SWOMP

As country and metal continue their long flirtation, Devil’s Cut are staking a louder, rowdier claim with their debut album Roadkill.
The Louisville band’s first full-length record arrives April 24 via MNRK Heavy, blending metalcore’s weight with country storytelling and imagery. The album’s lead single, “Drink With The Devil,” dropped recently alongside a music video, offering an early look at the group’s high-energy, crossover sound.
Singer Trey Landrum said the band’s identity is rooted in both sides of that divide.
“We grew up on Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks, but we love Metallica and Pantera,” he said. “We’re metal with hints of country, but we’re doing it differently; fucking with it and making it our own.”
SWOMP caught up with Landrum for an interview, where he dives deeper into that balance, the band’s Kentucky roots and how Roadkill came together during a focused writing stint in Nashville with a team of experienced collaborators.
The project traces back to a 2018 conversation with manager Cody Ash, who encouraged the band to fully embrace a hybrid of country and heavy music. Early releases, including a 2019 cover of “Tequila” and the 2022 single “Insomnia,” helped build momentum online, leading to millions of streams and touring slots alongside acts spanning both genres.
Now rounded out by guitarist Zach McConnell, drummer Trap and bassist Bailey Jones, Devil’s Cut lean into what they call a distinctly Southern identity — one that mixes heavy riffs with twang-inflected vocals and imagery drawn from rural life.
Produced by Evan McKeever, Roadkill moves between party-ready anthems and more reflective tracks, a contrast Landrum describes in simple terms.
“Roadkill is two totally different ends of the spectrum,” he said. “Either sad, ‘I-want-to-cry’ songs or ‘hey man, I want to have a beer and shoot guns in the woods with my friends!’”
The band plans to release a video for every track on the album while spending much of 2026 on the road, continuing to build a fan base drawn to their unfiltered mix of country attitude and metal intensity.
Check out their music videos on YouTube, here.
Photo Credit: Perri Leigh

Canadian electro-rock duo ROMES say their rapid rise on social media is translating into sold-out rooms across Europe, as they prepare to bring that momentum back home for an April 19 show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.
“So many people are telling us after the shows that they stumbled across one of our videos on social media and immediately bought a ticket,” stated drummer Nicolas Bitove. “We’ve never played Europe before and never headlined a tour. To see rooms filling up night after night — and in some cities selling out entirely — is honestly blowing our minds.”
SWOMP caught up with Nicolas for an interview.
The duo, made up of brothers Jacob and Nicolas Bitove, has been touring Europe for the first time while headlining shows that are already nearing or reaching capacity. Despite building their career independently and largely staying outside the traditional music industry machine, the band says the response has been overwhelming.
“The European crowds are all showing up in a big way and partying, whether it’s a Saturday night or a Monday. It’s just so cool to see everyone digging the show and we’re extremely grateful for it,” Nicolas said.
Their debut album, Sonic Trash, released independently in November 2025, has surpassed 1.5 million streams, driven largely by word of mouth and online discovery.
“Everything definitely happened very organically,” Nicolas said. “It probably started a couple of years ago when we began experimenting in our basement studio, integrating gear trying to come up with crazy sounds.”
The band’s latest single, “Dissolver,” recently received a remix from Detroit-based EDM artist WIRE ONE, whom the group connected with through Instagram.
“We came across each other a few months ago on Instagram due to our shared love for early-2000’s electro,” Nicolas said. “We get a lot of people DMing us wanting to do remixes, etc. but Wire One was maybe the first time where we were like ‘F—! This guy’s got chops.’”
He added that the collaboration was an easy decision.
“He’s putting a modern twist on the whole bloghouse electro sound and doing it just as good as anyone else these days. So when he asked about remixing ‘Dissolver’ it was a no brainer. His drum production in particular is insane. They smash you right in the face.”
The remix release coincides with the band’s first U.S. tour, where they will support New York artist Des Rocs, personally selected by frontman Danny Rocco.
“A lot of people are also saying how our show combines so many elements of industrial, electro, punk, big beat, etc. — all the best stuff we grew up on in the 90s,” Nicolas said. “At the end of the day, we’re not trying to sound like anyone else, but we mash up so many of those influences into our own sound.”
Before heading out on tour, the band built a global audience through sync placements in television series including The Sex Lives of College Girls, Control Z and CSI: Vegas, as well as major sports and commercial campaigns. Their work also includes a co-write with Mark Foster of Foster the People for the theme to the CBC sitcom Strays.
Follow the band at https://romesmusic.com/.
Photo credit: Nicolas Bitove

