Muddy Roots Is A New Religion

After my brain has started to clear up from all the dust, conversations, cold beer, moonshine and remembrance of another great Muddy Roots, all I can do is smile with a shit eating grin. I personally haven't attended, worked or been a part of any other festival on the level of what Jason Galaz has created with Muddy Roots. 

Each year the festival grows with a creative exuberance that feels as contagious as a sing along at a Dropkick Murphy's show. No matter where you walk around the festival grounds, folks are saying hello and quick to offer a beer or maybe a chat about what bands are coming up. Is this a strange sort of utopia? It can feel that way at certain moments and makes me realize how much more effort we want to put in to help support such a great music festival. 

The convergence of amazing music, festive atmosphere and some of the greatest folks you would ever want to hang with, is the very reason why we signed on to build a huge lounge for Muddy Roots 2014. The sum is greater than all the parts and we as an independent music label want to contribute and help grow such a killer event.

I have so many folks to thank for their hard work on this event and it would not be possible for us without the tight inner circle within Rusty Knuckles Music. Keeping this pirate ship afloat is no easy task and our dedicated crew is always on board to help set sail and more importantly, dive in when work needs to get done. Massive thanks for all the early preparations and help in setting up and maintaining our "lounge" this year to Mrs Knuckles, Buck and Susan Thrailkill, JB Beverley, Nate, Kitty Barks, Husky and Kari Burnette, Justin, Adam, Billy, Rascal and Randy of Carolina Still, The Aussie Posse, Lauren, all of Fifth On the Floor and road crew, Billy Don Burns, Hellbound Glory, Rash, Gypsy Jody, Jeff Leigh, Mike Fiedler, Pizza Dave, Stoney, Phil, Kate, Owen Mays and anyone else that picked up trash after the huge pre-party jam and throughout the weekend, contributed a few bucks for food or booze and overall helped to keep a great camp site maintained. This was not easy and many folks put a lot of money into making this a success

If you think we did something good this year for Muddy Roots, be prepared for 2014 as we already bought our "acreage" for next year. We have a massive space to work with and in our way of thinking, now we have a mission. Go big or go home!

Also, below are a bunch of photos found on facebook from posts. I would have enjoyed taking all of our photos to represent the festival, but unfortunately in the crunch of time to get out of town, the one item needed most that was forgotten, being my camera gear. After much use of great four letter words and being pissed off for many miles, I just had to create lemonade. Thanks to everyone who took great shots as we are damn stoked to repost them. If you want photo credit, just email me via facebook and I would be happy to oblige.

Thanks again to everyone at Muddy Roots, all the folks who show up and most of all to everyone that works their asses off to make such a great event happen. Stoked to have gotten to see sets from all the bands we work with such as Carolina Still, Hellbound Glory, Husky Burnette, JB Beverley, Billy Don Burns and to also check out God Damn Gallows, Peewee Moore, Black Flag, Left Lane Cruisers, Possessed By Paul James, Shooter Jennings, Psycho DeVilles, Hellfire Revival, Dale Watson, Whitey Morgan, Ray Lawrence Jr., Ten Foot Polecats, Sarah Gayle Meech, White Trash Blues Revival and many more. Wish we could have seen every band for full sets, but our booth / lounge was a beehive of activity. SEE YA NEXT YEAR!!!!!!

Black Flag. YES, thee Black Flag on the main stage

JB Beverley and Billy Don Burns - photo by Mike Fiedler

JB, Pizza Dave in an ill fitting women's tee and Chad

A nice picture until the Aussie Posse decides to do a photo bomb! Stacks On!

