Genre
Blues
Blues is a foundational American sound born from African American experiences, characterised by soulful vocals, expressive guitar work, and deeply emotional storytelling. The genre blends raw vulnerability with instrumental prowess, creating music that speaks directly to the human condition. Artists like Dan Patlansky, Sunny War, and Jared Shoemaker represent the contemporary blues landscape—guitarists and singers who channel tradition through their own distinctive voices, whether electric or acoustic.
Artists
Anders Thomsen
Georgia, USA
Blues · Country Rock
Andy Thomas
Virginia, USA
Southern Rock · Americana
Anna Scott
Ohio, USA
Country · Country Rock
Canción Franklin
Arizona, USA
Americana · Blues
Champs Of The Sun
Kentucky, USA
Southern Rock · Americana
Dan Patlansky
South Africa
Blues · Roots
Daniel Cain
Kentucky, USA
Outlaw Country · Americana
Eddy Smith
United Kingdom
Americana · Country
Emilia Quinn
United Kingdom
Americana · Folk
Hunter Blalock
Georgia, USA
Americana · Country
Jack Browning
United Kingdom
Folk · Blues
Jared Shoemaker
Kentucky, USA
Country · Americana
Jesse Williams
Georgia, USA
Blues · Roots
Joshua Michael
California, USA
Americana · Country
Kerri Lick
Texas, USA
Americana · Blues
Maggie Noëlle
Kentucky, USA
Blues · Americana
Marcus Trummer
Canada
Blues · Roots
Mike West
United Kingdom
Americana · Roots
Randy Hoyet
Texas, USA
Blues · Americana
Scott Low
Georgia, USA
Americana · Blues
Shane Kelley
Texas, USA
Blues · Outlaw Country
Sunny War
California, USA
Folk · Blues
Van Tastik
Virginia, USA
Blues · Gospel
Zac Wilkerson
Texas, USA
Americana · Country Rock
Episodes
Dan Patlansky
Bruce Springsteen Handpicked This Guitarist to Open for 85,000 Fans | Dan Patlansky
Bruce Springsteen handpicked Dan Patlansky to open for 85,000 fans in Johannesburg. We sat down with one of the world's top blues guitarists to find out what that moment felt like, what it's really like playing blues in South Africa, and why his latest album Movin' On is the most honest music he's ever made. Dan opens up about the nerves of playing to a sea of 85,000 people, then glancing over to see Springsteen and Tom Morello watching from the wings. He talks about touring with Joe Satriani across Europe, growing up in apartheid-era South Africa with Hendrix blasting through his dad's stereo, mental health on the road, and the one piece of advice every aspiring guitarist needs to hear. Dan's UK tour kicks off November 2026. Tickets and info at danpatlansky.com Follow The Rugged Revival on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @theruggedrevival
Mike West
The UK's Dark Country Music Outlaw | Mike West
The Rugged Revival — independent Country, Americana & Roots music. Live sessions, artist interviews and real music discovery.Mike West joins us for a conversation on Dark Country, Folk, Blues, songwriting, touring and building an independent music scene in the UK.From heavy metal roots to haunting Americana storytelling, Mike has carved out a unique sound that blends Country, Folk, Blues and raw intensity into something entirely his own.More independent Country, Americana and Roots music conversations on The Rugged Revival.Subscribe to The Rugged Revival. Share it with your friends. Support independent music!Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wnHcgA73o1aiiKaz882vH?si=30aabdaa220a4628Follow The Rugged Revival:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruggedrevival/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theruggedrevivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094507520679Website: www.theruggedrevival.comEmail: ruggedrevival@hotmail.com
Emilia Quinn
A UK Voice in Americana, Folk Rock & Blues | Emilia Quinn
Emilia Quinn is a UK-based artist blending Americana, folk rock and blues with a raw, soulful voice and deeply honest songwriting.In this Rugged Revival podcast, Emilia talks about her music, influences and journey, from festival stages to her latest album Dented Halos.This conversation explores storytelling, resilience and the human experience through music.Discover more country, Americana and roots artists on The Rugged Revival.
