Cameron Bethany-YOUGETONMYNERVES

Cameron Bethany’s upcoming album YOUGETONMYNERVES isn’t out yet, but the lucky few who heard his recent preview performances at the Green Room and at the MOSH planetarium know it is going to be something special. Bethany has long been celebrated for his blend of soulful vulnerability, experimental R&B, and meticulously crafted soundscapes, and this long wait for a follow-up has only heightened the anticipation. The new material he shared feels both more intimate and more daring, showing an artist who has grown in the years since his 2017 debut YOUMAKEMENERVOUS. If these early glimpses are any indication, YOUGETONMYNERVES promises to be a rich and immersive next chapter from one of Memphis’s most distinctive voices, fully worth the patience it took to get here.

Dead Soldiers-CivilWarLand

Although commercial country radio is still sadly in the grasps of dude bros and even chart-topping AI “artists” gag, there has been a real and welcomed resurgence of the type of country and Americana that speaks truth to power and that isn’t afraid of breaking some rules. Memphis’ own Dead Soldiers is one such group, and they’ve never been better or more insightful than on their urgent new album CivilWarLand. It’s a powerful commentary on how old wounds still shape today’s world and a must-listen for fans of thoughtful, character-driven Americana.

HEELS-We Look Happy Here

HEELS, the local punk band with a blue collar folksy side, is back with both a new album and a new member. For their newest full-length We Look Happy Here, founding members Josh McLane and Brennan Whalen welcomed bassist Buddy Forbess to the party, resulting in a more robust and full sound. The album’s title, which I initially took as a dark joke (the group’s previous album was Pop Songs for a Dying Planet, for some context), seems to be sincere, as the project is filled with moments of sincere warmth. Fans of the group’s previous efforts need not fret, though–there is still plenty of introspective gloom here, if that’s your thing.

Optic Sink-Lucky Number

Lucky Number, the third album by the excellent synth-punk trio Optic Sink, was released on Halloween, an exceptionally fitting drop date for an album that is equal parts gloom and party. You know the video from the original Addams Family series when Wednesday absolutely kills it on the dance floor? Yeah, it kinda sounds like that. In all seriousness though, the group has never sounded better, allowing their minimalistic grooves to build and morph into something cosmic. Pro tip: If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the band’s hypnotic live show as soon as you can.

Joe Restivo-A Beautiful Friendship

Joe Restivo, a Memphis-born guitarist steeped in the city’s rich jazz and soul legacy, pours his deep love of mid-century swing into his stunning new album A Beautiful Friendship. Recorded at the iconic Sam Phillips Recording Studio, Restivo channels a bygone era of great Memphis jazz, reuniting organist Charlie Wood and drummer Renardo Ward to evoke the warm, intimate grooves of ’50s-’60s Beale Street. Across seven beautifully crafted tracks, his lyrical guitar lines and tight ensemble create a vibrant celebration of timeless friendship and sound.

The post 5 Excellent New Memphis Albums Help to End the Year On a High Note appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Dates & Venue: Thursday, September 25th at the Cannon Center

Hailed as “Memphis Music’s Biggest Night of the Year,” the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is inducting its newest class (Art Gilliam, Cordell Jackson, Robert Johnson, Denise LaSalle, Wendy Moten, and Johnnie Taylor) with the help of some famous friends. John Mellencamp, Martina McBride, and Eric Gales are among the evening’s special guest, but expect many more surprises as well.

Gonerfest 22

Dates & Venue: September 25-28 at Wiseacre Brewing (Broad Avenue), with Sunday’s free grand finale at Overton Park Shell. 

Once a series of unhinged live shows held at several Midtown watering holes, Gonerfest has since matured into a true Memphis institution, gaining a dedicated global following along the way. For their 22nd iteration, Goner has relocated to Wiseacre Brewing and the Overton Park Shell, providing plenty of room for the throngs of people who will surely descend on our fair city to catch an excellent and musically-diverse line-up include Lightning Bolt, Radioactivity, W.I.T.C.H., Tommy Wright III, Snooper, and more. If you’re into gritty, loud, off-beat, and experimental sounds, this is your weekend.