Carolina Still getting ready to roll on the main stage

JB Beverley had the entire stage flanked with the Rusty Knuckles country roster for his rendition of Maggie's Farm

Never one to let a birthday slip by, Nate became a force of nature and gave us the best drunken photo in years

Billy Don Burns on stage during Shooter Jennings set

JB Beverley, Leroy Virgil and Buck Thrailkill

Buck Thrailkill on stage with Shooter Jennings on the closing night

The pool was a blessing and a curse

Husky Burnette jamming in front of the lounge

Leroy Virgil of Hellbound Glory and one huge sing along

The Aussie Posse does their "Stacks On"

JB Beverley on stage with Shooter Jennings

Shooter Jennings, Billy Don Burns and Lauren

Husky Burnette on stage with Shooter Jennings

Maggies Farm never sounded so good until that huge jam session

When the time comes, Rusty Knuckles Music shows up in solidarity and flanks an entire stage

Stoney and Pizza Dave proving once again why we love Ohioans

Zeke of Hellbound Glory, joining Fifth On the Floor, Buck Thrailkill and Kara Clark

Bands We Are Stoked To See At Muddy Roots

Muddy Roots is rolling up fast and as we are steady in our preparation mode. Here some of the bands that we are really pumped to see in no particular order. Now for all y'all that heading to Tennessee for the event, roll on through our lounge and store booth as we will be setup all weekend. Also of note, all the bands that are on Rusty Knuckles Music in attendance, will be hanging out, having drinks and talking shop with impromptu jams all weekend. Needless to say our lounge will be buzzing all weekend so come on over and say hello. 

Kara Clark Feature Interview On It Burns When I Pee Podcast

We have had a lot of return guests on IBWIP over the years, but Kara Clark - See more at: http://www.section86.com/2013/07/it-burns-when-i-pee-episode-0103-an-interview-with-kara-clark/#sthash.Dky8XbpZ.dpuf

We have had a lot of return guests on IBWIP over the years, but Kara Clark - See more at: http://www.section86.com/2013/07/it-burns-when-i-pee-episode-0103-an-interview-with-kara-clark/#sthash.Dky8XbpZ.dpuf

We have had a lot of return guests on IBWIP over the years, but - See more at: http://www.section86.com/2013/07/it-burns-when-i-pee-episode-0103-an-interview-with-kara-clark/#sthash.Dky8XbpZ.dpuf

We have had a lot of return guests on IBWIP over the years, but - See more at: http://www.section86.com/2013/07/it-burns-when-i-pee-episode-0103-an-interview-with-kara-clark/#sthash.Dky8XbpZ.dpuf

We have had a lot of return guests on IBWIP over the years, but - See more at: http://www.section86.com/2013/07/it-burns-when-i-pee-episode-0103-an-interview-with-kara-clark/#sthash.Dky8XbpZ.dpuf

Kara Clarks - brand new album, self titled... Kara Clark

Pick up your copy of Kara Clark's new album

Listen to the feature Kara Clark Interview on IBWIP

"We have had a lot of guests on IBWIP over the years but Kara Clark, is one of our favorites. Kara has a new self titled album, a new label, and a new career plan. So we put on our sunglasses, opened a box of wine, and brought her back into the dirty stalls of It Burns When I Pee. In the interview we talk about social media, her hatred for her own song Highway, and her famous lazy dog Baxter. Kara talks about her new relationship with Rusty Knuckles and their vision on how to develop her career. She describes the events that lead her to writing the song “Wake Up”.  We also discuss her dream of having her own line of wine and our good friend Chris Miller from Blue Ribbon Radio."

Kara Clark feature interview on IBWIP

Dive Into Kara Clark's Albums On Itunes

Whether you purchase albums in cd or digital format isn't a concern to us. The big thing we would dig is that you just check out the band or artists and continue to find great music. As the outlets change from indie stores to online retailers and huge outlets such as Amazon, there is more music than ever. Kara Clark is one of those artists that we feel is a cut above the rest. Just check it out and have a listen. She is the songwriter that will take you on a long journey and leave you reeling on the other end of this canyon highway, with a bitter sweet crooked grin knowing another voyage is about to begin.

Check out Kara Clark on Itunes

Kara Clark featured on Itunes

Kara Clark Featured On New Releases Now

Check out more of Kara Clark over on New Releases Now 

Purchase a copy of her album from our store

Kara Clark Featured On New Releases Now

Kara Clark featured on New Releases Now for the week of July 9th 2013

Kara Clark Interview 2013 - Highwaywoman Radio Show

Solid interview with Kara Clark on the Highwaywoman Radio Show.


