In conjunction with our July/August issue, American Songwriter proudly presents The Muse July Sampler, featuring 14 must-hear tracks from some of our favorite artists. And the best thing about it? It’s free! You can download the sampler by visiting http://americansongwriter1.bandcamp.com. Shovels & Rope, “Birmingham” Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent sing like old lovers, entwining [...]

Singing every note in a bedroom whisper, Canadian crooner Doug Paisley delivers this alt-country ballad softly and cautiously, as though he’s trying not to wake his sleeping girlfriend. "City Lights" by Doug Paisley  

What’s the key to good songwriting? Doug Paisley is probably being disingenuous when he says “I have no idea.” Clearly, the Canadian singer-songwriter is on to something – you only have to take one listen to his new album, Constant Companion, to know that. For his sophomore effort, Paisley was able to pull in Feist [...]