Tyler Joe Miller says his latest single, “Under the Influence,” hits close to home, tapping into the emotional back-and-forth that comes with trying to move on from a past relationship.
In an interview with SWOMP, the JUNO Award-nominated country artist described the song as a deeply relatable reflection on the internal struggle between progress and relapse.
“‘Under the Influence’ is a song about the inner battle going on when you're trying to get over someone,” Miller said. “It's about wanting to get back to normal and go out and have a good time, but putting up guard rails at the same time, so you don't get sucked back into that cycle.”
The track, released March 20 through Sony Music Canada via The Orchard, was written by Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer, Dylan Guthro and Dave Sampson, and produced by Brad Hill and Guthro.
Miller said he immediately connected with the song’s message when he first heard it, pointing to its honest portrayal of how quickly old feelings can resurface.
“Just when you think that sober you is over them, sometimes drunk you just isn’t,” he said.
The release comes as the Surrey, B.C.-based artist continues a strong run on the Canadian country charts. His single “Doin’ What She Does” recently reached the Top 10, marking his 10th career Top 10 hit.
Miller has also picked up two nominations at the British Columbia Country Music Awards this year: Entertainer of the Year and Top Performing Single of the Year.
With more than 80 million global streams, Miller said he has spent recent months writing in Nashville and preparing to roll out new material throughout 2026.
He is also set to perform at several major festivals this summer, including Boots and Hearts West, Sunfest and South Mountain Fair.
Miller first broke through with his 2019 debut single “Pillow Talkin’,” which went gold and reached No. 1 on Canadian country radio. He followed that with another chart-topper, “I Would Be Over Me Too,” becoming the first independent Canadian country artist to hit No. 1 with his first two singles.
Beyond music, Miller is also focused on philanthropy through his organization, The Climb Outreach Society, which partners with Hope Of Life International to support housing, education and food security initiatives in Guatemala.
His latest EPs, including “Spillin’ My Truth” and “Going Home,” have earned industry recognition, with the latter receiving a JUNO Award nomination for country album of the year.
Follow him at https://tylerjoemiller.com/.
Photo Credit: Chris Ashlee

Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva is back with a new single that blends romance with introspection, offering listeners a layered take on personal growth.
“Distance Makes A Love Story,” released Feb. 13, continues Penalva’s signature approach to emotionally driven, cinematic pop while expanding her sound into new territory. The track follows the themes of her album Spiderwebs, using a romantic narrative to explore the evolving relationship individuals have with themselves.
SWOMP caught up with Penalva to discuss the new track.
“'Distance Makes a Love Story' is about trying to find your way back to a past flame and realizing the distance might be the thing keeping the feeling alive. It captures the tension of reaching out, wondering if what once felt like home will still recognize you. The song lives in that moment between hope and hesitation, where closing the gap could either change everything or confirm what’s already gone,” Penalva said.
The single pairs upbeat pop production with introspective lyrics, incorporating acoustic guitar, piano and layered harmonies alongside unexpected elements like saxophone and a driving drumbeat. The arrangement mirrors the song’s narrative arc, building momentum before pausing in its final moments to reflect on the cost of emotional distance.
Penalva, who first charted on Canadian radio at age 13 with “Christmas for Two,” has since developed an international following, amassing more than 620 million global streams and over 17 million YouTube views. Her breakout single “Love Me” reached No. 17 on CHR Mediabase and charted across multiple formats, while follow-up “Ex’s” earned Top 20 positions on Canadian CHR and Hot AC radio and broke into U.S. mainstream pop radio.
Follow her at https://www.oliviapenalva.com/.
Photo credit: Lee Watkins

