For a quarter century, Rod Picott lived the life his songs describe. He drove the long miles, played the rooms that smelled of beer and dust, and wrote from the inside of working days that left their marks on the body. Now 61, Picott has stepped away from touring—not from music, and certainly not from […]
Laney Jones on Touring Perks and The Cost of Doing Business
Nashville-based Laney Jones talks about why she smiles every time it rains, hitting the road with “Old Shelley”, and not taking shortcuts when it comes to recording.
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 […]
Avery Ballotta of Damn Tall Buildings on Outdoor Rehearsals and Why Time Is Your Friend
Avery Ballotta, violinist and vocalist in trio Damn Tall Buildings, talks about working as a Cultural Ambassador with the U.S. State Dept. and the “Create, Craft, Release, Repeat” approach.
Willie Heath Neal of The Waymores on Swinging a Hammer and Focusing on the Mission
Willie Heath Neal of husband and wife duo The Waymores shares the story about the first song that he wrote with wife and bandmate Kira Annalise and talks about keeping faith in the journey.
Sophie Gault on Drinking Premium Water and Working to Tour
Nashville singer-songwriter Sophie Gault talks about using a guitar string to tie the bumper back on her car, time spent working at an animal hospital, and being raised by a pack of dingoes in Australia.
Courtney Hartman on Traveling Deliberately and Not Taking Her Audience for Granted
Singer-songwriter Courtney Hartman shares a touring revelation and recalls playing her first gig at a farmers market (and getting paid in vegetables).
A Few More Words With Trapper Schoepp
Back in August, we talked with Trapper Schoepp about songwriting, recovery, and his then-upcoming album Osborne. Now that the record’s out in the world, we caught up with him again to dig deeper into his creative process, the challenges of recording the album’s most vulnerable moments, and what it means to write without guardrails. Twangville: […]
Rosy Nolan Recalls Her First Band and Explains What a Road Pickle Is
Country singer-songwriter Rosy Nolan talks about working as a theater projectionist and the difference between band leaders and side players.
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 […]