Words: Ray Moore/Photo: Michelle Crosby

For as long as I can remember I have always had a vast taste in music. At sixteen I was listening to any and everything from Korn to Garth Brooks to Quad City DJs to Alanis Morissette. There was not anything I would not listen to, well as long as it sounded good and had good lyrics. So it is no surprise that this is still the case today. My musical spectrum is all over the place and I would not have it any other way. I love the fact that one night I can be rocking at a metal show and then the next night an emo show followed by an Americana show the next. This is any given week of my life. Over the last 7-10 years Americana/country has found a special place in my heart. And I will honestly say that after emo it is without a doubt the genre I listen to the most. Over the last few years I would say at times I may even listen more. I mean how can one not with musicians like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell making the music that they are. Its acts like these guys that make me dislike the term emo. There are times I can put on a Jason Isbell album and I get lost in the emotions that are coming through my speakers or earphones. The three mentioned above are not alone on this fantastic voyage we are on. There are quite a few others but the ones that stick out to me are Josh Moore, Caleb Caudle and John Moreland.

Where does one start with Josh Moore? Oh wait I know. To my post-hardcore fans, does the name ring a bell? Because it should. He was the singer for post-hardcore heroes Beloved (US). After Beloved(US) disbanded in 2005 he did some solo stuff before joining Classic Case. After they broke up he went back to doing solo shows in and around North Carolina. He recently released his debut solo album, Parted Ways. I was not expecting what I heard. After fronting the bands he previous did, this was a surprise and a treat. This album may very end up on my year end list. Rolling Stone has already named it one of the best country albums you may have missed this year. I already knew Josh had a good singing voice but it is on display here. It is very soothing and is one of those voices that you may listen to while chilling by your fireplace on a nice cold night.

Caleb Caudle is a singer/songwriter from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I came to know of him a few months before a showcase I saw a few months back. He was one of the acts I was most looking forward to seeing, however as it would be, I only ended up seeing him do two songs but those two songs were stellar. He is another that has a voice of pure magic. I could listen to him sing all day. Over the past few months his song, “miss you like crazy” has become one of my favorite songs I’ve heard in a long time. The honesty in that song isn’t matched by anything I’ve heard recently. There is a line in that song that goes, “if the lord takes you first, he better take us both” That line gets me every time. It makes me want to be in a relationship just so I can feel that way. So deep. This is a guy you should keep your eyes on for sure. He is gearing up to release a new album, which I have heard from a friend is amazing.

Last but least is John Moreland. He hails from Tulsa, Ok. And man this guy can sing. He can really go. This is the guy that could and should be the next big thing in Americana/Country music. I’m going to be honest, there has been times I’ve heard a song by him and just wanted to cry. This man has definitely had his heart broken more than a few times and it shows in his lyrics. Last year I got to see him play a house show and it was one of the best shows I saw last year. The passion that he put fourth was uncanny. He is truly a musician that is one good tour away from stardom. And I for one look forward to the day that happens.