NO DEPRESSION

To help us all celebrate getting through another tough year, No Depression aims to close 2021 on a positive note. The “Good News” issue will focus on what never seems to be covered enough these days — stories of kindness, positivity, and success in roots music and the musicians who have overcome some daunting obstacles to get to where they are today.

Included in this issue:

Influenza Blues: How pandemics have shifted the American roots musical landscape - Liz Tracy
To the Rescue: A photo essay of roots musicians and their pandemic pets
The Essential Work of Songs: To keep connected off the road, The Steel Wheels wrote songs for one person at a time - Stacy Chandler
Raising the Shield: Billy Bragg ponders healing and helping in the pandemic - Greg Cahill
Black Opry and Belonging - Holly G
Prioritizing People: Dualtone Records celebrates 20 years of doing things a little differently - Kim Ruehl
Outside the Box: The New Orleans roots music community gets even more creative to survive - Jim Beaugez
All Are Welcome: Dan + Claudia Zanes redefine togetherness - Avery Gregurich
The World Beyond: Alice Coltrane's blend of spiritual and secular inspires the next generation of Black roots musicians - Jaelani Turner-Williams
Saving the Day: Grant programs for marginalized artists help keep the music going - Rachel Cholst
Taking Care: Austin nonprofit supports music community with affordable health care - Laura Scholz
Recording History: The music lover behind Arhoolie Records' 60-year legacy of roots record collecting - Erin Osmon
Between Provinces: Soundtracking the longest road trip in Uruguay through folk songs - Luis Minvielle
Stay Crispy: Boy Golden preaches his own gospel of positivity through his Church of Better Daze - Matt Williams
Lighting the Way: New models for mentorship in roots music - Katie Moulton
All Things Must Pass: George Harrison's legacy of spirituality, music, and activism carries on - Hilary Saunders
Screen Door: The power to change - Ana Egge