Shane Kelley
Shane Kelley - Powerful Blues Soul Inspired by Gregg Allman & Howlin’ Wolf | Rugged Revival
hane Kelley emerges from a small town just south of the Florida–Georgia line with a voice that carries the grit, soul, and raw power of classic blues. Drawing inspiration from legends like Gregg Allman and Howlin’ Wolf, his sound blends deep-rooted blues with rich storytelling and an unmistakable emotional edge.His debut album, Misery Like A Wheel, is a haunting and heartfelt introduction. The record weaves together traditional southern elements—banjo, mandolin, and fiddle—with dark, soulful melodies that feel both timeless and fresh. Every track reflects a journey shaped by struggle, resilience, and authenticity.Growing up surrounded by the strong musical traditions of the South, Kelley channels real-life experiences into songs that hit hard and stay with you. Misery Like A Wheel isn’t just an album—it’s a statement from an artist unafraid to be vulnerable and honest.If you’re a fan of raw blues, southern soul, and music that tells a story, this is one to turn up and feel.
Sunny War
Sunny War - From Hardship to Folk-Blues Star | Rugged Revival
Sunny War enlivens traditional folk and blues by freshening her musical attack and writing lyrics that reflect 21st century concerns. Her first album, "Worthless", arrived in 2014, and she continued to gain attention as she built up a cult following that crested with the release of 2018's "With the Sun".Born Sydney Lyndella Ward to a single mother in Nashville, the singer/songwriter spent her childhood moving around the United States with her parent, spending significant time in both Nashville and the Detroit suburb of Rochester. During this time, she learned to love a wide variety of music, picking up the guitar at the age of 13. After she spent a rough period combating substance abuse and poverty, she gravitated to blues and folk and relocated to California settling in Venice Beach.Adopting the performing name Sunny War, she'd sometimes moonlight with her punk side band Anus Kings, but it was her folk-blues showcased on a self-released album that began to gain notice from local scenesters - including critics at LA Weekly. After a few years, she released her official debut, "Worthless", which appeared in 2014. A second independent record, "Red White and Blue", arrived in 2016.In 2018 Sunny War released, via Hen House Studios, "With the Sun", After that album, she moved from Venice Beach to downtown Los Angeles, quickly delivering her next LP also on Hen House "Shell of a Girl", the following year. Her critically acclaimed EP "Can I Sit With You" premiered in 2020.
Andy Thomas
Andy Thomas - Fiery Southern Rock & Roll | High Octane Country Blues | Rugged Revival
Andy Thomas has worked his way up the ranks as an electrifying guitarist across the United States and abroad, whether it’s fronting his own wild-n-out project The Trongone Band or being the six-string rocket fuel for the melodic muscle car that is acclaimed Americana act Yarn. Produced by fellow Virginia native and longtime friend Dave Schools, the legendary bassist for Widespread Panic, and captured at the renowned Spacebomb Studios, Thomas' debut album, “Highway Junkie,” connects the dots of Thomas’ troubled past and hard-fought strength of self in the present — this juncture of fiery southern rock & roll and high-octane country blues.
Van Tastik
Van Tastik – Western Gothic & Dark Delta Rock | Rugged Revival
VAN TASTIK joins the podcast for a deep dive into his wild, foot-stompin’ world of Western Gothic Dark Delta Rock.Born in the United States and now tearing up stages across Europe, VAN TASTIK is a Roots artist with a sound and stage presence that feels like a lost travelling revival meeting. Blending Dark Delta Rock, Roots Blues, and Western Gothic storytelling, his performances are equal parts sermon, celebration, and sonic explosion. Expect hollerin’, humour, crowd participation, and the kind of raw energy that turns every show into a shared experience.In this episode, we sit down with VAN to talk about his journey, the stories behind the music, and the philosophy behind what he calls “lighting up the dark.” According to the Fallen Reverend, the darkness has simply been misbranded — it’s really just a room where people come together to celebrate life through music.VAN TASTIK has shared stages with artists such as Cam Cole, The Bridge City Sinners, Left Lane Cruiser, Dirty Deep, and Lightning Luke, and has appeared at major festivals including Wacken Open Air, Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, Muddy Roots Tennessee, Muddy Roots Buenos Aires, and Muddy Roots Europe for three consecutive years. His breakout performance at Culemborg Blues helped launch a sold-out debut album release tour and cement his reputation as one of the most electrifying roots performers on the circuit.If you love Western Gothic, Dark Delta Rock, raw Roots Blues, and unforgettable live performers, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Watch the full episode and step into the world of VAN TASTIK.
