By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Nashville, The intersection of contemporary indie-folk and the foundational roots of early-2000s alt-country has found a poignant new focal point with the release of a collaborative cover of Kathleen Edwards’ "Six O’Clock News." This new rendition, featuring the combined talents of Waxahatchee—the acclaimed project of singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield—and rising artist Brennan Wedl, offers a modern perspective on a song that helped define the narrative depth of the Americana genre over two decades ago. Released via Anti- Records, the studio version of the track follows a series of live performances where the duo first experimented with the arrangement, signaling a deep artistic kinship between the two performers and their shared musical lineage.
The origins of this collaboration can be traced back to the stages of Nashville, a city that has long served as a crucible for the blending of traditional country storytelling and indie-rock sensibilities. Crutchfield and Wedl originally debuted their version of "Six O’Clock News" during a live set, where the natural chemistry between their vocal styles became immediately apparent. The decision to bring the arrangement into the studio reflects not only the popularity of that live moment but also a desire to pay homage to Kathleen Edwards, an artist whose influence looms large over the current generation of singer-songwriters.
"Six O’Clock News" originally appeared on Kathleen Edwards’ 2002 debut album, Failer. At the time of its release, the song established Edwards as a formidable storyteller capable of weaving complex, tragic narratives into the framework of roots-rock. The lyrics recount the harrowing story of a man caught in a violent standoff with police, viewed through the detached yet intimate lens of a television broadcast. It is a song about proximity to tragedy, the voyeurism of local news, and the personal devastation that lies behind a headline. For Crutchfield and Wedl, the song represents a masterclass in songwriting that remains as relevant today as it was twenty-two years ago.
In a statement accompanying the release, Crutchfield highlighted the personal connection she and Wedl share through Edwards’ catalog. She noted that their mutual admiration for Edwards’ work served as a primary bonding agent for their professional relationship. Crutchfield described the track as a "powerful song with timeless appeal," expressing her enthusiasm for finally sharing their recorded interpretation with a wider audience. This sentiment underscores a broader trend in the independent music scene, where established artists use their platforms to celebrate the influences that shaped their own creative identities.
The endorsement of the cover by Kathleen Edwards herself adds a layer of generational continuity to the release. Edwards, reflecting on the passage of time since the song first debuted, remarked on the changing demographics of her audience. She observed that while her listeners twenty-five years ago looked quite different, there is something "incredibly cool" about seeing young women in the contemporary music scene embrace the specific brand of songwriting she championed. Her praise validates the cover not just as a tribute, but as a successful recontextualization of her work for a new era.
For Waxahatchee, this release comes at a time of significant critical and commercial momentum. Since the release of her landmark 2020 album Saint Cloud, Crutchfield has been at the forefront of a roots-music renaissance within the indie world. Her 2024 follow-up, Tigers Blood, further solidified this direction, earning widespread acclaim for its sharp lyrical focus and its embrace of dusty, Southern-inflected melodies. The collaboration with Brennan Wedl fits seamlessly into this current aesthetic, bridging the gap between Crutchfield’s punk-inflected past and her current status as a torchbearer for modern Americana.
Brennan Wedl, meanwhile, represents the next wave of this tradition. Based in Nashville, Wedl has been garnering attention for her own evocative songwriting and a vocal delivery that balances grit with vulnerability. By partnering with an established figure like Waxahatchee, Wedl is positioned to reach an audience that values the same narrative-driven approach found in the works of Edwards and Crutchfield. The synergy between the two artists on "Six O’Clock News" is palpable, with their harmonies adding a fresh emotional weight to the song’s somber subject matter.
The technical execution of the cover stays true to the spirit of the original while introducing the specific textures associated with the contemporary Anti- Records sound. The production is clean yet warm, allowing the lyrics to remain the focal point. The arrangement avoids unnecessary embellishment, focusing instead on the rhythmic drive and the harmonic interplay between Crutchfield and Wedl. This restraint serves the song well, ensuring that the gravity of the narrative—the story of a life spiraling out of control in the public eye—is never lost in the instrumentation.
The release also serves as a precursor to an extensive North American tour. Starting next month, Brennan Wedl will join Waxahatchee on the road, alongside another key figure in the current indie-country movement, MJ Lenderman. Lenderman, who played a significant role in the recording of Tigers Blood, brings a lo-fi, guitar-driven energy that complements Crutchfield’s songwriting. The inclusion of Wedl on the tour roster suggests a cohesive touring package that celebrates a specific, thriving corner of the American music landscape—one that is deeply rooted in the past but firmly focused on the future.
Beyond the immediate news of the single and the tour, the collaboration invites a deeper look at the legacy of Kathleen Edwards’ Failer. When that album arrived in the early 2000s, it stood out for its refusal to fit neatly into the "alt-country" boxes of the time. Edwards brought a certain Canadian sensibility to the genre, blending the folk traditions of her home country with the heartland rock of the United States. "Six O’Clock News" was the spearhead of that movement, proving that a song could be both a radio-friendly rock track and a devastating piece of short fiction. By reviving it in 2024, Waxahatchee and Wedl are reminding listeners of the song’s durability.
The thematic resonance of "Six O’Clock News" has, if anything, intensified over the years. In an era dominated by the 24-hour news cycle and the constant influx of digital information, the song’s depiction of a tragedy being consumed as entertainment feels strikingly prescient. The "six o’clock news" of the title is no longer just a television program; it is a metaphor for the way modern society interacts with the misfortune of others. Crutchfield and Wedl’s vocal performances capture this sense of detached sorrow, providing a hauntingly beautiful update to a song that deals with the darkest aspects of the human experience.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the importance of these kinds of collaborative tributes cannot be overstated. They serve as a bridge between eras, ensuring that the work of foundational artists like Edwards is not forgotten by younger listeners. Moreover, they foster a sense of community among artists who share similar values regarding craft and storytelling. The partnership between Waxahatchee and Brennan Wedl is a testament to the power of shared influence and the enduring nature of a well-written song.
The studio version of "Six O’Clock News" is now available on all major streaming platforms via Anti- Records. As fans prepare for the upcoming tour, this single provides a glimpse into the creative synergy that will likely define their live performances. For those who have followed Crutchfield’s journey from her early days in the Alabama DIY scene to her current status as a critically adored songwriter, this collaboration represents another successful chapter in a career defined by authenticity and a deep respect for the musical traditions that came before. Similarly, for followers of Brennan Wedl, it marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, placing her alongside some of the most respected names in the industry.
In the end, "Six O’Clock News" remains a song about the stories that get told and the people who get left behind in the telling. Through this new version, Waxahatchee and Brennan Wedl ensure that Kathleen Edwards’ story—and the story of the man in the song—continues to be told with the grace, empathy, and artistic integrity it deserves. The track stands as a highlight of the year’s collaborative releases, proving that the best songs are those that can be inhabited by different voices across different decades without losing their essential truth.