Yates McKendree grew into the blues as naturally as breathing. A GRAMMY at 18 set the stage; his latest album, ‘Need to Know,’ reveals the heart and depth of an artist determined to keep the old-school sound alive.
Author: Chloe Richardson
Chloe Richardson
Chloe Kay Richardson is a Sydney-based music and entertainment journalist with a BA in journalism from Macleay College. She has contributed to Rhythms Magazine, American Blues Scene, Happy Mag, theMusic.com, and The Western Weekender, among others. Over the course of her career, she has interviewed more than 400 music legends, emerging artists, comedians, and directors, while producing countless reviews and features. With an encyclopedic knowledge of music—especially the blues—and an enduring obsession with entertainment news, Chloe brings both passion and insight to her writing. She is also a singer and songwriter, avid record collector, and vintage enthusiast.
AmericanaFest 2025 celebrated roots, rock, and community at its finest. Laney Jones ignited the stage with fearless indie-rock, Robert Randolph delivered jaw-dropping blues, Brandi Carlile shared candid wisdom, and the Old 97’s earned a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement nod from Rosanne Cash. John Fogerty closed the night with his sons by his side, while rising star Medium Build held the audience rapt. From buzzing bars to the Mother Church, AmericanaFest proved why it remains the heart of Nashville each September.
Old-school soul, new-school style: Mckinley James opens up about his debut album, working with Dan Auerbach, and making music with family by his side—with our Australia correspondent at AmericanaFest.
American Blues Scene’s Australian correspondent traveled to Nashville’s AmericanaFest to catch up with Zach Ernst, guitarist and curator behind Austin’s legendary Antone’s. At the heart of Antone’s 50th anniversary celebration, Ernst discussed his journey with the club, the making of ‘The Last Real Texas Blues Album,’ and his ongoing mission to connect Austin’s rich blues history with a new generation of artists. By pairing veteran and rising musicians, creating a museum, and expanding the Austin Blues Festival, Ernst demonstrates that the blues are far from fading into the background.
Queenie is part heartache, part heat, and all her own. From growing up under mixing desks to her charting debut and a ten-year breakup that fueled it, the Australian rocker opened up at Blues on Broadbeach about the journey so far—and what’s next.
“Great songs live in the ordinary.” – Eli “Paperboy” Reed, speaking from Blues on Broadbeach, reflecting on two decades of hard-earned soul and authenticity.
Sunpie Barnes and Dom Turner talk spirit-led collaboration, Phil Wiggins’ legacy, improvisation, and the unexpected paths that led from the NFL and Australia’s blues underground to a soul-deep musical bond on the Gold Coast stage.
Live from Blues on Broadbeach, Eric Gales reflects on musical influences like B.B. King, the hunger ignited by Grammy recognition, and the deep personal meaning behind his upcoming tribute album. With dreams of collaborating with John Mayer and a fierce commitment to growth, Gales keeps pushing forward, inspiring the next generation to do the same.
While many festivals are hanging on for dear life, Blues on Broadbeach has continued to grow and welcomed its biggest lineup of international acts this year including Jon Cleary, Ana Popovic, Samantha Fish, Eric Bibb and more.
A conversation with Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell: GRAMMY Award-winning engineer, producer, composer, award-winning movie producer, and owner of Royal Studios in Memphis, TN.