As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded through 2020 and live shows were cancelled left and right, the music industry took a hit. With tours delayed and stay-at-home orders in place, many artists channeled their creativity and the unforeseen extra time to produce new music. The result was a year graced with plentiful releases from some of Alabama’s most talented artists. Brush up on your home state music knowledge with these 10 recent releases.
Country Visions by Taylor Hollingsworth
Birmingham singer-songwriter and guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth has been around the block a few times when it comes to music. A member of Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, one-half of the Dead Fingers duo, and a former member of The Dexateens, Hollingsworth has maintained solo projects since 2003. “Country Visions,” released in August of last year, shows off his signature psychedelic Americana sound.
From the Guest Bedroom by The Pollies
The Pollies/Bandcamp
During a break from touring as Americana folk artist Dylan LeBlanc’s live band, The Pollies gathered in lead singer Jay Burgess’s guest room to record striped-down versions of fan favorites with a few covers mixed in. The June release is a melancholy masterpiece from the Muscle Shoals indie rock group.
Good Times Never Seemed So Bad by Nowhere Squares
Released just a month before the world began closing down, Nowhere Squares’ newest album represents an eerie foreseeing of an uncertain future and world in turmoil. Known for their energetic live shows, the Birmingham band opted for a rawer sound with their latest release.
The New OK by Drive-By Truckers
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Though technically formed in Athens, Georgia, two of the Southern rock band’s members are Shoals alums who met at the University of North Alabama. “The New OK” falls into the category of “pandemic album,” a surprise late-2020 release that took the place of the band’s cancelled 2020 tour for their January album “The Unraveling.”
Industry Games by Chika
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Since garnering attention on social media and signing on with Warner Records shortly in 2019, this Montgomery native has taken the hip-hop world by storm. The rapper released her first album, a seven-song EP where she tackles her biggest fears about selling out in the music industry, in March. She’s nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy this year.
Singing for my Supper by Early James
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Early James’s distinctive folksy, bluesy brand of rock has been compared to Tom Waites. The Troy native’s debut album was co-produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and came out in March.
In Waves by The Dirty Clergy
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With roots in Winfield, this garage rock/pop band has been steadily cranking out tunes for the past decade. Music for their latest album was recorded in Homewood, Alabama’s Ol Elegante Studio from 2017 to 2019. Listen to “Trials” and “Homesick” from the May 2020 release for an introduction to the band.
Way Gone by Will Stewart
A frequent collaborator, Birmingham artist Will Stewart’s mini album “Way Gone” is entirely his own. Following his 2018 album “County Seat,” “Way Gone” continues Stewart’s Southern gothic flair with six songs, each telling the story of a different character in a larger Southern story.
G.I.H.F. by Rylo Rodriguez
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Rolling Stone dubbed this Mobile artist “Southern Rap’s King of Samples.” His knack for repurposing R&B and pop classics like Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” may have gotten him his start, but for his debut album, he breaks from the habit to create something uniquely his.
“Ho, Why Is You Here?” by Flo Milli
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As is the case with many Gen Xers, 21-year-old Flo Milli got her start on TikTok. The Mobile native’s singles “Beef FloxMix” and “In the Party” went viral, and RCA Records came knocking. Her debut mixtape “Ho, Why Is You Here?” came out in July, and in October she was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards.
