by S. Pulse
Garnering a ticket to the sold-out Luck Reunion can prove difficult, but you can still enjoy the music by giving a deep listen to the artists slated to perform. The curators of the Luck line-up have an uncanny knack for finding top-shelf artists, both those that have already gained traction in the industry as well relatively unknown newcomers. So, if you want to be on the cutting edge of what’s buzzing in the music industry, give our Spotify Luck Reunion playlist a spin.
Here are just some of the emerging artists that we’re excited to see perform:
49 Winchester: Any band that identifies as “Appalachian Country Soul Music” has our attention and 49 Winchester delivers. Hearing lead singer Isaac Gibson’s raspy soulful voice, one cannot help but conjure a comparison to Chris Stapleton. Give a listen to songs “Everlasting Lover” and “Hays, Kansas.”
Abby Hamilton: This talented singer-songwriter from Kentucky laments the struggle of musicians in her song “Big Time” with the chorus, “You can’t make a living off of royalty checks if nobody is cutting your songs.” Also, check out her angst-filled “Flowers” and you’ll agree that she’ll definitely make the ‘big time’.
Abraham Alexander: Leon Bridges noticed his amazing voice and added Alexander’s vocals to his first album. Now they’re friends and collaborate on not only songs, but also distilling Bourbon. We like his bluesy “335” and soulful “Lovers Game”.
Adia Victoria: Victoria weaves together cerebral lyrics with beautiful vocals. Many of the songs on her Southern Gothic album were conceived while pulling shifts at an Amazon warehouse. Recently, she’s toured with Jason Isbell. Not saying it’s going to happen, but it would be pretty cool if he joined her for a song. Check out “Magnolia Blues” and “South Gotta Change.”
Allison Russell: A Canadian-born singer songwriter, Russell performs insightful music in both English and French. Her songs chronicle her escape from abuse and rise out of homelessness. She currently makes Nashville her home where she’s also an activist and poet. Checkout “Nightflyer,” “Persephone” , and her French language cover of “Landslide.” Note that, like Adia Victoria, Russell has also toured and performed with Jason Isbell – as did another Luck performer Ida Mae. Makes us once again wonder what kind of collaborations are in store at Luck Reunion this year.
Japanese Breakfast: This alternative-leaning band refers to itself as “experimental pop,” but we just call it “good music.” The Luck line-up includes more diversity in music than past reunions and Japanese Breakfast is one of the performers that’s helping to expand that scope. They give us an 80’s throwback vibe reminiscent of The Fixx. Lead singer Michelle Zauner is also a best-selling author. Check out her memoir “Crying in H Mart” about growing up with Korean heritage and the loss of her mother. We like “Be Sweet” and “Road Hell.”
Lily Meola: An honorary member of the extended Nelson family, Meola has pursued a pop avenue that suits her clear voice and coming of age lyrics. Her inspiring song “Daydream” captures the uncertainty of pursuing one’s dreams and her acoustic cover of “Don’t Stop” should be on everyone’s playlist.
Neal Francis: The piano-playing Francis was set to play Luck Reunion in 2020 just as his album “Changes” was being released. His mix of gospel, funk, and dang good lyrics makes for inspiring music. He recorded his album in a Chicago church, and we give a strong “Amen” to his musical talent.
Below is the full Luck Reunion lineup for 2022. Who’s your favorite?
49 Winchester
Abby Hamilton
Abraham Alexander
Adia Victoria
Allison Russell
Bendigo Fletcher
Black Lips
BMI Songwriters Circle featuring Jackie Venson, Suzanne Santo, & Aaron Raitiere
Charley Crockett
Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express
Danielle Ponder
David Beck’s Tejano Weekend
Delta Spirit
Ida Mae
Japanese Breakfast
Jim Francis
Jim Keller
Jonathan Terrell
Leslie Mendelson
Lily Meola
Lost Gonzo Band with Michael Martin Murphey
Lucero
Neal Francis
Night Moves
Particle Kid
Ryan Quiet
Seratone
S.G. Goodman
Steve Gunn (full band)
Sunflower Bean
SUSTO
Tami Neilson
Tre’ Burt (solo)
Weyes Blood (solo)
Willie Nelson and Family
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