new chapter for the artist, who had previously committed to releasing just five studio albums under the moniker Sturgill Simpson. 

From the very first listen, this new album, the first by Simpson in three years, is once again an intriguing exploration of metamodern melancholy, reminiscent of an early Roy Orbison.

Johnny Blue Skies takes us through grief, previous setbacks, and unreachable ambitions from the moment the pen meets paper on this album. Listeners are left feeling raw, perhaps even vulnerable by the artists intense honesty. As sorrow flows like the Canal Saint-Martin, he presses for admission on “Right Kind of Dream,” using his sublime vocal talents like never before, making this among his most captivating recordings to date thanks to his understanding and abilities of how to use his vocals to convey modern sensitivities.

“You can turn the page or you can light the book on fire and dance around the flames. You can try to live above hell or you can just go raise some. Here’s to clean livin’ and dirty thinking.”

Using a layered effect, Johnny Blue Skies evokes a cosmic remoteness with his softer, exposed voice. As if trying to escape the immense pain, he sounds to be physically detaching himself from it. “One for the Road” transitions from symphonic country-rock to guitars sobbing during the course of its nearly nine-minute breakup song. Think Jim Steinman, but instead of his symphonic power ballads with an operatic rock singer from Texas, his muse would be Johnny Blue Skies, complete with strings and a retro country feel, straight out of Studio B at RCA circa 1978.

His more powerful moments, like the chorus of “Jupiter’s Faerie,” bring out his voice’s imperfections and add depth to the album in the same movement, before “If the Sun Never Rises Again” is chilled rock meets blue-eyed soul allowing us time to rest and reflect before moving on deeper into “Passage Du Desir”.

The album is peppered with rich and lively background music that complements Johnny Blue Skies singing, with his cosmic metamodern theme continuing to feature through songs like   “Mint Tea”, which is inviting and euphoric country music for listeners old and new, while the albums opening track, “Swamp of Sadness,” sets the tone, with haunting accordion melodies and Simpson’s vulnerable vocals. 

Even though it’s not officially an album by Sturgill Simpson, “Passage Du Desir” showcases Simpson’s talent while performing as Johnny Blue Skies. Seemingly heralding a new beginning and a return to metamodern country sounds, his music has taken an alternate trajectory recently, and we as listeners are richer and rewarded by it.

“Passage Du Desir” takes its cue from Johnny Blue Skies and invites listeners to explore the depths of despair, to the point where the album is so good, the sorrow and despair can’t help but be replaced by the unique joy and elation that music can bring. This record will take you on an emotional journey through the complex web of desire and need, regardless of whether you are a complete novice or a lifelong fan. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Johnny Blue Skies has arrived and the world of country music may never be the same again.