Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope talks about rough times at his earliest gigs, working security at an overpriced jeans store, and learning from whom – and from whom not – to accept suggestions.
Joel Timmons on Diversification and Teaching Geology
South Carolina reared, Nashville-based Joel Timmons talks about roadside tour van repairs and building long lasting relationships in the music business.
Hattie Webb on Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen, and the Gift of the Moment
English singer/songwriter/harpist Hattie Webb talks about getting advice from tour bus drivers, time spent in Tom Petty’s rehearsal space, and a meaningful non-music day job.
Johnny Hickman of Cracker on Renting Tour Vans and the “Steely Dan” Method
Cracker co-founder Johnny Hickman talks about his strategy for avoiding overpriced breakfasts while on tour, why he enjoyed his last non-music day job, and the song that he wrote for Elvis.
Tommy Castro on Protein Shakes and a Favorite Non-Music Day Job
Soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro talks about playing for beer at his first gig and reflects on what blues music has become.
Ian Fisher on His Favorite Regional Foods and The Future of Local DIY Scenes
Singer-songwriter Ian Fisher talks about his philosophy of guitar strings and rehearsing on his family’s farm in Missouri.
Sarah McCombie of Chatham Rabbits on Venue Merch Cuts, Authenticity, and Touring in “The Rig”
Sarah McCombie of North Carolina folk duo Chatham Rabbits shares the story behind how they found their tour RV and talks about the good old days.
Beau Janke of Them Coulee Boys on Touring in “The Breakdown King” and Keeping Perspective
Beau Janke of Madison, Wisconsin’s Them Coulee Boys talks about enjoying regional foods while on tour, the rabbit that invaded the band’s rehearsal space, and working as a printmaker.
Fancy Hagood on Chase Rice, Cracker Barrel, and Being an Independent Artist
Singer-songwriter Fancy Hagood talks about “yes men” and “no people” in the music industry and names his favorite Nashville rehearsal space.
Ben Chapman on Guy Clark, Chick-fil-A, and the “Wantcha Back Blues”
Nashville singer-songwriter Ben Chapman talks about the time his tour van was almost stolen, the band he performed with at his first gig, and the business of the music.