Maggie Noëlle
Maggie Noëlle - Magnolia Boulevard’s Powerful Frontwoman | Appalachian Soul | Rugged Revival
If patience is a virtue, then the current state of Magnolia Boulevard plays right into the long-held notion that sonic grandeur evolves in its own time and place — one where the Lexington, Kentucky, rock-n-soul act is aiming to break into a national audience ready and roaring for the quintet’s soaring talents.“Things happen when they’re supposed to happen,” lead singer/guitarist Maggie Noelle says. “And I’m so proud of this music coming out now with this group of dudes — it’s like we’re finally getting what we kind of deserve.”“We know who we are now, and we know what we want to do,” adds keyboardist Ryan Allen. “We know what we want to sound like. Everybody involved is on the same path. We’ve got the same mission and we feel good about it. These songs have been cared for and thought about, where everything is happening with intention — there’s purpose behind the music.”That mission of luminous tone and honest intent is no more apparent than Magnolia Boulevard’s latest self-titled album. Captured by legendary Kentucky producer Duane Lundy, the eight-song LP runs the gamut of genres, all with thick threads of the blues and soul radiating from the tracks.“We like a lot of different things, so let’s start a band that’s blues and soul, the rest being whatever else we feel like adding,” Allen says. “These are songs and stories of the struggles of Appalachian people, these little snapshots of time of what it’s like to live around here.”“Inspiration comes and goes,” Noelle adds. “I’ve realized, in these later years of songwriting, I tend to write about my current life and where my heart is.”Formed in 2017 by Noelle and Allen, the band came together when other creative endeavors weren’t fulfilling the artistic desires and professional expectations of what the duo were envisioning. It was time to push down the gas pedal on the possibility and potential of what Magnolia Boulevard could be, and ultimately has become — in sonic design and in the live realm. “The sound has been described as ‘Appalachian Soul,’ and I really like that because of our Appalachian roots,” Noelle says. “You get a taste of folk with the songwriting portion, but you also have that rock and soul foundation.”Watching Noelle under the bright lights, her stage presence immediately conjures whispers in the audience, where her fiery vocal talents are compared to the likes of Susan Tedeschi, Bonnie Raitt, and Grace Potter. And yet, Magnolia Boulevard remains unique and steadfast in its approach. The powerhouse group is rounded out by Roddy Puckett (bass), Austin Lewis (guitar) and Brandon Johnson (drums). With this bountiful lineup, Magnolia Boulevard has been making the rounds around Southern Appalachia and beyond, each show an opportunity to once again justify its reputation as one of the rising, “must see” rock shows anywhere in the country.“It feels a lot better when it is the sum of all the parts, when you have five people all going after the same thing,” Allen says. “We’re not sacrificing or compromising anything, and in a way that we maybe had before. It feels like we’re got something substantial here that we’re really proud of.”“Everybody in the band is also interpreting the lyrics and showing emotion, because they’re into it, too,” Noelle adds. “They feel the same emotions, and there’s something magic about it [when we’re playing].” And as Magnolia Boulevard grows and evolves into a national act, the core essence and melodic attitude of the unit will proudly reside in the rich, vibrant music scene of its native Lexington and greater Kentucky.“In Kentucky, we’ve got a little bit of everything, and we just have this real sense of community,” Noelle says. “Everybody has always been supportive of each other’s projects, no matter the genre, and I think that’s important.”
