There are music festivals, and then there's Americana Fest. For five days, the city of Nashville doesn't host a festival, it becomes one. From September 15 through 19, more than 200 artists took over more than 50 venues across Music City, with nearly 300 official events packed into the schedule. Clubs, theaters, restaurants, historic spaces and neighborhood rooms all became stages. The result is equal parts festival you attend and massive music scavenger hunt.

Liz Phair brought songs of autonomy, self-discovery, and resilience to Albany's Egg on September 24 as part of the Flannel and the Fury Tour. Featuring a set rich with selections from Exile in Guyville and support from Frankie Cosmos, the evening celebrated an artist whose influence continues to resonate more than three decades into her career.

Ahead of her Sommo Festival performance, MARIS sat down with Rock DNA Magazine to discuss her new EP MOSH★PIT, her lifelong connection to music, and the unique relationship she has built with her fans. Later that evening, she brought those stories to life with an energetic, heartfelt set that left the crowd singing and smiling.

Amigo The Devil delivered an intimate and captivating performance at Toronto's Danforth Music Hall, blending dark storytelling, humor, and audience participation. Supported by Liam St. John, the evening showcased powerful musicianship and unforgettable moments both on and off the stage.

A night of nonstop energy took over Delmar Hall as Bailey Spinn, Wargasm, and Scene Queen delivered unforgettable performances in St. Louis. From Spinn's heartfelt connection with fans to Wargasm's explosive stage presence and Scene Queen's signature "bimbocore" spectacle, the evening showcased three unique artists who kept the crowd engaged, singing, dancing, and celebrating from start to finish.

Utah alt-rock duo Homestyle Dinner Rolls made their Philadelphia debut at Kung Fu Necktie with a performance packed with humor, political commentary, crowd participation, and every song from their debut album, Worthless Highs. From spontaneous sea shanties to mosh pits and emo anthems, the night proved why the band's growing fanbase continues to spread across the country.

Day Three of Riot Fest 2026 delivered emotion, punk history, and unforgettable performances as Holding Absence, Murphy's Law, The Format, Pennywise, and Taking Back Sunday brought the festival to a memorable conclusion.

Sommo Festival's opening day delivered incredible performances, culinary experiences, and unforgettable moments as artists including Twenty One Pilots, KALEO, Rêve, MARIS, Melt, and DeeDee Austin brought Prince Edward Island to life.

Pink Talking Fish and an all-star cast joined BERTHA: Grateful Drag to celebrate The Capitol Theatre’s 100th anniversary with music, history, and unforgettable surprises at Port Chester’s legendary rock palace.

Day Two of Riot Fest 2026 was everything fans could hope for: loud crowds, unforgettable performances, and nonstop energy. From The Chats and Bad Religion to a massive closing set by Tool, the festival delivered another memorable day packed with music and atmosphere.

On September 19, 2026, I visited the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, to see The Machine perform. As a devoted Pink Floyd fan, I've heard several tribute bands interpret the legendary group's music, but The Machine stands apart for its faithful renditions of iconic songs, atmospheric soundscapes, and arrangements that capture everything that made Pink Floyd one of rock's most influential bands.

What first got you into music? I remember loving just making sounds on the piano when I was little. When I was old enough, my grandpa got me my first piano lesson. I went into lessons full-time after that with much interest. I learned how to read music quickly, taking me through piano, saxophone, trombone, and finally drums by the end of high school. I always played in all the school bands, garage bands, all that stuff.

On September 18, 2026, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) performed at the historic Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. It was an incredible night of music, with thousands of fans enjoying the concert. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which originally opened in the late 1920's, was the perfect venue for this show.

What first got you into music? My ultimate love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer!! Every track used throughout the show encapsulated the emotions so perfectly; I wanted to be able to do something like that myself. There's a funny story on how I decided to pursue music early on without even knowing if I could sing; I just knew I enjoyed it and the way it made me feel.

What first got you into music? I think it started with rock music itself. We grew up listening to bands that made music feel bigger than just entertainment – it could carry emotion, energy and a real sense of freedom. Over time, music became a way for us to process life as well. Both the difficult things – loss, change, personal struggles – and the moments that make you feel completely alive. Bands like Muse, Foo Fighters, The Warning and later Måneskin showed us that rock c

What first got you into music? I think what first got me into music was my mom playing neil young and rod stewart and the Beatles, and my dad playing whatever he played. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? I'd say my music is alternative/punk/noise. It kinds varies a lot. I'd say for soundalikes, Elliott Smith, Built to Spill, and maybe Nirvana? sure, I'll go with that.

What inspired the theme or concept behind this album? Lyrical inspiration for the album came from seeing the current state for the world where things keep getting worse and will continue to get worse. Musically it was a fresh start to both Isaac and John to form a new sound that was more hardcore oriented compared to previous projects for both members which had been thrash metal.

What first got you into music? Music has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. Honestly the first thing that intrigued me about being an artist was hearing Nas Illmatic. I knew then this is something I give my life to pursue.

Can you tell us about the creative process? I made the whole thing with a 25-key midi controller in logic pro. and a guitar. and samples, but that's a secret. the vocal track that made the final cut was the last take I recorded. one take, no comping.

What first got you into music? Guitar Hero and Avenged Sevenfold. Guitar Hero made me want to learn to play a real guitar and listening to Avenged made me want to learn the guitar parts for their songs. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? We’re on the lighter side of death-core. Essentially death-core with metal -core influences.

Dermot Kennedy's performance at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway was a powerful reminder of just how far he's come. Before selling out the venue, Kennedy spent time busking on the streets of Boston, often met with hesitation from passersby. Now, the city welcomes him back with open arms, and there is no denying the power of his live performance or his ability to captivate every person in the room.

What story or message does the song convey? Feeling so drawn, so attracted and so full about the person that is most hurting you, and you know it, your rationales are in the right place, but you just can't stay away from.

I vividly remember the first time I heard The Mars Volta in 2003 (maybe 2004). My immediate reaction was, “What the hell did I just listen to?” It took me a few listens to fully understand the sonic complexity. Fast-forward 23 years, and they still bring that same raw intensity to every show they play.

The countdown to 8123 fest is on. The festival, taking place on January 15 and 16, 2027 at Mesa Amphitheater in Arizona, has a stacked lineup. Whether you’re going to see The Maine headline or you’re looking to find your next favorite band, we built a comprehensive playlist to help you get ready. If you haven’t grabbed tickets yet, visit here 8123 Fest 2027. This is not something you want to miss!