Get your copy of the album now


Brigitte London talks with Kara Clark and features cuts from her new self-titled album on her new label, Rusty Knuckles Music. You can order the album here: http://www.rustyknucklesmusic.com/pro...

The Highwaywoman Radio Show is on fb: http://www.facebook.com/highwaywomanr... and is Hosted by Texas artist Brigitte London. http://www.facebook.com/brigittelondon

LISTEN: AM1670 San Antonio, TX & online at http://www.am1670.org/ 8pm central Sunday Nights nights - 2 hour edition

AM1230 Kerrville, TX 93.5FM Junction TX THE REAL DEAL 7pm Saturday nights - 1 hour edition

Wildman Steve Radio http://www.wildmansteveradio.com/ 7pm central Saturday nights - 2 hour edition!

WRSG 91.5FM Sisterville WV 9pm Thursday nights

WQRO - The Crow - 105.9 FM Farmington, IA 9pm Thursday nights

My Daddy O Radio/ http://www.mydaddyoradio.com Monday NIghts 7PM /E

EMM Radio Seattle WA 4 PM Sundays

Radio Vera IRELAND - Thursdays 10pm. http://www.radiovera.ie/

Brand New Carolina Still and Kara Clark Shirt Designs

Check out the brand new shirt designs for Carolina Still and Kara Clark. Click the links to pick up one for yourself.

Brand new tshirt designs for Carolina Still and Kara Clark

Kara Clark shirt detail

Carolina Still new shirt design

Carolina Still illustration on the drawing table

Kara Clark raven illustration on the drawing table

Kara Clark Album Has Arrived

The brand new album from Kara Clark has arrived from our manufacturers and is all set for the July 9th world wide release date. We can flat out tell you that this is an album filled to the brim with peaks and valleys. The songwriting is top of the food chain and it will take you on a journey like no other. The one aspect we really dig about Kara Clark's music is the pure honesty reflected within each song. You feel as if she is sitting directly beside you as the songs progress. This is how masterful story telling is done!

Get your copy of Kara Clark's new album

Kara Clark's brand new album ships world wide on July 9th

Kara Clark Raven Shirt Process Photos

In early July the brand new Kara Clark album will be hitting store shelves world wide and damn are we proud of this release. Huge soaring vocals, deep southern anecdotal story telling and one femme fatale steering the ship through it all. If this is the first you are hearing of Kara Clark, dive on in. If you are already a fan, the pre-sale is about to go up and will be posting that later today.

Brand new Kara Clark shirt design - Deep Southern Anecdotes

Kara Clark shirt design - Deep Southern Anecdotes pt. 1

Kara Clark shirt design - Deep Southern Anecdotes pt.2

Kara Clark shirt design - Deep Southern Anecdotes pt.3

Kara Clark shirt design - Deep Southern Anecdotes pt.4

Kara Clark Featured As Breaking Artist On ReverbNation

"Nashville-based artist Kara Clark was featured on That Music Magazine in January. The review says: Immediately upon hearing her sing, one realizes that her voice is extremely powerful and for lack of a better way to put it, her voice packs quite a punch.  She can sing the low notes with the best of them, exuding vitality, or even the higher notes with a sweet haunting air. This is the first time Kara has submitted AND won a ReverbNation opportunity."

Link to post on ReverbNation

Kara Clark featured as Breaking Artist on ReverbNation

Kara Clark Will Release New Album Summer 2013

Over the last week, it has been one damn cool adventure after the next as musician after musician has been rolling into town. To cap the week off, Kara Clark rolled in from Nashville to talk on ideas for her new album and to postulate on the art direction for new merchandise and photography. We cannot say enough great things about Kara as she is down to earth and a solid individual. Glad to be working with her and cannot wait for fans to hear the new materials. 