Marcus Trummer
Marcus Trummer - Modern Soul with 60s/70s Influences, Blues Guitar & Timeless Songwriting | Rugged Revival
A young blood with an old soul, Marcus Trummer marries modern sensibilities with tradition in his distinctive style of soulful music. Dubbed “a precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise-beyond-his-years weariness” by the Calgary Herald, the Calgary-born artist is already earning recognition. In 2023, Trummer won the Telluride Blues Challenge, and would go on to make his US performance debut at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival the following year. Trummer recently received a nomination for the 2025 Western Canadian Music Awards “Blues Artist of the Year”, as well as a Canadian Blues Music Awards nomination for “Male Vocalist of the Year”. Marcus Trummer’s debut album, “From The Start”, draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s. With his warm and emotive vocals, Trummer pays respect to classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye. His expressive guitar work channels the impassioned approach of players like B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix. Packed with raw emotion and honesty, Trummer’s songwriting is not to be overlooked. His thoughtful lyrics examine universal subjects of love and coming of age, unpacking experiences that resonate with all listeners.
Joshua Michael
Joshua Michael - California Country Artist | Dead Magnolia Sounds Recording Studio | Rugged Revival
Joshua Michael is an independent Country Music artist based in California. He plays a heavy show schedule and frequent releases new music, all while running his new recording studio "Dead Magnolia Sounds".
Canción Franklin
Canción Franklin - Singer-Songwriter from Tuscon, Arizona | Rugged Revival
In this interview Camden speaks with Canción Franklin, an American roots musician, singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Tucson, Arizona, whose authentic sound draws on deep grooves of Americana, country, blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll. From discovering the blues as a teenager to tirelessly honing his craft in dive bars and on the road, Canción’s music is defined by heartfelt lyrics, raw guitar work and a commitment to honesty and emotional expression. His performances - whether solo, with a band, or as a hired gun - are marked by a vulnerable presence and a powerful connection with audiences. Canción’s songs explore resilience, life’s hardships and the beauty found in perseverance, making him a compelling voice in modern roots music.
Eddy Smith
Eddy Smith & The 507 – The Rising Stars of UK Americana, Country Soul & Blues | Rugged Revival
Captivating audiences with his unique, husky voice and tasteful piano accompaniment, Eddy Smith has been making his mark on the UK’s growing Americana scene. Widely recognised as one of the major male vocalists on the Country Soul and Blues circuit, his infectious melodies and soulful song-writing has drawn comparisons to the likes of Joe Cocker, JJ Grey and Marcus King to name a few. Backed by his long-time friends, they form the multinational five-piece, Eddy Smith & The 507. Their music, engulfed by rich vocal harmonies and gospel-like organ is reminiscent of a sound from way before their time. With an irresistible blend of various Americana styles, such as Blues, Soul, Country and Rock, the quintet take a leaf from the books of Nathaniel Rateliff, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and countless other pioneers of their Genres. Deemed festival favourites since appearing on some of the UK's most prestigious stages, including The Isle of Wight Festival, Black Deer, The Long Road, Americana UK Festival, Cambridge Folk, The British Country Music Festival and more, along with prestigious support slots such as opening for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Birmingham Symphony Hall, the band have gained recognition as 'ones to watch' on the UK Roots scene. Having sold out their debut album launch, along with a packed-out headline show at London's iconic The Jazz Cafe, international live performances including The USA and Europe, radio play and TV features, the band are well and truly on their way towards a bright future.
