Hiss Golden Messenger signs with Merge Records

Singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor who we all know as Hiss Golden Messenger released a fantastic new album last year (Haw) and re-released a lost album earlier this year (Bad Debt) and now he's signed a deal with Merge Records.

While there are no details yet of Hiss Golden Messenger's first release with Merge, the label says a new full-length is to be expected. In the meantime, Taylor will spend quite a bit of time playing shows in Europe over the next few months but maybe we'll see him at the Merge 25 Festival in July if he makes it back from the UK in time.

Check out a review of Hiss Golden Messenger's latest release Bad Debt HERE.

The Mountain Goats' Darnielle to play solo benefit show in Saxapahaw

Before the Mountain Goats play a big show sold out show at the Cat's Cradle in July celebrating Merge Records' 25th anniversary, John Darnielle will play a solo Goats show to benefit the Girls Rock NC in June.

Darnielle will play the Haw River Ballroom on Friday, June 27. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, via Ticketfly for $15.

As previously mentioned, the Mountain Goats will play the Merge 25 Festival at the Cat's Cradle on July 25 with Destroyer, Wye Oak and more bands still to be announced. Tickets for that night are already sold out but you can still get tickets for the July 24 and 26 festivities via Ticketfly. Get more information about the festival HERE.

George Clinton & Paliament Funkadelic announce big Raleigh show

Legendary funk band George Clinton & Paliament Funkadelic are set to return to the Triangle next month for a big show.

The band will headline the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh on Saturday, May 17. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, via the Duke Energy Center box office and Ticketmaster for $9.57 to $32.99.

Check out a video of the band performing the classic "Flashlight" at a show in Houston last year below.

O.A.R. & Phillip Phillips announce summer tour

O.A.R. and Phillip Phillips are teaming up for a big summer tour in support of their new albums, The Rockville LP and Behind the Light, respectively. As you may have guessed the tour will stop in the Triangle.

The pair will play the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh on Sunday, July 13. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, via the Duke Energy Center box office and Ticketmaster.

Check out the singles "Peace" and "Raging Fire" from the albums The Rockville LP and Behind the Light below.

Gillian Welch announces April tour, coming to Durham

The incomparable duo of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have just announces a quick eight-date tour later this month that will include a stop in the Triangle.

The duo will play the Carolina Theatre in Durham on Monday, April 28. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $35. A fanclub pre-sale will begin a 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 3.

Welch's latest album is 2011's The Harvest and the Harrow. Check out the duo's performance of "The Way It Goes" from the album on Later with Jools Holland that year below.