We were thrilled to hear that one of the songs from Homefront, “I Wish I Was the Girl I Was” (co-written by Becky and Altay) took the top prize in this year’s Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW) and BMI. Another song from Homefront (“Birmingham”) was named a finalist in the adult contemporary category. We’re delighted and honored to have won!
 
See a complete list of winners on the contest homepage.
 
 

Rick Cornell, who reviewed our first album for No Depression has posted an interview with Becky on nodepression.com.
 
Rick says of Homefront: ” It carries with it all of the gifts offered by its predecessor, plus a new twist or two. And also like its predecessor, it’s quickly become a go-to travel companion.”
 
 
 

We’ve been working towards this day for about a year: our new record Homefront finally hits virtual shelves today!
 
You can order a CD ($15) or a digital download ($10) directly from us by visiting our store. You can also download the album digitally from most major online retailers.
 
 
 

We’re thrilled to have been invited to play the 30A Songwriters Festival in the Florida panhandle in January. The festival will include some of our favorite artists—Amy Ray, Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs, Mary Gauthier, Joan Osborne, Kevn Kinney, Michelle Malone, and more. We can’t wait.
 
The festival runs January 13–15 in South Walton, Florida and tickets for the entire weekend are just $125—a total steal. Read more on the 30A Songwriters Festival website.
 
 

The title track from our upcoming album, Homefront (to be released on January 10th) was just named one of three winners in the Washington Area Music Association’s (WAMA) 3rd annual P.A.S.S. awards. We get some great prizes, including a chance to record some more music at a local studio for free.
 

To celebrate, we’re offering the song as a free download here!
 
Homefront (free download)      
 
 

Avril, Becky, and bass player Stefan Custodi played at Telegraph Station in Alexandria, VA on Saturday. It was a lot of fun—Stef played upright and made all the songs sound new. We were followed by our friends Charlie Harrison & the Contra Band.
 
For your listening pleasure, here’s a recording of the song “Homefront” live from Telegraph Station.
 
1. Homefront (live at Telegraph Station)
 
 
 
 
 

 
Altay & Becky are in Nashville this week at the Americana Music Association’s annual conference and festival. Follow our adventures on Twitter (@greatunknowns).
 
 
If you’re at the conference too, be sure to say hi.