We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Jesse Wilson from Rancho Deluxe where he and partner Nicki Bluhm work, and who’s most recent release shares the name of said studio. Location: Madison, TN on the north east side of Nashville. It is the detached garage next to our home. Our property is 28 […]
Todd’s Tops of 2025
At the end of each year the contributors here at Twangville vote on our favorite 25 releases and tally up the results on a magic spreadsheet. Everyone’s vote counts the same, although Mayer’s should probably count double since he consumes more music than anyone I know. On the other hand, my taste is better. I […]
Studio Spotlight/Q Division, Jon Lupfer
Though Q Division Studios has moved through several locations over the years, it’s remained one of Boston’s most storied rooms—an independent hub where big ideas and bigger sounds have been captured for decades. In this interview, we talk with co-founder Jon Lupfer about the studio’s evolution, the people who shaped its identity, and what it […]
Studio Spotlight/FAME Recording Studios, Rodney Hall
Does FAME, the sound of Muscle Shoals, need an introduction? Probably not, so I’m not going to bother. But…if you do need a detailed history, check out their website. In the meantime, just enjoy the interview from original owner Rick Hall’s son Rodney Hall. Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama Notable Artists: Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta […]
Video Premiere: Brennen Leigh’s “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”
I caught Brennen Leigh and pedal steel genius Kevin Skrla for a day set at Americanafest a few weeks back and it did not disappoint. Classic Hank-era country with Brennen’s sharp playing and playful croon. What she does best is showcased in “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”, the title track from her new […]
Studio Spotlight/Modern Recording, Chris Stamey
Back in 2007 I reached out to Chris Stamey about mixing my band’s newest album. He’d worked with some of the artists we loved (Mayflies USA, Whiskeytown) and we wanted to see what he could do for us. He arranged to have Al Perkins play pedal steel on a few songs, got the album into […]
AmericanaFest 2025, Todd’s Take
When I saw Daniel Lanois announce he was playing a couple of shows in Nashville during AmericanaFest my excitement level hit a 10 out of 10, only to be eclipsed by my excitement level of 11 when I was actually watching him play with his trio at Dreamland on Tuesday. It was a perfect display […]
Studio Spotlight/Blue Rock Artist Ranch & Studio, Billy Crockett
Blue Rock provides a destination studio experience where the artist and team can live, work, play, and eat together, also hosting concerts, artist residencies, and workshops. The studio was designed and built with native wood and stone in the spirit of a 19th century fort/mission, converted to acoustic spaces for tracking and mixing audio + […]
Studio Spotlight/Welcome to 1979, Chris Mara
In 2018 I had the opportunity to attend Tape Camp at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, then stay over for a few days and record. Chris and his team were nothing less than fantastic and the place is a wonderland for bands to explore. I recently reached out and asked if he would answer our […]
South Carolina Roundup
I often get a few local bands on my radar spinning around the Columbia area and beyond. Here are a few I think you should check out. The Water Kickers – With beautiful melodies and interesting arrangements the Water Kickers feature husband and wife duo Kelley and Brody fronting the band. They are strong enough […]