Multi-platinum rock band Collective Soul will bring its 30-plus-year catalogue to Windsor later this month, with a show set for March 27 at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor.
SWOMP spoke with bassist Will Turpin ahead of the performance, as the band continues touring into 2026 following a busy anniversary run. 
Known for hits including “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” the Atlanta group has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and earned multiple gold and platinum releases.
The band also released its first documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, in 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its history and creative process. The film was recorded in part at Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs estate during sessions for their latest album.
Collective Soul’s Windsor stop is part of its ongoing tour, with no slowdown in sight more than three decades into its career.
Follow the band at https://collectivesoul.com/.
Photo credit: Jennifer Troche Walsh

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Catie Turner is embracing a new chapter in her music career following her recent appearance at Innings Festival and the release of her latest single, “Hurt You Now.”
In an interview with SWOMP, Turner reflected on performing at the Tempe, Arizona festival on Feb. 21, where she played multiple sets, including an appearance on the Home Plate Stage.
Known for blending soft, melodic vocals with more intense emotional delivery, Turner first gained widespread attention as a contestant on American Idol and has since released several singles and EPs.
She said new music is currently in the works, with additional performances expected in the future.
Follow her at https://catieturner.com/.

Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs have released their latest album, Keep Out of the Storm, and are preparing to launch a Canadian headline tour beginning March 13 at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario.
SWOMP spoke with bassist Ryan Gullen about the new album and the upcoming tour. 
The multi-platinum, four-time JUNO Award-winning group shared the new record through their own label, Right On Records.
It is the band’s first full-length release since longtime drummer Sam Corbett departed and features a rotating lineup of guest drummers including Trevor Falls, Adam Hindle, Steve Kiely, Jordan Murphy and Dani Nash.
Produced by frontman Ewan Currie and recorded with longtime collaborator Thomas D’arcy, the album was created largely between tour dates and captures a live-off-the-floor approach intended to preserve the band’s raw energy.
“We are all trying to weather the storms in our lives,” Currie said while discussing the album. “Finding shelter, love, hope. We find all of those in rock and roll. Don’t let the title fool you, this record is full of light, love, guitars that rip, and sweet singing that moves you.”
Alongside the release, the band also unveiled a new video for the track “Bad for Your Health,” which takes aim at modern digital excess and media saturation while leaning on classic rock influences.
The album follows a busy period for the Saskatoon-based group.
In 2025, The Sheepdogs completed a sold-out cross-Canada arena tour supporting Bryan Adams, released the companion EPs Paradise Alone and Hell Together, and launched their independent label. Their single “Take Me For A Ride” also ranked among the most-played rock songs on major radio charts last year.
Keep Out of the Storm also highlights guitarist Ricky Paquette’s expanding role in the band’s sound, adding new guitar tones and vocal harmonies while maintaining the group’s signature classic-rock style.
To support the release, The Sheepdogs will embark on an extensive Canadian tour beginning in Ontario and continuing across the country before additional international dates later in the year.
Follow the band at https://thesheepdogs.com/.
Photo credit: Mat Dunlap

Rising Canadian country artist Sully Burrows is carrying strong momentum into 2026, following a breakout year that included new music, major tour opportunities and a growing national profile.
The Parry Sound, Ont., singer-songwriter recently spoke with SWOMP about life on the road, his debut EP and what fans can expect next as his career continues to build. 
Burrows said the start of 2026 has already been eventful, highlighted by his recent run of dates supporting Jade Eagleson on the “Coming Soon to a Honkytonk Near You Tour.”
The cross-border tour saw Burrows perform in cities across Canada and the United States.
Among the more memorable moments on the tour were on-stage collaborations with Eagleson, including a lighthearted performance that saw Burrows sharing the stage in a life jacket while holding a fishing pole.
The tour followed a busy stretch for Burrows, who on Oct. 10, 2025 released his debut EP, Somewhere in a Small Town. The project, which arrived just days before his 19th birthday, features a collection of songs that highlight his small-town roots and personal experiences.
Since signing with Partners Record Label in 2024, Burrows has steadily released music including “Youth,” “Think of Me” and his debut radio single “Rally Around,” which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Canada Country chart.
Looking ahead, Burrows is set to perform at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in July, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor country music events. The 2026 lineup includes headliners HARDY, Tucker Wetmore and Cody Johnson.
Burrows is scheduled to perform on the Friday bill alongside artists including Margo Price and Matt Lang.
Reflecting on his path into music, Burrows said he first got his start through piano lessons as a child before eventually finding his voice as a singer and gravitating toward country music. Influenced by artists such as Riley Green, Zach Bryan and Conner Smith, he said he was drawn to honest songwriting and storytelling.
With his debut EP still fresh, Burrows confirmed he is continuing to work on new material, with fans able to expect more music in 2026 as he builds on the foundation of the past year.
He is also set to join High Valley as an opening act on the Paradise & Hurricanes tour, which begins in Chatham, Ont., on March 4.
Follow him at https://sullyburrows.com/.

