No Depression

1 week ago | nodepression.com | Hilary Saunders

Editor’s Note: Valerie June is No Depression’s Spotlight Artist for April 2025. Learn more about her life and new album, Owls, Omens, and Oracles, which was released April 11, in this feature. Valerie June cozied up in her basement for a solo-acoustic version of her new song, “I’m In Love.” In the feature profile, the singer-songwriter spoke about how joy is a practice and described some of the ways she explores this practice, including music (of course), dance, yoga, mantras, and breath work.

1 week ago | nodepression.com | Hilary Saunders

With Earth Day on Tuesday and Arbor Day today, we thought it prudent to share some roots music in honor of the planet, the trees, and our urgent, global need for environmental protections.

1 week ago | nodepression.com | Amos Perrine

This year’s edition of MerleFest, which took place in Wilkesboro, North Carolina from April 24-27, 2025, was the epitome of how Doc Watson described the festival he and his wife Rosa Lee founded in 1988 to honor their son Merle — “traditional plus.” To make it even more inviting, the weather fully cooperated, as the predicted rain was replaced by cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and tranquil evenings. In other words, perfection.

3 weeks ago | nodepression.com | Chris Griffy

So much of American roots music is steeped in Celtic tradition. As British and Irish settlers came to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought their favorite folk songs with them. As these songs passed down through generations, they became the Appalachian songs so loved today. “The Wexford Girl” became “The Knoxville Girl,” as those singers adapt it to their new home. But Celtic music hasn’t remained stagnant or stuck in the past.

3 weeks ago | nodepression.com | Amos Perrine

When one thinks of locations for world class multi-disciplinary arts festivals, Idaho may not immediately come to mind. But with more than 420 bands, artists, storytellers, comedians, workshops, film presentations and other activities, the Treefort Music Fest in Boise has become just that. With 13 “forts” spread across 46 venues (more descriptions here), the festival celebrated its 13th incarnation when it took over the downtown area of its state capitol for five days in March 2025.