In the late 2000s, Justin Townes Earle emerged as one of the most magnetic singer-songwriters in roots music. He died in 2020 of a fentanyl overdose in Nashville, and now journalist Jonathan Bernstein has an engrossing biography, “What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome.”
Nashville rapper iNTRO contains multitudes
On “Duality of Man,” rapper iNTRO paints a self-portrait from many different angles, continually shifting in style and subject matter alike. “What is a rapper? … I’m also doing these other things that aren’t necessarily rapper-esque, like baking banana bread.”
Rock Nashville opens music touring campus, aiming to center Nashville in live music industry
Nashville’s newest and largest rehearsal campus, called Rock Nashville, seeks to solidify the city as the nation’s hub for music and touring.
Mon Rovîa sought quiet to make an album that could reach the world
Mon Rovîa named his debut album, and its title track, “Bloodline.” In the song, he reflects on his quest to restore his sense of connection to the people and place he came from.
Nashville saves iconic music venue The End
A panic swept through Nashville’s music community this week when beloved venue The End went public with its financial struggles. But in mere hours, we saw how local music-lovers can rally.
These Nashville restaurants will say goodbye on their own terms as real estate prices edge out small businesses
As higher rents and skyrocketing food prices push out small businesses, these Nashville staples are giving customers plenty of time to say goodbye.
Anticipated Nashville albums in 2026
What will the Nashville music scene look like in 2026? We have a solid snapshot of some upcoming local releases — plus early inklings about records that may be brewing. Here are some highlights as we look ahead to the new year.
A new exhibit on Muscle Shoals explores a complex history of transcending the musical color line
The Muscle Shoals music scene would wind up with a road sign making a grand claim to fame: “Welcome to the City of Muscle Shoals, hit recording capital of the world.”
Nashville as a culinary destination: How the city’s food scene changed in 2025
2025 was a year of fundamental change in Nashville’s food scene. Our city is changing fast, and a food scene is often a directional indication of where it is headed.
Our top 5 in 2025: Stories of joy and local culture
Music history, adventurous bus rides, mysterious foods and the niche world of kustom kulture cars made for some of the most joyful WPLN reporting in 2025.
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