Eve 6 performed their first show of the year on the final day of Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona, blending self-aware humour with late ’90s alternative rock nostalgia.
Frontman Max Collins quickly set the tone, playfully sizing up the crowd and the band’s place in the “late ‘90’s radio rock” era.
“Do you like alternative rock? Do you like late ‘90’s radio rock?” Collins asked. “That’s good enough for me.”
Reflecting on their roots, Collins joked about the band’s usual setting compared to a major festival stage.
“Coming from the ‘late 1900’s’,” he said, Eve 6 is used to playing in “300 seat, windowless rooms.
“So this is wonderful for us to get to experience. We don’t want you guys to get nervous and weird about it, we are going to play a couple new songs. And they go by quick because at this stage, we’ll call it a career, what we’re kind’ve doing with regard to new music is kind’ve LARPing as a punk band in a vacuum. So these songs clocked in at about two minutes, fifteen seconds.”
The band launched into ‘Black Nova’ from their 2021 EP grim value, before pivoting back to their early catalogue with a tongue-in-cheek warning about aging .
“I want to prep you guys psychologically for just how old this song is. Just eyeballing the room real quick, doing a quick scan, you guys think we’re in the elder Millennial demographic, here? This song is so old that it might just confirm your worst fears about yourselves as they might relate to the passage of time and mortality.”
They followed with ‘Leech’ from their 1998 self-titled debut.
Throughout the set, Collins continued to riff with the crowd, mixing sarcasm and sharp wit - even joking about the band’s onstage “made up language” and calling out diehard rock show skeptics before introducing ‘Think Twice’.
“We’re not trying to exclude you guys with our made up language. We’re trying to spare you. When we need to have green room conversations on the stage, we do it in our made up language. That’s what was going on here. If your natural state at the rock show, no judgement being passed here at all because it’s in fact mine too, is to stand there, arms crossed, brow furrowed, effecting kind’ve a mean countenance, waiting for the band to clam so you can look at your lady and be like ‘the bass player just played that part a half step flat, haha, you suck.’ First of all, an extra special welcome to you. We’re spiritually connected I feel. Also, this is your song, this is a hard boiled alternative rock song. This is some Raymond Chandler-esque alternative rock we’re about to do for you guys. Furrow your fucking brows.”
After teasing a newer track, the band skipped it and performed one of their most recognizable songs.
“This song may have been your graduation song.”
They then played ‘Here’s to the Night’ before closing out the set with their biggest hit.
“Thanks for remembering who we were if you did or sticking around if you were like ‘I’ve never heard of them.’ This is our last song, we pull no punches. We save it for last, why sweet pea? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it’s the heart in a blender song, dude.”
The band finished with ‘Inside Out’.
SWOMP caught up with the band for an interview backstage following their set.

Artikal Sound System performed on the Right Field Stage at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, February 22, delivering an engaging early set that quickly drew the crowd in.
SWOMP caught up with singer Logan Rex and drummer Adam Kampf backstage following the performance.
The band spoke about feeding off the energy of the audience during their set — getting fans involved with singalongs and even a coordinated dance — while embracing the opportunity to win over new listeners on a major festival stage.
Hailing from South Florida, the group also reflected on their origins and evolution, coming together over years of collaboration to build a tight, groove-driven sound rooted in reggae, rock and jazz influences.
The conversation also touched on their latest full-length album Are You Smiling Yet?, along with the recent release of Sugarshack Sessions Vol. 3, and what’s next as they continue to build momentum with new music and touring.
Follow the band at https://artikalsoundsystem.com/.