WEEKLY ENCORE: Your Must-Read Setlist
Here's a look at this week's top headlines.
Relix Daily
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
FEATURE
Second two of The Energy Curfew Music Hour debuted in October on Audible. Here, during a late-December lull, we look back to a moment in April when one of the episodes came together.
FEATURE
Billy Strings takes nothing for granted, including his prowess on the guitar. This is why during his downtime on a Sunday afternoon in mid-October, a few days after returning from a European tour, the musician is back in motion. Or at least his hands are, as Strings, the recipient of countless accolades as an instrumentalist, runs his fingers across an acoustic.
What a long strange trip it’s been. Now in softcover.
FEATURE
The Sway Machinery have long been the bridge between a few different worlds. Founded by Jeremiah Lockwood, the grandson of a famous cantor who also spent his formative years working with the great bluesman Carolina Slim, the New York-based ensemble has helped bring traditional Jewish heritage music into the 21st century through their inspired original music. Feeling a natural kinship to the various roots and world music scenes flourishing around his native city, Lockwood has also used The Sway Machinery as a vehicle for cultural connection and dialogue, working with renowned musicians around the world to offer a fresh spin on a form of traditional heritage music.
On rotation in our office and broadcasting to readers worldwide on Spotify. Stay tuned for updates every Friday, and send anything you think we have to hear to [email protected].
From shakedown to sink side.
WATCH
A night worth revisiting... Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers featuring Eggy... together at the legendary Bearsville Theatre! This one-night-only broadcast captures the chemistry, musicianship, and Woodstock magic of these shows in cinematic 4K video and stunning hi-res audio. Thoughtfully mixed and edited, it’s the perfect post-holiday watch...
NEWS
Steven Drozd has revealed that he is no longer a member of the Flaming Lips. After 33 years as the neo-psychedelia outfit’s lead guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and primary songwriter with frontman Wayne Coyne, Drozd shared unceremoniously that he had parted ways with his longtime band in a since-deleted post to Threads.
NEWS
Railroad Earth have extended its 25th Anniversary Tour. After previously delivering a series of dates that will keep them busy from mid-January through March, the Garden State ensemble has tacked on more appearances slated for the spring and in celebration of their silver jubilee. The new dates coincide with the band’s arrival at Old Settlers Festival on April 18 in Driftwood, Texas.
RECAP
On Friday, December 19, Sam Grisman Project performed at the Field Center for the Arts in Port Angeles, Wash., where they welcomed a special guest, virtuoso mandolinist David “Dawg” Grisman. Before assembling at the venue adjacent to the harbor, the band teased the sit-in on social media, adding to preexisting fan speculation. The performance also doubled as the group’s first live appearance since delivering their self-titled debut studio record–a set intended to mimic their live show with an array of traditional songs and classic covers that span Bob Dylan’s archive, Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter, and well beyond.
NEWS
Karl Denson will celebrate his 69th birthday at San Francisco, CA’s famed The Fillmore this Saturday, December 27. In addition to his long-running Tiny Universe combo, the Greyboy Allstars/Rolling Stones saxophonist has confirmed that both singer-songwriter Jackie Greene and vocalist/steady Galactic collaborator Jelly Joseph will perform during the night. A few other familiar faces, including onetime Tiny Universe bassist/Grey Allstars mainstay Chris Stillwell and drummer John Staten, will also appear during the show. Cliff Porter’s Full Blast will provide support duties.