Stay tuned on all things KaraClark.com as there will be a brand new site launching soon and a plethora of updates. For now, keep up to date with her on ReverbNation.

Kara Clark will be releasing new material in the summer of 2013

Kara Clark Interview, From Kudzoo

There are a lot of reasons for someone to write music that resonates from within the soul. It could be the burning need to get the ideas out of your head, that create a temporary paralysis resulting from not letting the ideas flow. Or it could be like many folks, an inborn addiction to which there is no known cure, except for hard work and dedication to your craft.

From the amount of material that is sent over to us from Kara Clark, we know this songstress puts her time in and is constantly writing new drafts. Kara's approach is refreshing, as we can sense her ideas evolving and becoming something greater than what an mp3 allows. Damn stoked to hear the full breadth of the new material and to be able to put a release date on it later this year.

Keep up with Kara Clark on Facebook

Kara Clark, new material in the works

Check out original interview in the online magazine Kudzoo

"Nashville is filled to the brim with country music hopefuls. Young men in cowboy hats and sexy young girls who made their way to Music City from far-flung cities in California, New York, Ohio and Nevada. People with heads full of dreams. Dreams of country music stardom. Dreams of packing arenas and standing beneath the warm glow of the spotlight and singing their country-pop hearts out, selling millions of CD's and even more download's. Artists who would sell their very soul for the opportunity of becoming one of those cookie-cutter country stars who all look the same and sound the same.

However, if you dig down just a tiny bit, past those layers of generic wanna-be's, you will find some genuine talent tucked away in the dim recesses of Nashville. Something fresh, something different. Something honest. Something called Kara Clark.

Kara has been called everything from gothic country to outlaw country. Fact is, she kind of defies classification. She is a little bit country and little bit rock n' roll, all wrapped up in shades of black & gray and covered in tattoos and lipstick. Her's is a unique voice. A wake up call in the city of musical sheep.

KUDZOO caught up with Kara Clark to find out a little bit about her background, what turns her on and her thoughts on the bizarre music business of today.






Tell us about where you were born and where you grew up.

I was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia. I also spent a lot of time with my grandparents in Logan County, West Virginia where my sister and I played in creeks, pumped water into the sink to wash dishes and sat by a coal stove at night. My mom and dad divorced when I was three, I think, so she raised us and we had a great stepfather as well. My other grandparents lived in Huntington. My grandfather was a politician so my sister and I experienced two different types of living, it was good. I had a good child hood. Yes, I know the whites, we all knew of Jesco years ago, we didn't think anything out of the ordinary about them. I get asked that a lot.

When did you first become interested in music?

I didn't do any music growing up. I got kicked out of glee club in junior high for being a smart ass. I did what you do, graduated, went to college, got married, had kids. It wasn't until I was drunk singing karaoke one night that people kind of stopped and said, "where did that come from?" I responded with "I have no idea."

I entered some silly contests in West Virginia and won. It was bizarre to me. I got a used guitar and taught myself to play and started writing songs. I think everyone thought I had lost my mind. To be honest, they probably still think that.

Looking back on my life, I think it was always there. I wrote poetry and I used to sing when nobody was looking. I can remember singing Juice Newton like a fool. Also, as my grandmother aged, we found a hope chest full of keepsakes and there was a drawing I had done at 6 years old. It was a guitar and a microphone. My mom and I got chill bumps. Of course, I lost the drawing in typical Kara fashion.

Before that, were you a fan of music?

I have always loved music. I have gone through so many phases, some are too embarrassing to even mention. I was lucky to have seen Waylon with my dad when I was little. I was also lucky that my mother let me go to my first concert in the 4th grade. I think it was Rod Stewart. I was a rocker in junior high and high school. I remember seeing KISS in the 8th grade and my best friend and I were scared to death when WASP opened. I've seen Metallica so many times that my neck is permanently injured. After my metal phase in high school, I switched back to country. I love the classics, always have.

During high school, what were your future plans?

