Kelley Mickwee and Ben Jones performing at Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg, Texas on April 24, 2021. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
When Kelley Mickwee released her debut solo album, You Used to Live Here, back in 2014, she wasn’t kidding when she described the move as feeling like “totally starting from scratch again”, and more than a little scary. Although she was already a seasoned artist at that point with a decade’s worth of experience under her belt, up until then all of her performing and recording experience had been as part of a unit: first as half of the Memphis-based duo Jed and Kelley, and then as one-fourth of Texas’ acclaimed all-woman Americana group, The Trishas.
But when The Trishas, all living in different parts of the state or as far away as Tennessee, collectively decided to slow their roll a few years back, Mickwee realized that in order to keep living the dream of playing music for a living, she was going to have to strike out on her own. Which she did, beautifully, and may well do again, some day. But right now, three years down the line from her last big career leap, Mickwee is excitedly taking a new one. Only this time it’s not a matter of “starting over from scratch” so much as just learning how to take her hands off the wheel and have fun as a proud member of one the hottest acts in Texas: Shinyribs.
“I really wanted to prove to myself that I could go out and play shows alone, and I did, and I can do that,” says Mickwee. “But ultimately, I really like to be part of something bigger than me.”
Originally from England and Ireland, Ben Jones and Andrea Magee came to the USA 4 years ago like their ancestors before them, looking for a new life and to share their music far and wide. With just a guitar, a Bodhran and a hunger in their harmonies and songs, Austin, Texas became their adopted home and they have developed an ever-growing fan base gigging regularly while writing prolifically. The band's CD sales are higher than any other support act we’ve had at our label in years and they just recorded three brand new songs with legendary producer Paul Leary (Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Ballyhoo!, Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers), which includes a great rendition of Thunderclap Neman's, Something In The Air.
Kelley is absolutely amazing! You must see her if she is in your area.Kelley Mickwee and Ben Jones shared the stage with Shinyribs at Luckenbach Texas. Kelley Mickwee continues across the United States with the last stop at the Waltstock and Barrell in Fredericksburg, Texas on May 14, 2021.
Best talent we have seen. Great venue, passionate artists. Looking forward to her next concert.
One of the best female vocalist out there. check her out for sure!
Kelley Mickwee
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Ben Jones
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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