So, I’ve been trying to play catch-up with life ever since SXSW-ing it for a week. And just now, I get a chance to post a new story…which will be a catch-up of (most) of what I missed while I was being silent.

Paul Pendley, singer for Oklahoma City punk band Red City Radio has left the band.

This decision was wholly my own. I was not influenced by family or friends. I was not humbled by the road. And most importantly I was neither dismissed by my band mates nor sick of being their band mate and friend. The truth is I was and am ready for something different.

Pendley will be replaced by Ryan Donovan of Nothington and Garrett Dale will take over full time vocal duties. Pendley’s final show with the band will be on April 12 at The Conservatory in Oklahoma City.

John Fullbright‘s new album, Songs, is due May 27. Wall Street Journal calls the album “a warm, winning and plainspoken Americana album that builds on the authority and charm of From the Ground Up not by musical-muscle flexing, but by its clarity and simmering intensity.” WSJ premiered the track “Happy” recently – hear it below.

Leon Russell‘s new album, Life Journey, was released on April 1. Be sure to read this awesome Q&A by Mike Rogogna here. Hear Leon’s new song, “Big Lips”, from Esquire, below.

Also, a cover of Little Willie John’s “Fever,” via Billboard.

YAHOO! MUSIC: Six Reasons Why You Should Know About Leon Russell’s Life Journey

Wrathschild is the new electro-pop project from Tulsa native Simon Curtis and New York-native Wolfy (aka Ro Danishei). Their debut single – “Fall In Love” – debuted on Billboard recently and you can hear it now below.

“Surrounded by epic-sounding, space-age production crossed with tribal chants and exotic drums, the duo nostalgically make their case for the courtship rituals of yesteryear: “It’ll be like in the movies with your bass pumpin’ in the night,” they earnestly coo in unison on the earworm of a chorus. It’s a powerful debut — and possibly the missing theme song from a John Hughes classic.” - MTV Buzzworthy

“The first product of two years’ worth of sessions with producer Ray Reich, “Fall Into Love” shines on the strength of its vocal performances, with Curtis’ agile, powerful tenor darting around Danishei’s sneering take. Their investment in the material, and the gravity of the song’s sound, makes uncovering the wink at its heart that much funnier: once you hear them belting, “I want the real thing / Just like an ‘80s movie,” there’s no going back.” - TIME

Oklahoma City rapper Jabee released a new track featuring Mr MFN Exquire and Murs360 label mate Kosha Dillz titled “Out Of Time”. The track explores the mental reality of pursuing rap as career.

Tulsa punk band Lizard Police have released their new Couch Mountain E​P, via Horton Records and Soundpony Records. A 7″ is expected soon, but until then, enjoy the stream below.

The Oklahoman has a good Q&A with the band about being from small towns (band members are from Coweta & Bixby) and working with various small labels.

Speaking of The Oklahoman Q&As, Becky Carman has been doing an incredible job with them. More often than not, Q&As are awful wastes of time filled with horrible, mind-numbing questions – “How did you get your name?” “What are your influences?”. But, Becky actually does her research and asks solid questions and I appreciate her work greatly.

Read up on her Q&As with Parker Millsap, John Moreland, Beau Jennings, Rainbows Are Free, Power Pyramid, Sherree Chamberlain, John Calvin, Kyle Reid, Tyler Hopkins, Feathered Rabbit, Depth & Current and Kacey Walkingstick.

Oklahoma City electro-house duo Crystal Vision released a new song with Steven Battles late last week, just days after Katie Wicks gave birth to a baby girl. Congratulations Katie!

Stereogum revealed another new Horse Thief last week. The site says the song ” resembles “Like A Rolling Stone” as performed by Spencer Krug in all his theatrical fervor, but far smoother. It’s expansive and pretty”.

Horse Thief’s album Fear in Bliss is out next Tuesday (4/15) on Bella Union Records.

Three Oklahoma City bands – Em & the Mother Superiors, IndianGiver and Gum – released new albums since we’ve been gone, while another – MoonGiant – released their first song.

Hear all of them below.

Tulsa singing duo Alaska and Madi were eliminated in the battle rounds on NBC’s “The Voice”.

Oklahomans on ‘The Voice’

Parker Millsap has been touring all over the place and even has a string of dates with Patty Griffin beginning in June. Along the way, he’s gotten significant love from NPR member stations, including Oklahoma City station KOSU. Below, watch the Parker Millsap Trio perform “Truck Stop Gospel” in the Washington, DC studios of WAMU’s Bluegrass Country.

That’s it for now. I’ll post a bunch of music videos soon too. Bye.