Anders Thomsen
Anders Thomsen – Honky Tonk Guitar Legend on Blues, Country & Rock | Instagram LIVE | Rugged Revival
In this episode, we sit down with Anders Thomsen – a true American original.A master of honky tonk, blues, country, and roots rock, Anders has spent a lifetime on the road playing everywhere from dive bars to international stages. He’s shared the stage with legends like Chuck Berry, Billy Joe Shaver, Martha Reeves, and Dale Watson, and fronted The Ex-Husbands — twice landing in the Top 10 of the Americana charts.Anders brings gritty storytelling, soulful guitar slinging, and decades of experience to every note. https://bookanders.com/
Scott Low
Scott Low - Blues Songwriter and Virtuoso From Georgia | Rugged Revival
Scott Low sings songs in the American Folk tradition with a touch of Country and Appalachia performing solo or with his band, The Southern Bouillon.With a wide ranging background stretching from jazz to punk to southern rock, Low pulls from all the things that have shaped him. From Townes and Dylan to Miles and Zappa. Initial comparisons to Jamey Johnson, Ryan Bingham, and Hayes Carll have been written by the more Americana press, but there are touches of Tom Waits, and Nina Simone that linger in the shadows.Over the years Scott has shared the tour stage/road with Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Caleb Caudle, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Sammy Kershaw, Shovels & Rope, Chris Knight, and many more.Watch out for his new album "Grateful Blues" which will be out 10th October 2025.
Hunter Blalock
Hunter Blalock - Georgia Songwriter on Music, Stories & Honesty
Hunter Blalock is an American songwriter from the hills of North-West Georgia. Hunter never fears uncomfortable subjects while writing songs & presents his real uncensored view of the world & himself.Hunter's writing style is something all his own as he blends styles of country, blues, & rock n roll to create a sound that places him in the genre of Americana. His influences range from Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, & American Aquarium to The Band, Townes Van Zant, & Many more. You can find more details relating to Hunter at: www.hunterblalockmusic.com
Randy Hoyet
Randy Hoyet – Bluesy Texas Songwriter on “Shameless”
Randy Hoyet is an independent singer/songwriter who has cut his teeth in the Texas scene while finding his path to a ruckus bluesy sound. Hoyet released his debut EP “Acoustic” in October of 2021, solidifying himself as a voice to be heard in Texas music. With tracks like “Lonely and Scared” to “Shameless”, Hoyet’s songwriting is raw power in real time. He has continued to create motion in the Texas music scene with his latest two full band singles, “Notices”, and “Drawn”. After almost two years of shows and studio time, Randy Hoyet released his highly anticipated debut Album "Shameless" in March 2025.
Kerri Lick
Kerri Lick – Texas Americana & R&B Artist
Roots Rhythm and blues crossed with a flare of Americana songwriter and a dash of Texas Country, a sound right out of a vintage record shop. Kerri Lick is a Texas based singer songwriter with a true diversity in writing that can find you grooving in the blues or riding along an interstate folksingers diary. Kerri Lick pulls sonic inspiration from the likes of Bonnie Rait, Susan Tadeschi, and Bobbie gentry. Kerri has been recognized amongst the Texas music scene as an emerging act to get behind. Having full band slots at 's iconic LJT music festival, Grapefest, Rymes and Vines, The Fort Worth Music Fest, The Mayors Ball in Oklahoma and River Front Blues Festival in Montana she is a show you would not want to miss. #texasmusicscene
Daniel Cain
Daniel Cain – Kentucky Outlaw Country & Psychedelic Blues
Daniel Cain is a singer/songwriter from Stanford, Kentucky, USA. His music mirrors his Appalachian roots and family upbringing, so far, blending outlaw country, grassy folk, roots rock, and psychedelic blues. With influence from Chris Stapleton to Chris Cornell, he connects it all and does so with his own grit. Dubbed Kentucky’s Rising Star of Country Music in ‘23 by Renfro Valley, as well as an act to watch by Whiskey Riff and Kentucky Country Music blogs, Cain’s path and promise came to him as surprise as Cain began his public performing career in early 2021 only in hopes to honor his now late father, Jeff, who inspired Daniel to write and play like he did. With Cain’s authentic penmanship, impressive picking, and a deep, soulful, gravelly voice like you’ve never heard before, it doesn’t take long to see why this young man is on the rise.
