Los Angeles group The Americans craft a sound that is both unique yet familiar. Here’s a fave from Stand True, their most recent album. I love how it is both sparse and raucous, the music setting a gritty foundation for singer Patrick Ferris’ impassioned vocals.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2023 (So Far), the Songs
Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia) Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em. Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things) Getting by on simple things, letting go […]
JD Graham on Exercising Moderation and Working Towards a Goal
Oklahoma singer-songwriter JD Graham talks about playing in a speed metal band and sharing his story of redemption.
Monday Morning Video – James Maddock and the Waterboys
Here’s a fun one to start the week. Back in 2012, New York-based James Maddock was joined by Mike Scott and Steve Wickham of The Waterboys for a rollicking – and epic – version of that band’s “Fisherman’s Blues”.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring, Part 3
Broken Heart of Mine, William Prince (from the Six Shooter Records release Stand in the Joy) “Is the moon shining bright where you are? Is it even shining at all?,” asks William Prince at the start of the outstanding “When You Miss Someone”, the lead track from his latest album. The song wistfully chronicles the […]
Brennen Leigh on Leaning Vegan and the Mandatory Part of Learning to Write Songs
Country musician Brennan Leigh talks about noshing like a trash panda and saying yes to one’s self.
Tim O’Brien on Choosing B Flat and Getting Paid With a Beer Mug
Bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien talks about his “day job” and shares some age advice for touring and playing.
Monday Morning Video – Jesse Malin
If you’ve ever seen Jesse Malin live, you know what a dynamic performer he is. Bounding around the stage, into the audience, up on the bar – he takes over the room. Which makes his recent health situation all the more tragic. Malin suffered a rare spinal stroke that has left him paralyzed from the […]
Jeremie Albino on His Tour Van “Marisol” and Time Spent Working as a Farm Laborer
Singer-songwriter Jeremie Albino talks about the racoons at his rehearsal space, playing weddings and wineries, and his approach to changing broken guitar strings.
Laura Cantrell on the “Reward Reflex” and An Early Songwriting Challenge
Country singer Laura Cantrell talks about her shared rehearsal space and getting advice from Eric Ambel after her first gig.