Here we are again! Thanksgiving 2023, y’all! which means we’re celebrating 19 years of Twangville’s existence. In what has become an annual tradition for us, we raise a toast to thank our contributors, our community, and the artists who give us something to listen to and write about. Without someone to make the music, we’d have nothing to share. Without you gracious readers, we’d have no one to share music discovery with. All to say, thank you a hundred times over for being a part of this community.
A number of years ago Tom started a cherished Thanksgiving (aka Twangsgiving) tradition – celebrating the many folks who make Twangville such a special place. Now it’s time to shine a light on him.
One of my favorite stories to recount is how Twangville got its start. Last year Tom shared his version; this year I get to tell mine. He and I had newly joined a fintech company in Boston and happened to cross paths in the office café while getting coffee. At some point in the conversation Tom mentioned PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for those not familiar), which I correctly interpreted as “I’ve spent time in dive bars listening to music”. A music conversation ensued and a friendship was born.
From those seeds Twangville has blossomed into something wonderful. Truth be told, one of my favorite things about it is the branding that Tom, a designer by trade, has created. Our guitar pick logo, the warm and inviting dustiness of the site – all are a tribute to Tom’s creative vision.
So let’s raise a glass – a PBR, of course – to Tom Osborne. Who’d have thought that a simple conversation nearly 20 years ago would have evolved into both a treasured community and a celebration of inspired – and inspiring – music. Thank you, Tom, for being Twangville’s creative spark and so much more.
THE TWANGVILLE INTERVIEW WITH TOM OSBORNE
What’s your first music memory?
I imagine it would have been Sesame Street, The Muppets, or Disney soundtracks. Likely on vinyl checked out from our local library.
What’s the first music you ever purchased? What format was it (vinyl, cassette, CD, MP3)?
I distinctly remember buying Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys on cassette at our local Target. When CDs arrived, it was a tie between R.E.M.’s Document and U2’s Under a Blood Red Sky. Document would end up being a huge influence on where I went from there.
First concert that you can remember?
I want to say it was Genesis in the Orange Bowl. That’s when I learned about Phil Collins as a drummer. It could have also been Loverboy although I was really going to see the opening band, The Hooters.
Best album (or concert) of 2023 so far?
We see the Avett Brothers at Wolf Trap every time they come into town and they never disappoint. This year was no exception. They get better every time.
Do you have a favorite venue?
I miss Iota in DC. I love small, intimate clubs where you can really experience the music up close. That said, Wolf Trap has become a favorite. They have outdoor and indoor venues. Both are great and their Foundation does great work helping to support the arts.
What’s something you wish you could change about the concert experience?
Organized by height for the vertically challenged like myself. Ha.
What’s the best American city to see music in?
Austin, TX by a long shot for all the small clubs that are filled with amazing talent.
Any local bands from that city (or your own) should people see?
Eric Brace and Last Train Home. Formerly from DC, now Nashville-based.
What’s the best way to support musicians?
Any way you can. See live music, buy merch, Patreon support, and follow Twangville. (I would love to see streaming services do a better job of supporting artists.)
What’s the most creative merch you’ve seen?
Coloring books and thumb drives with exclusive lessons.
Any atypical merch that you think every artist should sell?
I think it could be cool for artists to sell release boxes. For example, when a new record launches, a subscriber could get a physical copy of their choosing (e.g. vinyl, cd, cassette) alongside some other choice merch.
What artist would you want to put into the Twangville Hall of Fame?
Somehow Springsteen hasn’t made it yet.
What artist would you consider a guilty pleasure?
Are we all Swifties now? Mad respect for what she’s been able to do. Her song with The Civil Wars is still my favorite.
What five songs (or albums) would be on your desert island mixtape?
- Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
- Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
- Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) – Bruce Springsteen
- American Girl – Tom Petty
- Baba O’Reily – The Who
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?
Pecan pie while listening to Golden Smog’s song version.
Best way to cook a turkey?
I’ve been cooking turkey breast rotisserie style for years. It’s a good way to get some smoky flavor without losing the juices.
Anything you’re thankful for this year?
I’m glad to be able to host Thanksgiving dinners again.
Suggestions for uncomfortable or controversial Thanksgiving dinner topics?
What’s not uncomfortable about any Thanksgiving dinner conversation?
What’s your favorite holiday song or album?
I remember being obsessed with Springsteen’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. It was unlike any Christmas song I had ever heard. The amazing chemistry between Bruce and the E Street Band really comes through and you can tell they were having a ton of fun.
Rumor has it you were in a band during college. What was it called and what kind of music did you play?
Sort of. Some friends entered our college homecoming talent show with me as the singer. We called ourselves The Cajun Runts and it was a lot of fun creating a song together. That was a one time thing for me, but the rest went on to create a real band called Big Sky They toured and made a bunch of records together. The music is really good and Dave, Ben, Chris, and Mark are still some of my favorite people despite having not seen them for many years. Dave wrote the song I worked on, “Riverside Bliss”, and it’s forever emblazoned on the first album, Wide Open World, with Mark on vocals.
What would you like people to know that they might not know about you?
Twangville would never exist had I not met Mayer working in Boston. That’s fun to think about. What a joy this little community has become. All the truly awesome people we’ve met and music I’ve discovered because of Twangville gives me life. Many thanks to everyone who has been a part of this.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.