Zac Wilkerson
Zac Wilkerson – Soulful Americana & Country Rock
Zac Wilkerson is a SOUL ROCKER from the COUNTRY. Powerful, soulful vocals and a driving guitar style combine with poignant songwriting to deliver a new take on Americana, Soul, Country, and Rock. Wilkerson stumbled into a career in music after being tricked into entering, and eventually winning, The Blue Light Live Singer Songwriter contest in 2011. The prize was a Solo Acoustic set at the 2012 Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival in Stephenville, TX. He has since etched out a strong following across the Texas the music scene and beyond, with his work appearing in Nationally Syndicated and Regional Radio, and Local and Prime-Time Network TV. Wilkerson cut his musical teeth in a country church where he started singing at 4. At a young age, he discovered his parents' country, soul, Motown, rock, and folk records, creating a musical foundation with as much variety as passion. By 12 he played several instruments, including piano and guitar, which led to songwriting that same year. The musical voice that has evolved since is a fresh take on Rock, Soul, Country and Americana evoking Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Bonnie Raitt, and Levon Helm.
Jesse Williams
Jesse Williams – Blues & Soul Music From North Georgia
Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Williams, is a mountain mama with roots grounded in Blues & Soul. Hailing from North Georgia with the deep belief that it’s best savored when simmered. Her melody medicine is an invitation of sultry vocals and earthy lyrics that explore Life's many winding paths. These serenades are supported with guitar grooves and rhythms that play off the feeling of the Music. Capturing and offering the raw essence of Spirit as it moves listeners within. Jesse's works include her 2020 debut EP, “Off the Vine". Which was recorded in 2019 at InCrowd Recordings in Atlanta, GA. In 2024 she released another EP, “Take My Place”. Recorded in 2018 at The Vault in Marietta, GA. Outside of her EP's, Jesse Williams is featured on other songs and projects. She makes two appearances on the album. Belting on a cover of Renee Geyer’s, , as well as co-writing and singing on . Recently, she joined creative forces with on his melancholic tune, . Her latest accomplishment is winning the Eddie's Attic 55th Bi-Annual Songwriter Shootout in November 2024. Joining the list of winners that include Jennifer Nettles & Cory Jones, John Mayer & Clay Cook, Tyler Childers, and more. She is currently working on recording her first full-length album, “Keep Steady”. More home-grown medicine coming in June 2025.
Anna Scott
Anna Scott – Nashville Country with Rock & Blues Edge
Anna Scott uniquely incorporates glitz and power into country music. She grew up with a hard work ethic in her hometown of Cleveland Ohio, where she fell in love with music of many genres, and played any venue that would let her sing. She blends elements of rock and blues and is comparable to Kassi Ashton, Jo Dee Messina and Ashley McBryde. She has been able to perform alongside the likes of Russell Dickerson and Carrie Underwood as a background vocalist. As a recent alumnus of Belmont University, Anna continues to release music and play multiple shows to hone in her craft and blossom into the artist she is today. #countrymusic #nashville #countryartist #musicpodcast
Jack Browning
Jack Browning – London Folk-Blues Inspired by Neil Young
Jack Browning is a 26-year-old artist and musician hailing from London, UK. A sucker for folk, blues, and country music, Jack divides his time between the recording studio, the art studio, and touring the UK and Europe. Raising beers and cheers equally, Jack weaves a line drawing from traditional titans and new-age outlaws alike, from Neil Young and Tom Petty to Willie Watson and Colter Wall. #ukcountrymusic #realcountrymusic #countryartist #musicpodcast
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FAQ
What is blues music?
Blues is a genre rooted in African American folk traditions, defined by its emotional honesty, call-and-response patterns, and typically 12-bar song structures. It's as much about what you feel as what you play—artists like Marcus Trummer and Daniel Cain use blues as a vehicle for personal truth and connection.
Who are some blues artists I should listen to right now?
The Rugged Revival directory includes standout contemporary blues performers like Dan Patlansky (known for inventive electric blues), Sunny War (a powerful acoustic blues voice), and Scott Low, all bringing fresh energy to the tradition while respecting its roots.
What's the difference between blues and other roots music?
While country, folk, and Americana all draw from American roots traditions, blues is specifically defined by its African American heritage, distinctive harmonic and rhythmic structures, and emotional depth rooted in the blues scale and improvisation. Artists across the directory like Van Tastik and Maggie Noëlle sometimes blend blues with other genres, showing how these traditions interweave.