This week we feature a quintet of Nashville-based artists including two former Nashville Artists of the Month (Madi Diaz, Briston Maroney), a very recent transplant (Michigander), an experimental musician who brings back some 90’s Thrill Jockey-era sounds (Rich Ruth) and an artist whose new album “deconstructs her self-image and examines the evolution of her identity, ensconced in evocative arrangements that draw from power pop, R&B, post-New Wave rock ’n’ roll and even hints of trip-hop” (Lera Lynn). There’s also New Orleans garage rock taking on European disco (Special Interest), some very collaborative “world” pop (Superorganism) and new spins on throwback sounds (Charley Crockett, Thee Sacred Souls, Surf Curse).

We start with an artist we’ve been keeping an eye on and sometimes that’s been tricky. PawPaw Rod has delivered some of our favorites of the last few years including “Hit Em Where It Hurts” but he’s also been difficult to find. There was an even an article last year called Where is Pawpaw Rod? Well, he’s back with a new single for Godmode records called “Message (Better Days).” He says its’ about the unlikely journey he’s been on since leaving Oklahoma and chasing his musical dream.