With Americanafest in full swing this week, Nashville is feeling the folky vibe and country roots from now until Friday. Because of this incredible event going on, us interns wanted to share our favorite Americana artists to help inspire you to go out and hear some live artists playing throughout Nashville all week.
Grace’s Pick: Willow Avalon “Tequila or Whiskey”
My pick this week is Willow Avalon’s “Tequila or Whiskey.” Avalon, a 27 year old singer-songwriter from Georgia has been making her way in country and Americana music since her debut on YouTube in 2012. She played her first original song online and has been making music ever since. In January of 2025, she released her album Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. Recently, The Tennessean named her as one of the top artists to watch in 2025.
Avalon’s music has been having a moment on TikTok recently with her song “Tequila or Whiskey” getting thousands of posts online. The specific line that is getting the most traction is “..and I broke up with the only man I ever loved. Told him we were done, said we were through.” Many people have been relating to this song online, increasing her popularity and getting more listens on this track. With so much heartbreak and breakups in the air recently, this is the perfect song to listen to to get you through it. I have loved this song since she released it as a single in 2024.
Michelle’s Pick: Neko Case “This Tornado Loves You”
While I’ll freely admit that my knowledge of the Americana genre is almost non-existent, my pick this week comes from a place of personal history rather than deep musical expertise. I chose Neko Case’s “This Tornado Loves You,” a song that has been a constant on my mom’s radio for as long as I can remember.
Case’s lyrics personify a tornado as a desperate, lovesick entity, brilliantly blending destructive imagery with a deeply relatable feeling. “I have waited with a glacier’s patience / Smashed every transformer with every trailer / ‘Til nothing was standing / 65 miles wide / Still you are nowhere.” The result is a track that is both terrifying and profoundly sympathetic, a monument to love’s utterly destructive potential.
Zerita’s Pick: Buddy & Julie Miller “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”
My pick this week is a duet that I’ve loved for years. I’ve always been a fan of couple duos, from Buckingham and Nicks to Sonny and Cher, Buddy and Julie are a perfect addition to my list. Both of them had careers of their own before joining forces. Julie Miller had success in the Christian realm, being signed to christian-rocker Larry Norman’s, record label- where Buddy played lead guitar for her. Buddy also has played for artists like Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle.
This song has a fun beat and I love how Julie and Buddy’s voices play together in their different tones. I always find myself grooving and singing along to the hook. In the spirit of Americanafest this week, I highly recommend listening to this modern classic by two veterans of the genre.
Leo’s Pick: Colter Wall “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie”
My pick this week comes from American singer-songwriter, Colter Wall. In this track, Wall mixes elements of country, folk, and blues. All of which fall under the typical stylistic elements of the americana genre. Released in 2015, this song details Wall’s experience dealing with the Devil over tasteful blues licks. Here, he narrates the trade of his soul for the ability to master the guitar, and notes that “the Devil wears a suit and tie.”
For me, this song encapsulates what I love about Americana music. Between the compelling narration, gorgeous acoustic instrumentation, and folklore-tie-in, Wall expertly crafts a timeless classic belonging to the genre we are celebrating this week.
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear our local music and more! Also, share your thoughts on the tracks by tagging #L100 on Twitter!