In high school, my only plans were drinking and drugs. That was my wild phase, not my college years, I was settled down by then. I barely made it through high school, I was so wild that there was no way I was thinking about my future. My poor mom, I worried her to death, I am sure. My senior year, I was shipped to my dad, a state trooper and I straightened up.

What made you move to Nashville and when did you arrive?

To be honest, my marriage was on it's last leg, we gave it a shot. I had been writing and making horrible cassette tape demo's of cover tunes. A musician friend I had made online had lived here for 25 years and knew this town. I had never even been here. She told me to send her a demo and she would be honest and let me know if I should, up and move here. She got with me when she heard it and told me to move if I could. She said I would stand out. That I am different. So, my then husband said he would move us here if it was what I wanted. I sat on it for a few months and then just packed up and moved here. I had never even sang in a band. It's kind of funny now.

Did you visit and "check it out" before hand?

No, my sister and I came to see about houses, but we ended up on Broadway and got nothing accomplished.

How do you find Nashville as far as from the perspective of a writer/performer trying to be heard?

That is a tough question because a lot of my own struggle has been my own fault. It's taken me years to realize this, but I do now. I have been lucky because I do think I stand out, so people know who I am. But at the same time, I have boxed myself in to an extent. I didn't do it on purpose, all of my songs are from the heart and just who I am, but I think people assume, it's all I can do and that is just not true.. I write a ton of different stuff, but have been so stubborn, way too stubborn. I have recently decided as long as I have true to myself, it's not a sell out. I have had several very important people tell me lately that I am missing the boat by being so stand-offish and by being so dead set to change the opinions of alternative country. I have many radio friendly songs just sitting here and that is just stupid.

You have written some great songs already. Have you been pushing songs to the publishers of Music Row?

I have never pushed for a writing deal. I think I have been so focused on the artist "Kara Clark" that I just let the songwriter take the backseat. I knew nobody was gonna cut anything off my records, so I just would write "pitch" stuff and let it sit here. I taught myself piano, mainly because I wanted to play "I'm Not Lisa" and after I learned it, a flood of songs came to me and I really like playing the piano. It also brings out a different style in me. A more vulnerable Kara and that is okay with me. I am ready to pitch songs now.

I hear you have done a bit of co-writing. Who are some of the folks  you've written with?

The majority of my stuff, I write by myself or with David Walker, who plays in my band. I wrote "Relapse" with Travis Meadows, he is amazing. I have written a couple with Jeremy Bussey. Again, I fault myself for not being in the "Nashville writer circles." I haven't networked or reached out to other writers, but all this is changing now.

Do you do the songwriting sessions, where you go into a room with others at a designated time and hammer out songs? What is your approach to songwriting?

I have done that once with Karen Staley, it went well. Sort of surreal, one of the first songs I ever "covered" was "Let's Go To Vegas." She wrote that and I was in a room writing with her. Up 'til now, I just get these hooks in my head and I run with them. I am primarily a lyricist. Every song on my records are all my own lyrics. I struggle with melodies, but not as much lately. I generally start at home and write it. If I can't get the melody, I will got to someone to help with the part. Hell, I have hummed melodies to people just because I am not a great guitar player and can't get them to sound right. My nephew helps me sometimes with that.

Who are your favorite or most influential songwriters?

Anthony Smith, Edwin McCain, Karen Staley, Chris Wallin, Jeffrey Steele, Leslie Satcher

Same question, but musicians?

My influential musicians are all over the map. I love everyone from Edwin McCain to Tool, to Journey, Cash, Waylon, Shooter, Hank III, Little River Band, Linda Perry (laughs), that sounds crazy. To sum it up, I am influenced by people who do their thing, stick to it to be true, be different and not give in. It's easy to sound or be like someone else already doing it it. It's tough as hell to be who you are and be successful. But all the ones who were true to what they believed in, will always last through time.

As far as performing, you still do solo stuff right?

Yes, actually acoustic gigs are far easier for me. Less overhead, more freedom to play a lot more material.

And the band? Who all plays in your band?

