Preview: John Moreland performing at Little Yellow Music House in Columbia

If you’re anywhere near Columbia this weekend, make sure to get in your car and head to Little Yellow Music House on Sunday evening. Once you arrive you won’t regret it, because John Moreland will be there.

The Oklahoma-based singer and songwriter released his third studio album, “High On Tulsa Heat,” in late-April via Old Omens/Thirty Tigers Records and is currently on tour. With 10-tracks of genuine folk music, the album is painted with Moreland’s gritty, worn down vocals alongside simple, yet somehow complex, fingerpicked guitar work. As he sings throughout the record, you have to wonder what troubles life has thrown at the 29-year-old songwriter. Moreland’s writing technique seems to focus on the “down-to-earth” truth about life – it can be hard. On “Hang Me in the Tulsa County Stars,” Moreland sings ‘Babe I know this world will have the wolves outside your door, make you leave all that you love to fight a war.”

Stream John Moreland’s “High On Tulsa Heat” below.
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It’s lyrics like these that may resonate with listeners and is what ultimately makes Moreland such a notable songwriter. However, I will go on record and say that I believe his live performance to be much stronger than his albums. When first listening to Moreland’s albums, it may be hard to truly understand just how heartfelt the songs are. When Moreland takes the stage, he seems stoic and almost hardened. But that perception is wiped clean and translates into something far more emotional and human as he closes his eyes when singing – almost as if he can feel each word. In short, don’t miss this show or you will regret it deeply.
Watch John Moreland perform “You Don’t Care Enough For Me To Cry.”

Need to know: 
Who: John Moreland
Where: Little Yellow Music House, NE Columbia off I-77, Columbia SC 29229
When: Sunday, June 7, 4 – 9 p.m.
With: Devils in Disguise
Price: $20 suggested donation
Contact: (803) 309-0214, littleyellowmusichouse.com