If Briscoe's debut album was a coming-of-age soundtrack set against the backdrop of the Texas Hill Country, then its follow-up, Heat of July, is the sound of a fully-formed duo chasing down a broader horizon. Inspired by marriage, landscapes, and the cross-country tours that took the band across America, these new songs were written on the road, as eclectic and evocative as the terrain that unfolded just outside the van's windshield. Once again, Briscoe teamed up with Grammy-nominated producer Brad Cook to bring the songs to life, collaboratively creating a record that expands Briscoe's folk-rock sound in all directions. There are bigger arrangements, sharper vocal harmonies, and enough top-tier guest musicians — including members of Houndmouth, Hiss Golden Messenger, Bon Iver, Mipso, and Watchhouse — to form their own supergroup. The result is a cinematic, widescreen version of American roots music, created by two lifelong friends who've learned to distill the thrill of the open road — and the challenges of growing up — into an ever-evolving soundtrack.

At the intersection of rock riffs and folk songwriting, you find The Takes, a new indie rock group hailing from Portland, Oregon. The band – composed of Sumner Rahr, Fritz Frerichs, Guido Rahr, and Phoebe Webb – weaves emotion and escapism through their songs, all while sticking to the roots of rock. On their 2024 EP ‘Lay Hold,’ the band pulls rhythm from legendary inspirations like Creedence Clearwater Revival and earnest songwriting from the likes of Noah Kahan. With over 1 million career streams and counting, The Takes are creating music for the moment and community wherever they happen to be.