Right now, it depends on the gig, who I hire for it. Keeping an original band together at my level is tough and stressful. My piano player, David Walker is always with me.

Kara Clark will be building a huge fan base in 2013 with her new material

What have been some of the high points for you in your career thus far?

I am fortunate that my very top favorite artists or writers know who I am and I have met them all. I am lucky to have had press quotes from Shooter Jennings and Edwin McCain and Anthony Smith. Not many people get down here and actually get to know their main influences.

Tell us about your CD Southern Hospitality. Who produced, who played on it, all about it. Enquiring minds want to know.

I was lucky to make that record. I was lucky to be able to choose the songs that went on it. I wrote it all, had co-writers on many of the songs, but that record was all me — and being told "go make it, who cares what anyone thinks" was a great feeling. I had some of my band play on it. I played acoustics on it. Kenny Olsen, Wayd Battle, Dave Macafee, Mark Lambert all played on it. I called Brent Mason to play on two tracks and my engineer said, "you just don't call Brent Mason" (laughs) I do. I got to use Peter Keys from Skynyrd, I had great players on it.

What are your future plans?

I have a few things to think about right now as far as this latest record and the artist side of my career. I am not sure which road I am gonna take. Right now, my main focus is gonna be songwriting, getting my catalog organized, really concentrating on co-writing and pitching songs. I have way too many to just sit here and wait for someone to knock on my door.

I am also getting ready to start a new project, but I'm not allowed to talk about it. Get me drunk and I might.

And now, the important questions... What is the average air speed velocity of an unladen sparrow?

Shut up.

What is your favorite television show?

I love all true crime shows. I love Grey's Anatomy, I know, I know — I don't even care who knows it. I have love trash reality tv. I feel like I write such sad songs, I am allowed to watch that Honey Boo Boo and I wish she had a Kara Clark tshirt. Oh, turtle man is awesome to. The Kardashians are idiots.

What is the greatest record album ever recorded in the history of the world?

No pressure huh? I don't think I have just one favorite. The first thing that popped in my head was Rumors (Fleetwood Mac).

Name your five favorite musical acts?

Drive by Truckers, Hank 3, Journey, Edwin McCain and Shooter Jennings

If Carly Rae Jepsen got into a fight with Taylor Swift, who would win?

Who the fuck is Carly Rae Jepsen? Taylor Swift is perpetually 14, but I think she may have a mean streak deep down. I'm kidding.

What is the most important thing in life?

My children, period."

 - Michael Buffalo Smith

2013 Releases from Rusty Knuckles Music and Then Some...

Screen shot from brand new Green Lady Killers video that is in the works

Damn do we have some great projects coming up for this year. We can't let all of them out of the bag just yet, as the final touches are being maneuvered on quite a few. Here is quick list of what is on the horizon for spring and summer from Rusty Knuckles Music:

1. Brand new album from the Carolina Still with video series filmed by Shane DeRuise
2. New video and album from the Green Lady Killers
3. Split 7" with the Flat Tires and History Repeated, featuring John Stabb of Government Issue
4. New mixed, remastered and repackaged album from Kara Clark
5. New song and video from Rory Kelly, filmed by Shane DeRuise
6. New video about to be released from Reno Divorce, shot in California
7. Re-release of Crank County Daredevils "Livin' In The Red"
8. Jay Berndt & The Orphans split 7" with J.B. Beverley and Buck Thrailkill
9. Antiseen & Grim Pickins and the Bastard Congregation Split 7"
10. Billy Don Burns documentary film project 
11. Hellbound Glory on tour with Kid Rock and Buckcherry
12. Four more awesomely great new projects we cannot spill the beans on just yet, but will definitely be wetting panties world wide.
  
This is just a taste of the music projects on the horizon. There is far more in the works with a lot of special guests popping in this year along with our new event series that we are partnering up with quite a few folks on.

Wrench N' Roll is our new event series put on with the Veterans MC, Friction, Shooting Star Tattoo and The Drunk Horse Saloon in Fayetteville, NC on March 1st 2013