Mempho Music Festival

Dates & Venue: October 3-5, 2025 at Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden

Without disclosing my age, let’s just say that I’m no longer drawn to the discomfort and chaos of large outdoor festivals such as Bonnaroo and Coachella, which is one reason why Mempho Music Fest has become a perennial favorite. Stacked line-ups in a shaded and lush location with plenty of room to lay out and chill? Sign me up. Headliners for this year’s fest include Mempho favorites Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, Sierra Ferrell, Lucero, Mavis Staples, and more. You looking for some laid-back outdoor autumn vibes? Well look no further…

Memphist Fest

Date & Venue: October 3-4 at the Hi Tone

Although it shares a similar name to our previous entry, the 2-day Memphist Fest is in many ways the spiritual opposite of Mempho’s feet-in-the-grass vibes. Featuring a heavy-hitting collection of hardcore, punk, metal, and hip-hop, including local favorites such as Lukah and Little Baby Tendencies, this is the weekend choice for those who prefer PBR over patchouli.

Memphis Country Blues Festival Presents Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Date & Venue: Friday, October 10th at the Overton Park Shell

As part of the ongoing Shell Yeah! Benefit Series–which hosted a great performance from Big K.R.I.T. earlier this month–the good folks at the Shell are bringing Clarksdale, Mississippi native Kingfish Ingram back to the Delta for what promises to be one of this season’s best shows. The modern torchbearer of Delta blues, Kingfish brings jaw-dropping guitar fireworks and a voice steeped in the tradition of the Mississippi Hill Country. An open-air Shell show in early fall is about as perfect as it gets for pure blues magic.

Tambourine Bash (Music Export Memphis)

Date & Venue: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Overton Park Shell

Now in its fifth year, Tambourine Bash doubles as a community celebration and a fundraiser for Music Export Memphis, a true gem within the local music landscape. As those who have attended the event before can tell you, this night is all about surprise collaborations and all-star jams featuring some of the city’s best and brightest. Highlights of this year’s collaborations include Unapologetic + Future-Everything and Black Cream + Marcella Simien + The Lucky 7 Brass Band.

Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko & Bryson Tiller

Date & Venue: Saturday, October 18th at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

I will choose to keep my personal feelings about Chris Brown quiet for now (shout out to Jhene Aiko & Bryson Tiller tho!) and instead celebrate the fact that live music is once again returning to the Liberty Bowl after a 28 year hiatus. We’re genuinely hoping that this star-studded event is the beginning of a new era for the venue and many similar acts continue to stream through in the years to come.

Joe Restivo’s A Beautiful Friendship Record Release Show

Date & Venue: Thursday, October 23rd at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

Local jazz guitar great Joe Restivo will be celebrating the release of his latest album A Beautiful Friendship with a night of soulful, swinging originals and classics. The Green Room’s intimate acoustics will showcase every warm note of Restivo’s band, which is to include a murderers row of top-notch talent.

The Boy Is Mine Tour Ft. Brandy, Monica, Kelly Rowland & Muni Long 

Date & Venue: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at FedExForum

‘90s R&B fans are eating good as some of the biggest stars of the decade hit the FedEx Forum for a night of nostalgic fun. Brandy and Monica share the stage for the first time in years, where they will hopefully finally decide on who the boy belongs to. They’ll be  joined by powerhouse vocalists Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child fame and newer star Muni Long. Expect throw back jams, duets, and plenty of vocal fireworks.

Shangri-La Records Presents Memphis Rap OGz

Date & Venue: Friday, October 31, 2025 at Minglewood Hall

Peanut butter and chocolate. Wine and cheese. Memphis horrorcore and Halloween night. Some things just pair perfectly, which is certainly how we’re feeling about the upcoming Memphis Rap OGz showcase. Featuring some of the most influential artists in Memphis rap history–La Chat, Tommy Wright III, Crunchy Black, DJ Spanish Fly, Gangsta Pat, and DJ Zirk–this is shaping up to be the event for the spookiest night of the year.

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