Mike Harmeier of Mike & the Moonpies talks about soundcheck rehearsals and an autobiographical song about his first gig.
Shawn Colvin on Mailbox Money and a Dream Come True
Renowned singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin talks about the downside of air travel (and her desire for a private jet) and shares some details about the first song that she ever wrote.
Jason James on Charles Bukowski, Waffle House, and Comic Book Theme Songs
Texas country singer Jason James recalls a house party gone bad (except for the $50 payout), his abbreviated career in food service, and not trying.
Monica Rizzio on The Business Side of Music and a Mini-Van Named “Blue Bell”
Monica Rizzio talks about singing the national anthem at a Long Island Rangers game and Harry, a 90-pound yellow lab who provides harmony vocals when she rehearses in her home studio.
Dori Freeman on Why She Doesn’t Set Many Concrete Goals and How She Writes Songs
Singer-songwriter Dori Freeman talks about early gigs playing with her father and why he gives her a hard time.
Cory Younts of Old Crow Medicine Show On Tour Bus Mileage and Dragging a Piano to His First Gig
Cory Younts of Old Crow Medicine Show talks about the time that a band rehearsal at his house turned into a neighborhood block party and his early years working at a Boy Scout camp.
Leeroy Stagger on Canadian Taco Joints and How Life Is Meant to Be Lived
Leeroy Stagger talks about his multi-purpose tour vehicle, vague recollections of the first song that he wrote and visiting a Wendy’s drive-thru after his first gig.
Shinyribs on His Rugged Individualist Streak and a “Shared” Rehearsal Studio
Austin’s Shinyribs talks about maintaining a tour van repair savings account, his “shared” rehearsal studio and his counterintuitive lesson on booking gigs.
Vincent Neil Emerson on Canned Goods, Leather Goods and Connecting with People Through Music
Country singer Vincent Neil Emerson talks about getting stuck in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, writing his first song (covered by Charlie Crockett on his forthcoming album) and filling a football stadium with his friends.
Drew Holcomb on Looking Around Corners and Enjoying the Moment
Drew Holcomb talks about choosing wine over beer, his scariest day while touring, and why he feels lucky.